Model Year | 2012 | 2011 | |
Model | Volkswagen Jetta | Subaru Forester | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 200 hp@5100 207 lb-ft@1700 |
turbocharged 2.5L H4 DOHC-4v 224 hp@5600 226 lb-ft@3600 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed automated manual | 4-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 104.4 in | 103.0 in | 1.4 in |
Length | 182.2 in | 179.5 in | 2.7 in |
Width | 70.0 in | 70.1 in | -0.1 in |
Height | 57.2 in | 65.9 in | -8.7 in |
Curb Weight | 3157 lb. | 3440 lb. | -283 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 16.9 gal. | -2.4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 41.6 in | -3.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.2 in | 56.1 in | -0.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 43.1 in | -1.9 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.1 in | 40.0 in | -2.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 53.6 in | 55.6 in | -2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 38.0 in | 0.1 in |
Total Legroom | 79.3 in (over 2 rows) | 81.1 in (over 2 rows) | -1.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.5 ft3 | 33.5 ft3 | -18 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 15.5 ft3 | 68.3 ft3 | -52.8 ft3 |
2012 Volkswagen Jetta Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | The Jetta is a little longer than the ILX (182 vs. 179 inches), and all of the additional inches appear to have gone into the rear seat. While the average adult will barely fit into the back seat of the Acura (those over 5-9 will be on close terms with the headliner), the Jetta has significantly more rear headroom and more rear legroom than the average midsize sedan, much less the average compact. If you like a roomy rear seat, you'll love the Jetta. Room is one thing, comfort another. The rear seat feels overly hard, and neither the cushion nor the backrest was set at a comfortable angle for me. Clearly some German engineer found these angles optimal, though. So maybe it's just me. see full Volkswagen Jetta review |
2012 Volkswagen Jetta Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 115-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
While the Jetta is extremely roomy and comfortable, the center console is slightly too close and can interfere with the driver's right knee and calf. see full Volkswagen Jetta review |
2011 Subaru Forester Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The rear seat room is generous. see full Subaru Forester review |
2010 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
leather seat "baquet" has very good lateral control, but leather is slippery on braking see full Subaru Forester review |
2010 | 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Enough room to feel comfortable, even at 6 feet tall. The fact that the Premium Trim package allows rear seats to recline a bit helps a lot as well. see full Subaru Forester review |