Driver leg room..
Discussion
I was just wondering if the legroom for the driver in most cars is around the same?
I'm currently driving a Seat Ibiza MK5, although its classed as a supermini it is bigger than my previous car (C2).
The problem I have and I'm guessing many other people have who are on the taller side is leg room in cars! Sometimes I get in my car and it just feels like my seat is pushed forward so I'm there trying to push my seat back when it is already touching the back seats.
Any advice as to which sporty variant of cars are more kind to the taller driver?
I'm currently driving a Seat Ibiza MK5, although its classed as a supermini it is bigger than my previous car (C2).
The problem I have and I'm guessing many other people have who are on the taller side is leg room in cars! Sometimes I get in my car and it just feels like my seat is pushed forward so I'm there trying to push my seat back when it is already touching the back seats.
Any advice as to which sporty variant of cars are more kind to the taller driver?
My experiences particularly recently with Renaults is that out of a V6, Megane 265, Megane R26.r and Clio 200. Unusually the 200 is the only one I can sit comfortably in with regards my legs (about 6'2").
So hot hatch wise the Clio actually seems more forgiving, though I've started to think I have Trex syndrome (short arms long legs) and I'm hardly of average 'shape'.
Anything with a H or an N on the front of I have no chance being comfortable.
So hot hatch wise the Clio actually seems more forgiving, though I've started to think I have Trex syndrome (short arms long legs) and I'm hardly of average 'shape'.
Anything with a H or an N on the front of I have no chance being comfortable.
I have a 35" inside leg, and hence legroom is a pre-requisite.
The most shocking example of lack of legroom I can remember, is getting into a friends 4 door Renault 21 Chamade 16 valve performance thing, back in the 90's. Basically, there is no way I could have driven it - it was for midgets, that's for sure
In all my recent cars (Peugeot 205 GTi, Ford Fiestas - mark 3 and mark 4, Volvo S40, Rover 420, Mercedes 500SL (R129 shape) and Porsche 996 911, I've had to have the driver's seat back as far as it would go. In all these cases though, with the seat on it's maximum rearward setting, it's been acceptable for me.
However, my latest car (2001 Skoda Octavia VRS) has bags of legroom, even though it's a 5 door. I have the driver's seat a notch forward from the most rearward position - unheard of for me!! If I have it all the way back, it's almost in the back of the car, and even with my 'stilt' legs, I can't get the clutch or throttle pedal all the way to the floor!
So, if you're tall - the Skoda might be for you?!
The most shocking example of lack of legroom I can remember, is getting into a friends 4 door Renault 21 Chamade 16 valve performance thing, back in the 90's. Basically, there is no way I could have driven it - it was for midgets, that's for sure
In all my recent cars (Peugeot 205 GTi, Ford Fiestas - mark 3 and mark 4, Volvo S40, Rover 420, Mercedes 500SL (R129 shape) and Porsche 996 911, I've had to have the driver's seat back as far as it would go. In all these cases though, with the seat on it's maximum rearward setting, it's been acceptable for me.
However, my latest car (2001 Skoda Octavia VRS) has bags of legroom, even though it's a 5 door. I have the driver's seat a notch forward from the most rearward position - unheard of for me!! If I have it all the way back, it's almost in the back of the car, and even with my 'stilt' legs, I can't get the clutch or throttle pedal all the way to the floor!
So, if you're tall - the Skoda might be for you?!
Ray Luxury-Yacht said:
I have a 35" inside leg, and hence legroom is a pre-requisite.
The most shocking example of lack of legroom I can remember, is getting into a friends 4 door Renault 21 Chamade 16 valve performance thing, back in the 90's. Basically, there is no way I could have driven it - it was for midgets, that's for sure
In all my recent cars (Peugeot 205 GTi, Ford Fiestas - mark 3 and mark 4, Volvo S40, Rover 420, Mercedes 500SL (R129 shape) and Porsche 996 911, I've had to have the driver's seat back as far as it would go. In all these cases though, with the seat on it's maximum rearward setting, it's been acceptable for me.
However, my latest car (2001 Skoda Octavia VRS) has bags of legroom, even though it's a 5 door. I have the driver's seat a notch forward from the most rearward position - unheard of for me!! If I have it all the way back, it's almost in the back of the car, and even with my 'stilt' legs, I can't get the clutch or throttle pedal all the way to the floor!
So, if you're tall - the Skoda might be for you?!
VAG products are usually pretty good. Skoda, Audi and VW certainly. Maybe Seat's less so - perhaps its the Spanish infuence, given that Spaniards tend to me a bit on the short side compared to massive saxons. The most shocking example of lack of legroom I can remember, is getting into a friends 4 door Renault 21 Chamade 16 valve performance thing, back in the 90's. Basically, there is no way I could have driven it - it was for midgets, that's for sure
In all my recent cars (Peugeot 205 GTi, Ford Fiestas - mark 3 and mark 4, Volvo S40, Rover 420, Mercedes 500SL (R129 shape) and Porsche 996 911, I've had to have the driver's seat back as far as it would go. In all these cases though, with the seat on it's maximum rearward setting, it's been acceptable for me.
However, my latest car (2001 Skoda Octavia VRS) has bags of legroom, even though it's a 5 door. I have the driver's seat a notch forward from the most rearward position - unheard of for me!! If I have it all the way back, it's almost in the back of the car, and even with my 'stilt' legs, I can't get the clutch or throttle pedal all the way to the floor!
So, if you're tall - the Skoda might be for you?!
toppstuff said:
VAG products are usually pretty good. Skoda, Audi and VW certainly. Maybe Seat's less so - perhaps its the Spanish infuence, given that Spaniards tend to me a bit on the short side compared to massive saxons.
I have sat in a Leon as well and even though that is a 5 door with the driver seat right back it still isn't very spacious, also nobody could get their legs behind the drivers seat with it all the way back. Leads me to think you most probably right about the Seat thing! How are R8's up front? I'd be gutted if I couldn't comfortably fit in my dream car!
kambites said:
Seems to be a generic problem with modern cars. Even those where the seats go back far enough, there isn't usually enough steering wheel adjustment for me so I have to drive with either very bent legs or straight aims.
Weird; I'm 6'2" and I usually find I have to bring the steering wheel as far as it will go towards me to give the correct driving position (wrists resting on top of the wheel with arms straight). Headroom is usually the problem for me.Zod said:
kambites said:
Seems to be a generic problem with modern cars. Even those where the seats go back far enough, there isn't usually enough steering wheel adjustment for me so I have to drive with either very bent legs or straight aims.
Weird; I'm 6'2" and I usually find I have to bring the steering wheel as far as it will go towards me to give the correct driving position (wrists resting on top of the wheel with arms straight). Headroom is usually the problem for me.Headroom is usually the main issue for taller drivers. I cannot fit in any MX5. Boxsters are difficult. When I wanted a roadster, the Z4 was the only one that fitted. Fortunately, its a brilliant car!
Still needs a windscreen spoiler with the roof down though...
I'm 6'6'' and unfortunately like small cars. I tried mx5, s2000, mr2 and an Elise all to no availe and some comic results. Then sat in a friends smart roadster and was surprised I fitted so much I went and bought one. I also tried a 997 and a f430 and fit nicely in those but slightly out of my budget.
Also have a 123d and I don't need the seat all the way back. Currently have a loan new 3 series and I struggled to put the clutch all the way down with the seat all the way back. So BMW have great leg room
Also have a 123d and I don't need the seat all the way back. Currently have a loan new 3 series and I struggled to put the clutch all the way down with the seat all the way back. So BMW have great leg room
kambites said:
Seems to be a generic problem with modern cars. Even those where the seats go back far enough, there isn't usually enough steering wheel adjustment for me so I have to drive with either very bent legs or straight aims.
+1This is exactly the case with me and my current car - An Alfa Giulietta and my previous weekend car - Maserati Grandsport. I'm 6' which by today's standards is not 'that' tall. The problem is compounded in the Alfa by not having a foot rest which mean my left leg spend a lot of time slightly twisted. It can get painful during /after a long journey - or I'm I just getting old.
Another one here for having the seat right back, I'm 6'6". When I was 'first car' shopping (7 years ago now) I tried out a lot of the small hatchbacks, the only ones I could properly fit in we're the Skoda Fabia and Peugeot 206. I bought a Fabia, after that and going into the smart car world, I've fitted in all the cars with no problem, ForTwo, ForFour, Roadster. The new VW Up and it's SEAT and Skoda versions are fine too.
TonyTony said:
The problem I have and I'm guessing many other people have who are on the taller side is leg room in cars! Sometimes I get in my car and it just feels like my seat is pushed forward so I'm there trying to push my seat back when it is already touching the back seats.
Any advice as to which sporty variant of cars are more kind to the taller driver?
Legroom and headroom I find an issue in lots of cars. The last generation Civic, the few times I have been in one, seems to have lots of room in front. Any advice as to which sporty variant of cars are more kind to the taller driver?
Personally I switched to a 4x4, gives a much better seating position for me and plenty of room (and easier to get in/out of)
king annoying. Is it just me?I'm 6'2" with 34" inside leg. I have not come across a car yet that I don't have the seat fully back on and most do not have sufficient steering wheel reach adjustment to get a comfortable driving position. However, I have had three Audi TTs and now have a BMZ Z4 and all have allowed a good driving position for me with sufficient headroom as well ........... seat still as far back as it can go mind you!
My wife drives an MX-5 which is built for midgets - great car and I can drive it for short distances but anything over half an hour is out of the question.
Some years ago the lack of leg room was one of the reasons I rejected a Nissan 350Z.
My wife drives an MX-5 which is built for midgets - great car and I can drive it for short distances but anything over half an hour is out of the question.
Some years ago the lack of leg room was one of the reasons I rejected a Nissan 350Z.
Edited by Garvin on Saturday 1st September 11:04
Im 6'1 with long legs and short arms. Really do struggle with cars 4X4's are normally good as you sit more upright. Most cars dont have enough reach in the steering wheel for me the Mk1 focus was excellent tho seat went back nice and far and low to with a nicely adjustable wheel. My fiat 126 is a bit of a squeeze!
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