I can definitely relate.....

I think the way the door panels curve outward, right at the elbow area made a ton of difference. It gives you like a notch to put your elbow & lower arm in. I'm 5'5" so this may not be true for some really tall people, or those with long torsos. I'm not sure where the 52" is measured from, in the notch or from the raised part of panel.
(I sold mine last week otherwise I'd go measure it for you).

I was always surprised how comfortable I was in the front seat, it was "cozy" but I never felt cramped or folded up like Gumby.