2003 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. (159 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 112 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2012 Toyota Tacoma is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. 2003 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2012 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2012 Toyota Tacoma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Passat | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3250 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.3 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.3 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 79 L |
