2005 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 2 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 2,688 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota Tacoma (165 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 16 kg more than 2005 Toyota Tacoma.
Because 2005 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 2005 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) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Toyota Tacoma. (248 Nm). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Toyota Tacoma.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Toyota Tacoma | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tacoma | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2688 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1556 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3240 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 62 L |
