2006 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 88 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Golf | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 3956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3240 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 14 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 79 L |
