2007 Toyota Tacoma vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 464 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2007 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. 2007 Toyota Tacoma has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Toyota Tacoma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Toyota Tacoma | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tacoma | Golf |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2694 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1649 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3240 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
