2007 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Toyota Tacoma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Toyota Tacoma would be higher. At 2,701 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2007 Toyota Tacoma. (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2007 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 9 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2012 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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2007 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Toyota Tacoma | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tacoma | Golf |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2701 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.2 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
