2008 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2008 Toyota Tacoma. (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 49 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 2008 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 2008 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2008 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (235 Nm). This means 2008 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Tacoma | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tacoma | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2694 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1412 kg | 1363 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
