2008 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Toyota Tacoma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Toyota Tacoma would be higher. At 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2008 Toyota Tacoma. (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 1188 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota Tacoma. (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota Tacoma. 2008 Toyota Tacoma has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Toyota Tacoma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Tacoma | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tacoma | GTI |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2694 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2581 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
