2008 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2008 Toyota Tacoma. (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 16 kg more than 2008 Toyota Tacoma. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Toyota Tacoma is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Tacoma will offer significantly more control. 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 @ 3800 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Tacoma | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tacoma | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2694 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 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1384 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3250 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
