2008 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2008 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 146 kg more than 2008 Toyota Tacoma.
Because 2008 Toyota Tacoma is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota Tacoma. (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota Tacoma.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Tacoma | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tacoma | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2694 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1384 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3250 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.8 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 70 L |
