2008 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 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 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Tacoma (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2013 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, 2008 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. 2013 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2008 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2008 Toyota Tacoma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Tacoma | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tacoma | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3956 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3240 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
