2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2013 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Toyota Tacoma (233 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 550 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Toyota Tacoma is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Golf | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 233 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 95 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1834 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5286 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1775 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3246 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
