2009 Toyota Tacoma vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (237 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 764 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Toyota Tacoma is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (94 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Tacoma | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tacoma | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3956 cc | 1271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3250 mm | 2480 mm |
