2009 Toyota Tacoma vs. 1983 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 195 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (153 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. 2009 Toyota Tacoma has automatic transmission and 1983 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1983 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Tacoma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Tacoma | 1983 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tacoma | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2694 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 60 L |
