2009 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,701 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (157 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 31 kg more than 2009 Toyota Tacoma.
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, 2003 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 (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Tacoma | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tacoma | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2701 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3240 mm | 2512 mm |
