2009 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 253 kg more than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. (245 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Tacoma.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Tacoma | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tacoma | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2694 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 62 L |
