2009 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Toyota Tacoma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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 37 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 382 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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Tacoma.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Tacoma | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tacoma | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2701 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3240 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.8 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
