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 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 4200 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 370 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, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 2009 Toyota Tacoma has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tacoma | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2694 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
