2011 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Tacoma (160 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 88 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2011 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. 2005 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2011 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2011 Toyota Tacoma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Toyota Tacoma | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tacoma | Golf |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2694 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
