2011 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Toyota Tacoma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Toyota Tacoma would be higher. At 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2011 Toyota Tacoma. (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2011 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 131 kg more than 2011 Toyota Tacoma. 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, 2012 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, 2011 Toyota Tacoma (245 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Toyota Tacoma | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tacoma | Passat |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2694 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 70 L |
