2012 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Toyota 4Runner. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Toyota 4Runner would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota 4Runner (270 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota 4Runner should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota 4Runner weights approximately 659 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Toyota 4Runner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota 4Runner will offer significantly more control. 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 Toyota 4Runner (376 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota 4Runner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Toyota 4Runner has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota 4Runner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Toyota 4Runner | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | 4Runner | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 376 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2053 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4823 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1925 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1816 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2789 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 4.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
