2012 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 305 kg more than 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Toyota Tacoma | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tacoma | Passat |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2694 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
