2012 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volkswagen Golf 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 19 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 326 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Toyota Tacoma | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tacoma | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2694 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3250 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
