[G O D I V A]

Why is the o-,p-nitration of tolulene faster than the nitration of benzene.  The additional methyl group allows for further localization hence lower energy?  Is that the only reason?

[savy2020]

methyl group allows for further localization hence lower energy

That should be delocalisation.
The actual reason is that methyl group stabilises the Arenium ion formed by the attack of electrophile on the toulene is stabilised by hyperconjugation.