1995 Mazda MX-3 vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mazda MX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mazda MX-3 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 53 more horse power than 1995 Mazda MX-3. (106 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1995 Mazda MX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 273 kg more than 1995 Mazda MX-3. 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, 1995 Mazda MX-3, 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, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mazda MX-3. (134 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mazda MX-3. 2012 Toyota Tacoma has automatic transmission and 1995 Mazda MX-3 has manual transmission. 1995 Mazda MX-3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Tacoma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Mazda MX-3 | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-3 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1059 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 3240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 79 L |
