1996 Toyota Hi-Ace vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace would be higher. At 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. (90 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace weights approximately 385 kg more than 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. (226 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Hi-Ace | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2446 cc | 3956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1960 mm | 1660 mm |
