1998 Mazda 323 vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda 323 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 45 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 556 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323. 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, 1998 Mazda 323, 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 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323. 1998 Mazda 323 has automatic transmission and 2012 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2012 Toyota Tacoma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 323 | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 323 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3250 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 79 L |
