2003 Honda Z vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Z 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 185 more horse power than 2003 Honda Z. (51 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 114 kg more than 2003 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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 300 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Z. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Z. 2012 Toyota Tacoma has automatic transmission and 2003 Honda Z has manual transmission. 2003 Honda Z 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:
| 2003 Honda Z | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Z | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 654 cc | 3956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 3250 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 79 L |
