2003 Mazda 3 vs. 2013 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2013 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 3 (160 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2013 Toyota Tacoma. (157 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2013 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 594 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3.
Because 2013 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 2013 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 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, 2013 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (195 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3. 2013 Toyota Tacoma has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Toyota Tacoma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 3 | 2013 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1834 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5286 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1775 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3246 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.7 L/100km | 13.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
