2003 Mazda 6 vs. 2006 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2006 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,701 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 6. (138 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2006 Toyota Tacoma.
Because 2006 Toyota Tacoma is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda 6. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Toyota Tacoma will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Mazda 6 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Toyota Tacoma. (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Toyota Tacoma.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 6 | 2006 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 6 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 79 L |
