2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2009 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (237 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (148 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 604 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Toyota Tacoma is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda Roadster. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2003 Mazda Roadster has automatic transmission and 2009 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2009 Toyota Tacoma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 2009 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | Roadster | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1838 cc | 3956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3250 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 79 L |
