2003 Mercedes-Benz A 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 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 2,701 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (157 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz A. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 54 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz A. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz A | 2009 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | A | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 2701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 79 L |
