2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2009 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 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 (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (99 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 12 kg more than 2009 Toyota Tacoma.
Because 2009 Toyota Tacoma is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda 3. 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 216 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2009 Toyota Tacoma has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Tacoma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2009 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1086 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3250 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 79 L |
