2004 Mazda 6 vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (237 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 6. (144 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 274 kg more than 2004 Mazda 6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Toyota Tacoma is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda 6. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 6. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 6 | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 6 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 3250 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 79 L |
