2005 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2006 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,688 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 132 kg more than 2005 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Toyota Tacoma is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mazda 3. 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, 2006 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (183 Nm). This means 2006 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 2006 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2688 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1223 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 79 L |
