2005 Mazda 3 vs. 2011 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2011 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 6 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 2,701 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Tacoma (157 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 3 weights approximately 111 kg more than 2011 Toyota Tacoma.
Because 2011 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 2011 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 3, 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, 2011 Toyota Tacoma (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 3240 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 79 L |
