2005 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Toyota Tacoma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Toyota Tacoma would be higher. At 3,950 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota Tacoma (245 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Toyota Tacoma (382 Nm) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm). This means 2005 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2005 Toyota Tacoma has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Toyota Tacoma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Toyota Tacoma | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Tacoma | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3950 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3250 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 48 L |
