2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, both 2006 Mazda 3 and 2006 Toyota Tacoma were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 54 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 235 kg more than 2006 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 2006 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 @ 3800 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2006 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2688 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 79 L |
