2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2009 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,701 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (157 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (139 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2009 Toyota Tacoma.
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, 2006 Mazda 3 (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Tacoma.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2009 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2701 cc |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3240 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 79 L |
