2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 529 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 3250 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 79 L |
