2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda 3 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 (160 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 90 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 79 L |
