2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. (159 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 252 kg more than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. 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 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Toyota Tacoma has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Tacoma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 79 L |
