2008 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 2008 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Tacoma (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Because 2008 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 2008 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 2008 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. (176 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 2008 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2008 Toyota Tacoma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Tacoma | 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Toyota | Chevrolet |
| Model | Tacoma | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3956 cc | 2190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3240 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 57 L |
