2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Toyota Tacoma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Toyota Tacoma would be higher. At 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 1456 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 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, 2008 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3. 2008 Toyota Tacoma has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Toyota Tacoma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2008 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2258 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 2581 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 79 L |
