2009 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2003 Toyota Echo
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Echo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Echo would be higher. At 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Echo. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Echo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 375 kg more than 2003 Toyota Echo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Echo, 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, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Echo. (142 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Echo. 2003 Toyota Echo has automatic transmission and 2009 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2009 Toyota Tacoma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Toyota Echo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Tacoma | 2003 Toyota Echo | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma | Echo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3956 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3240 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 45 L |
