2009 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2011 Mazda 6
To start off, 2011 Mazda 6 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Toyota Tacoma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Toyota Tacoma would be higher. At 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 6 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 200 kg more than 2011 Mazda 6.
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, 2011 Mazda 6, 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 (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 6. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 6. 2011 Mazda 6 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. 2011 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Tacoma | 2011 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Tacoma | 6 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2694 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1839 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3250 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 70 L |
