2009 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 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 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 88 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 30 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. 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, 2012 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, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Tacoma | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Tacoma | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3956 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3240 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.5 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
