2009 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 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 83 more horse power than 2013 Mazda 3. (153 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda 3 weights approximately 48 kg more than 2009 Toyota Tacoma.
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, 2013 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 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda 3. (200 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Tacoma | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Tacoma | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3956 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3240 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.5 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
