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 2,701 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda 3 (165 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. (157 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda 3 weights approximately 309 kg more than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. 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, 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, 2013 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Tacoma.
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 | 2701 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3240 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.8 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
