2012 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (237 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2010 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 384 kg more than 2010 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Toyota Tacoma is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2010 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda 3. 2010 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2012 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2012 Toyota Tacoma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Toyota Tacoma | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Tacoma | 3 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| 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 | 237 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 | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3250 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 55 L |
