2012 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2010 Mazda 6
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 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2010 Mazda 6. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 6 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
Because 2012 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 2012 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (245 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda 6. (165 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda 6. 2010 Mazda 6 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 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Toyota Tacoma | 2010 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Tacoma | 6 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2694 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 70 L |
