4 cyl vs 6 cyl for off-road

ingerham · 11-15-2006, 11:25 PM

I am in the market for a new Tacoma. I'm looking at both the 4 and 6 cylinder models with 4WD. The truck will be used on the highway and on roads that are designated for high clearance 4WD vehicles but that are generally passable. There will be a cap/canopy on the truck and the biggest load I'll haul is my camping gear and some lumber from time to time. My mechanic says that the 4cylinder truck is more than powerful enough and that with the low range transfer case my the truck will be able to climb mountains. He contends that it's gearing rather than HP that really makes the difference when picking along a 4W track and that sometimes a 6 cylinder engine just means you get stuck in a more stupid place.

Most of the posts I have read suggest that the 4 banger is great until you start trying haul trailers, campers etc. So I'm confident I'm fine on the highway. I'd appreciate any insight you all can offer with regard to off-road performance.

Thanks

Banshee · 11-16-2006, 07:49 AM

The 4 banger should serve you fine. I have a 05 Doublecab with the 6 speed and TRD Offroad package (Rear E-locker). I actually wheel my rig and with the TRD Offroad and E-Locker I have yet to get stuck wheeling. Just don't go beyond what you or your truck can do.

archer of loaf · 11-16-2006, 02:02 PM

I owned a 1990 Isuzu 4cylinder and a 1990 Mazda B2200 4cylinder, they both got me to where I wanted to go. The eninge in a 4 cylinder works harder as these are heavy trucks. If you got for the 4, make sure it is a manual. The 4cylinder 4x4 is not an option in Canada, and has not been for years. From driving the 4 bangers, hills do pose problems and shifting to find the correct gear is constant between third and forth. When the RPM are high you are sucking the gas back and putting needless wear on the enginee. The V6 goes up hills without effort... and going on the highway is a breeze now. No more praying the ol 4 banger will get up to speed, lol...

Take a 4 and a 6 for a test drive and see how they feel for you. It will be you driving it so it is important you feel good with what you purchase.

11-15-2006, 11:25 PM	#1
ingerham Junior Member Joined: Nov 2006, #242 Posts: 1	4 cyl vs 6 cyl for off-road I am in the market for a new Tacoma. I'm looking at both the 4 and 6 cylinder models with 4WD. The truck will be used on the highway and on roads that are designated for high clearance 4WD vehicles but that are generally passable. There will be a cap/canopy on the truck and the biggest load I'll haul is my camping gear and some lumber from time to time. My mechanic says that the 4cylinder truck is more than powerful enough and that with the low range transfer case my the truck will be able to climb mountains. He contends that it's gearing rather than HP that really makes the difference when picking along a 4W track and that sometimes a 6 cylinder engine just means you get stuck in a more stupid place. Most of the posts I have read suggest that the 4 banger is great until you start trying haul trailers, campers etc. So I'm confident I'm fine on the highway. I'd appreciate any insight you all can offer with regard to off-road performance. Thanks

11-16-2006, 07:49 AM	#2
Banshee The one you are not! Joined: Sep 2006, #7 Location: Seattle'ish, WA Age: 31 Gender: Dude Posts: 963 2008 FJ Cruiser. Sandstorm/White Off Automatic 1GR-FE Maint:Scangauge II. Comms: Cobra 75WXST, Bandi mount, Firestik 3footer. Cargo: Custom storage box for rear cargo area. ARB CKMA12 High Output air compressor (OBA). ARB Winchbar. Warn M8000 Wench	The 4 banger should serve you fine. I have a 05 Doublecab with the 6 speed and TRD Offroad package (Rear E-locker). I actually wheel my rig and with the TRD Offroad and E-Locker I have yet to get stuck wheeling. Just don't go beyond what you or your truck can do. __________________ http://www.treadlightly.org/

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11-16-2006, 02:02 PM	#3
archer of loaf Member Joined: Oct 2006, #108 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 71	I owned a 1990 Isuzu 4cylinder and a 1990 Mazda B2200 4cylinder, they both got me to where I wanted to go. The eninge in a 4 cylinder works harder as these are heavy trucks. If you got for the 4, make sure it is a manual. The 4cylinder 4x4 is not an option in Canada, and has not been for years. From driving the 4 bangers, hills do pose problems and shifting to find the correct gear is constant between third and forth. When the RPM are high you are sucking the gas back and putting needless wear on the enginee. The V6 goes up hills without effort... and going on the highway is a breeze now. No more praying the ol 4 banger will get up to speed, lol... Take a 4 and a 6 for a test drive and see how they feel for you. It will be you driving it so it is important you feel good with what you purchase.