What is the difference between the first gem and the 2nd gen?

I was giving it some thought..what is the real difference between the two? I want to get a manual v6 trd offroad doublecab and the 2nd gen looks waaaay better but costs a lot more then the first I think? Talking about 2005 prices.
After reading and looking at a thread on a first gen it seems to look easier to mod since I lt isn't as clunked and big as the first? Idk I am just lost right now in my head.

Here's the thread I saw..gotta say it does look pretty bad arse.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-builds/81591-matts-long-travel-prerunner-build.html

 

I guess to sum it up, what are the advantages/disvantages to a second gen taco?

 

About 15 K.. They both have good and bad. I loved my 99 but also love the 07. The 99 was easy to work on and a good truck. The 07 is the baby now but most aftermarket stuff is to high for me. Jim

 

2nd gens are a lot bigger from what I hear. Some good points in this thread:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/46808-1st-vs-2nd-generation.html

Most important probably is to drive both!

 

To me the difference is summed up in the size: the 1st gen was a much smaller compact truck. More economical to operate as a result. I would have gotten 1st gen if I could have found a low-miles unit in my area.

 

The first gen burns faster..