Added Power in 2nd Generation Tacoma?

Is it reasonable that the additional 45 hp (and 45 lb. ft. torgue) in a 2nd generation Tacoma (V6) would make a significant difference in towing a 4000 lb. trailer? A fellow RVer has a 2008 Prerunner and is able to maintain 55 mph on the same hills that I'm barely able to keep at 35 mph with my 2004 Prerunner. Both trailers about the same weight give or take 100 lbs.

 

I think it has to do more with torque rather than HP. I can't recall the torque differences between the 2 gens though.

 

The torque difference is about 45 ft. lbs.

 

I owned an 02 prerunner SR5 and now I own an 07 4x4 both DC. My new truck hauls way better, wether it be the added power or difference in weight transferal I don't know but damn. Maybe its not so much the difference in power but where the power band lies on the 2 trucks. Seems Tacomas make power in the higher RPMs.

 

Bingo ...

220 ft lbs @ 3600 rpm's (2001 - 2004 5VZ)

versus

266 ft lbs @ 3800 rpm's (2005+ 1GR)

 

also is your buddies new one manual or auto? and what rear gears does he have compared to you.. I good drop in gears will make a big difference when pulling a trailer

 

^ thats a good point but my 02 prerunner had the v6 with a 3.90 gear and my 07 4x4 has 3.73 and hauls so much better.

 

As luk8272 stated, my '04 has a 3.91 final gear ratio and my friend's is 3.73. The advantage in towing goes to my '04 if I'm not mistaken.

 

yeah for gearing it would go to you slightly auto or manual between both trucks? for little increase you could drop gears to either 4.10 or 4.30 both came factory in tacomas so they arent too deep for factory sized tires or anything.. there are alot of possibilities to his better hill climbing... both trucks similar trim? like extra cab's or is one reg and one extra/dc.... if your truck was mine and I towed that same amount alot I would probably drop the gears to the 4.30s.. and if you dont already I would add a free flowing exhaust and intake...or the flip side would be if you have the money... go with a trd supercharger...set of headers and custom exhaust.. you will be over his HP and TQ and already have better gears