4 Cylinder versus V6

I’ve got the 4 cylinder standard cab 4x4 with a five speed. It has plenty of power. It’s all about power to weight and torque to weight ratios. I put together a little spreadsheet before I bought the truck to compare percentage differences between different models and I even looked at the Nissan Frontier. For example the Frontier likes to brag about having more horsepower than the Tacoma but when factoring weight the V6 access cab is almost identical (actually a little more power and slightly less torque) to the Nissan Frontier. My 08 has 34% more power and 15% more torque than my 86 Toyota truck did. And I’m giving up 14% power and 4% torque to my wife’s Subaru Forrester. The V6 access cab 4x4 has about 25% more power and torque compared to my regular cab 4x4.

 

I have been pleased with my 2.7 I4 automatic.

I did not need the power of the V6. I have nothing to tow.

So far, at 1600 miles, I have gotten: 23, 24, 24, 25 MPG.

Today, I had to tromp on the go pedal and pleased with the acceleration.

I am going to missed my 1996 2.4 I4 5-speed MPG of 27~33.

I sold it to my boss. I say hi to it everyday.

 

Just to reaffirm, I just did a run from San Diego to Las Vegas and back. I averaged 19mpg at 75 mph. It's the highest I've seen so far. I also found out I have the windshield whistle at 75+. Looks like it's time for the windshield TSB .

 

I have a 2.7 5lug w/ a 5speed and its great. Good gas mileage and low maint.
I think just a few mods should wake the engine up. I have an intake system on mine. Makes a ton of difference. I race some guy w/ stock a v6 double cab and he beat me by half a car. Maybe he sandbagged, I don't know but it felt good.

 

I bought a Tacoma 4 ci 4x4 back in 09 during the last gas hike here in Northern California. I bought it specifically for the great gas mileage. You see...I am and always have been a truck lover. And I wasn't about to give up driving a truck just because of high gas prices. On the other hand, I also wanted to be frugal with our money. Enter this lil beauty. I have absolutely loved my choice! I can get 26 mpg highway, sometimes more depending on conditions, and this truck outdoes itself in the snow! Much to my husband's frustration, my Tacoma outdid his 2500 Dodge Diesel, when it came to traction in the snow. Then again, what did he expect with that heavy diesel motor in the front? ;0)

Here's my dilemma... Even though I absolutely LOVE my Tacoma 4 ci. There is one thing that has become a deal breaker with me and my love for this truck. The smaller Access Cab with it's "suicide doors." All of you on here with these doors, know how frustrating it is to take this truck shopping! There's just not much room to unload a shopping cart with the very little space that is present with both doors open. Especially when another car is parked in the space right next to you. I'm really kicking myself for not going with the Double Cab.

What I'm wondering, is can I even get a 4 ci. Tacoma in the Double Cab?? Because I'm really hoping I won't have to sacrifice the awesome gas mileage this thing gets just to maintain my sanity. The other thing is, I really would like to have a full size back seat. I'm about to be a grandmother for the first time in my life and car seats really don't work so well in the Access Cab. I know, because my BFF's baby's car seat is a real hassle whenever we take my Tacoma anywhere. Any suggestions? I'm thinking I might just have to try to find some love for Toyota's Rav 4?

 

The I 4 has some pretty impressive torque for its size. And if it helps any, mine handles our 3 seater Yamaha jetski with trailer just fine As long as speed doesn't matter to you as much as torque when climbing those hills, than you won't be sorry with the I 4

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/towing/197781-4-cylinder-3000-miles-enclosed-6x10-trailer.html

ldywlf,

OP in this thread is quoting the truck you're looking for in a 2012.

 

Thank you MQQse for your response. Is this truck also a 4x4? Because to me a truck is only a truck if it has 4WD. I looked on Toyota's website and I saw this same truck, the one that's talked about on this thread, the 2012 model, but it does not show it in a 4x4.

 

I'm thinking you can't get the double cab in 4x4 w/4cyl. Sorry for misleading you on that one...missed it!

EDIT: Yep, truck in link is 4x2 ... again my apologies.

 

srsly?

 

Not a problem...appreciate your trying to help. Hopefully Toyota is "listening"

 

I'm thinking at this point, I'll just hold onto what I have until Toyota comes out with this model that I'm looking for. From what I've been reading on this forum so far...it would appear I have a rare gem that's worth some $$$. If and when I do sell/trade it, I've a feeling I will receive top dollar! My husband drives an 06 Honda Civic that's already paid off. If anything...I'll encourage him to trade up to something with more room. The Honda would work for us as future grandparents, accept it's a small two door coup and not real comfortable or roomy to travel in. Don't even want to think about dealing with car seats in that little bucket! LOL I'd rather fight my Tacoma's "back seat."

 

MQQse,

Noticed you're Air Force. I wanted to say thank you for your service. My son is currently deployed. Also Air Force. We miss him terribly, but couldn't be more proud of him. He is the one who's about to make us grandparents for the first time. We're hoping he'll be here in time for the big event.

 

You're going to find most who have the 2.7L will recommend that and those with the V6 will say get the V6. I have the 4 cylinder so you can guess my answer

That being said if you plan to regularly carry more than 1 passenger, do not get an access cab.

 

I just traded my 2010 4-cyl regular cab Prerunner for a 2012 DCSB Offroad, V6 auto trans. Sooooo much more power, smooth as silk, and only took a 4mpg hit. If you do the math, you might spend like 5 grand more for fuel over your entire lifetime. For me, it's totally worth it!

 

Might want to check your math there.

4mpg is nothing to shrug at, that's a huge number in terms of fuel economy. If I owned a 2.7L 4wd 5spd id save between $600-$1000 per year depending how much I drive, that could pay my insurance alone.

 

Agree, 4mpg is like a 20% increase in fuel burn. It may be worth it to a lot of people but let's not pretend it's insignificant.

Just noticed this is a huge thread revival, the OP has owned his 2.7L for like 5 years now!

 

Thank you Ma'am ... retired from 26 years active duty in 2009. Lucky enough to walk back in the door civil service.

Thank your son and family for his service. The kids now days have got it rougher than I had it the first two thirds of my active duty service. The deployment tempo is tough ... especially on young families. God bless him and keep him safe ... and the new grand baby and mother too!

We became grandparents in 2010 (a boy) ... our second was just born this past September (a girl) ... yeah, they didn't wait too long in between. But the Grandpa/Grandma gig is pretty darn awesome. Enjoy it!

Oh, and on the original question ... I say keep your truck and put your husband in a RAV4 down the road. Despite the "suicide doors" which are a PITA, the AC cab will work for the first 2-3 yrs...the kids aren't that big...know what I mean?