engine power.

Hey guys. I've been thinking about a compact truck as a daily commuter, preferably a Toyota as I already have an fj. I'd like to get a RC, 4cy, 5 speed with ac. I'm concerned about overall power and acceleration. I'm more interested in getting something older. Question is what motor is going to have the better acceleration? Should I go with the older 2.4 or go with the newer 2.7? I used to have a Nissan frontier xe extra cab and it was a little under powered for my taste. I believe it had a 2.5 l motor in it. I should mention that I would even consider the older Toyota pickups if the power is adequate. Just looking for some opinions here and any suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance.

 

If your itching for power, then you'll have to get the V6. The I4 is great for regular driving and minimal towing and fuel efficiency, thats about it.

 

The V6 in the Tacoma is the same as the one in the FJ, Though the 2.7 L is OK in the Tacoma, you will notice a lot of difference between it and the 4.0 L V6 (I've had trucks with both). I also actually get better mileage with my V6 than I did with the 4 cyl. I'm pretty sure the reason for this is that with the 4-cyl I was always having to downshift and run the engine at high rpms to maintain highway speed in the mountains.

 

There are THREE 4-cyl engines available with tacoma.
2.4
Old 2.7
New 2.7 (2005+)

The only one I'm familiar with is the new 2.7, and its a hell of an engine. Rated 159 hp, under the "new" way of calculating. It was rated 165 hp the old way. The old 2.7 was rated 150 hp, obviously compare that with the 165. Torque is awesome on these, thanks to VVT-i.

With that engine and a manual transmission, you are left with no wants, unless your objective is purely racing (in which case, why a truck???)

 

No racing, but I am a bit aggressive from a stop. I'd like to feel confident that I could get up to speed when merging onto the highway or pass in a reasonable distance. I know that power and mpg's aren't used in the same sentence. I was just wondering if there is a noticeable difference in power between the 2.4 and 2.7 engines.

 

Getting up to speeds the 2.7L will be fine, as far as highway passing goes, it leaves much to be desired and takes forever. Thats just my opinion though, for me, the V6 was decent enough at passing, but I supercharged it to increase its power.

 

That's between the 2.4 and the OLD 2.7
Which are respectively 142 and 150.

The NEW 2.7, as I've stated, is 15 hp on top of the OLD 2.7 (completely new engine with nothing in common). That, on the same scale as the 2.4 and old 2.7, would be 165 hp.

Or you could scale the old engines back to 136 and 145. Either way, the 2TR-FE is a *FAR* more powerful engine.

 

You afraid of dropping it to 3rd?

 

Let me repeat: There are THREE engines falling into your request. 2.4, old 2.7, and new 2.7.
No experience with the two older engines, but the new 2.7 should satisfy you, just as long as its matched with an MT.

 

Thanks for all the data guys. Seems like there isn't much difference between the old 2.7 and 2.4 and that the more noticeable difference is on the newer 2.7. Since I'm looking for something older (probably 1st gen) I should stick with the two older motors. Now If I could just find one at a dealership to test drive. LOL!

 

Good luck, not many 4cyl for sale (around here anyway) especially not with 4WD and 5 speed mt.

 

hahaha If you only knew

 

i have a fjc too, great power, a 02 tacoma w/ v6 and has some decent power, and a 2012 r/c 4 banger w/ manual and really not a power source. however the 4 banger is fun to drive and glad i brought it.

 

Don't forget to account for the weight of the vehicles if you're worried about accelleration. The new 2.7L in the 2nd gen is definitely more powerful than the 4cyl engines in the 1st gen, but the 2nd gen is also quite a bit larger. The 1st gen regular cab weighed in at 2560lbs while the 2nd gen regular cab is 3140lbs (according to some shit i found on google). So with those numbers in mind, a 1st gen would probably have better acceleration.

 

The newer 2.7 will give you the most power out of the three engines. (2nd gen Tacoma)

 

i got the 2.7 and i think if you get it auto it will lag a bit but mines stick and i never needed more power honestly i wouldent go with the tacoma for power in a truck i rather get a 5.7 tundra but that would be another thing im happy with the 2.7

 

honestly, the differences in horsepower offered by the current generation 2.7L 2TR-FE is somewhat negated by the difference in vehicle weight. 2nd Gen trucks are heavier than their 1st Gen counterparts across the board.

that being said, the 2TR is a great motor and that VVT-i really helps things to get a move on past 3k, and the 2nd Gen trucks are subsequently much faster than their 1st gen counterparts.

You'll be happy with either one; the RZ engines are much easier to boost and many people have done so already with great success; whereas the 2TR has less aftermarket community support.

also, keep in mind that this is still a four cylinder mid sized pickup truck. 0-60 times will range closer to the two digit mark and beyond, depending on cab configuration and transmission choice.

if kept it it's sweet spot the truck can be pretty responsive despite it's seemingly lethargic performance characteristics; there is ample low end torque for a four banger.

 

Great responses guys. I know the weight thing can be an issue that's why i want the RC so that i minimize weight. Definitely want the manual for better responsiveness.

 

I never have trouble passing on the highway. In fact I never even downshift to pass on the highway...5th gear at 65+ has plenty of power available. I also use the truck to haul quite frequently and have no regrets. Just this past week I built a deck with my Dad and I hauled 1400 lbs in my 4 banger twice that week.

 

Agreed. I've hauled several similar sized loads (1100 lbs in the back) and have never felt like the engine or drivetrain was straining at all. In fact, other than the nose being a little higher and the ride softer, it's hard to tell that there's anything back there. The truck is more capable than you'd think with a 4 cylinder, but I'd recommend helper springs/air bags for those heavier loads.