2014 vs 2007 Tacoma, Initial Thoughts

I just bought a 2014 DCSB 4X4 TRD Sport. Just turned 2K miles. I really like the truck. The 2014 replaced a 2007 DCSB 4X4 TRD Sport that had 100K miles when I traded it. I put the 5100 Bilstein shocks on the 2007. It was, by the way, a great truck.

Make no mistake, I really like the 2014. I have no facts but a few thoughts based on my experience from just driving the new truck. I'm looking for some feedback from others who have a late model Tacoma.

1) The 2007 had Michelin tires. I remember them making a difference but it's hard to remember how much of a difference. The 2014 has OE Bridgestones. There is a significant difference in road noise in the cabin between the 2014 and the 2007. The 2007 is MUCH quieter. Could the only difference be the tires?
2) The 2007 with 5100 Bilsteins that had over 60K miles on them rides much better than than the new Bilsteins that came on the Sport. The 2007 also feels better planted on a road with a lot of close together and but minor road imperfections. Are the 5100's that good?

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

 

I dont have the answers to your questions but congrats on the new truck.

 

I can't compare either. I traded my 2005 for a 2010 and immediately changed suspension parts. best advice i could give is to give it some time to get adjusted. If you had that 07 for 100k, you were probably used to everything about it, even it's quirks. Having a new truck does probably feel different.

 

Thanks Swordknives and DoorDing!

 

I agree. The 07 was great and I did get very used to and attached to it.

The 2014 has a tough act to follow but in general it has made a great first impression!

 

Not sure if it's been the way all along, but the new Sports have linear rate springs and stiffer-valved shocks to give it sportier handling characteristics than the other Tacomas. Source: Tacoma brochure @ the dealership.
Also, I had a '13 sport, and now have a '14 Off Road. The off-road rides much smoother IMHO. There is more road noise on the off road though due to the Rugged Trail tires.

 

I have an '11, but yesterday, it was in for service, and my salesman lent me his demo-a double cab trd sport- to go back to the office ( I know how it works, customer smells that "new truck smell", trades his old one in), and when I got back in my 85k mile truck, said to myself: "The new one doesn't drive 25 thousand dollars nicer than my old one. I think I'm going to drive mine another year...

 

Tires make a big difference in ride quality and noise. My father has an 07 Chevy 3500hd duramax and when he also put Michelins on it as well. From that moment, it felt like the truck was driving on cloud 9 simply by the way it was handling and didn't have that much road noise and all. Basically tires do make a difference in handling and road noise.