Compared to TJ/Wrangler

I am thinking of converting from Jeeps to a Toyota Tacoma. I was considering the 4 cylinder but am worried it will be too weak for me.

I am used to driving a 2.5L TJ with a 5 speed. It is underpowered on the highway in my opinion. I was looking at getting an access/xtra cab or whatever it is called on a Gen 1 tacoma, 1999-2001ish. I was planning on getting the 5 speed as the auto with a 4 cylinder is wretched on a wrangler, it drives like golf cart.

I have been reading that the v6 has a timing belt which needs to be replaced periodically, and the I4 has a chain which does not. This with the gas mileage is making me inclined to get the I4.

But I don't want an anemic vehicle. I think the taco has better aerodynamics than the Wrangler so it might do better.

Has anyone driven both to have a comparison?

 

Get the V6. I havent driven both but just traded in an '07 Civic (130HP) for my V6 Taco and I'm still looking for power, I can't imagine the I4. The v6 is great, great power and IMO, great gas mileage. I would rather be making payments on a truck with lots of power (your happy) than on one that's lacking power, in which case your making payments on a car that your not satisfied with.

If your still on the fence though, take a trip down to your local Toyota dealer and test drive them both.

 

I have an 06' Tacoma w/ 6cyl and I also own a 95' Jeep wrangler with the 2.4 4cyl and a five speed. I would definitely go with the 6 cyl. The get up and go is dramatically different with the Taco. I still love my Jeep but my Taco definitely gets 99% of my drive time. I'm a sold Tacoma man!

 

+1 I am a poor college kid just graduating and starting out. I am not quite ready for a new Toyota yet.

 

i absolutely love my 2.7. especially with the exhaust work done on it and some of the minor engine mods. i get all giddy when someone asks me what i have under the hood and they look at me like i'm pulling them around when i tell them its a 4 banger. yes the 2.7 is a little light winded on the highway, but get a set of long tube headers and that will go away. i've never had any problems with power on the trail. unfortunately i have not towed anything with it so i can't say how it performs there.

 

I'm not sure if im safe saying the 2.7 has more power than the jeep, but having test driven both the taco seems to do better. The 2.7 and 5 psd manual seem to work very effectively with my stock 4.10 axles. Lots of guys at work have the v6 and 4 cyl jeeps. I love my 4 cyl, its gen 2 btw. If you are a hosepower guy , its not for you. As 4 cyl goes, its a real good one. My reg cab 4wd can hold speed in 5th on most grades on the freeway,downshift to 4th , you still hold 65 (spd limit here) no bogging.
Oversimplified , go 4 cyl if u want less long term maintainace but less power( certainly acceptable), get the 6 cyl for power/bigger towing, prolly more performance parts too.

 

i have a 05 2.4l Prerunner and im pretty satisfied with it. May not have the power, but MPG is great. Go with a 4x4 tho. i wish i went that route. if u wheeled in ur jeep, ull def wheel in a 4x4 taco. i still love my Taco.

 

I'd look for the newest vehicle you can afford - and paticularly a 2001 or newer because of the frame rust warrantee. There's a lot of trucks out there that the frames are rusting from the inside out and you can't tell by looking at it..... The 2001-2004 trucks are being repaired or getting frame replacements from Toyota (all free) I believe.

A woman I work with (her son) had a 98 tacoma and the frame actually broke in the rear. They had Toyota come out and haul it away because it was obviously covered under the frame rust warrantee.

 

A 2.7 pre-runner Tacoma will outrun a jeep with a straight 6. It will be plenty of power for you.

 

I've owned at least 4 Jeeps with the str8 six, last one being a 2005 Wrangler sprort 4.0. Thats not gonna happen.

 

x2 you all should see my buddys first gen

 

We are talking stock against stock right?

 

Not sure what the wrangler sport is, but my friend jason, and his best friend always compete. Both have modded out vehicles like crazy.

Jason:





His buddy:

 

I traded in my 2005 Wrangler Rocky Mountain Edition 4.0L inline (this JULY) to a 2.7L 4X4 and I am super pleased with my purchase. It has enough torque to get you through obsticales but you have to remember that it is not a Jeep you are driving anymore. There are pros and cons to both, the pros outwieghed the cons for me. Now i get over 22 MPG vs. 13-16, plus I have lifetime warranty.

 

Sport is just a trim designation. Those are both awesome rigs.

 

0-50 you are very right. My Jeep had pull even with 32's.
past 50mph tacoma would crush. This vvti is amazing even on a 4 banger.