I had a 2000 tacoma x-cab trd 4x4 3.4L manual and 140k that i sold and then bought my current 1997 4runner 4x4 3.4L manual w/110k. I feel like my truck had a lot more balls in the speed department. Especially up steep grades, my taco would fly. The tacoma could increase rpms faster. I love the extra space in my 4runner and the turning radius but i miss the power. Obviously both drivetrains are very similiar, perhaps the 4runner just weighs more. Any personal experience or thoughts?

 

i bet its cause the 4runner ways more

 

There is your answer right there. They my have had different gearing also, but simply put, there is a lot more steal in a 4runner.

 

The 4runner is rated at a couple hp less, but they are the same motor, etc... its the weight... 470lbs worth.

 

the simple answer is HP to weight ratio.....

If a Taco can't out run a 4Runner there's a problem......

 

I agree with everyone above. My taco feels much faster than my dads 3rd gen..and worlds faster than my 1st gen 3.0 runner

 

My brother always kicks my ass when we take off His 2002 Taco vs. my 2002 4Runner. Hes on 35's Im on 33's still faster! It sucks for sure but before he had the 35's he also had 4:30 gears vs.my 4:10's

Aaron

 

Yep, it's all about the weight, but we have the advantage when more than 1 person need rides.

 

Nope hes got me there to he has a double cab! So lets see he can carry 4-5 I can carry 4-5 he can put a atv in the back I can put a roof ten ton the roof,, thats all I got!


Aaron

 

and the more expensive gas bill!

 

Well, i have given up on MPG, i'm getting anywhere from 9-14, so it's really not an issue, it's kinda too late now. It's awful, I know I should be getting better MPG, my rig aint THAT built, oh well.

 

Damn 9-14 WTF I get 17 all the time with both sets of tires 285 Cooper STT's and 295 Nitto Terras.

Aaron

 

well its things like the surco safari rack, with 2 sets of PIAA's, pyramid style, and my hi lift mounted on it that get me into the single digits.

 

Actually my 03 runner gets better mileage than my 07 taco... both 4.0 and the taco is a DC ... aerodynamics play a role.. not sure about 96-02, but the new runners get better mileage... thou both are pretty darn fast. Havent raced them, but the 03 has a 4spd and 4:10, where the 07 has a 5spd and 3.73's.