2010 2.7 less power than 1996 2.7?

Feels like the 2010 single cab 2.7 manual I have is down on power compared to the 96 2.7 single cab manual...

could it be gearing, weight, the engine itself? different stock diffs?

 

There were a total of three engines available for the Toyota Tacoma:

1996 engine specs: 2.7 L four-cylinder 3RZ-FE rated at 150 hp (112 kW) and 177 lb·ft (240 N·m) of torque.

2010 engine specs: 2.7 L four cylinder 2TR-FE rated at 159 hp (119 kW) and 180 lb·ft (244 N·m). of torque.

So no the answer is the 2010 has 9 more horse power and 3 more lb-ft of torque.

Maybe it is in the gearing or in your head?

 

What's the weight difference between the the 96 and the 2010? That's probably playing into it somewhat.

 

Yeah keep in mind there is only a 9hp difference motor to motor but probably a 500lb difference body to body.

 

I bet it's that... may be transmission ratios, differentials also... not sure but driving them back to back the 2010 is definitely more sluggish. Takes higher RPM's to break the tires free and feels slower, could be fuel injection map also. Does anyone use an aftermarket FI computer mod on these like they do on a lot of motorcycles?

 

The weight is probably a big part of it but could be the fuel mapping does contribute. They seem to get more aggressive about mileage and emissions each year and to me it seems more obvious to those of us still rowing through gears manually.

 

Are the trucks the same 'model'?

As in both 4wd, etc.?

 

Yup. the 2010 is the younger brother. Both are 4X4 2.7 manual, base packages. If I could buy a new first gen off the assembly line I'd go for that.

Only good thing I can say so far is the truck is a lot quieter, more noise insulation... and whatever they did with the "Limited slip differential" really does seem to help in 2wd. Drives more like a big car now though... feels like a Camry with a truck bed.

 

For what it's worth I noticed a huge improvement in drivability by switching the mud in the rear diff over to synthetic