First Tacoma vs Colorado Comparison Test

"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch) 10/30/2015 at 16:28 • Filed to: Truck Yeah, Tacoma, Colorado

1

43

I know this isn’t in most people corner of care, but it is for me so I share with you the first direct comparison between the two and a few of my own thoughts.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Jcarr > HammerheadFistpunch 10/30/2015 at 16:34

0

This is the exact picture I was talking about the other day. There’s like 10 inches of overhang distance between the two.

HammerheadFistpunch > Jcarr 10/30/2015 at 16:37

0

yup, and the fact that the Toyota got the same trip mileage without the face scraping speaks volumes about either:

1. The uselessness of the air damn

2. The mpg advantage of the Toyota

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > HammerheadFistpunch 10/30/2015 at 16:37

1

The only reasons I’m anti-drum brakes is because drum brakes are powered by black magic and I can very, very easily swap pads and even rotors in my driveway.

1 edit: do we know how much that 1900 miles was highway vs city?

jjhats > Jcarr 10/30/2015 at 16:37

0

are you referring to front bumper height off the ground? the taco looks very lifted and the chevy looks to low in front

HammerheadFistpunch > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 10/30/2015 at 16:38

0

This is the only legit reason to hate on them. That being said, they usually last for so long that its not really too much of a bother.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > HammerheadFistpunch 10/30/2015 at 16:39

0

Hahaha. I have zero complaints about my non-power drum brakes on all 4 corners in the Montego. It’s always stopped me hard when needed (damn kid in neighborhood who didn’t notice a bright red loud as hell muscle car coming his way....)

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > HammerheadFistpunch 10/30/2015 at 16:40

0

2. That’s a “for now”, with the duramax coming. Agreed it’s stupid to penalize for an unchecked option box.

3. I was wondering why rear drums have stuck around for so long on trucks... bear with me while I ramble through a list of completely unresearched and uneducated guesses.

- With just a light bed over the rear wheels, it’s easier to prevent lockup with drums.

- Drums (especially mine, they’re huge) are heavier and that aids traction and balance.

- Drums being heavier, it means more mass to accelerate and therefore aids traction again.

Jcarr > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 10/30/2015 at 16:40

0

They drove from Tacoma, WA to Colorado Springs with a little light off-roading along the way.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 10/30/2015 at 16:41

0

Not to mention when you change shoes but not drums they shake due to the radius difference, whereas you can swap pads without doing rotors and vice versa with no issues.

HammerheadFistpunch > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 10/30/2015 at 16:41

1

Yeah, the diesel will kick ass, and I think that will be the only reason the Faithful will cross shop.

as for drums its much simpler than all that

1. Cheaper

2. Effective.

Jcarr > jjhats 10/30/2015 at 16:42

0

Yep, the approach angle on the Taco is way better.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Jcarr 10/30/2015 at 16:43

0

bleh.

This is not what I wanted to hear. I wanted one of the Colorado’s because I was supposed to be able to get a very, very minimal drop in MPG from my 07 v6 Milan (27 hwy rated) to 25 hwy rated in the Colorado V6/4x4. That was a sufficient drop in mpg to balance out getting all that extra capability (towing + 4x4, bed space, etc).

This does not please me. 19 average - may as well buy a Silverado.

HammerheadFistpunch > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 10/30/2015 at 16:43

1

Though you should turn your rotors at each pad change if you want to avoid waving.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 10/30/2015 at 16:43

1

black

magic

HammerheadFistpunch > jjhats 10/30/2015 at 16:44

0

Yeah, the front air damn and lower front bumper on the GM make it looks like its vacuuming up the road, the Tacoma is not lifted.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > HammerheadFistpunch 10/30/2015 at 16:45

0

I thought it had to be more than that. I mean, it was worthwhile to change to discs in every segment but one that’s a moneymaker?

Oh, one more: drums stay cleaner.

But you're probably right, like I said unreseached and uneducated guesses.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > HammerheadFistpunch 10/30/2015 at 16:46

0

Fair enough.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 10/30/2015 at 16:47

0

Pick up a diesel.

HammerheadFistpunch > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 10/30/2015 at 16:48

2

There are 2 points that make drums a not bad choice for pickups:

1. Most braking happens up front and given that they are notoriously front heavy, there isn’t much value to adding braking in the rear.

2. When you want to add weight in the back for payload they are still sufficient, and towing anything over 2000 requires trailer brakes* anyway.

I mean...if they didn’t work, why would they keep being used in very heavy trucks? People just get silly about this kind of thing.

*most places

Jcarr > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 10/30/2015 at 16:49

0

You could always get the diesel. I’m sure that thing will be in the upper 20s on the highway.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Jcarr 10/30/2015 at 16:50

0

Problems are the sticker price of the diesel will be higher and diesel fuel is significantly more expensive than regular in my area. (consistently)

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > HammerheadFistpunch 10/30/2015 at 16:50

1

Have you ever done the rear drums on a Tacoma? I have a mechanic buddy who tells people to “take it somewhere else”. He has no compunction about doing v6 Audi timing belts, or putting a new gas tank in a 5-series, but he won’t touch the rear brakes on a ‘95 or newer Toyota pickup unless it’s a Tundra with rear disks. My GF’s 2003 is in need of rear brake work (118K miles) and after looking at the online tutorials I think I agree with him...

JR1 > HammerheadFistpunch 10/30/2015 at 16:51

0

Here is my philosophy when it comes to trucks. If there’s one thing American automotive companies do the best it is our trucks. Therefore I see no purpose in buying a Toyota, Nissan, Mazda or what have you in place of a Ford, Chevy, or Ram. So regardless of what C&D decided the default answer for me in this situation is Chevy.

HammerheadFistpunch > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/30/2015 at 16:52

1

I generally don’t do brake work, don’t care for it. That being said, I have done drums before...I hated it.

HammerheadFistpunch > JR1 10/30/2015 at 16:54

2

This attitude it what exactly what chevy is counting on. I think its closed minded, but thats exactly what they are hoping for. I can tell you my experience that if the same money bought lower mile domestic truck or a higher mile Toyota...I would always buy the Toyota. There is a reason their resale is so high

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > HammerheadFistpunch 10/30/2015 at 17:02

1

Tacoma drums are apparently an extra-special level of hellish... That bottom adjuster cross linkage with the pivots and the secondary springs??? How many bellcranks can you even fit in a wheel?!

JR1 > HammerheadFistpunch 10/30/2015 at 17:08

0

Well that's why they make Toyotas for guys like you and Fords for guys like me. Not saying the Toyota isn't any worse it is just something I could never buy when looking for a truck. Things like the Land Cruiser are legendary for a reason but I would rather get a Jeep. Just a personal philosophy I guess with off road vehicles. The point is moot though because I will likely never buy anything new.

HammerheadFistpunch > JR1 10/30/2015 at 17:13

0

The fact that you are buying used seems to me like you would benefit most from buying Japanese, though I don’t fault you for choosing domestic.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/30/2015 at 17:13

1

I’ve done it on my 4Runner. I’d have my head gaskets go again.

Saracen > HammerheadFistpunch 10/30/2015 at 17:37

0

- It doesn’t really seem to matter what [gas engine] powers midsize trucks, you just have to accept that it will be crap. My dad’s Ridgeline did 17-19 all the time, and it was a relatively svelte (4500lbs) truck. I can’t really fathom anyone who walks in buying one of these trucks yet is concerned about mileage.

- Having said that, even if the Taco gets a 1mpg advantage, the Colorado still has more power and a better tranny.

- All a moot point to me. Any truck/suv I buy in the future will be a diesel...and if a new one is not in the budget it would be a used diesel.

- I wouldn’t buy a new vehicle with drum brakes. Or a lightly used one, for that matter. Don’t want em on my bikes, definitely don’t want em on my cars.

- Hunt-and-peck transmission behavior seriously annoys me. I count that as a huge negative for the Taco.

HammerheadFistpunch > Saracen 10/30/2015 at 17:43

0

yeah, if you think a gas engine _____ will these weights and drag will ever get great mileage you are kidding yourself. As for the engine, its more powerful...ish. It has more peak power but its only because it peaks higher. Unless you are above 6000, they are about the same. The transmission on the Toyota sounds like it needs more calibration work.

ColoradoTaco > HammerheadFistpunch 10/30/2015 at 17:53

0

I can safely say after 8 1/2 months with my Taco i don’t feel it ‘hunts and pecks’ much at all, be it on flat ground or over a mountain pass. I will say I feel it hold a gear for a tick too long on some of the bigger inclines though.

HammerheadFistpunch > ColoradoTaco 10/30/2015 at 17:56

0

old 5 speed or new 6 speed?

ColoradoTaco > HammerheadFistpunch 10/30/2015 at 17:58

0

5 speed auto. It’s a 15 double cab with the off road pack

HammerheadFistpunch > ColoradoTaco 10/30/2015 at 18:01

0

gotcha, yeah this is the new 6 speed truck, it sounds like the calibration isn’t right just yet.

6Cylinder > HammerheadFistpunch 10/30/2015 at 18:28

0

I've been saying this about the drum brakes forever. There is basically zero weight in the rear so why would brakes need to be disc anyway? It's also pretty well known that drum brakes are damn reliable in the dirt and mud.

banjo cat ghost of oppo past > HammerheadFistpunch 10/30/2015 at 18:35

0

I read this article before bed last night. Yeah because of those differences in trim level I’m almost not sure which I’d rather take home but it’s tots leaning towad the Taco, because TRD/ offroad chops. If the Colorado were in a ZR package and I got to hear their thoughts it might change, its quietness and engine refinement sounded nice but gad I dunno about that interior

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/30/2015 at 18:53

0

He has no compunction about doing v6 Audi timing belts

He says that, but will he do one on an APB motor? The easiest way to do that is to remove the front lock carrier and swing it out to the side. Experienced people can just slide it forward a few inches, but still.

#Evil2000VWProducts

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 10/30/2015 at 19:29

0

oh yeah, he knows how to make a VAG product assume the position. He can beat book hours on that job and make good hourly. Tacoma rear brakes? Not so much.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 10/30/2015 at 19:41

0

That’s because Toyota drum brakes are crap to fix. I’ve taken the front off the S4 before, and it is due for a timing belt. The parts aren’t bad costwise.

I’m just waiting until next year.

ly2v8-Brian > HammerheadFistpunch 10/30/2015 at 21:26

0

Dam not damn.

ly2v8-Brian > HammerheadFistpunch 10/30/2015 at 21:33

0

Hardly. I have zero problems with my Chevy. You have your own biases to look past if you are going to question someone else's.

HammerheadFistpunch > ly2v8-Brian 10/30/2015 at 21:53

0

I grew up with chevys we’ve had 4 C/K trucks.