1959 Subaru 360 vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Subaru 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Subaru 360 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1959 Subaru 360. (14 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1959 Subaru 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 850 kg more than 1959 Subaru 360. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Subaru 360. (30 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Subaru 360.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Subaru 360 | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Subaru | Toyota |
| Model | 360 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 385 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1780 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
