1973 Honda Civic vs. 2005 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2005 Toyota MR2 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota MR2 (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1973 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 393 kg more than 1973 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Toyota MR2 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2005 Toyota MR2 (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda Civic | 2005 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Civic | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1168 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2340 mm |
