1975 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1989 Toyota MR2 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Toyota MR2 (221 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1975 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1975 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 565 kg more than 1975 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1989 Toyota MR2 (305 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Honda Civic. (80 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Honda Civic | 1989 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Civic | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
