1979 Honda Accord vs. 2004 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2004 Toyota MR2 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota MR2 (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1979 Honda Accord. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1979 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Honda Accord, 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, 2004 Toyota MR2 (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Accord. (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Accord | 2004 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Accord | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 48 L |
