1979 Mazda 929 vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda 929 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 83 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 929. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1979 Mazda 929. 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 929. (160 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 929 | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 929 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
