1983 Nissan Sunny vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Nissan Sunny. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Nissan Sunny 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 99 more horse power than 1983 Nissan Sunny. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1983 Nissan Sunny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 371 kg more than 1983 Nissan Sunny. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Nissan Sunny, 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, 1996 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Nissan Sunny. (122 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Nissan Sunny.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Nissan Sunny | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Sunny | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1487 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 864 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
