1987 Talbot Horizon vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Talbot Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Talbot Horizon 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 116 more horse power than 1987 Talbot Horizon. (57 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1987 Talbot Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1987 Talbot Horizon. 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, 1987 Talbot Horizon, 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 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Talbot Horizon. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Talbot Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Talbot Horizon | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Talbot | Toyota |
| Model | Horizon | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 70 L |
