1989 Mazda 323 vs. 1991 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1991 Toyota MR2 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Toyota MR2 (154 HP) has 80 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1989 Mazda 323. 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, 1991 Toyota MR2 (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (104 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1991 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda 323 | 1991 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 323 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1324 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 154 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 71 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
