1989 Toyota MR2 vs. 1974 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1989 Toyota MR2 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Toyota MR2 (221 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Carina. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1974 Toyota Carina. 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, 1989 Toyota MR2 (305 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1989 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Toyota MR2 | 1974 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | MR2 | Carina |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2430 mm |
