1989 Toyota MR2 vs. 1997 TVR Speed 12
To start off, 1997 TVR Speed 12 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 7,730 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 TVR Speed 12 (800 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 579 more horse power than 1989 Toyota MR2. (221 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 1989 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 238 kg more than 1997 TVR Speed 12.
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, 1997 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 576 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Toyota MR2. (305 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 TVR Speed 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Toyota MR2 | 1997 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | Toyota | TVR |
| Model | MR2 | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 7730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 800 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 337 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
