1990 Ford Escort vs. 1999 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1999 Toyota MR2 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Toyota MR2 (140 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1990 Ford Escort. (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Escort weights approximately 85 kg more than 1999 Toyota MR2.
Because 1999 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 1999 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Ford Escort, 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, 1999 Toyota MR2 (183 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Escort. (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Escort | 1999 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Escort | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2440 mm |
