1990 Toyota MR2 vs. 1985 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1990 Toyota MR2 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 2,164 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Toyota MR2 (135 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1990 Toyota MR2 (196 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. (74 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1990 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Toyota MR2 | 1985 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | MR2 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2164 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 59 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
