1990 Toyota MR2 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Toyota MR2 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 61 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 121 kg more than 1990 Toyota MR2.
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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf, 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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1990 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Toyota MR2 | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | MR2 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2164 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| 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 | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
