1990 Toyota MR2 vs. 2005 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2005 Toyota Corolla is newer by 15 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 46 more horse power than 2005 Toyota Corolla. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 200 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, 2005 Toyota Corolla, 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, 2005 Toyota Corolla (215 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Toyota MR2. (196 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Toyota MR2 | 2005 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | MR2 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2164 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
