1990 Toyota MR2 vs. 2012 Hyundai Elantra
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 22 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, 2012 Hyundai Elantra (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1990 Toyota MR2. (135 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1990 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 157 kg more than 1990 Toyota MR2. 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, 2012 Hyundai Elantra, 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Hyundai Elantra. (184 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1990 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Hyundai Elantra. 2012 Hyundai Elantra has automatic transmission and 1990 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 1990 Toyota MR2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Hyundai Elantra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Toyota MR2 | 2012 Hyundai Elantra | |
| Make | Toyota | Hyundai |
| Model | MR2 | Elantra |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2164 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4486 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
