1996 Opel Astra vs. 1995 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1996 Opel Astra is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1996 Opel Astra. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1996 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 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 1995 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Opel Astra, 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, 1995 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Astra. (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1995 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Opel Astra | 1995 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Opel | Toyota |
| Model | Astra | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
