1996 Toyota Carina vs. 1984 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1996 Toyota Carina is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 1,975 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Toyota MR2 (83 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Carina. (82 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Carina weights approximately 275 kg more than 1984 Toyota MR2.
Because 1984 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 1984 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Carina, 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, 1996 Toyota Carina (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Toyota MR2. (118 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Carina | 1984 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Carina | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1975 cc | 1453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 40 L |
