1996 Toyota Corolla vs. 2005 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2005 Toyota MR2 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,792 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota MR2 (150 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 33 kg more than 1996 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 MR2 (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (131 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Corolla | 2005 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Corolla | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1762 cc | 1792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 48 L |
