1996 Toyota MR2 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota MR2 | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | MR2 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
