1996 Toyota MR2 vs. 1973 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen 1302 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 139 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 485 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen 1302. 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 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota MR2 | 1973 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | MR2 | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1191 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
