1996 Toyota MR2 vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 2,759 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Soarer (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1996 Toyota MR2. (74 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Soarer should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1981 Toyota Soarer.
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, 1981 Toyota Soarer (235 Nm) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota MR2. (131 Nm). This means 1981 Toyota Soarer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota MR2. 1981 Toyota Soarer has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota MR2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Soarer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota MR2 | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | MR2 | Soarer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2759 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
