1996 Toyota MR2 vs. 1986 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Toyota Corolla 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 50 more horse power than 1986 Toyota Corolla. (123 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1986 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1986 Toyota Corolla. 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Toyota Corolla. (142 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota MR2 | 1986 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | MR2 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
