1996 Toyota MR2 vs. 1987 TVR 420
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 TVR 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 TVR 420 would be higher. At 4,225 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 TVR 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 TVR 420 (300 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1996 Toyota MR2. (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 TVR 420 should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1987 TVR 420.
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, 1987 TVR 420 (393 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1987 TVR 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota MR2 | 1987 TVR 420 | |
| Make | Toyota | TVR |
| Model | MR2 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4225 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
