1996 Toyota MR2 vs. 1990 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 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 83 more horse power than 1990 Toyota Corolla. (90 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1990 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1990 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Toyota MR2 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Toyota Corolla, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota MR2 | 1990 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | MR2 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1015 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
