1996 Toyota MR2 vs. 2010 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota MR2 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 55 more horse power than 2010 Alfa Romeo 159. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2010 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1996 Toyota MR2.
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, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota MR2 | 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Toyota | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | MR2 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
