1998 Opel Astra vs. 1990 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 2,164 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Toyota MR2 (135 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 25 kg more than 1990 Toyota MR2.
Because 1990 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 1990 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra, 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, 1990 Toyota MR2 (196 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Astra. (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1990 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Astra | 1990 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Opel | Toyota |
| Model | Astra | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.6 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2610 mm |
