1999 Toyota MR2 vs. 1978 Triumph TR7
To start off, 1999 Toyota MR2 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Triumph TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Triumph TR7 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Triumph TR7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Toyota MR2 (140 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1978 Triumph TR7. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Triumph TR7 weights approximately 108 kg more than 1999 Toyota MR2.
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, 1999 Toyota MR2 (183 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph TR7. (161 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph TR7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Toyota MR2 | 1978 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | Toyota | Triumph |
| Model | MR2 | TR7 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1048 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
