1999 Toyota Solara vs. 2005 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2005 Toyota MR2 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Toyota Solara would be higher. At 2,164 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota MR2 (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1999 Toyota Solara. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1999 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Toyota Solara weights approximately 312 kg more than 2005 Toyota MR2.
Because 2005 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 2005 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Toyota Solara, 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, 1999 Toyota Solara (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Toyota MR2. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1999 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Toyota Solara | 2005 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Solara | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2164 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2340 mm |
