2001 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1984 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 1,773 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1984 Toyota MR2. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1984 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 390 kg more than 1984 Toyota MR2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Toyota MR2. (118 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1984 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
| Model | Spider | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1773 cc | 1453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
