2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1990 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 12 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 22 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 130 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (275 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Toyota MR2. (196 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1990 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
| Model | 156 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 186 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
