2002 Toyota MR2 vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2002 Toyota MR2 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota MR2 (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 790 kg more than 1979 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Toyota MR2 (170 Nm) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (116 Nm). This means 2002 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Toyota MR2 | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | MR2 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
