2002 Toyota MR2 vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota MR2 (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 344 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic, 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, 2008 Honda Civic (174 Nm) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota MR2. (170 Nm). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota MR2. 2008 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2002 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 2002 Toyota MR2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Toyota MR2 | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Toyota | Honda |
| Model | MR2 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 50 L |
