2003 Mazda 6 vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 6. (145 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1996 Toyota MR2.
Because 1996 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 1996 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6, 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, 2003 Mazda 6 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 6 | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 6 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
