2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1989 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Toyota MR2 (221 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1989 Toyota MR2.
Because 1989 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 1989 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1989 Toyota MR2 (305 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1989 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
| Model | 156 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
