2004 Honda Civic vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 8 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 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Civic (123 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1996 Toyota MR2. (74 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 494 kg more than 2004 Honda Civic.
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, 2004 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, 2004 Honda Civic (152 Nm) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota MR2. (131 Nm). This means 2004 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Civic | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1671 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1121 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 75 L |
