2004 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (82 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Civic weights approximately 35 kg more than 1998 Toyota MR2.
Because 1998 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 1998 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, 1998 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (152 Nm @ 1000 RPM). This means 1998 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 1998 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | Civic | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1339 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
