2005 Suzuki Baleno vs. 1998 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2005 Suzuki Baleno is newer by 7 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 88 more horse power than 2005 Suzuki Baleno. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2005 Suzuki Baleno. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 345 kg more than 2005 Suzuki Baleno. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Suzuki Baleno, 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 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Suzuki Baleno. (103 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Suzuki Baleno.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Suzuki Baleno | 1998 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Suzuki | Toyota |
| Model | Baleno | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3880 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2410 mm |
