2005 Toyota MR2 vs. 1978 Honda Accord
To start off, 2005 Toyota MR2 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,802 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota MR2 (138 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 106 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Honda Accord, 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, 2005 Toyota MR2 (170 Nm) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm). This means 2005 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord. 1978 Honda Accord has automatic transmission and 2005 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 2005 Toyota MR2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Toyota MR2 | 1978 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Toyota | Honda |
| Model | MR2 | Accord |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1802 cc | 1601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 50 L |
