2005 Toyota MR2 vs. 2002 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2005 Toyota MR2 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,830 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota MR2 (138 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (127 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 84 kg more than 2005 Toyota MR2.
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, 2002 Toyota Corolla, 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, both vehicles can yield 170 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2002 Toyota Corolla 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. 2002 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Toyota MR2 | 2002 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | MR2 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1802 cc | 1830 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 60 L |
