2006 Mazda 6 vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2006 Mazda 6 is newer by 10 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 2,259 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 6. (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 6 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1996 Toyota MR2.
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, 2006 Mazda 6, 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, 2006 Mazda 6 (207 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 6 | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 6 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2259 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 207 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
