2008 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1995 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1995 Toyota MR2. (173 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1995 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1995 Toyota MR2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 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 1995 Toyota MR2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1995 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
| Model | 159 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
