2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1989 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Toyota MR2 (221 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 Toyota MR2 (305 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1989 Toyota MR2 | |
Make | Mazda | Toyota |
Model | MX-5 Miata | MR2 |
Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 124 HP | 221 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 167 Nm | 305 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 86 mm |
Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1240 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4150 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |