2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1990 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1990 Toyota MR2. (135 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1990 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 209 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Toyota MR2. (196 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Toyota MR2. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1990 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 1990 Toyota MR2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1990 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Explorer | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
