2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1991 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1991 Toyota MR2. (154 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1991 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Toyota MR2. (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1991 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
