2009 Nissan 370Z vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2009 Nissan 370Z is newer by 13 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 3,699 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1996 Toyota MR2. (173 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 319 kg more than 1996 Toyota MR2. 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, 2009 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan 370Z | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | 370Z | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3699 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 332 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.4:1 |
| 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 | 1554 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
