Mazda Miata vs Toyota MR2

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Mazda Miata

General
Make Mazda
Year 2002
Engine Location Front
Drive Type Rear Wheel
Weight 2387 lbs | 1082.7 kg.
Gears 5
Transmission Type manual

Dimensions | Chassis | Body Length 155.701 in | 3954.8 mm. | 4.0 m.
Width 66.001 in | 1676.4 mm. | 1.7 m.
Height 48.401 in | 1229.4 mm. | 1.2 m.
Wheelbase 89.201 in | 2265.7 mm. | 2.3 m

Engine
Cylinders 4
Engine Configuration Inline
Aspiration/Induction Normal
Displacement 1.8 L | 110 cu in. | 1803 cc.
Valves NA
Valvetrain DOHC
Horsepower 104.5 Kw / 142 BHP @ 7000 RPM
Torque 169.5 Nm / 125 Ft-lbs @ 5500 RPM

Toyota MR2 Spyder

General
Make Toyota
Year 2003
Engine Location Mid
Drive Type Rear Wheel
Weight 2195 lbs | 995.7 kg.
Gears 5
Transmission Type manual

Dimensions | Chassis | Body
Length 153.001 in | 3886.2 mm. | 3.9 m.
Width 66.701 in | 1694.2 mm. | 1.7 m.
Height 48.201 in | 1224.3 mm. | 1.2 m.
Wheelbase 96.501 in | 2451.1 mm. | 2.5 m.
Front Track 58.101 in | 1475.8 mm. | 1.5 m.
Rear Track 57.501 in | 1460.5 mm. | 1.5 m.

Engine
Cylinders 4
Engine Configuration Inline
Aspiration/Induction Normal
Displacement 1.8 L | 110 cu in. | 1803 cc.
Valves 16. 4 valves per cylinder.
Valvetrain DOHC
Horsepower 101.6 Kw / 138 HP @ 6400 RPM
Torque 169.5 Nm / 125 Ft-lbs @ 4001 RPM

[Ferrari Tifosi]

This is a tough choice, as they both great cars. But in the end I believe I would pick the MX-5, it looks better in my opinion and I think the performance is better.

[KnifeEdge_2K1]

MX5 handles better
mr2 is more twitchy and the fact that it has no practicallity whatsoever tarnishes it's appeal

[DodgeNitroBIRM]

Though it has no practicallity, I'll go with the MR2. I've always been a fan of the mid-engine 4 cylinder. But I wish it stayed a hard top or that hard removable top than the convertable it is now, but I still think it looks good with the hard top style similar to what the MX5 (Miata for us in the US) has as an option.

[Coventrysucks]

Just because it is mid-engined, it doesn't automatically make it good.

The MX5/ Miata has been widely praised throughout its life for being one of the best handling cars around.

The "new" MR2 isn't considered to be as acomplished as the MX5.
Also Toyota forgot to include any sort of luggage space, so all it is good for is driving-around-a-bit.

[DodgeNitroBIRM]

Well, with the top down, the MX5 really doesn't have much room either. A downfall of any convertable.

I also agree that being mid-engined doesn't make it good, mid-engine cars usually have a higher difficulty for driving than with a Front-engine, rear drive car. With the weight being in the rear, they have a naturaly oversteering handling style.

There is also the fact that the body lines of the MX5 have been mostly the same since introduction, the MR2 has changed widely since introduction, from a triangular look, to a smooth, F355 look, and now the convertable. The MX5 has always had that rounded look, mostly the front facia has been the only noticable change.

[Coventrysucks]

Well, with the top down, the MX5 really doesn't have much room either. A downfall of any convertable.

True, at 144 litres, you can't fit much into the MX-5's 'cargo area'.
However it is 144 litres more than you get with the MR2.

[DodgeNitroBIRM]

Yeah, I know. Just enough for the spare tire.

[SilverArrowZ]

i'm a toyota fanatic.. so i'll go with the mr2.

it has lower hp, but remember it is lighter and the MR layout will give it better acceleration, and remember there is TRD bolt on supercharger for it, nice if you want a little more power.

but the miata is just as good, great handling and a good drift machine too. I actually did plan to get a miata if i got money but well, i don't.. lol.. its FR layout makes it easier to drift (what i mean is it is easier to control.. anyway..) and i dunno about the mr2 spyder but the mr2 AW20 oversteer greately due to the weight at the back of the car.

just my thoughts...

[KnifeEdge_2K1]

Though it has no practicallity, I'll go with the MR2. I've always been a fan of the mid-engine 4 cylinder. But I wish it stayed a hard top or that hard removable top than the convertable it is now, but I still think it looks good with the hard top style similar to what the MX5 (Miata for us in the US) has as an option.

the mr2 3rd gen DOES have a removable hard top

[KnifeEdge_2K1]

Well, with the top down, the MX5 really doesn't have much room either. A downfall of any convertable.

I also agree that being mid-engined doesn't make it good, mid-engine cars usually have a higher difficulty for driving than with a Front-engine, rear drive car. With the weight being in the rear, they have a naturaly oversteering handling style.

that makes no sense

[DodgeNitroBIRM]

the mr2 3rd gen DOES have a removable hard top

I'm talking about the center being able to be removed, not the whole roof.

And what part of that you didn't get?

[KnifeEdge_2K1]

I'm talking about the center being able to be removed, not the whole roof.

And what part of that you didn't get?

what?

are you talking about the t-bar style roof? cuz the sides are removable the center is the bar connecting the windshield assembly to the rear

[DodgeNitroBIRM]

Yeah, I suppose it was the T-top style. But I thought it's center part of the roof could be removed like a Corvette.

[KnifeEdge_2K1]

yeah prolly
and as for your previous comment about how weight in the back gives it oversteering characteristics thats flawed
oversteer understeer neutral steer are induced by many dif factors
and even if all other factors are eliminated having weight in the rear doesnt automatically make it oversteer since through a corner the car is subjected to centrifugal (no centripetal) force which acts on the cog, if there is enough weight in the front the cg will be directly centered between teh axles giving it neutral handling
the rear weight actually increases traction which will give it understeering characteristics under acceleration