Performance Review: Toyota MR2 GT Mk2 Rev 1 - [1990]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Toyota MR2 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Toyota MR2 GT Mk2 Rev 1 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1990. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1991 Jaguar XJ R-15 6.0 V12 and the 1991 Jaguar XJ 220.This particular Toyota MR2 has a 1998cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St4's includes the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo

The MR2 shares its Petrol St4 engine configuration with the likes of the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo and the 2013 Caterham 7 620 R 2.0 L Supercharged. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the MR2's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1210 kgs (2667 lbs) this makes the Toyota MR2 GT Mk2 Rev 1 in the same weight category as the 2018 McLaren Senna 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Toyota MR2 shares the same bhp with the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp)

In terms of power the 1998cc 16V St4 engine produces 168 bhp (125 kW) @ 6600 rpm similar to the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp) or the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (177 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St4 throws out 140 lb-ft (189.8 Nm) @ 4800 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (162 lb-ft) or the 2016 Ford Fiesta ST 200 1.6 Turbo (159 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Toyota MR2 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2013 Volkswagen-VW Polo R WRC 2.0 Turbo (163.8 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Toyota MR2.

The Toyota MR2 has a Power to weight ratio of 138.8 bhp per ton and 115.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1990 MR2 competing with the 2013 Volkswagen-VW Polo R WRC 2.0 Turbo (163.8 bhp per ton) or the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Roadster (163.7 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Toyota MR2 generating around 115.7 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1998 BMW 3 Series 328CI Saloon E46 (140.7 lb-ft per ton) or the 2013 Seat Leon SC 1.8 FR Start-Stop DSG (140.7 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.20 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 7.4 secs, this made the Toyota MR2 GT Mk2 Rev 1 as fast as the 2018 Abarth 695 XSR Yamaha Automated (7.20 secs) the 2015 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTD 2.0 TDI DSG (7.20 secs) the 2014 Peugeot 308 GT 1.6 Turbo (7.20 secs) the or the 2013 Volvo S60 T5 2.5 Turbo (7.20 secs). This Toyota MR2 GT Mk2 Rev 1 is also faster than the 2019 Peugeot 508 PureTech 225 GT S and S (7.30 secs) the 2013 Seat Leon SC 2.0 TDI FR (7.30 secs) the 2013 Subaru BRZ 2L 210ps (7.30 secs) the and the 2013 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTD DSG 2.0 Turbo Diesel (7.30 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the MR2 and the 2007 Mazda 6 MPS 2.3T

When talking about the performance of the Toyota MR2 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.84 secs @ 86.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2007 Mazda 6 MPS 2.3T (15.78 secs), the 2011 Lexus GS 350 (15.79 secs), and the 1969 Plymouth Road Runner 440 V8 1st Gen (15.80 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1990 version of the Toyota MR2 GT Mk2 Rev 1 has a maximum speed of 137mph.

Top Speed of the 1990 MR2 equals the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo Auto (148 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1990 Toyota MR2 GT Mk2 Rev 1 then how about the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo Auto (148 mph), the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Woks 2.0 Turbo (148 mph), or the 2012 Jaguar XJ V6 (148 mph).

Related Links:

1990 MR2 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Toyota

Car Comparison