Impressions on the Toyota MR2 Spyder?

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What are your impressions of the new MR2? Did Toyota have a good product to compete with the Miata? Comments appreciated. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/smile.gif

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The mr2 has a better p/w ratio and is quicker, but I still think the Miata has the better style and the miata is more practicle for storage space(at least compared to the mr2)I don't know why toyota didn't use the 180hp gts engine. Just think you could have boxster style and performance for just under $25k. I think Mazda will be bumping up the miata's hp to around 150-160 next year, and hopefully the 6spd will come back.

[ChuckH]

I think it's pretty cool, although I have not been in one yet. The styling and execution kind of remind me of the Lotus Elise in a way. I have not driven a new Miata, but I drove one of the earlier models and was not all that impressed. It just felt like a little rattle trap, and it was noisy and hard to get in and out of. I'll have to go check out the new MR2.

Charles


<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 99ESMAX:
What are your impressions of the new MR2? Did Toyota have a good product to compete with the Miata? Comments appreciated. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/smile.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

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I saw a black one with the top down last week in my college campus. It's kinda weird looking-and I really mistaken it for a Boxter for a while!! http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/grin.gif

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Why would it be heavier?, I thought it was the same engine with diferent cams. and Even if they are diferent engines arent they both aluminum 1.8L four's.

[noelsaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 99ESMAX:
What are your impressions of the new MR2? Did Toyota have a good product to compete with the Miata? Comments appreciated. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/smile.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It seems like every magazine on the planet did a comparo between the new MR2 Spyder and the Miata; R&T, SCC, Car, etc.

Most reviewers like the classic styling and prefer the control arm suspension of the Miata. On the other hand the mid engine design even with rudimentary struts allows the car to still outhandle the Miata in certain circumstances. The MR2 also has a engine that's smoother and has more top-end power than the Miata's.

Personally, even I'd still take the Miata over the MR2 on looks. Call me superficial. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by noelsaw (edited 07-06-2000).]

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The MR2 isnt bad. Ive heard many people complain on why didnt they put the GT-S engine in it instead of the GT engine. Well its all about weight. That GT-S engine is quite a bit heavier and that car was designed to be quick and good handling not over all speed. Yea with the 180 horses it would be a little quicker but the whole package would have been thrown off. I like them dont like the Drop top tho. Like the old Mark 1 MR2's tho http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/wink.gif

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The GT-S engine is like 200 lbs heaver I think. Will have to pull out some mags to check. It is close to the same engine but isnt. Dont know how or why.

[noelsaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bowlcut:
The GT-S engine is like 200 lbs heaver I think. Will have to pull out some mags to check. It is close to the same engine but isnt. Dont know how or why.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't know if it's that much heaver. I've read in C/D that the engine is almost the same minus no variable lift just timing and the block has a longer stroke but smaller bore.