Toyota MR2 — Generations, Specs & Review

Generations: what changed, in numbers

From 1 generation to 2 generation, the largest naturally aspirated four grows from 1587 cm³ to 2166 cm³ and peak listed power from 125 hp to 180 hp without boost, then to 245 hp with Turbo. From 2 generation to 3 generation, the body type changes from Coupe to Roadster, the tank shrinks from 55 L to 48 L, and the lightest measured kerb weight falls from 1145 kg (2.2 MT) to 972 kg.

1 generation (1984-06-01 to 1990-01-31) is a Coupe with three versions, all 1.6-litre Gasoline, no boost. Power is 115 hp or 125 hp. Ground clearance is 140 mm on every version — the highest figure in the whole MR2 file. Engine position, tank size, kerb weight, gross weight, fuel use, CO2 and eco class are not measured. Rear suspension and rear brakes are not measured. You buy this generation only if you want the smallest displacements (1578 cm³ or 1587 cm³) and the 140 mm clearance; you do not buy it for documented mass or economy.

2 generation (1989-10-01 to 1999-10-31) is a Coupe and the only generation with Turbo versions. Displacements are 1998 cm³ on every 2.0 AT and 2.0 MT, then 2164 cm³ on 2.2 MT and 2166 cm³ on 2.2 AT. The tank is 55 L on every version that lists a tank — 7 L more than 3 generation’s 48 L. Clearance is 130 mm or 135 mm. This is the generation where peak power jumps: naturally aspirated 2.0-litre cars are 165, 170 or 180 hp; Turbo 2.0-litre cars are 175, 208, 225 or 245 hp. It is also the generation with the most “not measured” cells on 0–100, top speed and fuel use.

3 generation (1999-10-01 to 2007-07-31) is the only Roadster. Four versions share one engine: 1794 cm³, 140 hp (103 kW) at 6400 rpm, 172 Nm at 4400 rpm, boost No, Central, compression 10, bore and stroke 79 × 91.5, fuel 95. The choice is gearbox only: Manual 5 (1.8 MT5), Manual 6 (1.8 MT6), Robotic 5 (1.8 TFT5), Robotic 6 (1.8 TFT6). Kerb weight is 972 kg on three versions and 980 kg on 1.8 TFT6 — 8 kg more. Combined fuel use is 7.4 L/100 km on all four; that is 1.7 L/100 km less than the 9.1 L/100 km combined figure on the 2 generation cars that publish economy.

Engines and specs

All versions: Gasoline, Inline, 4 cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, RWD. Fuel grade is 95 everywhere it is listed. Injection is Distributed injection (multi-point) on every version.

Version | Generation | hp | Nm | cm³ | Boost | Gearbox | Drive ---|---|---|---|---|---|---|--- 1.6 MT (125 hp) | 1 generation | 125 (92 kW) at 6600 rpm | 142 at 5200 | 1578 | No | Manual 5 | RWD 1.6 MT (115 hp) | 1 generation | 115 (84 kW) at 6600 rpm | 135 at 4800 | 1587 | No | Manual 5 | RWD 1.6 AT (125 hp) | 1 generation | 125 (92 kW) at 6600 rpm | 142 at 5200 | 1578 | No | Automatic 4 | RWD 2.0 AT (165 hp) | 2 generation | 165 (121 kW) at 6800 rpm | 191 at 4800 | 1998 | No | Automatic 4 | RWD 2.0 MT (165 hp) | 2 generation | 165 (121 kW) at 6800 rpm | 191 at 4800 | 1998 | No | Manual 5 | RWD 2.0 AT (170 hp) | 2 generation | 170 (125 kW) at 6600 rpm | 191 at 4800 | 1998 | No | Automatic 4 | RWD 2.0 AT (175 hp) | 2 generation | 175 (128 kW) at 7000 rpm | 186 at 4800 | 1998 | Turbo | Automatic 4 | RWD 2.0 MT (175 hp) | 2 generation | 175 (129 kW) at 7000 rpm | 186 at 4800 | 1998 | Turbo | Manual 5 | RWD 2.0 MT (180 hp) | 2 generation | 180 (132 kW) at 7000 rpm | 191 at 4800 | 1998 | No | Manual 5 | RWD 2.0 MT (208 hp) | 2 generation | 208 (153 kW) at 6000 rpm | 275 at 3200 | 1998 | Turbo | Manual 4 | RWD 2.0 MT (225 hp, compression 10.3) | 2 generation | 225 (165 kW) at 6000 rpm | 304 at 3200 | 1998 | Turbo | Manual 5 | RWD 2.0 MT (225 hp, compression 8.8) | 2 generation | 225 (165 kW) at 6000 rpm | 304 at 3200 | 1998 | Turbo | Manual 5 | RWD 2.0 MT (245 hp) | 2 generation | 245 (180 kW) at 6000 rpm | 304 at 4000 | 1998 | Turbo | Manual 5 | RWD 2.2 MT | 2 generation | 136 (100 kW) at 5400 rpm | 190 at 4400 | 2164 | No | Manual 5 | RWD 2.2 AT | 2 generation | 136 (100 kW) at 5400 rpm | 196 at 4000 | 2166 | No | Automatic 4 | RWD 1.8 TFT6 | 3 generation | 140 (103 kW) at 6400 rpm | 172 at 4400 | 1794 | No | Robotic 6 | RWD 1.8 MT6 | 3 generation | 140 (103 kW) at 6400 rpm | 172 at 4400 | 1794 | No | Manual 6 | RWD 1.8 TFT5 | 3 generation | 140 (103 kW) at 6400 rpm | 172 at 4400 | 1794 | No | Robotic 5 | RWD 1.8 MT5 | 3 generation | 140 (103 kW) at 6400 rpm | 172 at 4400 | 1794 | No | Manual 5 | RWD

Power per litre (hp divided by displacement in litres): 2.0 MT 245 hp is 122.6 hp/L; 2.0 MT 225 hp is 112.6 hp/L; 2.0 MT 208 hp is 104.1 hp/L; 2.0 MT 180 hp is 90.1 hp/L; 2.0 AT 175 hp Turbo is 87.6 hp/L; 2.0 AT 170 hp is 85.1 hp/L; 2.0 AT 165 hp is 82.6 hp/L; 1.6 MT 125 hp is 79.2 hp/L; 3 generation 140 hp is 78.0 hp/L; 1.6 MT 115 hp is 72.5 hp/L; 2.2 MT 136 hp is 62.8 hp/L; 2.2 AT 136 hp is 62.8 hp/L. The 2.2-litre pair is the least specific in this catalogue: more cubic centimetres than the 2.0 Turbo cars, 109 hp less than 2.0 MT 245 hp (245 − 136).

Engine position is Central on every 3 generation version and on most 2 generation versions. Exceptions that matter when you buy: 2.0 MT 208 hp is Rear; 2.2 AT is Front, transverse; 1 generation engine position is not measured.

Compression ratio is a buying filter on the 2.0 Turbo manuals: 2.0 MT 225 hp exists twice — compression 10.3 (0–100 7.1 s, top speed 240 km/h, kerb 1210 kg) and compression 8.8 (0–100 not measured, top speed not measured, kerb 1270 kg, 60 kg heavier). 2.0 MT 208 hp also uses compression 8.8. 2.0 MT 245 hp uses 8.5. The 175 hp Turbo pair uses 10.3.

Performance and economy

Measured 0–100 km/h, fastest to slowest: 2.0 MT 225 hp (compression 10.3) 7.1 s; 2.0 AT 175 hp Turbo and 2.0 MT 175 hp Turbo both 7.5 s; 1.8 MT5 7.9 s; 1.8 MT6 8.0 s; 1.6 MT 125 hp 8.4 s; 1.6 MT 115 hp 9.0 s; 1.8 TFT5 9.2 s; 1.8 TFT6 9.3 s; 2.2 MT 9.5 s.

Not measured for 0–100 km/h: 1.6 AT; 2.0 AT 165 hp; 2.0 MT 165 hp; 2.0 AT 170 hp; 2.0 MT 180 hp; 2.0 MT 208 hp; 2.0 MT 225 hp (compression 8.8); 2.0 MT 245 hp; 2.2 AT.

Top speed, where measured: 2.0 MT 225 hp (compression 10.3) 240 km/h; both 175 hp Turbo versions 225 km/h; all four 3 generation versions 210 km/h; 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT 200 km/h; 1.6 MT 125 hp 200 km/h; 1.6 MT 115 hp 190 km/h. All other versions: top speed not measured.

Fuel use is published only on the four 3 generation versions and on four 2 generation versions (2.0 AT 175 hp, 2.0 MT 175 hp, 2.0 MT 225 hp compression 10.3, 2.2 MT). 3 generation: city 10.1, highway 5.9, combined 7.4 L/100 km. Those four 2 generation cars: combined 9.1 L/100 km. The 175 hp and 225 hp Turbo cars that publish economy share city 12.8 and highway 7 L/100 km; 2.2 MT is city 12 and highway 7. CO2 is not measured on any version. Eco class is not measured on any version.

On 3 generation, Manual versus Robotic does not change the published L/100 km figures. It does change the sprint: 1.8 MT5 is 1.4 s faster to 100 km/h than 1.8 TFT5 (9.2 − 7.9) and 1.4 s faster than 1.8 TFT6 (9.3 − 7.9). The sixth ratio on 1.8 MT6 costs 0.1 s versus 1.8 MT5 (8.0 − 7.9). The sixth ratio on 1.8 TFT6 costs 0.1 s versus 1.8 TFT5 (9.3 − 9.2).

Dimensions and weight

Kerb weight, lightest measured first: 1.8 MT6, 1.8 TFT5, 1.8 MT5 972 kg; 1.8 TFT6 980 kg; 2.2 MT 1145 kg; 2.0 MT 165 hp, 2.0 AT 175 hp Turbo, and 2.0 MT 225 hp (compression 10.3) 1210 kg; 2.0 AT 165 hp and 2.0 MT 180 hp 1240 kg; 2.0 MT 175 hp Turbo and 2.0 MT 208 hp 1260 kg; 2.0 AT 170 hp and 2.0 MT 225 hp (compression 8.8) 1270 kg; 2.0 MT 245 hp 1280 kg. Not measured: all three 1 generation versions; 2.2 AT.

Kilograms per horsepower (kerb ÷ hp), where both exist: 2.0 MT 245 hp 5.22 kg/hp; 2.0 MT 225 hp (compression 10.3) 5.38; 2.0 MT 225 hp (compression 8.8) 5.64; 2.0 MT 208 hp 6.06; 2.0 MT 180 hp 6.89; 2.0 AT 175 hp Turbo 6.91; 3 generation 972 kg cars 6.94; 1.8 TFT6 7.00; 2.0 MT 175 hp Turbo 7.20; 2.0 MT 165 hp 7.33; 2.0 AT 170 hp 7.47; 2.0 AT 165 hp 7.52; 2.2 MT 8.42. The 245 hp Coupe is 1.72 kg/hp lighter than the 140 hp Roadster at 972 kg (6.94 − 5.22). The 245 hp car is still 308 kg heavier in absolute kerb mass (1280 − 972).

Gross weight: 1.8 TFT6 1235 kg; 1.8 MT6, 1.8 TFT5, 1.8 MT5 1225 kg; 2.0 MT 208 hp 1370 kg; 2.0 AT 175 hp Turbo, 2.0 MT 175 hp Turbo, 2.0 MT 225 hp (compression 10.3), 2.2 MT 1570 kg. All other versions: gross weight not measured.

Ground clearance: 140 mm (1 generation, all three); 135 mm (2.0 AT 165 hp, 2.0 MT 165 hp, 2.0 MT 208 hp, 2.0 MT 225 hp compression 8.8, 2.2 AT); 130 mm (remaining 2 generation versions and all 3 generation). Buying for the highest listed clearance means 1 generation; buying for the lowest means 130 mm cars in 2 generation and every 3 generation Roadster.

Tank: 48 L (3 generation); 55 L (2 generation, every version); not measured (1 generation). Wheel sizes, where listed: 1.8 TFT6 185/55 R15 and 205/50 R15; 2.0 MT 208 hp and 2.2 AT 195/55 R15 and 225/50 R15. All other versions: wheels not measured.

Front suspension is Independent, spring on every version. Rear suspension is Independent, spring on 2 generation and 3 generation; not measured on 1 generation. Front brakes: Disc on 1 generation and 3 generation; Ventilated disc on 2 generation. Rear brakes: Disc ventilated on all 2 generation versions and on 1.8 TFT6; Disc on 1.8 MT6, 1.8 TFT5, 1.8 MT5; not measured on 1 generation.

Which version to choose

If the job is the shortest measured 0–100 in this file: 2.0 MT 225 hp with compression 10.3 (2 generation Coupe, Turbo, Manual 5, Central, 1210 kg, 7.1 s, 240 km/h, combined 9.1 L/100 km). That is 0.4 s faster than either 175 hp Turbo (7.5 s) and 0.8 s faster than 1.8 MT5. Versus the other 2.0 MT also rated 225 hp, this one is 60 kg lighter (1210 vs 1270) and is the only 225 hp car with a measured sprint and top speed.

If the job is maximum listed power and lowest kg/hp: 2.0 MT 245 hp (Turbo, Manual 5, Central, 245 hp, 304 Nm at 4000 rpm, compression 8.5, 1280 kg, 5.22 kg/hp). 0–100 is not measured; top speed is not measured; fuel use is not measured. You are buying the peak hp figure and the peak specific output (122.6 hp/L), not a documented sprint.

If the job is Turbo torque at low rpm: 2.0 MT 208 hp (Turbo, Manual 4 — the only 4-speed manual in the file — Rear, 275 Nm at 3200 rpm, compression 8.8, 1260 kg, wheels 195/55 R15 and 225/50 R15). Peak torque arrives 800 rpm earlier than on the 225 hp cars (3200 vs 4000 on the 245 hp car). 0–100, top speed and fuel use are not measured. This is also the only Rear engine position in the data.

If the job is a Turbo without a manual: the only Turbo Automatic is 2.0 AT 175 hp (128 kW at 7000 rpm, 186 Nm, Automatic 4, 1210 kg, 7.5 s, 225 km/h, combined 9.1 L/100 km). The matching 2.0 MT 175 hp is 50 kg heavier (1260 kg) and the same 7.5 s and 225 km/h. The extra hardware of the Manual 5 does not buy a faster catalogue sprint here.

If the job is naturally aspirated 2.0 with a manual: three 2.0 MT cars have boost No: 165 hp (1210 kg, 0–100 not measured), 180 hp (1240 kg, 0–100 not measured). The 180 hp car is 15 hp more than the 165 hp car and 30 kg heavier; kg/hp improves from 7.33 to 6.89. There is no measured 0–100 to say whether those 15 hp show up in a sprint.

If the job is a 2.0 Automatic without Turbo: 2.0 AT 165 hp (1240 kg, clearance 135 mm, compression 10.1) versus 2.0 AT 170 hp (1270 kg, clearance 130 mm, compression 10.3). The 170 hp car is +5 hp and +30 kg; kg/hp is 7.47 versus 7.52. Both have 0–100, top speed and fuel use not measured. You are choosing 5 hp and 5 mm of clearance, not a documented time.

If the job is the 2.2-litre Coupe: 2.2 MT (136 hp, 2164 cm³, Manual 5, Central, 1145 kg — lightest 2 generation kerb — 9.5 s, 200 km/h, combined 9.1 L/100 km). 2.2 AT (136 hp, 2166 cm³, Automatic 4, Front, transverse, 196 Nm at 4000 rpm versus 190 Nm at 4400 on the MT, top speed 200 km/h, kerb not measured, 0–100 not measured). The Automatic 2.2 is the only Front, transverse engine in the file. Combined economy on 2.2 MT matches the Turbo cars that publish 9.1 L/100 km, while power is 109 hp lower than 2.0 MT 245 hp. Buy 2.2 MT for the lowest 2 generation kerb mass and a measured 9.5 s; do not buy it for specific output (62.8 hp/L, worst with 2.2 AT).

If the job is the Roadster and a documented 7.4 L/100 km combined: stay in 3 generation. 1.8 MT5 is the fastest of the four (7.9 s) at 972 kg. 1.8 MT6 is 0.1 s slower, same 972 kg, Manual 6 instead of Manual 5. 1.8 TFT5 is 1.3 s slower than 1.8 MT5 at the same 972 kg (Robotic 5). 1.8 TFT6 is the only 3 generation car at 980 kg, the only one with gross 1235 kg instead of 1225 kg, the only one with rear brakes Disc ventilated, and the only 3 generation car with listed wheels (185/55 R15, 205/50 R15). Fuel figures do not change across the four. There is no price in this data; the “extra” of TFT6 versus MT5 is 8 kg, 1.4 s to 100 km/h, Robotic 6, and the only listed tyre sizes.

If the job is 1 generation: 1.6 MT 125 hp (1578 cm³, compression 11, 8.4 s, 200 km/h) versus 1.6 MT 115 hp (1587 cm³, compression 9.5, 9.0 s, 190 km/h). Same gearbox (Manual 5), same 140 mm clearance. The 125 hp car is 10 hp and 7 Nm more, 0.6 s faster, 10 km/h higher top speed, on 9 cm³ less displacement. 1.6 AT matches the 125 hp engine (125 hp, 142 Nm, 1578 cm³, compression 11) with Automatic 4; 0–100 and top speed are not measured. Kerb weight is not measured on any 1 generation car, so kg/hp cannot be computed.

Problems and reliability, as far as this file goes: the data does not list failure rates. What it does list is missing measurements. A 2 generation shopper who needs a documented 0–100 can only use 2.0 AT 175 hp Turbo, 2.0 MT 175 hp Turbo, 2.0 MT 225 hp (compression 10.3), or 2.2 MT. A shopper who needs documented combined L/100 km has those four plus all of 3 generation. CO2 and eco class cannot be compared at all: not measured on every version. Wheels cannot be compared except on 1.8 TFT6, 2.0 MT 208 hp, and 2.2 AT.

Short map: open car, lightest, measured sub-8 s → 1.8 MT5. Open car, Robotic, listed tyres → 1.8 TFT6. Coupe, fastest measured sprint → 2.0 MT 225 hp, compression 10.3. Coupe, most hp → 2.0 MT 245 hp. Coupe, Turbo Automatic → 2.0 AT 175 hp. Coupe, Rear engine, 4-speed manual → 2.0 MT 208 hp. Coupe, lightest 2 generation kerb → 2.2 MT. Smallest engine and highest clearance → 1.6 MT 125 hp.