'95 Civic vs. '91 MR2

Which car has more potential, considering possible engine swaps and aftermarket availability? Which car is easier to work on? Which one would be cheaper if you wanted 200 whp? I know the mr2 turbo comes with 200 bhp stock, but I wouldn't want a '91 enigne. It would be too old and have too many miles, so assume I would be swapping. Thanks.

MR2 = RWD :bigthumb:

Civic = FWD :loser:

I know, I know. Several threads I've read recently, however, contend that while RWD gave a significant handling advantage with older cars, with today's technology, the difference between RWD and FWD is not as noticeable as it used to be. I've also heard that the difference only becomes noticeable with huge hp numbers, and I wouldn't try for much more than 230.

well... i'm gonna go MR2... not just cause i have one, but i figure that if it's good enough of a layout (mid engine, rwd) for F1 and Lemans style super performance car, there's got to be something to it.
jay's right, FWD = teh :disappoin

Good point. I hear the MR2 engine is crammed into the engine bay, though, so it's really hard to work on. Since you have one, do you find this to be true?

well... i have a mk1 that's currently a 1.5 in the process :biggrin:

but.... for me, it isn't hard to do engine stuff... well at least right now
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/569184DSCN2125.JPG


for a mk2 though... it doesn't seem too terribly crowded
here's a good site with pics + annotations http://mr2.noegruts.com/engine/engine.htm

I know, I know. Several threads I've read recently, however, contend that while RWD gave a significant handling advantage with older cars, with today's technology, the difference between RWD and FWD is not as noticeable as it used to be. I've also heard that the difference only becomes noticeable with huge hp numbers, and I wouldn't try for much more than 230.

Hmm.. I think from around the 200bhp mark, the argument for RWD becomes a lot more convincing...

ac427cpe, thanks for the site. As far as the 200 bhp mark, I heard it was more around 400+, but that could be wrong. If you haven't read it, read the RWD vs. FWD thread in the Comparisons forum. That's where I heard all of this stuff.

ac427cpe, thanks for the site. As far as the 200 bhp mark, I heard it was more around 400+, but that could be wrong. If you haven't read it, read the RWD vs. FWD thread in the Comparisons forum. That's where I heard all of this stuff.

400bhp sounds very wrong to me... ill check out the thread

Ok. Also, because MR2's are pretty rare, isn't it hard to find parts for them? In most performace parts advertisements, I hardly ever see applications for the MR2.

i dont' think that they're THAT rare... you just don't see a lot of them around, so... naturally, less volume = less specific performance parts

MR2...hands down...

How much (your best guess) would a '92 mr2 (non-turbo) with 150k miles cost if it was in good condition? Do people do engine swaps with Toyotas, or is that just a Honda thing? If so, what would I swap into an Mr2? Sorry for so many questions, I just want to know a lot about this car.

you could swap a jdm mr2 motor and it would depend on if you want a turbo or n/a mr2

ive seen nice 91 turbo mr2' for like 3200 probally less

Wow, that's less than I thought it would be. Thanks.

if you look hard, you can find everything you need for a swap for pretty cheap, i found a '98 JDM 3sgte for 3500 shipped to AZ (for me)

and your swap would be a LOT easier than mine...