MR2 or 944 turbo

[stog20]

I am looking at both a MR2 turbo and a Porsche 944 turbo. They both run about the same 60 and 1/4 mile times but I have heard the Porsche handles much better. Also what about upgrades, I read on this forum $1000 will get you 250hp. What 1/4 time does this get you? Any info would be helpful

Thanks

[pdxvento]

it would be a lot cheaper to make the MR2 faster, imo. plus the mr2 is newer, right?

[JekylandHyde]

The Porsche is much heavier and will feel much heavier when you drive it.
The MR2 is not cheap to maintain/modify until you compare it to owning a 944T.
There is no choice in my mind, but I am very biased

[ATSAaron]

Its an interesting comparison. The basic 944 turbo is 250hp, the base MR2 is 200. Typical used car prices are about the same right now. However, the bottom end market prices probably represent neglected cars. IMO I think an MR2 can emerge from this history of neglect cheaper than a 944T.

I've read that 944's are prone to water pump problems that can destroy the timing belt and the motor. The 944 2.5 liter engine is an interference engine so timing belts must be replaced regularly. The Porsche specific tensioning toll used to be ~$400, but I have seen cheaper knock off on ebay recently.

Porshce clutch jobs are crazy expensive. The 944 tranny is in the rear and because of a funky torque tube design I've read the clutch labor is high.

Anyway, like Jekyl said I am biased too ;-)

Aaron
www.atsracing.net

[C_Sephiroth]

I would Most deffinatly go for the MR2. The Porch...heh is really expensive to maintain. Besides that the MR2 looks a hellova lot better.

[error4o4]

no doubt the mr2. i've driven both many times, and the mr2 handles much better in my opinion. the 944 feels heavier. also, repairs on a 944 turbo can get VERY EXPENSIVE very quick.

[ac427cpe]

how much are you willing to spend fixing the porsche/tuning the mr2?

cause those are gonna be where your money goes.

[saab9kturbo]

Originally Posted by JekylandHyde

The Porsche is much heavier and will feel much heavier when you drive it.
The MR2 is not cheap to maintain/modify until you compare it to owning a 944T.
There is no choice in my mind, but I am very biased

The stock curb weight is almost the same in both cars--that information is incorrect.