I find it amusing that MR2 fanboys say I'm biased towards the Fiero and Fiero fanboys say I'm biased towards the MR2. None of them actually know what biased means, and none of them have enough respect to appreciate a classic car that isn't from the company their dad told them to like.
Totally agree. My dad talked me out of buying a fiero when I was a kid. Warned me that they break down all the time. I wish I had bought it as it was the formula and has skyrocketed in price! Build what you love, love what you build. Even if it is my ion redline....
but you do favor the fiero, you may not notice it, but it IS Fiero biased. I'm biased towards rotaries, if you were comparing this to a FC, no contest for me. I liked both the Fiero and MR2 back in the day. I'd take the MR2 even though I had a thing for Pontiacs, like Trans Ams (blame Knight Rider? Smokey and the Bandit? NASCAR Trans Ams in the IROC series?), and the 70s land yacht Pontiac I owned. Its ok, you like the Fiero a bit better. You prefer the sound, seating position, etc. For me, the exterior of the MR2 won the battle for me, and the rest of it is a bit moot. Both shifters were terrible in your video. Both interiors are extremely outdated and look cheap (compare them both to an FC RX7 that came out in 86). People can love what they love, and good for them. You love both of them with what seems a slight Fiero lean, nothing wrong with it. That isn't a negative, it is personal taste. You wouldn't own both cars if you didn't have passion for them both. The whole 'from a company their dad told them to like' ... pretty shitty place to go, attacking/being overly defensive and claiming everyone who gives you criticism is a fanboy is not the best path to take. I used to troll an obnoxious anti-rotary person that talked out of their ass all the time and would fall apart with any evidence or actual research and links brought against them ... but in the end, feeding into that negativity is as bad for us doing it for even what feels like a 'good reason'. The more we foster negativity in our thoughts and actions, the more it festers within us. And, you can think of what I wrote the same as you probably should think of those that are irking you ... "that's like, your opinion, man", smile, and move on with more positive thoughts and actions; becuase fuck em; and me for that matter ;)
@@zakuraayame5091 I welcome criticism. Most of the people with negative comments are fine with me. There are just a few fanboys in the comments and they stick out like a sore thumb. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Either one will do it. I had an 88 MR2 NA, 5 speed, T-tops, black. Had the weird oval wheels. 4AGE was great for the day. Now I've got ze swapped Probe Gt, with Maf swap. Dohc v6s gotta love em.
'87 MR2 owner here, my daily for over a year now and I've spent plenty of hours pulling it apart and putting it together so I'm pretty well acquainted with it. Love the car and never want to let it go, but Fieros interest me hella. I'd really like to grab a manual factory 2.8L V6 one or even pick up a shell and drop a nice V8 in it. Interior is so fucking cool, and I'm absolutely entranced by the mid engine layout so another 80's MR car would be super cool to have. And I'd like to take it in a different direction than my MR2 - I've been building that for corners and handling, with only some light power mods in mind for the near future, but if I had a Fiero I'd like to make it a legitimately fast car in a straight line.
lol, the X-11 was a cool nimble little thing. Zest soap , " "For the first time in your life, feel really clean." ... still a great product line today, while both the Fiero & Citation are no more. greetings.
I have this same Fiero, '88 Formula, in white, but mine is an automatic. The auto trans actually makes it more rare. Threw a rod in the 2.8, so I'm going with a 3.4 out of an '03 Grand Am. Gonna tweak it out to get about 250 hp. I can't wait. It's a street legal go-kart. LOADS of fun to drive. Getting in and out of it is a challenge, though. Just turned 55, but this car makes me enjoy driving like I did when I was 16.
Might not matter much but as an addicted car review guy really appreciated this review. Its hard to find original reviews of these cars and it is great too see modern reviews of these two classics. I as well love them both and the nostalgic time period these machines were made. Looking at getting an 88' Fiero Formula maybe next week. 88' is the only year worth it in my opinion.
@@pimpHO87 lol! My bad, I don't look down when I type anymore, musta been over one space too far with my right hand. 87, 88 GT's are what I meant. Thank you for the correction though, boss! Have a blessed night 😊! Latr...
Respect both cars for what they are, but I love that Fiero. Styling goes 110% to that thing. I came across one driving around a couple years ago and it was so clean and looked so cool. This coming from a daily driven 02' Trans Am WS6 guy. P.S. When in doubt of power, Northstar V8 is the winning combo with available funds. I do know that the Lumina motor is definitely a good one for reliability and extra power. Good work.
I bet that Firebird is a lot of fun. Looking back I definitely wish I'd gone with a V8. The main reason I opted for an LQ1 is because it's the same block as the 2.8, so I thought it would be a simple drop-in. Man, was I ever wrong. The project took 3 and a half years. Thanks for your comment!
I bought the 2nd Pontiac Fiero sold in Austin, Texas back in 1984. By the time I sold it in '88 or '89, it was on it's 3rd engine block and 2nd transmission. The $450 I sunk into the extended warranty is to this day the best money I ever spent. That said, I still loved the car and remember it fondly. It was the first new car I ever bought, with my dad as co-signer, and it was the most fun car I've ever owned. Wish I had one today...not that I could actually fit in it anymore! :-)
I had a black Fiero Formula. Loved that car. Sunroof, five-speed, V6, lovely "ripsaw" (one critic's term) exhaust-note. An Aussie friend of my sister's saw the car and said "That's flippin' architecture." Yeah, it looked cool too.
cptnoremac dude, the glove box issue, you clearly forgot the Fiero has that upright center glove box between the seat, plus that 'glove pocket' as you call it.
very interesting comparison. I always loved the Fiero, a mean and nimble little sports cars, and a true (and only) competitor to the mr-2. the Fiero had a good evolution throughout its lifespan and a good choice of different variants, it was also successful in racing (Dole IMSA). unfortunately both are not produced any longer these days. nice presentation !
A 1984 Fiero was my first car. I bought it used in 1990 for $1995. It had 102,000 miles when I bought it and I drove the heck out of it. I loved driving that car. It was a black 4 cylinder with the 3 speed auto. Everyone loved to ride in it and on many occasions we had 3 to 4 people in it (me, a friend and 2 girls LOL). I traded it in on a more practical car for college in 1994. At that point it had 167,000 miles and it ran perfectly. I had replaced the starter and fuel pump in the years I owned it. I had also replaced the brakes, shocks and tires but those are normal wear items. The car was very reliable. It was not fast, but I never felt like it was slow back then. It handled fantastically for the time. Every time one of these Fiero videos pops up in my recommended list I get nostalgic and start looking for used ones to buy.
I traded it for a 1989 Dodge Colt 3 door hatchback. That was back when Dodge/Chrysler was partnered with Mitsubishi and the Colt was a rebadged Mirage. That car was so reliable I only changed the oil and put tires on it. I drove that car until I finished college and then I bought a Eagle Talon Tsi AWD. @@MicklowFilms
I enjoyed your video and I agree those cars are both beautiful and important to the automotive world. As a past owner of to Fieros I have to say that I had a lot of fun driving them. Loved the seating position it like seating in a go-kart
This has to be the best, most well-balanced side by side review of these cars. You provided a pretty good non biased review of both cars. I summer daily an 87 GT Fiero. But man, I would love to find a decent MR2 of the same era.
I have an 85 SE V6 Fiero and a 1988 MR2 Supercharged. Both are red. Both have no rust(Fiero can rust on the frame especially the back). Both are just about mint. In stock trim my opinion(Fiero has egr delete,K&N,cat delete,MR2 has Techno pulley,1985 camshaft on exhaust side and Webcam intake,Spearco intercooler,ported blower,TRD header with test pipe,Grunt box,K&N,light weight flywheel now) Fiero sounds better,has more room,looks better,engine bay looks better,love the long rides better in it,more leg room,not as loud on long trips and easier car to make faster. MR2 is easier to get out of,better brakes,handles better(I since added a rear sway bar from an 89 along with the rear strut housing with the tabs though),faster(though even an early 1985 MR2 stripper would lose to any Fiero V6),better looking interior and more room to pack for long trips. I like them both. I have had 3 other MK1 MR2s(86,86 and 88 SC) but been around both since they were new. I always wanted an 1985 SE V6 since its the fastest stock Fiero and looks like a 4 cylinder car(Only year a base looking car could be had with the V6). I would like an earlier n/a MR2 base again since they were much faster due to the lighter block,better cams and lighter overall weight. An early 85 would really be nice since they had a rear sway bar and the smaller flywheel. Nice video and best of luck with both of your cars.
I graduated high school in the fiero era! that's the want new car on most people's list. I'm on number three, first two in late 80s into early 90s. the third a daralick 86 gt, found online. it's tires half sunk in the dirt and covered it old leaves and tree sap. it has been off the road since 2002. a spun rod bearing finished the 2.8 . it's the car I couldn't afford back then! 5 speeds are a tough to find now. it's 3800 sc is waiting to go in! hey fiero people let's plan a 2023 homecoming to Pontiac, michigan!! lets get together with the people who built our cars!!
Yeah man I'm thinking your fiero is the nicest shape one I've seen in 20 years.and the engine swap,oh man!!good job sir,you've got yourself a keeper of a sleeper.
Omg I forgot all about the formula fiero. I wonder how many they made? Still looks good. I had a terrible father back in the day but he bought me the svo as my first car in hs. I loved that car. Loved the turbo. The look. Sadly I had to sell it in 89 to go to college in nyc. Thing is I’ve been here ever since and haven’t owned a car since either. My one and only car story. 30 years later.
Shame you had to sell it. The SVO is a lot of fun when the boost kicks in at 3000 RPM. There's a guy around here I see driving his black one and I always get a little jealous.
For 80s sports cars in general, it's a third gen Prelude si for me. Not as much hp, but very well engineered and put together. I've been in all three cars, and the Prelude actually feels more modern and less creaky. It may not be all that powerful, but boy is it fun to drive, as a car the handles better than any other car in the world at that time, including the supercars. It doesn't need a lot of power to be enjoyed. That said, I still love the Fiero and the MR2 as well. Each of them are special in their own way. I love classic sports cars.
2:38 "Getting out of the seat gracefully requires great discipline and flexibility, usually only found in Yoga Masters. When you get too old to fold your spine in half, this is probably the car you'll sell first" Hahahahahahaha
I have a red 1986 Fiero 2M6 SE. Manual V6, bought it off a gentleman that owned it since new, it is in fantastic shape an I am restoring it to immaculate condition.... and ohhhhhh ya, It's red. Thanks for the comparison video. In the 80s the MR2 and Fiero were the two cars I always wanted but never had. Great vid, thanks.
I am and always will be sorely disappointed in GM for not bringing the Opel/Vauxhall speedster to the US under the Pontiac Fiero name while it was still in production.
Just got a 88 supercharged Mr2 and I love it! Iv never gotten so much attention in a car. Waited a year before the owner decided to sell it but I was worth it. He’s right about the power not kicking in until 3,500-4,000 and suspension does feel just a tad bit stiff although I’m spoiled by my Miata as well so I just write it off to that.
I bought an 88 supercharged last year in good shape. You are right on about the attention it draws. Everywhere I drive I get windows rolling down followed by a big thumbs up, and people yelling “I love your Toyota”, etc from all kinds of angles. Occasionally I get the “I love your Porsche” from someone but I let it slide. Love the car.
Love the fiero ! I grew up in the red formula with gold rims . Underrated and still beautiful, and yes they handle very very well especially on curvy windy roads
Personally I'm an American muscle car guy, but i do remember these cars and ur's look pretty good, and u did a real good job on comparing them, i gotta say good video brother even with the mono tone voice...lol just kidding 🇺🇸 MERICA
Dad had that mr2 when i was real little. Same color and all. It was a college graduation gift from gpa. For the few years he had it before mom made him sell it it sat in the barn under a cover but once or twice a month he'd take me out in it. At 7-8 years old I thought it had to be the fastest car in the world. No one else in the town of 200 ppl we lived in had anything like it. In 98' we moved to a bigger city. Shortly after moving dad blew the engine and got a crate engine from an importer. Mom made him sell it because she was afraid he would kill himself in that car. So many fond memories.
Difficult Fiero shifting can be the clutch arm cracking and not releasing the clutch fully... cheap part, but lots of work fix... Love my '85 Fiero 2M4... 5 speed... smooth, quiet ride... can run double most speed limits... great MPG... corners fine...
It could also be stretched shifter cables which is to check and adjust first before dipping further into the car. Common issue with the fiero after a few years.
I had a red '88 Fiero Formula with a sunroof and 5-speed back in 1998-1999. This was when the Fieros had a bad reputation, no nostalgic value or fan base, and were CHEAP. I bought it at a wrecking yard after it had an ENGINE FIRE. The yard let me rewire it on-site, and I drove it home. Other than the engine fire the car was immaculate. Drove it for about a year, then traded it in on a...Kia Sportage! Wish I hadn't, because I didn't find out until much later how special it was.
I had an 88 Fiero, 4 Cylinder, manual transmission in the mid 90’s to early 2000s. I remember at that time people made fun of me for driving a Fiero. It still was one of the most fun cars I have ever owned. It ended up getting flooded in a storm and was totaled. That 4 cylinder engine was a dog, but the handling was amazing. They had that car sorted out by 88. I just acquired an 85 MR2 that needs some love, and I am anxious to get it back on the road. I love the body lines and interior of the MR2. The hard lines remind me of some type of space ship.
I had the '89 MR2 Supercharged in the early 90s. It had a bigger supercharger pulley than the '88, so more oomph. I did a few mods, which included a bigger intercooler, performance exhaust, some suspension enhancements, new wheels, and (I think) an even larger pulley. It's been 20+ years, but I think I remember that correctly. Anyway, it was outrageously fast. It would do 60 in second gear. I never actually timed the 0-60, but I remember it as *feeling* quicker than any other car I have owned, including three Porsches (one of which would 0-60 in a hair over 4 seconds). It surely wasn't that fast, but felt like it because it was so low and small. Anyway, thanks for the memories!
Yep the MR2 really comes alive at higher RPMs 5k+ to about 8.5 it just rips but overall styling wise as well I'm glad I've got my MR2 both are wonderful cars tho ✌️
My '89 MR2 is very worn out and dinged up, but I fell in love with it for the handling and brakes, and I have a plan to replace that buzzy little 4A-GE with a 5S-FE or maybe even a 2VZ-FE, because I totally agree with you about the low-RPM torque issue. I might just leave it dinged up, to avoid drawing too much unwanted attention.
Your video had me laughing, intrigued, and reminiscing of a fabulous time in my life. Thank you. Fiero was an awesome little car. And you nailed it! It wasn't all about the top end speed. I enjoyed the fun of driving. And the Fiero sure delivered on that.
I remember back in 1984, seeing MR2 for the first time & it has haunted ever since. Now I own the 2001 MRS.Spyder.. well, I guess, it will do. You are right, these classic cars should be driven with love rather keeping it to get rusted
I miss my Fierro I had back in the late 80s and early early 90s. :( Would still have her if a car hadn't hit me from behind and the stupid insurance company totaled the car. :(
The Formula Fiero is the one to get. I've owned every year except the 88. The fix the shift issue I simply cut down the shifter and rethread. What a difference. It becomes a joystick. As for the MR2, I'm partial to the next gen with twin supercharger. But I'm a Fiero guy. Like driving a gocart on rails. Interior is very ergonomic. Things just naturally fall into place. Great for those twisty roads, or flying down the hiway. Jmo
I like your conclusion, and you are right to which is better, it doesnt matter so long as you love the one you choose. Personally I have an 87 fiero GT and an 87 Corvette and there isnt much difference between them either.
Love the video personally own 2 Fiero Formula's, (one driver, one project) but have owned a few 2 seat sports cars from 70's to 90's, 85 Fiero Sport, 82 Fiat x1/9, 75 MGB, 86 2nd gen RX-7 GXL, 93 Del-Sol along with a few other small sporty cars (too many to list) have test driven the 1st gen MR2 when I couldn't find a Formula back in the early 90's but chose the Rx-7 mainly due to the rotary motor, So I totally get liking different cars for different reason and appreciating each for their unique qualities. I also almost went with the LQ1 swap, but couldn't find a decent engine at the time and went with the 3800SC series 3 instead properly would have gone with the LS4 but at that time a lot of swap parts for the LS4 had to be custom made by yourself but since then that has changed and there are vendors that sale pretty much everything you need. I believe your shifting issue with your Fiero maybe the shift cables, they are known to eventually get stiff or stuck with age due to the heat, but if that is the issue they are pretty easy to change out.
had an 86 mr2 sitting in my drive way for the past 5 years... its been siting at a body shop, were i now work at part time, for the past year lol hopefully ill have enough for suspension and brakes upgrade by march and coat of paint for summer
I had an 85 Fiero GT 2.8 ltr v-8, 4 speed. I loved that car! I thought it handled amazing, so did my friends. Fast too, Black with limo black tint, awesome stereo with 2 - 8 inch sub woofers behind the seats (which I custom built) sun roof, (totally removable which fit in the front trunk) and rear spoiler, looked almost just like this guys car. Then one day it was stolen and vandalized -literally destroyed :(
i had a rev 3 mr2 1994 great cars, you can adjust the glass on the doors up down in and out. my mr2 did the same thing with water, i adjusted the glass it and it worked.
im gonna have to disagree (i own an mr2) lol already got my mind made up on getting a 4runner and a mr2 spyder but if i happen to come across a fiero im gonna be all over it
*a few more mods and you'd never drive any thing but that fiero . either a 4.3L or 5.3 V8 engine swap would completely change your perception of the fiero. as far as the shifter goes you could benefit huge by putting in a short throw shifter and it would make hitting the gates easier a real treat. i had 3 fieros none of them the one i wanted but all fun to drive still. i am 6'5" so imagine my fun getting into and out of those little cars. folding in half to get into and out of the driver's seat was something a 40+ year old arthritic giant doesn't enjoy much. however once you're in there the ride is comfortable and pleasant. i only ever had a 1985 parts car, a 1986 daily driver, and a 1987 all of mine were the iron duke 4 cyl automatic but i was part of a club here in TN and got to go on a few runs and experienced different engines. i've seen the moders favorite 4.9L Northstar which was a really smooth mod but over all a crappy motor, i've even seen people put in 350cu inch V8's but the 5.3 was the smoothest fastest and overall best mod i ever experienced in one of those cars. the 4.3L Vortec V6 being the second best. there are also just as many mods available for the MR2 , i think it's neat that you have both gives you a different perspective of both. the only MR2 i really ever liked was the newer one with the T-top in it still. they all leak eventually but if you keep the seals treated or replaced when they start leaking like yours are they are still a real joy to have and drive. Modding those cars is almost as enjoyable for most as driving them after all the modifications are done. there is a place just south of me here in the Nashville area (Huntsville AL) where they put on all kinds of mods for those cars including the body kits of the ferrari's and such that you mentioned several of them are so cheesy you can tell it's not the actual car but there are some ferrari kits that when they do them right will even fool the dealers. there was one on Ebay years ago that a dealer had posted as a ferrari 355 that the interior had been completely remodeled and they didn't know the difference. it wasnt till some eagle eyed modder turned them into ebay and got their ad removed that they questioned it and then went after the previous owner who still hadn't sent them the title for the car yet. they had a huge story on it all over the internet at the time and several networks picked up on it back then too. thought about it but i wanted one i could just get in and drive at the time so we settled for the 4 cyl auto's that we had at the time. They are great cars though. just harder than all hell to find parts for any more. they aren't nearly as plentiful now as they were back in 2006ish when we had ours even. Nice video, brought back some good memories*
I owned a1988 FeiroGT /5 SPEED at 6'4 lots of leg room,loved that car, very fun,that was about 20 years ago and i still look for them on my local Craigslist(Boston) but im a car enthusiast and i love all cars and i look at thge MR2s as well,i never been in 1 to see if i fit,but if i can ,i would buy 1 ,now at age 50 ,im still loving the fun little cars,i had a few VW MK1 Cabriolets /VW bugs/Mini Copper S (6 OF THEM!)79 MGB ,2013 Abarth Convertible..too tall with sunroof! Fun car though ! But enjoy any car you have fun with and who cares about other peoples opinions on what you drive,as long as YOU enjoy it! I like odd ball cars as well..
That fiero looks meeaan. I’m mostly a jdm guy, and my dad used to have an aw11 so I’ve always loved mr2s, but watching vids of fieros, seeing how cheap they are and how many options for engine swaps there are, I’m really considering looking for a fiero to make a project
kilamanjaro Mountain good point, although I'm more into keepingy cars stock (relatively) when it comes to the body. Like if I got a fiero, if probably lower it and get some new wheels but besides that I'd mainly do internal mods. Maybe a cobalt ss turbo engine
I find it amusing that MR2 fanboys say I'm biased towards the Fiero and Fiero fanboys say I'm biased towards the MR2. None of them actually know what biased means, and none of them have enough respect to appreciate a classic car that isn't from the company their dad told them to like.
Totally agree. My dad talked me out of buying a fiero when I was a kid. Warned me that they break down all the time. I wish I had bought it as it was the formula and has skyrocketed in price!
Build what you love, love what you build. Even if it is my ion redline....
but you do favor the fiero, you may not notice it, but it IS Fiero biased. I'm biased towards rotaries, if you were comparing this to a FC, no contest for me. I liked both the Fiero and MR2 back in the day. I'd take the MR2 even though I had a thing for Pontiacs, like Trans Ams (blame Knight Rider? Smokey and the Bandit? NASCAR Trans Ams in the IROC series?), and the 70s land yacht Pontiac I owned.
Its ok, you like the Fiero a bit better. You prefer the sound, seating position, etc. For me, the exterior of the MR2 won the battle for me, and the rest of it is a bit moot. Both shifters were terrible in your video. Both interiors are extremely outdated and look cheap (compare them both to an FC RX7 that came out in 86).
People can love what they love, and good for them. You love both of them with what seems a slight Fiero lean, nothing wrong with it. That isn't a negative, it is personal taste. You wouldn't own both cars if you didn't have passion for them both.
The whole 'from a company their dad told them to like' ... pretty shitty place to go, attacking/being overly defensive and claiming everyone who gives you criticism is a fanboy is not the best path to take. I used to troll an obnoxious anti-rotary person that talked out of their ass all the time and would fall apart with any evidence or actual research and links brought against them ... but in the end, feeding into that negativity is as bad for us doing it for even what feels like a 'good reason'. The more we foster negativity in our thoughts and actions, the more it festers within us.
And, you can think of what I wrote the same as you probably should think of those that are irking you ... "that's like, your opinion, man", smile, and move on with more positive thoughts and actions; becuase fuck em; and me for that matter ;)
@@zakuraayame5091
I welcome criticism. Most of the people with negative comments are fine with me. There are just a few fanboys in the comments and they stick out like a sore thumb.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Either one will do it. I had an 88 MR2 NA, 5 speed, T-tops, black. Had the weird oval wheels. 4AGE was great for the day. Now I've got ze swapped Probe Gt, with Maf swap. Dohc v6s gotta love em.
'87 MR2 owner here, my daily for over a year now and I've spent plenty of hours pulling it apart and putting it together so I'm pretty well acquainted with it. Love the car and never want to let it go, but Fieros interest me hella. I'd really like to grab a manual factory 2.8L V6 one or even pick up a shell and drop a nice V8 in it. Interior is so fucking cool, and I'm absolutely entranced by the mid engine layout so another 80's MR car would be super cool to have. And I'd like to take it in a different direction than my MR2 - I've been building that for corners and handling, with only some light power mods in mind for the near future, but if I had a Fiero I'd like to make it a legitimately fast car in a straight line.
Bahahahaha... my sister’s first car was a citation... my dad painted it seafoam green... it looked like a giant bar of Zest soap!
lol, the X-11 was a cool nimble little thing. Zest soap , " "For the first time in your life, feel really clean." ... still a great product line today, while both the Fiero & Citation are no more. greetings.
I had a 1985 Fiero GT. Loved that car! It wasn't perfect, but was fun to drive and the engine noise was intoxicating... Nice video!
Fieros Engine noise is a drug-addictive
hi i’m thinking of buying one and i’m like 6 foot and idk it i’m to big for one what do you think ?
I have this same Fiero, '88 Formula, in white, but mine is an automatic. The auto trans actually makes it more rare. Threw a rod in the 2.8, so I'm going with a 3.4 out of an '03 Grand Am. Gonna tweak it out to get about 250 hp. I can't wait. It's a street legal go-kart. LOADS of fun to drive. Getting in and out of it is a challenge, though. Just turned 55, but this car makes me enjoy driving like I did when I was 16.
The Formula looks so good in white. I hope you two have lots of quality time.
Might not matter much but as an addicted car review guy really appreciated this review. Its hard to find original reviews of these cars and it is great too see modern reviews of these two classics. I as well love them both and the nostalgic time period these machines were made. Looking at getting an 88' Fiero Formula maybe next week. 88' is the only year worth it in my opinion.
Going to look at an 88 formula fiero Saturday with 20,000 original miles on it... feel like I found the fiero holy grail. :)
I have a 86 2M6 with GT suspension. i love it.
Did ya buy it?
89 GT V6 with T-Tops, is the Fiero Holy Grail...
@@godchi1dvonsteuben770 89?
@@pimpHO87 lol! My bad, I don't look down when I type anymore, musta been over one space too far with my right hand. 87, 88 GT's are what I meant. Thank you for the correction though, boss! Have a blessed night 😊! Latr...
Respect both cars for what they are, but I love that Fiero. Styling goes 110% to that thing. I came across one driving around a couple years ago and it was so clean and looked so cool. This coming from a daily driven 02' Trans Am WS6 guy. P.S. When in doubt of power, Northstar V8 is the winning combo with available funds. I do know that the Lumina motor is definitely a good one for reliability and extra power. Good work.
I bet that Firebird is a lot of fun. Looking back I definitely wish I'd gone with a V8. The main reason I opted for an LQ1 is because it's the same block as the 2.8, so I thought it would be a simple drop-in. Man, was I ever wrong. The project took 3 and a half years. Thanks for your comment!
LOL---you're the dude in every neighborhood who gets yelled at to slow down!
I bought the 2nd Pontiac Fiero sold in Austin, Texas back in 1984. By the time I sold it in '88 or '89, it was on it's 3rd engine block and 2nd transmission. The $450 I sunk into the extended warranty is to this day the best money I ever spent. That said, I still loved the car and remember it fondly. It was the first new car I ever bought, with my dad as co-signer, and it was the most fun car I've ever owned. Wish I had one today...not that I could actually fit in it anymore! :-)
I just think it's cool that you own both of these. What fun cars. (The Fiero sounds beefy).
I had a black Fiero Formula. Loved that car. Sunroof, five-speed, V6, lovely "ripsaw" (one critic's term) exhaust-note. An Aussie friend of my sister's saw the car and said "That's flippin' architecture." Yeah, it looked cool too.
cptnoremac
dude, the glove box issue, you clearly forgot the Fiero has that upright center glove box between the seat, plus that 'glove pocket' as you call it.
very interesting comparison. I always loved the Fiero, a mean and nimble little sports cars, and a true (and only) competitor to the mr-2. the Fiero had a good evolution throughout its lifespan and a good choice of different variants, it was also successful in racing (Dole IMSA). unfortunately both are not produced any longer these days.
nice presentation !
A 1984 Fiero was my first car. I bought it used in 1990 for $1995. It had 102,000 miles when I bought it and I drove the heck out of it. I loved driving that car. It was a black 4 cylinder with the 3 speed auto. Everyone loved to ride in it and on many occasions we had 3 to 4 people in it (me, a friend and 2 girls LOL).
I traded it in on a more practical car for college in 1994. At that point it had 167,000 miles and it ran perfectly. I had replaced the starter and fuel pump in the years I owned it. I had also replaced the brakes, shocks and tires but those are normal wear items. The car was very reliable.
It was not fast, but I never felt like it was slow back then. It handled fantastically for the time.
Every time one of these Fiero videos pops up in my recommended list I get nostalgic and start looking for used ones to buy.
What car did you end up trading it in for?
I traded it for a 1989 Dodge Colt 3 door hatchback. That was back when Dodge/Chrysler was partnered with Mitsubishi and the Colt was a rebadged Mirage. That car was so reliable I only changed the oil and put tires on it. I drove that car until I finished college and then I bought a Eagle Talon Tsi AWD. @@MicklowFilms
I used to have an 88 MR2 SC. The only car I miss. Always fun to drive. Thanks for posting your video.
You know I never liked the notchback Fiero but I gotta say that the black with black rims (with the chrome rings) really does it for me.
I loved the notchback. The fastback, not so much. I think style-wise, the notchback has aged better than the fastback, but that's just mho.
I enjoyed your video and I agree those cars are both beautiful and important to the automotive world. As a past owner of to Fieros I have to say that I had a lot of fun driving them. Loved the seating position it like seating in a go-kart
Yes! That's what driving my Formula felt like, driving a souped-up go-kart. So much fun!
This has to be the best, most well-balanced side by side review of these cars. You provided a pretty good non biased review of both cars. I summer daily an 87 GT Fiero. But man, I would love to find a decent MR2 of the same era.
My first car in 1987 was a 1986 Toyota MR2.I loved that car!!!
I’ve owned 4 mr2’s two were supercharged. I love them!
I have an 85 SE V6 Fiero and a 1988 MR2 Supercharged. Both are red. Both have no rust(Fiero can rust on the frame especially the back). Both are just about mint. In stock trim my opinion(Fiero has egr delete,K&N,cat delete,MR2 has Techno pulley,1985 camshaft on exhaust side and Webcam intake,Spearco intercooler,ported blower,TRD header with test pipe,Grunt box,K&N,light weight flywheel now) Fiero sounds better,has more room,looks better,engine bay looks better,love the long rides better in it,more leg room,not as loud on long trips and easier car to make faster. MR2 is easier to get out of,better brakes,handles better(I since added a rear sway bar from an 89 along with the rear strut housing with the tabs though),faster(though even an early 1985 MR2 stripper would lose to any Fiero V6),better looking interior and more room to pack for long trips. I like them both. I have had 3 other MK1 MR2s(86,86 and 88 SC) but been around both since they were new. I always wanted an 1985 SE V6 since its the fastest stock Fiero and looks like a 4 cylinder car(Only year a base looking car could be had with the V6). I would like an earlier n/a MR2 base again since they were much faster due to the lighter block,better cams and lighter overall weight. An early 85 would really be nice since they had a rear sway bar and the smaller flywheel.
Nice video and best of luck with both of your cars.
Sure ya do
Yeah okay bud🤣
Why y’all doubting ?
Honestly both are the perfect shape from the 80’s and that is the wedge
Ever seen a 1970's Triumph TR7 the style was borrowed in both accounts.
I graduated high school in the fiero era! that's the want new car on most people's list. I'm on number three, first two in late 80s into early 90s. the third a daralick 86 gt, found online. it's tires half sunk in the dirt and covered it old leaves and tree sap. it has been off the road since 2002. a spun rod bearing finished the 2.8 . it's the car I couldn't afford back then! 5 speeds are a tough to find now. it's 3800 sc is waiting to go in! hey fiero people let's plan a 2023 homecoming to Pontiac, michigan!! lets get together with the people who built our cars!!
I've never driven a fiero, all the ones in my town were crapped out. I have driven a 1991 n/a MR2 and it was an absolute blast.
I was on the hunt for my THIRD Pontiac Fiero when I came across a Solstice GXP. I absolutely LOVE it!! Hard to believe that Pontiac is gone!
3800sc swap the fiero!!!!
Yeah man I'm thinking your fiero is the nicest shape one I've seen in 20 years.and the engine swap,oh man!!good job sir,you've got yourself a keeper of a sleeper.
Omg I forgot all about the formula fiero. I wonder how many they made? Still looks good. I had a terrible father back in the day but he bought me the svo as my first car in hs. I loved that car. Loved the turbo. The look. Sadly I had to sell it in 89 to go to college in nyc. Thing is I’ve been here ever since and haven’t owned a car since either. My one and only car story. 30 years later.
Shame you had to sell it. The SVO is a lot of fun when the boost kicks in at 3000 RPM. There's a guy around here I see driving his black one and I always get a little jealous.
For 80s sports cars in general, it's a third gen Prelude si for me. Not as much hp, but very well engineered and put together. I've been in all three cars, and the Prelude actually feels more modern and less creaky. It may not be all that powerful, but boy is it fun to drive, as a car the handles better than any other car in the world at that time, including the supercars. It doesn't need a lot of power to be enjoyed. That said, I still love the Fiero and the MR2 as well. Each of them are special in their own way. I love classic sports cars.
2:38 "Getting out of the seat gracefully requires great discipline and flexibility, usually only found in Yoga Masters. When you get too old to fold your spine in half, this is probably the car you'll sell first" Hahahahahahaha
I love the Fiero. I had an 84 SE, 86 SE, two 86 GTs and an 87 GT. I’m currently looking into getting back into them.
I have a red 1986 Fiero 2M6 SE. Manual V6, bought it off a gentleman that owned it since new, it is in fantastic shape an I am restoring it to immaculate condition.... and ohhhhhh ya, It's red. Thanks for the comparison video. In the 80s the MR2 and Fiero were the two cars I always wanted but never had. Great vid, thanks.
I have a Blue 86 2M6 SE.
I love my 88 GT! I always have fun driving it. I bought it in late 87.
Rip that 2.8 out and install the 3.8 SC :)
In the 90s, my first car was a 1987 Fiero GT. I definitely have to find another one that still has life in it.
I am and always will be sorely disappointed in GM for not bringing the Opel/Vauxhall speedster to the US under the Pontiac Fiero name while it was still in production.
Just got a 88 supercharged Mr2 and I love it! Iv never gotten so much attention in a car. Waited a year before the owner decided to sell it but I was worth it. He’s right about the power not kicking in until 3,500-4,000 and suspension does feel just a tad bit stiff although I’m spoiled by my Miata as well so I just write it off to that.
lucky. they’re so hard to find (the supercharged one)
I bought an 88 supercharged last year in good shape. You are right on about the attention it draws. Everywhere I drive I get windows rolling down followed by a big thumbs up, and people yelling “I love your Toyota”, etc from all kinds of angles. Occasionally I get the “I love your Porsche” from someone but I let it slide. Love the car.
@@oldmercedesdiesel hilarious, I had an 01 Syper as well and that got confused for a Porsche way more than my AW11 did
Love your video. I have one a 86 2am 6 gold . I watched you video and I put it on my to do list soon . Get it going.
Had a brand new one back in 1984. I washed it every weekend.... Loved that car...
I bought my 88 fiero formula for about 10200. Same color as yours. Thanks for the memories.
.
Love the fiero ! I grew up in the red formula with gold rims . Underrated and still beautiful, and yes they handle very very well especially on curvy windy roads
For sure. I wish we'd gotten a few more model years of it.
Nice review! I like them both although the Fiero definitely looks and sounds better. I'd love to have an 88 Formula or GT.
Give me a 88 GT or Formula with a Buick 3800 SC dropped in it. Good times.
I had 3 supercharged Toyota MR2’s. 1-1988 and 2-1989’s. My 1988 Fiero GT was a fire hazard. I sure miss those MR2’s. Now I want the TURBO version.
My first car was an 87 MR2. I would love to get another, but they are hard as hell to find. That fiero sounds great!
Nice down to earth real world review. Good job.
Thanks, friend
Fiero and MR2....
Two examples of why the 80's are my favorite decade for cars!
Personally I'm an American muscle car guy, but i do remember these cars and ur's look pretty good, and u did a real good job on comparing them, i gotta say good video brother even with the mono tone voice...lol just kidding 🇺🇸 MERICA
I would love to have a muscle car. A '78 Firebird with a 400 in it would be awesome. What do you drive? I see a Fox body in your pic.
Dad had that mr2 when i was real little. Same color and all. It was a college graduation gift from gpa. For the few years he had it before mom made him sell it it sat in the barn under a cover but once or twice a month he'd take me out in it. At 7-8 years old I thought it had to be the fastest car in the world. No one else in the town of 200 ppl we lived in had anything like it. In 98' we moved to a bigger city. Shortly after moving dad blew the engine and got a crate engine from an importer. Mom made him sell it because she was afraid he would kill himself in that car. So many fond memories.
Good work Awsome! I remember when they were new!!
That Formula Is Thee formula 🏆🏁
Difficult Fiero shifting can be the clutch arm cracking and not releasing the clutch fully... cheap part, but lots of work fix...
Love my '85 Fiero 2M4... 5 speed... smooth, quiet ride... can run double most speed limits... great MPG... corners fine...
It could also be stretched shifter cables which is to check and adjust first before dipping further into the car. Common issue with the fiero after a few years.
This is an awesome video! Love it!. Sponsored by Blockbuster... Amazing.
My sportscar didn't come with a radio and there are no Blockbusters around here anymore. I do have a Whitesnake cassette though.
Thanks. Always been Fiero for me...something about a notch gt or se. thanks for vid
Hey buddy who made this great RUclips video I think you should do more car content people seem to enjoy it as do I and your view count exploded on it
I had a red '88 Fiero Formula with a sunroof and 5-speed back in 1998-1999. This was when the Fieros had a bad reputation, no nostalgic value or fan base, and were CHEAP. I bought it at a wrecking yard after it had an ENGINE FIRE. The yard let me rewire it on-site, and I drove it home. Other than the engine fire the car was immaculate. Drove it for about a year, then traded it in on a...Kia Sportage! Wish I hadn't, because I didn't find out until much later how special it was.
I had an 88 Fiero, 4 Cylinder, manual transmission in the mid 90’s to early 2000s. I remember at that time people made fun of me for driving a Fiero. It still was one of the most fun cars I have ever owned. It ended up getting flooded in a storm and was totaled. That 4 cylinder engine was a dog, but the handling was amazing. They had that car sorted out by 88. I just acquired an 85 MR2 that needs some love, and I am anxious to get it back on the road. I love the body lines and interior of the MR2. The hard lines remind me of some type of space ship.
I had the '89 MR2 Supercharged in the early 90s. It had a bigger supercharger pulley than the '88, so more oomph. I did a few mods, which included a bigger intercooler, performance exhaust, some suspension enhancements, new wheels, and (I think) an even larger pulley. It's been 20+ years, but I think I remember that correctly. Anyway, it was outrageously fast. It would do 60 in second gear. I never actually timed the 0-60, but I remember it as *feeling* quicker than any other car I have owned, including three Porsches (one of which would 0-60 in a hair over 4 seconds). It surely wasn't that fast, but felt like it because it was so low and small. Anyway, thanks for the memories!
U mean smaller pulley
Yep the MR2 really comes alive at higher RPMs 5k+ to about 8.5 it just rips but overall styling wise as well I'm glad I've got my MR2 both are wonderful cars tho ✌️
My '89 MR2 is very worn out and dinged up, but I fell in love with it for the handling and brakes, and I have a plan to replace that buzzy little 4A-GE with a 5S-FE or maybe even a 2VZ-FE, because I totally agree with you about the low-RPM torque issue. I might just leave it dinged up, to avoid drawing too much unwanted attention.
Your video had me laughing, intrigued, and reminiscing of a fabulous time in my life. Thank you. Fiero was an awesome little car. And you nailed it! It wasn't all about the top end speed. I enjoyed the fun of driving. And the Fiero sure delivered on that.
I LOVED my '88 black Formula. Sheer heaven, when it was running right.
So great I really enjoyed your video thank you for your time and consideration for these cars.
I have to say I like them both . 👍
I had both these cars in the 80s and 90s. Very cool vid!
One of the best car posts ever. Thanks.
Thanks, Lloyd
I remember back in 1984, seeing MR2 for the first time & it has haunted ever since. Now I own the 2001 MRS.Spyder.. well, I guess, it will do. You are right, these classic cars should be driven with love rather keeping it to get rusted
You may be interested in my video comparing the Spyder to the AW11.
great video about a bye gone rivalry from decades ago, both great cars of their day getting harder to find an original one.
I miss my Fierro I had back in the late 80s and early early 90s. :( Would still have her if a car hadn't hit me from behind and the stupid insurance company totaled the car. :(
Mine burned up because mechanic messed up
Distributor.
@@dontrustwhiteyevery1 rip
@@maytagveneno9653 You mean the mechanic, I hope. Probably had the distributor thrown on top of his coffin like the hook in Candyman.
I had an 86 and it had a factory subwoofer under the driver's seat but not hooked up, for upgrades to the stereo system.
Very cool video/matchup
The Formula Fiero is the one to get. I've owned every year except the 88. The fix the shift issue I simply cut down the shifter and rethread. What a difference. It becomes a joystick. As for the MR2, I'm partial to the next gen with twin supercharger. But I'm a Fiero guy. Like driving a gocart on rails. Interior is very ergonomic. Things just naturally fall into place. Great for those twisty roads, or flying down the hiway. Jmo
Great vid. Love the Fiero. That was a popular car when I was driving age. Never had one personally, but always liked it. Yours is bad ass.
I’ve had both. 1988 fiero GT 5-sp and a 1989 Supercharged mr2. I love my MR2. My fiero only had 11,397 miles
Excellent video, highly entertaining. Buying an MR2 this weekend!
Great review... I'd take the Fiero all day long.
I like your conclusion, and you are right to which is better, it doesnt matter so long as you love the one you choose. Personally I have an 87 fiero GT and an 87 Corvette and there isnt much difference between them either.
How are you liking that C4? I added a '95 to the family and it's been my daily driver since then. Love that torque.
@@cptnoremac very much! I enjoy the power and the sharp handling.
Let’s talk about reliability since I’ve had both. The MR2 was by far more reliable over the Fiero. The best Fiero is the one with a small block Chevy.
I wish I had put a V8 in it now. I have a Corvette with an LT1 in it, so at least I'm not too SBC-deprived.
Would it be easier to fit a Honda K20 or a 200hp 1.5L Turbo from the new Civic Si in both the Toyota MR2 and Pontiac Fiero?
A good tip for your fiero shifting performance would be lubing/replacing the shift cables. I did it to mine and it made a league of difference
It was indeed the shift linkage cables. They had to replace them. Way more expensive than it should have been.
Totally enjoyed this. Thanks dude.
Any time, friend
Good video. I still daily my superb two but it's getting more tough to keep it on the road in 2019.
Love the video personally own 2 Fiero Formula's, (one driver, one project) but have owned a few 2 seat sports cars from 70's to 90's, 85 Fiero Sport, 82 Fiat x1/9, 75 MGB, 86 2nd gen RX-7 GXL, 93 Del-Sol along with a few other small sporty cars (too many to list) have test driven the 1st gen MR2 when I couldn't find a Formula back in the early 90's but chose the Rx-7 mainly due to the rotary motor, So I totally get liking different cars for different reason and appreciating each for their unique qualities. I also almost went with the LQ1 swap, but couldn't find a decent engine at the time and went with the 3800SC series 3 instead properly would have gone with the LS4 but at that time a lot of swap parts for the LS4 had to be custom made by yourself but since then that has changed and there are vendors that sale pretty much everything you need. I believe your shifting issue with your Fiero maybe the shift cables, they are known to eventually get stiff or stuck with age due to the heat, but if that is the issue they are pretty easy to change out.
had an 86 mr2 sitting in my drive way for the past 5 years... its been siting at a body shop, were i now work at part time, for the past year lol hopefully ill have enough for suspension and brakes upgrade by march and coat of paint for summer
I like your video! Funny & self deprecating...
I raced the fuck out of the MR2 in Gran Turismo 2 but your Fiero is dope af and sounds great.
Liked and subbed! Almost purchased a Fiero when I was a youth. It had the shift issue so I passed. I wasn't car savvy then.
I had an 85 Fiero GT 2.8 ltr v-8, 4 speed. I loved that car! I thought it handled amazing, so did my friends. Fast too, Black with limo black tint, awesome stereo with 2 - 8 inch sub woofers behind the seats (which I custom built) sun roof, (totally removable which fit in the front trunk) and rear spoiler, looked almost just like this guys car. Then one day it was stolen and vandalized -literally destroyed :(
Good and entertaining review. It’s a review that needed to be done.
i had a rev 3 mr2 1994 great cars, you can adjust the glass on the doors up down in and out. my mr2 did the same thing with water, i adjusted the glass it and it worked.
MK1 mr2 is incredibly fun to drive
I have an 88 Formula and I love it!
nice video man, good stuff. I think I might go buy myself a fiero gt
Hands down, like the Fiero better, of course I own a Fiero as well... hehehe!
im gonna have to disagree (i own an mr2) lol
already got my mind made up on getting a 4runner and a mr2 spyder but if i happen to come across a fiero im gonna be all over it
They're both so cool.
And then later Pontiac and Toyota were sharing platforms (vibe/matrix).
I hear that Brent! Have four atm, just sold the fifth. All I know, is my husband is for sure gonna kill me if I bring another Fiero home.
@@recoveringdrunkrp haha, long live Fiero!
I have 2 notch backs booth blue, one with a black bottom trim and one with silver body trim.
*a few more mods and you'd never drive any thing but that fiero . either a 4.3L or 5.3 V8 engine swap would completely change your perception of the fiero. as far as the shifter goes you could benefit huge by putting in a short throw shifter and it would make hitting the gates easier a real treat. i had 3 fieros none of them the one i wanted but all fun to drive still. i am 6'5" so imagine my fun getting into and out of those little cars. folding in half to get into and out of the driver's seat was something a 40+ year old arthritic giant doesn't enjoy much. however once you're in there the ride is comfortable and pleasant. i only ever had a 1985 parts car, a 1986 daily driver, and a 1987 all of mine were the iron duke 4 cyl automatic but i was part of a club here in TN and got to go on a few runs and experienced different engines. i've seen the moders favorite 4.9L Northstar which was a really smooth mod but over all a crappy motor, i've even seen people put in 350cu inch V8's but the 5.3 was the smoothest fastest and overall best mod i ever experienced in one of those cars. the 4.3L Vortec V6 being the second best. there are also just as many mods available for the MR2 , i think it's neat that you have both gives you a different perspective of both. the only MR2 i really ever liked was the newer one with the T-top in it still. they all leak eventually but if you keep the seals treated or replaced when they start leaking like yours are they are still a real joy to have and drive. Modding those cars is almost as enjoyable for most as driving them after all the modifications are done. there is a place just south of me here in the Nashville area (Huntsville AL) where they put on all kinds of mods for those cars including the body kits of the ferrari's and such that you mentioned several of them are so cheesy you can tell it's not the actual car but there are some ferrari kits that when they do them right will even fool the dealers. there was one on Ebay years ago that a dealer had posted as a ferrari 355 that the interior had been completely remodeled and they didn't know the difference. it wasnt till some eagle eyed modder turned them into ebay and got their ad removed that they questioned it and then went after the previous owner who still hadn't sent them the title for the car yet. they had a huge story on it all over the internet at the time and several networks picked up on it back then too. thought about it but i wanted one i could just get in and drive at the time so we settled for the 4 cyl auto's that we had at the time. They are great cars though. just harder than all hell to find parts for any more. they aren't nearly as plentiful now as they were back in 2006ish when we had ours even. Nice video, brought back some good memories*
Nice video!
Still lookin for that Yugo body kit! LOL!!
Great Doc thanks..
I owned a1988 FeiroGT /5 SPEED at 6'4 lots of leg room,loved that car, very fun,that was about 20 years ago and i still look for them on my local Craigslist(Boston) but im a car enthusiast and i love all cars and i look at thge MR2s as well,i never been in 1 to see if i fit,but if i can ,i would buy 1 ,now at age 50 ,im still loving the fun little cars,i had a few VW MK1 Cabriolets /VW bugs/Mini Copper S (6 OF THEM!)79 MGB ,2013 Abarth Convertible..too tall with sunroof! Fun car though ! But enjoy any car you have fun with and who cares about other peoples opinions on what you drive,as long as YOU enjoy it! I like odd ball cars as well..
Snap oversteer vs Burning in flames
@David C. yea i know it was jus a joke, i really like both cars
That fiero looks meeaan. I’m mostly a jdm guy, and my dad used to have an aw11 so I’ve always loved mr2s, but watching vids of fieros, seeing how cheap they are and how many options for engine swaps there are, I’m really considering looking for a fiero to make a project
Plus most kit cars use fiero for chassis
kilamanjaro Mountain good point, although I'm more into keepingy cars stock (relatively) when it comes to the body. Like if I got a fiero, if probably lower it and get some new wheels but besides that I'd mainly do internal mods. Maybe a cobalt ss turbo engine
Fiero hands down!! I also own a red 88 Fiero with the ol Iron Duke 4 cylinder that I'm restoring.
Currently restoring an overlooked car from 1988, a GT with Turbo at 145 hp and 190 lb ft of torque from another Japanese automaker.
Thanks for this. I purchased a 88 formula t top and was very curious on the mr2 next if I should get it. Eh maybe if I can get one cheap enough.
If you get one, lemme know what you think!
I'm a close friend and also a yoga master. I can confirm, it takes all of my skill to get out of the car.