A few corrections: the MR2 Turbo has a 7200 RPM redline. The USDM MR2 Turbo made 200 HP though 220 is correct for JDM MR2's. In Japan, Toyota released an MR2 with an uprated, 3rd generation 3SGTE making 245 HP. That's probably the one that beat the NSX in a drag race. It's a fairly popular engine swap for US cars. I love my MR2 but would trade it in a second for a nice NSX. That said, the MR2 is a fantastic bargain. As the video notes, they rarely sell for over $10,000. This goes even for very nicely maintained higher mileage cars. Parts are cheap, though getting hard to find. Toyota has discontinued most of them. If you're looking for a mid-engined car on a budget there's probably no better option.
Thanks, David! Yeah, I goofed on the redline. 6,000 RPM is peak power. Believe it or not, the drag race was recorded in 1993. The 3S-GTE in the drag race was a Gen 2!
amber corners That's interesting about the drag race. Googling around, published quarter mile times are close enough that I guess a win in any given race could actually go either way.
I was just about to say about the redline. It's quite humbling knowing that my little Rev 3 can take on one of the big boys like this, at least in a quarter mile anyway.
So is the NSX. Many NSX drivers daily their NSX. There is even one with 540K miles on the odometer with nothing but scheduled maintenance and wear and tear items done.
The prices on MR2 2nd gen have been going up by the month until we hit Covid-19. Still, low mileage and unmolested ones are going for $25k- $35k. Hard to find nice ones for $5-$10K.
I’ve owned (and loved) both. A few points: 1) To get stock NSX speed you’ll need a turbo MR2, which has significant turbo lag. 2) it’s common to add an aftermarket supercharger to the NSX. It’s over engineered engine can be safely and relatively cheaply be boosted to about 500 crank HP before transmission reliability starts to become a constraint. 3) While both are great driver’s cars, handling, build quality, and overall feel of the NSX is in a very different class.
Before I drove an Nsx I thought the Mr2 might be comparable to the Nsx. Boy was I wrong, they are two different cars.The Nsx is put together like a tank. Every lid and locking mechanism needs force because they built it to stay solid at highspeed. Crusing around at 80 to 90 mph felt like i was doing 40.You guys got to drive somebodys Nsx and you'll know how special it was and still is.
I currently own two NSX's (2003 and 2004) and a first generation _supercharged_ MR2 (1989). And previously I had two other supercharged MR2's (1988) and a MR2 Turbo (1995). I liked my Turbo, but prefer the supercharged cars. I love 'em all, but the NSX is just too freaking gorgeous!
Great video!!! although later model NSX's would become wayy quicker. Not to mention the NSX-R, which would beat GTR 33's and 34's in drag race and race track tests by best motoring/hotversion tests. Those videos are a pure joy to watch even though u can't understand anything. Great video again, props. Proud owner of a '97 SW20 over here.
My 3S-GTE hits the rev limiter exactly at 8K rpms but it’s an RC engine/ECU out of a 1993 Celica GT4 RC with a steel wheel CT-20b out of a 1994 Celica GT4 WRC. It also has the slightly larger AFM and I ditched the Water-to-air intercooler and installed an FMIC. I also kept the factory anti-lag system and water/methanol injection tho I’ve never installed them (Been sitting in a box for nearly a decade in my garage in Texas. There’s no telling what venomous spider or snake may be living within that box LOL). I would have kept the entire WRC engine/ECU/Turbo combination but I’m probably the only guy around who just loves the T-VIS system so I built my own hybrid using only the top shelf brand seals and hardware and I’ve tricked the T-VIS system out a little bit with a few improvements.
Not watched much but on the topic of pricing. JDM is slowly turning less and less into about what the car can do, least near where I live a AE86 has such a bad amount of "Anime/Movie-TAX" to where I could buy a RX7 or maybe even a high mileage Supra, and still have enough to buy a good condition mid-range mileage Miata for a daily car
I love both of them tbh, but an MR2 kinda feels just right for me. The NSX.....it gives me that feeling that like, only experienced drivers must buy. I know the same goes for the MR2, but y’know......it just makes sense to opt for the W20 as a daily
A note about MR2 Turbo weight, four years late: most USDM cars weigh easily over 2,800 lbs and possibly more like 2,850. The 2,755 lb figure shown here may have come from findings of my own car that I published multiple places years ago. It was a 1993 hardtop Turbo that weighed exactly 2,755 on SCCA scales at the end of Solo Nationals competition runs in Stock class -- with very little fuel left in the tank, a straight-pipe catback exhaust that eliminated the muffler for weight savings, and the lightest stock-sized wheels available (at about 9 lbs each). This was probably at least 50 lbs in weight savings through methods that were allowed in Stock class autocross. In addition, almost all 93-95 USDM Turbo cars came with T-tops which added perhaps 30 lbs of weight (don't quote me on this one) over the hardtop model. Essentially, 2,755 lbs is not really an accurate figure for these cars "off the showroom floor." Regardless, they're still great little cars and at the time this video was published, superb value for a fun mid engined car.
The big difference between the 2nd gen MR2 and NSX for me is: the MR2 was a fun, beginners car where I would leave extra bolts out, not use a torque wrench, strip some bolts, 2 car accidents, and procrastinating on the maintenance… and it still runs like a champ over the 2 decades of ownership, whereas anything listed above were to happen to an NSX… But in defense to the NSX: rarer, a technological marvel, a historic automobile for the books, unprecedented break throughs for a production car (aluminum chassis/body panels, titanium connecting rods/forged pistons, VTEC, etc.), inspired the looks for the McLaren F1, marga hills, but the best part of all: body was sculpted after some swimsuit model.
I've driven both. The NSX may not be fast, but it's FAR nicer than the MR2. And I LOVE MR2s. It's tighter, more refined, handles better, feels nicer. The NSX is a finely tuned, super-high quality performance machine. The MR2 is a mass produced, budget MR car. The MR2 is a poor man's NSX. And I promise, I LOVE MR2s.
Honestly NSX didn't feel that better apart from handling and sound compared to a SW20. Quality is pretty much the same, but the MR2 is way easier to drive on regular roads.
i had both ,the mr2 had a v6 in as well but there is a difference of night and day between the 2 .. one was 60-70k gbp the mr2 was 20 gbp ish and that shows . it not about 1/4 mile of 0-60 its about the whole package .
I own both. Nsx definitely way better in handling and more refined. Both are fun but the mr2 has a tendency to snap over steer if you don't know what you'll doing. Because of the location of the gas tank. I love both don't get me wrong. This comparison is like a burger to a steak but to each it's own.
This video could be 10 seconds, with very very few words: The MR2, is Toyota's version, of a RWD Honda Integra. Cheap, Fun, Reliable. The NSX, is Honda's version, of what a sports car should feel like. Absolute Precision. Absolute Reliability. Absolute Drivability. They don't make cars like these two any more.
@@ambercorners I dunno bout the turbo one, but 3S-GE peak power is right before limiter hits you at around 7800 RPM. Power grows till you will blow the engine in N/A version, hard to belive turbo will lose power after 6k RPM.
The 1st gen nsx had one problem with beeing quick from a dig. Gear ratio. Thats why the strongest mr2 could be a tiny bit quicker. The 6 speed NSX is quicker then any factory mr2. But i love them both. Both beautiful and unique cars.
During my research phase, I took down peak power (6K RPM). The figure wasn't updated with the script revision. I regret the error (especially as a Turbo MR2 owner, myself)!
as nice as the NSX my bias is towards the MR2 because my first car was 1986 MR2. plus i rather own I car I can drive without having to worry about the cost of repairing it later on. MR2 is lighter and can easily be modified to surpass a NSX and not cost a fortune.
I have the NA2 NSX. Mine with a few comptech goodies, headers, exhaust and light weight fly wheel I'm putting out 320 hp just confirmed off the dyno. I looked at the MR2 even test drove it. But the worth of a car is more than its 0-60, or 1/4 mile number. There is no comparison between the two cars other than the MR2 is a bargain.
This is a great vdo comparison both cars are great look similar toy, n hon are great we own a few from 4age,sw20 to 1zz n vtech accord n 94delsol n cr-x civic,supra, 5mge,7mgt both are fantastic but price for nsx is Insane compared to mr2 tbh bang for the 💰 those sw20 can run low 7 or 6sec
Great, informative vid! In answer to your suggestions.... What about the 1996 Nissan S14 200SX (SR20DET) Vs The 1996 5th Gen BB6 Honda Prelude Type S (SH in the USA)
I loved my turbo MR2, but it was no comparison to my NSX. Straightline speed may have been comparable but build quality, handling, braking all went to the NSX.
The bad thing about the mr2, is the engine is the same as in a tercell ( a lot of the parts are the same ) , just has bigger valves ( is why it has so many problems ) an a turbo on it .
Here in the U.S. maybe. I'm aware that the NA MR2s were stuck with the 5SFE, same one used in the Camry, Corolla, and Celica of its time. But across the ocean, they made use of the 3SGE and in the Turbo models, 3SGTE. Did it make the MR2 any less fun? No. But tuning parts for this thing are extremely scarce. Last thing I recall doing to my 5SFE is putting new headers before deciding it wasn't worth it. Decided to go for a BEAMS.
Another great video as usual. Would love some comparison between an NA MR2 and a 4th Gen Honda Prelude. I feel preludes are fairly underated - but that may be for good reason?
I will never understand how the NSX is classified as a supercar when it only has around 270 horsepower. It looks like a supercar but it's lacking majorly in the power department to be a supercar.
I own a jdm 1994 rev 3 mr2 gt-s in 8b6 trop blue. 3rd gen 3sgte with a few factory bottlenecks removed like trash oem intercooler, and a turbo upgrade the mr2 will stomp the shit out of a nsx. Btw our redlines are like 7200/7250, not 6,000.
Now come on. MR2 is not even in the same league as an NSX. Not even slightly close lmao. Toyota makes commercial cars. Honda is a racing company that has dominated every motorsport in the world and makes the best engines in the world. They are the most legendary name in the history of motorsports. Can't even compare toyota to Honda.
now Toyota is family cars but the 90's they weren't. But also now so is every other company including Honda. Looks at how the Celica gt4 dominated rally, how their truck and 4runner from those days still also out perform newer off road vehicles
A few corrections: the MR2 Turbo has a 7200 RPM redline. The USDM MR2 Turbo made 200 HP though 220 is correct for JDM MR2's. In Japan, Toyota released an MR2 with an uprated, 3rd generation 3SGTE making 245 HP. That's probably the one that beat the NSX in a drag race. It's a fairly popular engine swap for US cars. I love my MR2 but would trade it in a second for a nice NSX. That said, the MR2 is a fantastic bargain. As the video notes, they rarely sell for over $10,000. This goes even for very nicely maintained higher mileage cars. Parts are cheap, though getting hard to find. Toyota has discontinued most of them. If you're looking for a mid-engined car on a budget there's probably no better option.
Thanks, David! Yeah, I goofed on the redline. 6,000 RPM is peak power.
Believe it or not, the drag race was recorded in 1993. The 3S-GTE in the drag race was a Gen 2!
amber corners That's interesting about the drag race. Googling around, published quarter mile times are close enough that I guess a win in any given race could actually go either way.
That is correct gen2.. gen3 would of walked the nsx..LOL
In addition: Isn't the rear suspension of the MR2 multilink?
I was just about to say about the redline. It's quite humbling knowing that my little Rev 3 can take on one of the big boys like this, at least in a quarter mile anyway.
Just finished building my MR2 Turbo and am getting it ready for paint. There’s not a chance in hell I’d trade this thing for an NSX.
My respects to the NSX, its a fine automobile; but the MR2, all day everyday more fun.
So is the NSX. Many NSX drivers daily their NSX. There is even one with 540K miles on the odometer with nothing but scheduled maintenance and wear and tear items done.
Yeah but, my man, have you driven an NSX?
I'm laughing no it's not.
Probably because its smaller
Id take the NSX tho
If they were worth the same, Id rather have a tastefully modded mr2 turbo. Its smaller size makes it more fun to drive
Really really really underrated yt channel. Great video !
The prices on MR2 2nd gen have been going up by the month until we hit Covid-19. Still, low mileage and unmolested ones are going for $25k- $35k. Hard to find nice ones for $5-$10K.
I’ve owned (and loved) both. A few points: 1) To get stock NSX speed you’ll need a turbo MR2, which has significant turbo lag. 2) it’s common to add an aftermarket supercharger to the NSX. It’s over engineered engine can be safely and relatively cheaply be boosted to about 500 crank HP before transmission reliability starts to become a constraint. 3) While both are great driver’s cars, handling, build quality, and overall feel of the NSX is in a very different class.
Before I drove an Nsx I thought the Mr2 might be comparable to the Nsx. Boy was I wrong, they are two different cars.The Nsx is put together like a tank. Every lid and locking mechanism needs force because they built it to stay solid at highspeed. Crusing around at 80 to 90 mph felt like i was doing 40.You guys got to drive somebodys Nsx and you'll know how special it was and still is.
I currently own two NSX's (2003 and 2004) and a first generation _supercharged_ MR2 (1989). And previously I had two other supercharged MR2's (1988) and a MR2 Turbo (1995). I liked my Turbo, but prefer the supercharged cars. I love 'em all, but the NSX is just too freaking gorgeous!
obvi•US aren’t you great.
Still wondering how this channel doesn't have a billion subscribers with the quality of the content you manage to put out.
Great video!!! although later model NSX's would become wayy quicker. Not to mention the NSX-R, which would beat GTR 33's and 34's in drag race and race track tests by best motoring/hotversion tests.
Those videos are a pure joy to watch even though u can't understand anything. Great video again, props.
Proud owner of a '97 SW20 over here.
My 3S-GTE hits the rev limiter exactly at 8K rpms but it’s an RC engine/ECU out of a 1993 Celica GT4 RC with a steel wheel CT-20b out of a 1994 Celica GT4 WRC. It also has the slightly larger AFM and I ditched the Water-to-air intercooler and installed an FMIC. I also kept the factory anti-lag system and water/methanol injection tho I’ve never installed them (Been sitting in a box for nearly a decade in my garage in Texas. There’s no telling what venomous spider or snake may be living within that box LOL). I would have kept the entire WRC engine/ECU/Turbo combination but I’m probably the only guy around who just loves the T-VIS system so I built my own hybrid using only the top shelf brand seals and hardware and I’ve tricked the T-VIS system out a little bit with a few improvements.
Such a wonderfully edited and informational video. Thank you for making this
at 1:30 original video name pleas!
Suspension isn't boring. often overlooked but it's the one thing that would totally change the feel of the car
Not watched much but on the topic of pricing. JDM is slowly turning less and less into about what the car can do, least near where I live a AE86 has such a bad amount of "Anime/Movie-TAX" to where I could buy a RX7 or maybe even a high mileage Supra, and still have enough to buy a good condition mid-range mileage Miata for a daily car
I love both of them tbh, but an MR2 kinda feels just right for me. The NSX.....it gives me that feeling that like, only experienced drivers must buy. I know the same goes for the MR2, but y’know......it just makes sense to opt for the W20 as a daily
How about this comparison
Nissan 300zx tt
Vs Toyota Supra
A note about MR2 Turbo weight, four years late: most USDM cars weigh easily over 2,800 lbs and possibly more like 2,850. The 2,755 lb figure shown here may have come from findings of my own car that I published multiple places years ago. It was a 1993 hardtop Turbo that weighed exactly 2,755 on SCCA scales at the end of Solo Nationals competition runs in Stock class -- with very little fuel left in the tank, a straight-pipe catback exhaust that eliminated the muffler for weight savings, and the lightest stock-sized wheels available (at about 9 lbs each). This was probably at least 50 lbs in weight savings through methods that were allowed in Stock class autocross. In addition, almost all 93-95 USDM Turbo cars came with T-tops which added perhaps 30 lbs of weight (don't quote me on this one) over the hardtop model. Essentially, 2,755 lbs is not really an accurate figure for these cars "off the showroom floor."
Regardless, they're still great little cars and at the time this video was published, superb value for a fun mid engined car.
MR2 weights you quoted are quite light... Unusually light. There are OEM examples at 3,0XX lbs.
Hey, nice video as always! Thanks for my 7 seconds of rusty fame too :D
2:39
Haha. You bet! Thanks for the [very sad] pic!
The big difference between the 2nd gen MR2 and NSX for me is: the MR2 was a fun, beginners car where I would leave extra bolts out, not use a torque wrench, strip some bolts, 2 car accidents, and procrastinating on the maintenance… and it still runs like a champ over the 2 decades of ownership, whereas anything listed above were to happen to an NSX…
But in defense to the NSX: rarer, a technological marvel, a historic automobile for the books, unprecedented break throughs for a production car (aluminum chassis/body panels, titanium connecting rods/forged pistons, VTEC, etc.), inspired the looks for the McLaren F1, marga hills, but the best part of all: body was sculpted after some swimsuit model.
I've driven both. The NSX may not be fast, but it's FAR nicer than the MR2. And I LOVE MR2s. It's tighter, more refined, handles better, feels nicer. The NSX is a finely tuned, super-high quality performance machine. The MR2 is a mass produced, budget MR car. The MR2 is a poor man's NSX. And I promise, I LOVE MR2s.
Honestly NSX didn't feel that better apart from handling and sound compared to a SW20. Quality is pretty much the same, but the MR2 is way easier to drive on regular roads.
Awesome video man! keep up the work
Really well done video.
Another great video. Thanks and keep up the good work!
i had both ,the mr2 had a v6 in as well but there is a difference of night and day between the 2 .. one was 60-70k gbp the mr2 was 20 gbp ish and that shows . it not about 1/4 mile of 0-60 its about the whole package .
I love both cars and I'd like to get them but I think they are both still exposed to snap oversteer
Not if you get the 1993 + mr2. No snap oversteer.
wouldnt the beams red top mr2 be a better compatison?
More comparison ideas:
NSX vs F355
R35 vs 911T
A90 vs Z4 vs Cayman😉
THIS VIDEO IS SO GOOD
Thanks for the great channel.
Some videos on the 3rd GEN MR2 please.
I own both. Nsx definitely way better in handling and more refined. Both are fun but the mr2 has a tendency to snap over steer if you don't know what you'll doing. Because of the location of the gas tank. I love both don't get me wrong. This comparison is like a burger to a steak but to each it's own.
This video could be 10 seconds, with very very few words:
The MR2, is Toyota's version, of a RWD Honda Integra.
Cheap, Fun, Reliable.
The NSX, is Honda's version, of what a sports car should feel like.
Absolute Precision. Absolute Reliability. Absolute Drivability.
They don't make cars like these two any more.
Early MR2s were more hardcore than any NSX. No power steering, no abs. Pure sports car, unmatched by anything at that time.
Redline for 3sgte is 7k rpm
You might be right. I meant peak power. Thanks for watching!
@@ambercorners I dunno bout the turbo one, but 3S-GE peak power is right before limiter hits you at around 7800 RPM. Power grows till you will blow the engine in N/A version, hard to belive turbo will lose power after 6k RPM.
The redline is 7250 on the 3SGTE! Great video
MR2 4 Life Always N Forever!
The 1st gen nsx had one problem with beeing quick from a dig. Gear ratio. Thats why the strongest mr2 could be a tiny bit quicker. The 6 speed NSX is quicker then any factory mr2. But i love them both. Both beautiful and unique cars.
Of course, then you can put a 2GR into an MR2, and you have something next level!
I think mr2 looks way better
Those 2nd gen mr2’s are definitely selling for more then 5k now
6000 rpm???? You need to get you facts straight. Mr2 turbo 3sgte has a 7000 redline! Other than that great video!
During my research phase, I took down peak power (6K RPM). The figure wasn't updated with the script revision. I regret the error (especially as a Turbo MR2 owner, myself)!
@@ambercorners ct26 2nd gen 3sgte...ct26 sucks. 3rd gen 3sgte uses a ct20b with power not dropping off all the way to redline.
6.000 redline??? ok my car listens to blind guardian and manowar all the time, but does it allow the engine to rev about 1000 more?
as nice as the NSX my bias is towards the MR2 because my first car was 1986 MR2. plus i rather own I car I can drive without having to worry about the cost of repairing it later on. MR2 is lighter and can easily be modified to surpass a NSX and not cost a fortune.
I have the NA2 NSX. Mine with a few comptech goodies, headers, exhaust and light weight fly wheel I'm putting out 320 hp just confirmed off the dyno. I looked at the MR2 even test drove it. But the worth of a car is more than its 0-60, or 1/4 mile number. There is no comparison between the two cars other than the MR2 is a bargain.
This is a great vdo comparison both cars are great look similar toy, n hon are great we own a few from 4age,sw20 to 1zz n vtech accord n 94delsol n cr-x civic,supra, 5mge,7mgt both are fantastic but price for nsx is Insane compared to mr2 tbh bang for the 💰 those sw20 can run low 7 or 6sec
Both car are good
Great, informative vid!
In answer to your suggestions....
What about the 1996 Nissan S14 200SX (SR20DET) Vs The 1996 5th Gen BB6 Honda Prelude Type S (SH in the USA)
What is the intro music?
I loved my turbo MR2, but it was no comparison to my NSX. Straightline speed may have been comparable but build quality, handling, braking all went to the NSX.
Build quality is defo better on the MR2.
Great video
excellent and entertaining video :)
The bad thing about the mr2, is the engine is the same as in a tercell ( a lot of the parts are the same ) , just has bigger valves ( is why it has so many problems ) an a turbo on it .
The Tercel utilized E series engines. The SW20 utilized S series engines. They are very different platforms.
tercel ... better go look at your sources buddy !
Here in the U.S. maybe. I'm aware that the NA MR2s were stuck with the 5SFE, same one used in the Camry, Corolla, and Celica of its time. But across the ocean, they made use of the 3SGE and in the Turbo models, 3SGTE.
Did it make the MR2 any less fun? No. But tuning parts for this thing are extremely scarce. Last thing I recall doing to my 5SFE is putting new headers before deciding it wasn't worth it. Decided to go for a BEAMS.
Exotic timeless more beautiful is NSX ❤️❤️
They are both good cars, but the NSX is on a different level and much more desirable to be honest..
Bought an MR2 last month , in case i feel the need to kill myself from stressing
Another great video as usual. Would love some comparison between an NA MR2 and a 4th Gen Honda Prelude. I feel preludes are fairly underated - but that may be for good reason?
Love your videos man!. MR2 vs S2000 maybe?
people say the s2000 is twitchier and harder to handle than sw20. I really doubt it
LOL
maybe miata
God this channel is fucking amazing
I will never understand how the NSX is classified as a supercar when it only has around 270 horsepower. It looks like a supercar but it's lacking majorly in the power department to be a supercar.
simple... If I win the lottery, I get both, price no object.
macphershit in the rear is called chapman
Targa top nsx is hecka common in the nsx world.
i never expected the mr2 to be lighter
antsolja its not lol
typo i meant the mr2
I figured out where the mr2 fuel tank is the hard way….
NSX all the way
Mr2 Spyder vs Honda s2k
So we just gonna ignore the knockoff another one bites the dust music , queen on acid
How times have changed. 2nd gen MR2 mucho more expensive.
sw20 に乗っているが、ＮＳＸとは価格が全く違いますからね〜
I own a jdm 1994 rev 3 mr2 gt-s in 8b6 trop blue. 3rd gen 3sgte with a few factory bottlenecks removed like trash oem intercooler, and a turbo upgrade the mr2 will stomp the shit out of a nsx.
Btw our redlines are like 7200/7250, not 6,000.
Ah yes… the apple and orange.
Mr2 fan just trolling:)
MR2 was not the Toyota flagship. They arent even close in comparison.
3s. 7k rpm buddy
Please everyone crash your Mr2 turbos. I want the value to go up
Sky wtf why??
Ok sure 😅
Funny 😂
Ist genetation looks so much better and lighter and rarer....2nt gen looks too generic.....
Supra vs NSX sounds more appropriate
NO , Supra cant compare to a NSX but a GTR or 3000GT yes
Chouun Shiryu yes it can
Supra vs GTR
because both are heavy jdm cars.
And that's where Toyota fucked up the mr2, the damned macpherson struts and short wheelbase
NSX is unnecessary long.
Now come on. MR2 is not even in the same league as an NSX. Not even slightly close lmao.
Toyota makes commercial cars. Honda is a racing company that has dominated every motorsport in the world and makes the best engines in the world. They are the most legendary name in the history of motorsports. Can't even compare toyota to Honda.
now Toyota is family cars but the 90's they weren't. But also now so is every other company including Honda. Looks at how the Celica gt4 dominated rally, how their truck and 4runner from those days still also out perform newer off road vehicles
Haha just a "fake " bestmotoring episode 😆😆