Has anyone here driven both an MR2 (1991-1998 MkII model) and a 350Z on the track? Can you give a comparison of how they handled, how challenging to drive, how much fun, etc?

 

RSX is still faster.

 

I had a supercharged AW11 with AE101 engine. 170hp vs 287hp. They're both about even when it comes to 0-60secs IMO, but the MR2 takes a lot less gas since it's 1.6L haha.

When it comes to handling. MR2 FTW!!! The Z isn't really that good on stock suspension.. But with my Nismo Springs mated with TC Klines. It seems to be doing fairly well. I've never tracked my MR2 so I can't really say much. On the streets, I can definitely take street corners faster with the MR2. Gotta love short wheelbase! I'm pretty sure the Z will outcorner the MR2 on longer/higher speed corner, the MR2 becomes pretty unstable at higher speeds.

MR2 = a lot harder to control, but a lot more fun
Z = A lot easier to control, but a lot faster at track = more fun!

Both have comparatively advantages and disadvantages depending on situation.

 

I used to have a 91 SW20 Mr2 turbo. I had basic bolt-on's, upgraded compressor wheel, and some suspension mods. The mr2's are definitely more nimble and feel a bit quicker in the corners but the Z just like Xuper said is more stable at high speed. The MR2 does very well because its light, mid engine, and the braking distance is awesome (60-0 in 109ft).

 

I love my mr2. Much more exhilarating and rewarding, than driving the Z. I love my Z, theres no question about it. But Ive gone through 4 mr2s and cant leave them alone. The mr2 I own now, made 667rwhp on a Gt40r(through a rod) so tracking was out the question for me. But on the smaller L2 kit that I owned, it was fun as hell. It takes more control and experience to track an mr2. It sometimes can be tail happy, coming in and out of corners, but timing is the key.

 

Considering the Mr2 held a record for best handling car for a while it may be a bit better on the track. I recorded 1.01 g's on the skidpad something bolt-ons will not do on the Z.

 

What record was that?

You can bolt on a set of R-compound tires and pull well over 1.01 gs in a Z, easy.

I know it wasn't the original question, but stock for stock, the 350Z's faster than the MR2 Turbo on any kind of track. It's a lot more powerful than the MR2T, and while it's heavier and less agile, the disadvantage isn't as bad as some on this thread imply. I realize that a lot (most?) people modify their MR2Ts, though.

 

The Z is actually better balanceds that the MR2, but they are heavier over all. The weight causes a penalty in tighter sections, but the Z's seem to be more stable at higher speeds and smoother transitions.

As others have said, the MR2's will rotate more, and sometime a bit too much. But the wuick reflexes and tight corner transitions are very rewarding.

 

The JDM MR2 was faster than the JDM Supra twin turbo, so if you compare the japanese version it is actually very quick. It came with a cermanic CT20 turbo which pumped a lot of power.

 

When I had my Z in 2005, I had a stock MR2 turbo for winter driving and racing before i decided I should race the Z. THe Z is a faster car no matter how you look at it. The MR2 has a slight advantage in autox as it is more tossable, but the Z can make it up with just better tires. THe Z is 10 years newer than the MR2, there should be no comparison. The MR2 can get scary if you want to go fast in it too. THe Z is a lot more stable and solid. I say MR2 is more like a Miata with higher threshold and more power, but when it does go, you have almost no chance of catching it

 

I had a MK2 MR2 turbo which I really enjoyed. I always loved the way the mr2 looks. However, I think the Z far surpasses the mr2 at the track (with the possible exception of autocross). The mr2's suspension (rear specifically) did not allow for large range of adjustment. Additionally, the car could not run very large tires for additional grip. Typical tire setup would be 215/40/17 up front and 235/40/17 out back.

 

I rolled my rears and put 255's. I used to get 1.8 60ft times with my mister2 with kumho street tires and stock 15" wheels. I loved launching that thing with my ACT setup.

 

+1. Ive seen stock gen 3 mr2's, run 13.5's at 104 mph. My last setup, was a gen 3 motor, with an sc61 turbo. Most mr2's are over shadowed, by the evo and sti trend! But the 3s motor, is a very potent one and offers alot of potential.

 

Anyone remember the user raceboy that was banned. I remember that he tracked a Z frequently along with a MR2 prior to that. I was searching for some old posts and it looks like his posts were deleted. Interesting.

 

He was unfiltered EVIL!!!....

Everything word he said were untruths from the depths of hades....

(hmm...can I add enough winks for people to know that this is a joke??)

I belive Steve drove the MR Spyder vs the gen3 MR2, but my memory tends to falter.

 

Yeah at 130+ MR2 becomes a little freaky and scary. Z is nice and solid. However at low speed corners if you know how to drive a mid engine car a modded mr2 should beat a Z. Again they drive completely different. On an autox course a modded MR2 will win - on a raod course it's all Z.

 

My friend just got a MR. 2, so I'll have to take it for a drive for comparison's sake. My dad drove a non-turbo Lotus Exige today, and he said it wasn't enough more nimble and quick to justify the additional cost over a Z

so which one is it?

 

Stock for stock, an Exige will eat a Z alive on track. Your dad might have not felt the difference driving on the street, but they are worlds apart in stock form.

 

LOL, oops, I guess I'm a hypocrite.

They're both pretty fun each in their own way. For low speed, sharp corners, it's MR2 that makes it fun. For high speed and long/wide corners, the Z will grip those like it's on rails, that makes that part fun.

I might be looking to purchase another AW11 S/C this year, I miss mine so much , nothing wrong with two cars

 

There's only one downfall to the MR2 and thats repair work. It is sooooooooooooooo difficult to work on. The damn subframe has to come off to work on anything including exhaust systems. They are great machines though. I remember reading the 3S-GTE was ranked one of the 10 best motors toyota ever built. They said it outlasted the 2JZ-GTE.