Mr2 Turbo vs. Mr2 Spyder | Comparison

Comparing a 1993 Toyota Mr2 Turbo to a 2001 Toyota Mr2 Spyder.
Finally got to make the sw20 vs. zzw30 video. I hope you enjoy it and sorry about the audio issues we were having.
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[@bladerunner1b]

I have owned all 3 in stock form in their prime and the Spyder was the funnest with the top down. The 93 was the fastest and best looking. The 86 was probably the best overall if only it had more power. Random quick thoughts: Spyder - Light and nimble go-cart like original, faster than original but still could use at least 200hp. Top down sensations. Styling controversy. Underrated. Original - light and nimble, toss able go-cart like. Almost perfect. Needed about 200hp. Turbo - This one is kind of its own thing. Lost a bit of the cart sensation but certainly no GT.. Fastest, best looking. Dangerous in the wrong hands. All 3 are a blast to drive.

[@Thesaviorsway]

What about the supercharged original mr2? In 1987 they made it at 145hp. Surely with exhaust intake itb or some other upgrades it would be more than plenty

[@Thesaviorsway]

Like the 4age can use a later block head like a 20valve blacktop

[@JimV90]

I prefer the SW20 Turbo. I promise I am not biased in any way.

[@marko2993]

Jim V It's just a better looking car. Plus it has pop-up headlights

[@SpyderLEE]

I prefer Spyder... absolutely nothing influenced my decision 😜

[@pufferz6788]

SpyderLEE totally

[@zokusharuuku1091]

I just put Spyder celica headlights on my mr2, now it’s time to find a body shop to make it look pretty!

[@absolutezero7344]

@@zokusharuuku1091 Like the TPS MR-S?

[@davidagcole]

I own both. The sw20 turbo is a beast, great for performance driving, looks great but more a weekend car, not for daily driving, it requires care and concentration to drive. Which is where the mk3 exceeds, it's a great daily driver for getting around every day, ragging the hell out of it without too much thought and putting a smile on your face while doing it.

[@JEMHull-gf9el]

MRS is an amazing car. It does not get the attention it deserves. And actually thats one of the things I love about it. Its a return to the original its like an updated AW11!

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

LockTest Totally agree

[@cliffordbradford8910]

Yeah. I owned 2 different AW11s and I think the MRS was an attempt to go back to that light, low hp formula so I think a better comparison would be an MRS to an AW11. The two mess-ups Toyota had on the MRS were (1) making it convertible (trying to be like the Miata) and (2) how it has so little storage space so it can't be a daily driver/only car. I had AW11s for ~4 years as my only cars and those are doable but an MRS is impossible. The AW11 has a trunk and a usable frunk (including space for a space saver spare and the sunroof/t-tops). Total is probably bigger than a Miata. The MRS frunk is tiny..

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

I would love to compare those two some day and I agree with those points, I really wish they made a hardtop version.

[@mk2mister2]

I agree to an extent. However, I felt that Toyota really dropped the ball on this one by not offering a "GT-S" model with the 2ZZGE engine. The AW11 had the 4AGE and 4AGZE, which were good performance engines for their time. I would have liked to see a hardtop version too but I know they were aiming for the Miata at the time, so I won't fault them for that. This was also at a time when Nissan and Toyota were making cars that had cheap hard plastic interiors. The SW20 MR2 interior is of much higher quality than the MR2 Spyder.

[@guitariste47]

the mrs could have a hard top ( i have one on mine)

[@MatthewVanceMusic]

The Spyder is currently experiencing an under appreciation and lack of recognition as an actual sports car. That's because people stick to their guts and tend not to give one a test drive. It's like a slot car or big go kart with many fun qualities. It will one day be respected, and no longer have to face the neglect from car buffs that the Porsche 914 just escaped, for one example. The 914 has recently become sought after like it never was for decades prior. No bias, coming from a sw30 owner heheh.

[@ReptilianAnusWizzard]

But thats the reason you can buy on in good Kondition for 3000-4000€

[@Kana0211]

But that's better for people who want it cheap

[@SnowWhiteMR2]

Thanks for the vid. Always cool to see stuff on MR2s!

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Thanks!

[@rowanlewisuk]

Great video I was shocked at your subscriber count deserve way more. Keep doing vids on the mr2s

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

rowanlewisuk thanks!

[@deadgametech6624]

I love my AW11. Awesome to see the other models. MR2's are so much FUN!

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

DeadGameTech They really are!

[@metalheadarno8914]

awesome vid guys, always wanted to see a comparison

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

metalhead arno Thanks I'm glad you liked it!

[@sparkyenergia]

Well done guys. Shame about the audio issues. Keep going don't be afraid to say what you really think about the cars. (yeah it was yours and your dad's that's gonna be hard) but seriously review the car objectively. Your dad might even learn of something he should change.

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

sparkyenergia absolutely thanks!

[@greganderson5972]

Just bought my 2nd (and 3rd (parts car)) ‘93 MR2 Turbos. Don’t ask about the 1st one. Can’t wait for them to show up. This vid was a great comparison, but a matchup between the Mk2 and a Mk1 would be even better. Keep up the excellent work!

[@1compaqedr8]

MR2 SW20. My gen4 is an excellent engine. Starts building boost at 2000rpm. Has enough interior room to make daily driving the most comfortable of the 3 generations.

[@flyingmr2]

I'm about to purchase a mk3 to complete my MR2 generation collection. I currently own an NA mk1 and a V6 mk2. I test drove a Spyder the other day for the first time and was not impressed with the straight-line power. I think daily driving a torquey mk2 for like 4 years may have skewed my expectations hah. I really liked how it handled though, more than my mk2, which is on fairly stock suspension; Eibach pro-kit springs, kyb agx struts and 26 year old bushings. I'm really excited to have a mk3 and looking forward to learning all that I can about it!

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Thats awesome, I hope to have all three someday as well

[@IjahD]

I'm glad to say I have both (grey SW20 Rev 3 yr 1995 and a black SW30 yr 2003). Both great cars with different attributes.😊

[@mike325ci]

You forgot to mention that your Spyder has a hardtop, which is a mod that people like to do, but can't do due to how rare they are! ;) I enjoyed the video. I have/had owned all 3 generations of MR2s and a Lotus Exige S (some consider as the 4th gen MR2). Each are different and I like them all. But if you forced me to pick one, it'll be the first gen, just because it is the most "analog" of them all-- nothing electronic except the fuel injection and it's all just manual, hydraulic, mechanical... I just spent a few hours working on the Spyder (also a hardtop) to prep it for my first track day in a few days... Cheers.

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

mike.choi Very awesome! I realized I forget the hardtop too

[@ag-xw8ir]

I'm pretty sure the hardtops dont actually do anything in terms of rigidity or weight

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

abhay gupta yeah not really, I've only added weight since I still have the softtop below the hardtop

[@Sky-qd2mf]

I just bought a 91 sw20 and im in love

[@sayanchatterjee4312]

I also have a MR2 Spyder. It is a fun car. Where did you get the hard top though?

[@thewedge8823]

the W20 is wayyyyy too heavy. W30 all day

[@johngerritsen908]

DEFINITELY THE BETTER HANDLER WHICH WILL SHOW ON A TIGHT TRACK.oN THE OPEN ROAD THE TURBO WILL HAVE THE POWER ADVANTAGE.2 VERY DIFFERENT CARS BOTH GOOD .

[@tomasbilek8264]

W30 with 2zz or w20 turbo?

[@fullthrottle4682]

whats the power of the mr2 turbo, and how does your dad like the mega squirt computer? did he get it to self tune? if so how easy was that.

[@Mercazo]

a '93 SW20 is my dream car.

[@greganderson5972]

This is awesome! Who are you guys?

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Just some guys who enjoy cars. Im glad you enjoyed it!

[@zokusharuuku1091]

Just wait until you get some stiffer suspension, it’ll be so planted it’s going to blow your mind how responsive it is. I’ve got cut progressive lowering springs making the car so low the wheels would hit the fenders if I didn’t cut them and add fender flares.

[@johnnyvegas5681]

Good video gents.

[@ianedmonds9191]

SW20 FTW. :-) Luv and Peace.

[@pbaumer]

This legit looks like Liberty Township, Ohio. I'm in Mason Ohio and just got a Yellow 2003 MR2 Spyder.

[@nx_Exe]

pbaumer ayy fellow Ohioan.

[@briangmagness]

thetreeshaveads Olde West Chester here. 2003 silver mica with hardtop.

[@briangmagness]

pbaumer West Chester here.

[@nx_Exe]

i live all the way on lake erie like 45 minutes east on cleveland. 06' legacy that was 100% daddio funded and about to pick up either an mr2 spyder or boxster for a summer stuntin' car.

[@baileymorgan9986]

It is liberty township

[@MrMalzers]

Never has a name so fit a person as Jake matches the ginger kid.

[@evolicious-x]

Can't wait to get my 91 3sgte running. It's got a motor knock.. :(

[@judgedreader4011]

I like both that's why I own both😊

[@ryanpatterson4838]

Ct20b is not off the supra it's off the gen 3 3sgte, common upgrade. Seems like your Dad knew what to do, that mega squirt is a garbage ecu but just my opinion. Nice video kinda wish it would've been more accurate but you guys seem young. Nice work...

[@Daveoncars]

I love my '91 Turbo

[@mrjonno]

I think you guys have missed the point of the MR2 spyder - it's not about luxuries but sports car handling.

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

I get that but I wanted to focus on the less obvious aspects.

[@mrjonno]

Fair reply. There are not many cars with no safety systems that you can spin as stock and requires driving skill to get the best from what the chassis can deliver. That is the essence of the MR2.

[@04dram04]

IM GOING TO PREDICT THAT THE MR2 SPYDER, IS GOING TO BE THE NEXT NB MIATA

[@chrisluko4645]

04dram04 rrd

[@chrisluko4645]

04dram04

[@cliffordbradford8910]

The MRS is probably way better than an NB. The NB IMO is the worst Miata. I reckon people only buy them cause they're available and cheaper than an NC.

[@amanwithafakename]

I love these types of channels where kids can sort of "react" to cars. Wish it was legal in my country to drive around at that age...sigh*

[@TotoGeenen]

Mike Martin it is so weird that they can drive a 16 and drink at 21, meanwhile in europe you can drive and drink at 18.

[@xxjon94xx]

SW20 all the way. I'm totally biased.

[@jpv98]

I own both 1sw20 whitt caldina engine 320 hp, and a zzw30 vvtli frome a celica 192 hp,good cars love it :):)

[@heilong79]

In Europe the sw20 only came in NA form at around 138 hp in standard form which means that the SW30 was actually faster, yes you could import turbo models from Japan but without those the SW30 seems like a much better deal. I like the look of the MK1 better than the MK2 as the MK2 has round bits in all the wrong places, if it was a little more boxy like an NSX it would look better.

[@Brian02447]

Nice comparison of both cars. Personally, having only owned and driven the sw20 generation, that in my opinion is the best MR2. You can put more power down on that car, it looks better then any other MR2 generation, and its the most iconic MR2 generation out there. The spyder seems like a great little roadster though.

[@lucaballardini1]

You can maybe put more Power down in an sw20 but you will anyways never be faster than a modded (turbo / 2zz) spyder. The lightness of the mrs makes it an extremely capable car to build on.

[@MixMasterMaj]

@@lucaballardini1 Totally correct. The zzw30 is the better performance chassis for sure.

[@MrBoybergs]

I bought an Mr2 Turbo after owning a 1st generation 1.6 Mazda MX5 (Miata, Japanese import V special) back in the 90's. Way more grunt than the MX5 but way less fun to drive. Gear shift was nowhere near as precise and the car just felt too heavy and blunt. Not a bad car in its own right but not a patch on the MX5 for sheer driving pleasure.

[@kendexter]

SW20 Turbo

[@fastdude2002]

I bought a MR2 new in 2001. A year later I bought a new 2002 Honda S2000 and sold the MR2. The MR2 was a fun car to drive but the Honda S2000 outclassed the Toyota. I still have the S2000 sitting in my garage with just 7,500 miles. Too many cars so it hasn’t got driven much in the last 19 years.

[@user-gn7wj2iw2z]

Does the mr2 spyder have the snap oversteer problem to?

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

The spyder has a more neutral limit but still takes some caution since it is rear heavy car.

[@Jason-xk8qu]

It's not a 'problem'. They just have different handling characteristics being mid engined, you can't drive them like you'd drive a normal car

[@ErikSeastead]

As someone who has snap oversteered a Spyder into a muddy ditch, (both of us unharmed), snap oversteer is a driver input error. Snap oversteer occurs when the driver over-corrects oversteer, which results in the suspension settling while the front tires are still turned. Watch any snap oversteer video frame by frame and you'll see what I mean. Everyone knows that midengine cars rotate faster because of the smaller moment of inertia, but they forget that this means your countersteering inputs need to change as well. Compared to an FD car, MR cars require you to return to center during oversteer MUCH much earlier than an FD car. Picture your oversteer correction as 2 swift movements, one is snapping the wheel to the equilibrium position (where the wheel is when you catch the slide and stop rotating), and the second is snapping the wheel back to the center. You need to snap back preemptively, so that the front wheels are already straight when the rotation of the car stops. If the wheels are still turned, as they are in ever snap oversteer video on the internet, the car will just turn in the direction of the front wheels after settling! Anything that takes weight off of the rear wheels (throttle lift, BRAKING) will cause the car to spin. Watch that viral video MR2 Snapoversteer frame by frame and you will see exactly what I'm talking about.

[@vipbeef2174]

I prefer the SW20 idk I mean the Spyder may have the best handling but it kinda feels a little sloppy for me

[@xTeaKwonDox]

simple and easy sw20= project car zzw30= mostly daily but when swapping motor it become different car.. but it goes with any car.

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

xTeaKwonDox Agreed and when the zzw30 is modified is really comes alive

[@davidagcole]

Agreed, but I think I'd go with 2zz swap over the 1zz turbo upgrade. If you want a turbo, buy the sw20, if you want to maintain the spirit of the zzw30 but with more power stay na.

[@Genevagirls-h2x]

Spyder all day long. I know the feeling of the sw20 power from my 2jzgte and the spyder go-kart handling is more fun than that. But then again, I'm in the camp of the BRZ not needing any more horsepower so you can see where my priorities are. IMO the driving experience counts for way more than being able to beat your girlfriends dad's mustang in a straight line.

[@NeillWylie]

I daily drive my zzw30. Always wanted to drive an sw20 to compare the cars.

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Both awesome cars! Do it if you ever have a chance

[@Roger-my5in]

MK2 v MK3, for all the handling differences you guys mentioned you forgot one very important thing: MK3 was designed to neutralize/neuter the MK2s handling quirks that mid engine rear wheel drive cars all had back when they were made. Key thing is at speed the MK2 has a very light nose and there is very little progression to its handling limits. You are either not there yet or you just passed its handling limits. I had the MK2 and hands down it was the most tactile car I've ever owned and only those who had a natural talent for understanding what the car was doing or saying to you could really fully open up that cars full potential and fun. The MK3...meh

[@skymiller530]

If the video isn't presentable, don't post it and say, "Sorry about the audio."

[@mralldayiskate100]

Which one should I buy? I'm 19 and I've been looking at both of them

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Thats a tough question, they're both a lot of fun, the zzw30 is more reliable but the sw20 has more storage space. They both perform really well so I guess its all about which one you like better and whether or not you want a newer or older car.

[@mralldayiskate100]

Dimly Lit Garage yea thanks! I guess I'm going to purchase the mr turbo

[@davidagcole]

If you have little to no RWD experience I'd recommend the Spyder much more forgiving. Get your driving wrong in the sw20 turbo it will bite you hard.

[@TotoGeenen]

Wich did you end up getting?

[@darthtrader1027]

Spyder for me... its girly looking, until it isnt... and modded tastefully.

[@zzracer]

sw20 3sgte and their look with w30 weight and handling = ideal mr2; both cars awesome in different ways

[@tomasbilek8264]

sw20 turbo or w30 with 2zz motor?

[@zzracer]

@@tomasbilek8264 no doubt sw20 3sgte for me what is your favourite option?

[@tomasbilek8264]

@@zzracer want to buy one for myself. I like how sw20 looks. So for me its 3sgte or honda integra type R. But still not sure what to buy.

[@zzracer]

@@tomasbilek8264 i think it depends on money what you want to spent on it. W30 you could buy in mint condition for less money than sw20, and with 2zz it's a good way to car for track days and as daily too, sw20 it's a good car for daily, better interior, better look and turbo.

[@katieadams5860]

The Mr2 Spyder is also lighter than the MR2 turbo

[@halililkman4477]

Can you drift a stock mk3? İs it easy ? İ just asking because i may buy mk3

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Halil Ilkman The mk3 slides pretty well and is really balanced if you can initiate it. With the lack of power and lack of lsd(for earlier years), its difficult to enter a drift without using lots of weight transfer.

[@halililkman4477]

Dimly Lit Garage thanks for answering brother 👊

[@halililkman4477]

brother thank you so much ı bought one and its crazyy

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Awesome i'm glad you like it!

[@Kana0211]

I'd rather have people hate the spyder so I can get one cheap. Unlike a supra

[@KyleKick909]

w20 looks like a Ferrari. w30 looks like a Porsche. i'm currently looking at buying one of these 2 cars. i like the w20 more but i'm leaning more towards the w30 just because it might be better for long distance driving and it has a timing chain.

[@skuastone9698]

SW20 4 life.

[@fukkinkana]

I would go with the spyder if it came with a 2zz instead of a 1zz. But since it doesn't I'll take a sw20 turbo.

[@ErikSeastead]

2ZZ Spyders are cheaper than MR2 Turbos! Turbos are better in the straights and 2ZZ Spyders are better in the twisties! Both cars are awesome.

[@fukkinkana]

@@ErikSeastead depends where, but mr2 spyders where I'm from and i where i live currently are sold for 7-10k stock. Idk why, but it's laughable paying that much for a car of that caliber. And then you have to spend a good 3-4k on the engine swap. So price is about the same for both. Difference is that 14k would get you a pretty nice well maintained mr2 turbo. 7-8k will get you a mediocre at best condition spyder.

[@ErikSeastead]

@@fukkinkana Wow! I live in the US, and I got my Spyder for 3k with 1ZZ. 2ZZs are usually 6ish, and K motor cars are around 10.

[@fukkinkana]

@@ErikSeastead I'm from Hawaii. Toyota's get price gouged cause they're pretty much the only cars that can handle the roads and weather conditions. I'm talking 15k for a Toyota hilux. Or like 5k for a 90s Corolla. True story, i met a rich dude who used to work with my friend. He drove a G wagon daily, and possibly the fastest mazdaspeed 3's I've ever seen to this date. Parked his G wagon next to a 4 runner. No one gave a single fuck about his Mercedes. Everyone kept talking about the 4 runner including myself. Now i live in vegas, where everyone's delusional.

[@ErikSeastead]

@@fukkinkana oof, thats really harsh

[@ianedmonds9191]

11:05 He's taking the 90 degree corner at like 10 mph. Not how to get the best out of and SW20 MR2. I get it there scary; but there scary on that corner at like 40? Luv and Peace.

[@steviekfc1869]

how can you even compare an mr2 turbo to that hairdryer lol

[@texaswayz2289]

Should be mk2 vs Mk3...

[@chitocano7707]

Spyder unless you want the Fangs ☠

[@cyruslever586]

Whata this braking late theyre talking about. Not a good idea in a car famous for snap oversteer

[@janinewong4448]

That Johnny guy is hot 😍😍😍

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Sorry he's takin

[@SnowWhiteMR2]

Lmao girlfriend?

[@VinnieNiZero]

get an AW in durrrrr!!!

[@dimlylitgarage9785]

Hopefully one day!

[@nissan300bhp]

how the hell can you compare these 2 cars sw20 vs that thing!!! mr2 mk2 was a proper mr2

[@Ray-dx2pf]

SW20 tries to be Ferrari. The spyder tries to be Porsche

[@craigrobair8914]

If u were your dad is would disown you

[@Photostudioww]

You want luxury in a sports car. Oh your one those fools with a subwoofer box in the trunk and trys to race everyone.

[@Nemoticon]

No Mk1??? Pfft, not watching.... lol

[@diegoaccord]

There is no comparison. They can take that anemic Boxster wannabe and shove it. I'd much rather have the Ferrari rip-off with a turbo.