Current State of the MR2 Spyder

On its introduction in 2000 the third generation MR2 arrived to solid revies. It was sean as direct competition to the Mazda Miata. Most reviews had it winning that battle.

Unfortunately the MR2 Spyder had lack luster sales and was discontinued in 2005. Many blamed this on the fact that the car wasn't sure of its status. On the one hand it had a hard core racing design, with an attention on low weight and practically no luggage space. Yet it had the lower power GT engine instead of the GTS engine in the Celica. And subsequently the Lotus Elise.

The good news is that for with minor suspension and engine work the Spyder can be tuned via the aftermarket to become a hard core sports car.

Acura NSX
Lotus
MR2
MR2 Spyder
Year
2001
2008
1995
2003
MSRP
$84k
$48k
$28k
$25k
Power
290bhp@7100rpm
200bhp@6000rpm
138bhp@6400rpm
Torque
224lb-ft@5500rpm
200lb-ft@3200rpm
125lb-ft@4400rpm
Weight
3069
2077
2888
2195
Engine
3.2-liter, DOHC V6 with VTEC
1.8-liter, DOHC IV with VVTL-I
2.0-Liter, DOHC I4, turbocharged and intercooled
1.8 liter, DOHC I4 with VVT-i
Transmission
Six-speed manual
Six-speed manual
Five-speed manual
Five-speed manual