Tell me why I should get a MKIII Supra over my MR2

[aaron7]

Posting this in both the MR2 and Supra forums.

I've been contemplating parting and selling my MR2 project for a nice turbo MKIII Supra, but since I know nothing about the Supra, I came here!

My MR2 has pretty much everything modded, but my 20v blew up and I was building a 3sgte for it. Problem is, to build the motor the way I want I'll spend around $3000 by the time the MR2 is moving again.

Pics and info on it here: http://www.cardomain.com/id/aaron7

Now, instead of spending $3000 on a new motor in the MR2 I was eyeing the MKIII supra turbo. I miss having a front engine rear wheel drive car... but I don't know how the two compare in handling, power (if I finished my 300whp 3sgte), repairs, etc.

Maybe I just feel this way because I've owned the MR2 too long and I haven't been able to drive it more than 2000 miles in the past 2 years. Is it time for a change?

If I did get one, what year would I want? Pros and cons of different years? Any to stay away from?

So what do you guys think?

[pgiller]

I havent ever owned a mr2, but i do own a 89 mk3. Thing to look for is TEMS (in working order), Well everything in working order, shaft play on the turbo, Headgasket, Targa top. They are a blast to drive fairly easy to mod and look good. I am putting out around 270hp with exaust, electric fans, and 8 lbs of boost. They are a very fun and attractive car.

[TcmaBoy]

Well, you don't need a shoe horn to get in and out of a Supra, and the trunk has room for a few groceries. Other than that, I don't know.

Pick what you want, you are the one who has to drive it.

[bgrieger]

If you were to get one and plan on modding it, you're in for an engine either way you go. The headgasket is the weak point. If fixed, it's never a problem again, but I wouldn't ever open an engine without at least a cleanup rebuild (rings, bearings etc.) With that work in, you're approaching 3k again.

Choose as you want, but if the 3k is the problem, I wouldn't bother.

[Jeeves]

By the numbers the Turbo MR2 was one of the leading factors to the Mk3's demise. It made near the same hp, was cheaper, and lighter weight than the mk3 Supra. Now, I love my mk3 Supra, but they're far from a turnkey and make asstons of power operation.

[willtotheumm]

I've got you beat. I own both an 88 Supra Turbo 5-speed hardtop and an 88 MR2 5-speed hardtop

I love my Supra like a kid. Sadly it's awaiting a new engine. I recently got my MR2 and have fallen in love with it too. The handling is amazing. I know the Supra can't handle quite like it (the Supra is a dang tank...) I've got my soon-to-be-autocrossed MR2 and my soon-to-drag Supra. Best of both worlds.

But like mentioned.... with an MK3 Supra, you'll most likely have to replace the headgasket. Luckily the Supras are a bit easier to work on... heh.

If I were you i'd pick up a Supra (if you can find a good one for under $3k) and drive it while finishing up your 3s-gte swap in the Deuce.