[Mk2] [NA] Why is the MR2 so heavy

[Ry_B]

Why is the MK2 so heavy? It is almost as heavy as my old man's Scoob which has 2 more seats, is wider and longer ( ) etc so can't work it out!! Is there any weight that can be saved easily thus giving more power/tonne?

[steve b]

Being mid engined there are more bulkheads, also it's better built than a scooby

A lot of weight can be lost if you don't mind bucket seats and no interior.

I'd have thought an n/a tintop could see 1050kg without carbon or polycarbonate.

[Slarty]

Because scoobies are made out of tin foil and Mr2s are made out of steel.

[mattcambs]

5 bulk heads and very well built.

I believe Rogue manage to get their MR2 Championship cars down to about 1000kg, but you would not want it as a daily, or even a weekend driver!

What you need is a turbo Then your power to weight ratio is in Porsche Boxter territory

[Lewis Jay]

Co`s the first one`s were made in 1989.

20 years ago (nearly).

[Dazh]

Sorry lads but the Impreza is one of the best chassis's ever built as much as you slate it.
The panels themselves are thin for weight reaons but the chassis is solid. Speaking from experience the Impreza is a better built motor, as much as I like my MR2 there is no comparison to the Impreza I sold beforehand. Put two of them next to each other of comparable years and the Scooby will feel more solid hands down.

[paul_4xxxx]

bolocks!!! the mr2 is by far a better car

[dawolf]

The mk2 is very well built. I think most of them come in around 1250kg which isn't that bad. I would love to strip out my turbo just for the fun of it and see how it pulls. 0-60 would probably be down to 5 secs or even lower.

[Dazh]

bolocks!!! the mr2 is by far a better car

And people also believed the world was flat............but

[James Junior]

bolocks!!! the mr2 is by far a better car

Ah thats what I love about this place - intelligent unbiased debate!

[Jaspa]

Ah thats what I love about this place - intelligent unbiased debate!

Did you not get your free "Rose-tinted Glasses" when you signed up for Premium Membership???

Drop me a PM and I'll get a set out to you ASAP

Stuart

[marc GT Turbo]

Sorry lads but the Impreza is one of the best chassis's ever built as much as you slate it.
The panels themselves are thin for weight reaons but the chassis is solid. Speaking from experience the Impreza is a better built motor, as much as I like my MR2 there is no comparison to the Impreza I sold beforehand. Put two of them next to each other of comparable years and the Scooby will feel more solid hands down.

ye what ive been in the car trade for 24 years as a panel beater/paint sprayer and i can tell you there is nothing special about subaru what so ever ! build quality has always been average by jap standards (ask anyone in the trade who has had to jig one straight) the chassis is based upon a 4 door saloon car ! granted with rally car technology thrown in its gonna feel good on the road. i aint saying there not quick with good handling , but throw that technology into a lada and that would be quick as well.

[roadwolf]

Sorry lads but the Impreza is one of the best chassis's ever built as much as you slate it.
The panels themselves are thin for weight reaons but the chassis is solid. Speaking from experience the Impreza is a better built motor, as much as I like my MR2 there is no comparison to the Impreza I sold beforehand. Put two of them next to each other of comparable years and the Scooby will feel more solid hands down.

I don't seem to remember MR2s having replacement engines under warranty or recalls for porous wheels like imprezza's.

[Dazh]

Seems everyone is getting their petticoats up
All I'm saying is in MY experience the Impreza feels a more solid car. If both cars were in a head on collision I know which one I'd take my chances in. There's brand loyalty and there's common sense, at the end of the day, one is a mid engined 2 seater and the other is a 4wd saloon so you can't really compare the two equally.
And I've also been in the trade for over 20 years so I guess one persons opinion can differ from another

[dawolf]

I remember checking out an Impreza (older '94 model) and I thought that it actually seemed quite cheap inside and not particularly solid. I think the mk2 feels more sturdy but just my opinion. Maybe the newer Impreza's are built better.

[marc GT Turbo]

[quote="Dazh"] If both cars were in a head on collision I know which one I'd take my chances in.


well that goes without thought really ! ones got an engine in front and one hasnt . its a for gone conclusion and i quite agree there. the point i was making was until impreza's came on the scene subaru was always the bottom end of the jap market so to speak . overall build quality was always crap , from taking off door panels down to cosmetics. until rally technology was thrown into them would anyone ever have said they have good build quality and chassis ............... ??? the imprezas chassis is a 4 door saloon , its purely the drive train , 4wd and computers that make it special . have a drive in a non turbo model and then make the same comparrison.

[Speedy]

Hey, Toyota vs Subaru is academic, IIRC, Toyota is the largest single stakeholder in Subaru (or the parent company anyway)

[jdbecks]

when I see a scooby I just think of it as the modern day XR2i, I dont care how special they are, how great they are, I will never like them. its hardly an intelligent answer but hay,

and one of the best chassis ever built? who you trying to kid? its only good because of its drive train and computers, its a ugly 4 door saloon, i can name over 20 better designed chassis. and take you willy out your dads scooby

[Dazh]

You're right it is hardly an intelligent answer but I respect your opinion, I think.

Bit bemused as to wtf this means though? Actually my parents own a Toyota.

and take you willy out your dads scooby

Anyway, nice to have some intelligent conversation with some like minded people I'm now off out to hug and caress my MR2 to prove to it how special it is

[mattcambs]

i can name over 20 better designed chassis.

Off you go then (and please give reasons too)

Anyway I thought we were talking about build quality, not chassis design. And mk2 MR2s aren't exactly blessed with one of the all time greats.