View Poll Results: Which one would you rather have (Equal value)
93' Green SC400
26
50.98%
93' Black Mr2 Turbo
25
49.02%
Voters: 51. You may not vote on this poll
SC400 vs MR2 Turbo
Rookie
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: CT
Hells bells
! You would be hard-pressed to find a better performance bargain than a '91-'95 MKII Turbo. Trust me, the car will surprise you every time you drive it
. And to say it's a "downgrade" is kind of silly, it's like comparing apples to oranges. Just my 2psi...
! You would be hard-pressed to find a better performance bargain than a '91-'95 MKII Turbo. Trust me, the car will surprise you every time you drive it. And to say it's a "downgrade" is kind of silly, it's like comparing apples to oranges. Just my 2psi...
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 697
Likes: 0
From: Canada
I have to pass the mr2 right now, I have lots of time to get one later if I become more successful in life... still very young. I would consider SC400 ---> MR2 a downgrade, most of my friends think I am nutz... saying no don't do it, its not worth it, especially since they are priced very close to SC400s. I can't get a SC300 because they aren't sold in Canada, I could import one, but then... too much hassel, and then in the end am I really going to turbo it? How long will that take me to do. I would trade the MR2 because there are no cars like it, if the MR2 Spyder was sold here or even import-able 
here I would get one of those, just cuz they are newer, MKII are by far one of the coolest Japanese cars... can't replace displacement no... but the size and layout of the MR2 makes the handling a lot different and the drive a lot sportier, you feel the road... SC, you just cruise and bump your tunes... try to pick up some chicks along the way... not much more fun than driving a Full Size Sedan... but dam, so much luxery. Maybe in the future I will find a body damaged mr2 and make it into a project. Go take one out for a rip, you will like it! They go faster than our SCs too, stock to stock, and if you supe one to the ***** and supe a SC300TT to the *****, it should be able to atleast keep up for a lot less $$$.
here I would get one of those, just cuz they are newer, MKII are by far one of the coolest Japanese cars... can't replace displacement no... but the size and layout of the MR2 makes the handling a lot different and the drive a lot sportier, you feel the road... SC, you just cruise and bump your tunes... try to pick up some chicks along the way... not much more fun than driving a Full Size Sedan... but dam, so much luxery. Maybe in the future I will find a body damaged mr2 and make it into a project. Go take one out for a rip, you will like it! They go faster than our SCs too, stock to stock, and if you supe one to the ***** and supe a SC300TT to the *****, it should be able to atleast keep up for a lot less $$$.
Rookie
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: CT
Originally posted by Phoenix88
...and if you supe one to the ***** and supe a SC300TT to the *****, it should be able to atleast keep up for a lot less $$$.
...and if you supe one to the ***** and supe a SC300TT to the *****, it should be able to atleast keep up for a lot less $$$.
. Not to mention the speed-record holding Top Secret Supra.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: California
I cant believe there is even a question about this. If you dont need the possiblity off 700+hp and can live with 2 seats there is only one choice.
Brandon
92 MR2 T Hardtop
Keep the engine behind you
Brandon
92 MR2 T Hardtop
Keep the engine behind you
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 16
From: Chicago, IL
I have the same dilema now. I have a 91 MR2 Turbo with V6 swap (1MZFE w/Ported/Polished heads). Same performance as the Gen 2 Turbo 3SGTE engine but better torque all around. I have 10% left to complete and the car is up and running.
Lately I've been toying with the idea to sell/ my car with 5K in mods and grab an SC w/ 1JZGTE and build that. You guys are making me rethink the idea and keep the MR2...
On a sidenote.....If any of you does have a 5speed SC w/ 1JZGTE (Hopefully black) please PM me
Lately I've been toying with the idea to sell/ my car with 5K in mods and grab an SC w/ 1JZGTE and build that. You guys are making me rethink the idea and keep the MR2...
On a sidenote.....If any of you does have a 5speed SC w/ 1JZGTE (Hopefully black) please PM me
These two cars couldn't be any more different other than that they are both performance oriented... in different ways.
It really depends on the intended use. I could have had many great two-seaters including the 2nd Gen MR2 Turbo when I was car shopping. I didn't even bother because I needed rear seats and a trunk. 350/370Z's fall into this category in my opinion too: GREAT cars but absolutely useless as daily drivers to throw things into for work, groceries and errands.
A turbocharged manual SC on the other hand (let alone a more common SC400) is perfect as both a toy and a DD.
But even so, an MR2 is a very different car to drive.
^^ tiguy99, I've heard of those V6 swaps on 2nd Gen MR2's. Do you find it easier to handle the twitchiness of the car without the issue of sudden boost?
It really depends on the intended use. I could have had many great two-seaters including the 2nd Gen MR2 Turbo when I was car shopping. I didn't even bother because I needed rear seats and a trunk. 350/370Z's fall into this category in my opinion too: GREAT cars but absolutely useless as daily drivers to throw things into for work, groceries and errands.
A turbocharged manual SC on the other hand (let alone a more common SC400) is perfect as both a toy and a DD.
But even so, an MR2 is a very different car to drive.
^^ tiguy99, I've heard of those V6 swaps on 2nd Gen MR2's. Do you find it easier to handle the twitchiness of the car without the issue of sudden boost?
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Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 16
From: Chicago, IL
Hey Kahn. My cars been in storage and I haven't driven it yet. In a nutshell yes. The instant torque and linear powerband make for an easier to launch and somewhat more predictable car which everyone seems to agree after they swap in the V6
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 16
From: Chicago, IL
I'm still on the fence guys but if I do keep the mr2, I will definitely swap in the 2GRFE and supercharge it with the Harrop unit from the new Lotus Exige S V6 model. The 2GR alone puts the MR2 in the low 13s high 12s...supercharged...now that's another story I'm guessing low 12s mid 11s
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 476
Likes: 1
From: ohio
if you were going to do any auto x or racing, the mr2 all day!
those things can handle like they are a gokart.
straight line speed/cruiser I would go with the sc400!
when I say straight line speed I mean going the speed limit in a straight line like on the highway. you cant beat the lexus ride quality
those things can handle like they are a gokart.
straight line speed/cruiser I would go with the sc400!
when I say straight line speed I mean going the speed limit in a straight line like on the highway. you cant beat the lexus ride quality
Last edited by mecheng10; Apr 10, 2014 at 08:17 AM.
all this v6 mr2 swap talk is really surprising. What happened to the 3sgte? IMO there is no need for any swaps in an MR2, its already got all the right stuff. Sure a v6 might seem like a good idea compared to a stock 3SGTE, but you gotta remember that block is like the 2jz's little 4 cylinder brother which has all the same strong stuff, I would do a top end refresh, strap a large turbo to it and enjoy it with a gigantic grin on my face.
I just don't think I could bring myself to own a v6 mr2. but a clean 3sgte MR2 would be a tough choice for trading a clean sc400. both are fun but you can do things in the MR2 the sc400 just cannot do in stock form, but definately no space or luxury to it, just plain toyota performance and awesomeness.
also on the 1mz vs 3sgte, I have gone so far as to comtemplate swapping my RX300 1mz for a 3sgte swap, but from what I gather its not the most straight forward so unfortunately I have to live with my 1MZ. It gets the job done but its so just there and not fun in that chassis.
I just don't think I could bring myself to own a v6 mr2. but a clean 3sgte MR2 would be a tough choice for trading a clean sc400. both are fun but you can do things in the MR2 the sc400 just cannot do in stock form, but definately no space or luxury to it, just plain toyota performance and awesomeness.
also on the 1mz vs 3sgte, I have gone so far as to comtemplate swapping my RX300 1mz for a 3sgte swap, but from what I gather its not the most straight forward so unfortunately I have to live with my 1MZ. It gets the job done but its so just there and not fun in that chassis.
Last edited by Ali SC3; Apr 10, 2014 at 09:26 AM.
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,447
Likes: 5
From: I.E Southern California to SA,Texas
Voted for the Mr2, i have owned a 1st gen na that i didnt get to drive much but it felt awesome and was a blast to drive before i sold it...Never got a 2nd gen but always wanted one and im sure its alot more fun then the SC. 
If anyone is open to trades for a Mr2 let me know Lol
If anyone is open to trades for a Mr2 let me know Lol