Japan vs Japan — 1989 vs 1992
| MR2 Turbo (SW20) | Lancer Evolution Evolution III (CE9A) | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 245 hp | 270 hp |
| Torque | 224 lb-ft | 228 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,998 cc | 1,997 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.9 sec | 5.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 152 mph | 149 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.2 sec | 13.5 sec |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,510 mm |
| Length | 4,170 mm | 4,310 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 5,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $50,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1989 Toyota MR2 Turbo (SW20) brings higher top speed, better value to the table, and the 1992 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Evolution III (CE9A) answers with more power, quicker acceleration. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
In the world of Sports Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1989 Toyota MR2 Turbo (SW20) versus the 1992 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Evolution III (CE9A). Both hail from Modern classic and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1992 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Evolution III (CE9A) holds a clear advantage in raw power with 270 hp compared to 245 hp, a 25-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Toyota MR2 uses a Inline-4 DOHC 16V Turbo displacing 1,998 cc, while the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution relies on a Inline-4 DOHC 16V Turbocharged with 1,997 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1992 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Evolution III (CE9A) edges ahead at 5.0 seconds versus 5.9 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.