From: petel+@cs.cmu.edu (Peter Lee)
Subject: Re: Mitsubishi 3000GT-VR4, Toyota MR-2 Turbo
Organization: School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon
Date: Sun, 30 Aug 1992 18:26:53 GMT

In article <+-fnkvh.greg@netcom.com> greg@netcom.com (Greg Bullough) writes:
>In article <CRUM.92Aug28130541@fcom.cc.utah.edu> crum@fcom.cc.utah.edu (Gary Crum) writes:
>>I'd like to hear of experiences with the Mitsubishi 3000GT-VR4, Dodge
>>Stealth R/T Turbo, and Toyota MR-2 Turbo cars.  They look great to me.
>
>I drove the MR-2, and thought it was one of the most superbly balanced
>packages that could ever be put together. I drove both the turbo and
>the normally-aspirated versions. The former was much smoother, much
>quieter, and also *lacked* the power-steering feature, which felt
>superfluous. 
> 
>I can't imagine anything being better, as a driver's car, for pure
>enjoyment.
> 
>Greg

I own a '92, without power steering.  I love it, and agree completely with
Greg that it is a real driver's car.  But I would say that it takes more
care to drive than the 3000GT/Stealth.  First of all, the rear-end has a
tendency to let go pretty suddenly, especially in wet, at the slightest
deceleration when near the limit in a turn.  I doubt that the AWD cars do
this.  On the other hand, I have no doubt that, competently driven, the MR2
would beat the 3000GT/Stealth through any (twisty) road course,
particularly something like an autocross course.  (Hard to beat being able
to throw the rear end around a 180-degree turn in an autocross.)  Some of
the auto rags have criticized the MR2 about this sudden oversteer, and
considering the fact that Toyota is selling these cars to normal folks, I
think this criticism is somewhat justified.  But if you're willing to take
the time to learn to drive fast, the handling characteristics are hard to
beat in today's road cars (for under $25K).  (Have you taken a racing
school, like the Jim Russell or Skip Barber courses?  If you have, then
definitely go for the MR2 --- it handling is much closer to the Formula
racers than the 3000GT/Stealth.)

A second aspect about driveability is the steering.  Without
power-steering, it takes quite a few turns of the steering wheel in tight
corners.  I find this pretty unwieldy at times, and I would guess that the
3000GT/Stealth are much better in this respect.  (I've only sat in a
Stealth in a showroom -- no driving experience with it.)  If/when I buy
another MR2, I'll strongly consider the power steering.  I decided against
it in my current car because I found the power steering to be a bit
vague-feeling.  Hopefully it will be improved in the '93 or '94.

In my opinion, the gearbox in the '92 MR2 is pretty bad, especially by
Japanese-car standards.  Much notchier than, say, a Honda Prelude or Mazda
RX7.  I've heard similarly bad things about the 3000GT/Stealth.  The '93
MR2 is supposed to be much better, but I haven't seen or tried it.

Finally, there is the issue of storage space.  The MR2 is pretty cramped
compared to the 3000GT/Stealth (though I find that the MR2 has better
visibility).  I can carry two full golf bags, two pairs of golf shoes, and
a folding golf pull-cart in the rear trunk;  one large duffel bag in the
front trunk, and a few CDs and my wife's purse behind the seats.  That's
it -- just barely enough room for a long golf weekend.  Since this is my
"spare" car, I don't mind.  But you might think about the extra space of
the larger cars if this will be your only vehicle.

The bottom line:  With the MR2, you are not making as many compromises to
practicality as you are with the 3000GT/Stealth.  If you can live with
this, then definitely go for it.

My advice:  If you want a super sports car for under $30K, go for the MR2!

Peter