[Mk2] [Generic] What were toyota thinking when they made the mk2

[dawolf]

I partly agree with you Lauren, the mk2 is the best looking of the lot and yes handling was probably not as sharp as the mk1 or mk3 but it certainly doesn't have poor handling. You just have to watch it in the wet when giving it stick. Personally I'm glad the mk2 was made bigger, it feels very sturdy, roomy inside and has plenty of luggage space which is always handy. I agree that the mk2 is like a GT whereas the mk1 and mk3 are more like compact roadsters. All good cars in their own rights.

[mattcambs]

So whilst it might have looked great, the extra weight, the flawed handling, was not an issue to people who just wanted to look good. But by doing that, the purity of the original MR2 was somewhat lost.

As a road car, I'm interested to know what the mk2's handling flaws are exactly? Not compared to the mk1 or 3, but just in general as a small coupe/sports car?

I'm no expert, but if I compare to, say an S2000, I find the mk2 more involving, but the S2000 more refined, steady and planted at the front. If I was trying to explore each car's limits, then maybe I'd feel different?

[Lauren]

So whilst it might have looked great, the extra weight, the flawed handling, was not an issue to people who just wanted to look good. But by doing that, the purity of the original MR2 was somewhat lost.

As a road car, I'm interested to know what the mk2's handling flaws are exactly? Not compared to the mk1 or 3, but just in general as a small coupe/sports car?

I'm no expert, but if I compare to, say an S2000, I find the mk2 more involving, but the S2000 more refined, steady and planted at the front. If I was trying to explore each car's limits, then maybe I'd feel different?

A lack of steering feel coupled with a lack of progression mainly.

[mattcambs]

I get the whole "progression" thing. I should know! I don't think steering feel is lacking, though. I can only compare to what is considered an excellent handling sports car - S2000 - but there is FAR more feel from a mk2 MR2. Lack of steering feel was about the only thing I could criticise the Honda for.

I have to admit, though, that it seems that the GT spec MR2 Turbos with their lighter power steering do seem to have less feel than GTS models.

[James Junior]

I have to admit, though, that it seems that the GT spec MR2 Turbos with their lighter power steering do seem to have less feel than GTS models.

Thats interesting - I never knew the GT and GTS had different power steering set ups...

[mattcambs]

I've driven a few tubbies now and they all have different steering feel! The GTS ones have had the heaviest steering by far.

I'm sure I read somewhere that the GT models had a different setup, but this could be rubbish - just my experience has shown some difference.