A Toyota MR2 SC lost out to a Fiero in Motorweek’s comparo, thanks in part to its eye-watering cost

When Toyota debuted its supercharged MR2 for 1988, it was a revelation. While several automakers experimented with supercharging in the 1950s, it hadn’t really been used in a production car for decades. Sure, there were Lancias and Japanese-market Toyotas that experimented with crank-driven compression in the early 80s, but as far as the US market goes, the AW11 was a modern pioneer.

Motorweek recently uploaded their January 1988 first look at the MR2 SC, putting it through its paces at Portland International Raceway. They had previously complained that the standard AW11 was underpowered, but the new 4A-GZE finally made enough power to match the car’s excellent mid-engine chassis.

In addition to a 30-percent increase in power, to 145 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, the supercharged MR2 also included a stouter transmission to handle said torque, wider teardrop wheels, and a bigger brake booster. Sadly for slicktop fans, the SC came only with a T-top roof, unlike that naturally aspirated version.

A month after the initial airdate, Motorweek set up a head-to-head match between the MR2 SC and Pontiac Fiero Formula, which had a 2.8-liter V6 making 135 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. Because the MR2 weighed 250 pounds less, it clocked 0-60 in just 6.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 15.4 seconds at 90 mph. By contrast, the Fiero hit 60 in 7.5 seconds, but its elapsed time was pretty close at 15.7 seconds at 87 mph.

Motorweek praised the MR2’s shifter’s shorter throws and better feel, but said its cockpit was noisier than the Fiero’s. They preferred the MR2’s easier ingress and egress, but said that the seats were too bolstered for wider occupants while the Fiero’s lacked enough side support. As for handling, the MR2 split the staff, with some preferring its razor-sharp dynamics, while others unsure about the MR2’s risk of snap oversteer. The Fiero had a lower cornering limit, but overall the handling was more predictable.

The supercharger only kicks in when needed, via electromagnetic clutch, so fuel economy from its 1.6 liters is still a frugal 24 mpg city, 30 highway. The Fiero’s V6 was a bit thirstier, at 18 city, 28 highway. The Fiero had better brakes as well, with shorter stopping distance and less fade.

We often complain about how a Toyota GR86 or Miata now costs close to 30 grand. But the MR2 SC with the 5-speed manual started at $16,418 in 1988, which is $47,554 in today’s dollars. The fully-optioned version Motorweek tested was over $19,000, which would be over $55,000 in 2026 dollars.

By contrast the Fiero Formula started at just $11,000 ($31,860 today). With the massive price difference, the unknown long-term durability of the MR2’s complex engine, and the ease at which one could drive the Fiero at speed even if it was overall slower per lap, Motorweek‘s editors chose the Fiero over the MR2.