How much horsepower does a 1988 Toyota MR2 have?
On the 1988 MR2, horsepower varies by market: the U.S. specification delivered about 112 hp, while the Japanese market version was rated around 128–130 hp.
The 1988 Toyota MR2 is the first-generation AW11, a mid-engine two-seater that helped define Toyota’s sports-car niche in the late 1980s. It relied on a 1.6-liter 4A-GE engine, but power figures differed depending on regional emissions rules and tuning. Below is a concise look at the common configurations from that year.
Market-by-market horsepower
Figures shown reflect typical official ratings reported for the 1988 MR2 in major markets.
- United States / North America: approximately 112 horsepower (83 kW) at around 6,000 rpm; torque near 105 lb-ft (142 Nm) at lower rpm.
- Japan Domestic Market (JDM): approximately 130 PS (about 128 horsepower) at about 6,400–7,000 rpm; torque around 110–112 lb-ft (150–152 Nm).
In practice, regional tuning and federalized emission specs could cause minor variations, but the two figures above capture the most commonly cited ratings for the 1988 model year.
Notes on model-year context
Engineering and market differences
The AW11 MR2’s core powerplant was the 1.6-liter 4A-GE engine, but different markets adjusted output to meet local regulations and inertia emissions standards. This is why U.S.-market cars sit around 112 hp, while the Japanese-market cars reach roughly 128–130 hp in stock form.
For enthusiasts comparing values, the distinction between market specifications is often more meaningful than fractional year-to-year changes, since the 1988 MR2 did not undergo major horsepower revisions during that model year.
Performance takeaway
Even though the horsepower gap between markets may seem modest on paper, it translates to noticeable differences in acceleration and in-car feel. The JDM-spec MR2 could feel brisker off the line and at higher revs, while the U.S.-spec car offered a balanced, more conservative curve aligned with U.S. emissions and fuel economy expectations.
Summary
The 1988 Toyota MR2 delivered about 112 hp in North America and around 128–130 hp in the Japanese market, reflecting regional tuning and regulatory differences. Both versions shared the same mid-engine layout and chassis, contributing to the MR2’s enduring reputation as a lightweight, driver-focused sports car of its era.
Which MR2 is supercharged?
In 1986 (1988 for the US market), Toyota introduced a supercharged engine for the MR2. Based on the same block and head, the 4A-GZE was equipped with a small Roots-type supercharger and a Denso intercooler.
How much horsepower does a 1986 Toyota MR2 1.6 have?
The 1.6-liter 4AGE four-cylinder engine in a U.S. MR2 was the same unit in the Corolla GT-S, and it made about 112 horsepower. There was a later supercharged variant with a bit more punch, but arguably, the naturally aspirated MR2s are better, as they are significantly lighter.
How much horsepower does a 88 MR2 have?
A 1988 Toyota MR2 has 145 horsepower in the supercharged version and 112-116 horsepower in the naturally aspirated version. The supercharged model uses a 1.6L engine with a supercharger and intercooler to achieve its higher output, while the naturally aspirated models have the same 1.6L engine without forced induction.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 1988 Toyota MR2's horsepower: 30sMotorWeekYouTube · Jun 29, 2025
- Supercharged Model: 145 hp, achieved with a supercharged 1.6L 4A-GZE engine.
- Naturally Aspirated Model: 112-116 hp, using a 1.6L 4A-GE engine.
How much is a 1988 Toyota MR2 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,500 for a 1988 Toyota MR2 Mk I in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1988 Toyota MR2 Mk I? The highest selling price of a 1988 Toyota MR2 Mk I at auction over the last three years was $28,350.
