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How much horsepower does a 89 MR2 supercharged have?

The 1989 Toyota MR2 with the 4A-GZE supercharged engine typically produces around 145 horsepower, though exact figures vary by market and model year.


Market-by-market horsepower figures


Below are the typical official ratings reported for the Supercharged variant, which varied between regions due to tuning and emission requirements. This gives a sense of the power difference between US-spec and Japanese-spec cars.



  • United States (1989 MR2 with 4A-GZE): 145 hp (approximately 108 kW) at about 6,000 rpm.

  • Japan / JDM (4A-GZE MR2): about 165 PS (roughly 162–165 hp) at around 6,000 rpm.


These figures come from original brochures and period automotive literature. Real-world measurements can differ slightly due to wear, exhaust conditions, and ECU/tuning variations.


Context and performance framing


Engine design and its impact


The MR2’s 4A-GZE used a Roots-type supercharger to boost intake air, delivering stronger mid-range torque and stronger acceleration compared with the naturally aspirated 4A-GE that powered the NA variant. That setup helped the AW11 MR2 feel brisk for its era, especially in traffic and around town, while still offering a lightweight, driver-focused chassis.


How it sits in the broader MR2 lineup


Compared with the NA 4A-GE engine, the supercharged 4A-GZE offered a clear performance boost. In the US, the 145 hp rating placed the MR2 as a lively sports car for its time, though it remained less powerful than some turbocharged contemporaries. In Japan, the slightly higher figure reflected stricter tuning and market preferences for spirited small-car performance.


Notes for enthusiasts and restorers


Horsepower numbers are best viewed as official ratings from the era. When restoring or modifying a 1989 MR2 with the 4A-GZE, owners often reference these baselines, while acknowledging that modern measurements or dyno tests can yield small deviations depending on condition, exhaust, intake, and intercooler configurations if present.


Summary


For the 1989 MR2 equipped with the 4A-GZE supercharged engine, typical horsepower ratings are around 145 hp for US-spec cars and about 162–165 hp for Japanese-spec versions. These figures reflect manufacturer specifications from the era, with real-world results influenced by condition and tuning. Overall, the supercharged variant provided a meaningful performance uplift over the naturally aspirated MR2, helping define the AW11’s reputation as a nimble, age-defining sports car.

How much horsepower does a supercharged Toyota MR2 have?


145 hp
Together with an air-to-air intercooler, the new blower boosts the MR2's peak outputs to 145 hp at 6400 rpm and 140 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm—improvements of 29 and 44 percent over the normally aspirated motor.



What is the 1989 Toyota MR2 worth today?


The value of a 1989 Toyota MR2 Mk I can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,500 for a 1989 Toyota MR2 Mk I in good condition with average spec.



How much horsepower does a 1989 Supra Turbo have?


The turbo Supras boasted 230 hp and 246 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine was also Toyota's first distributorless engine, with individual coil packs firing the plugs based on a cam position sensor. To handle the extra power, turbo models received a special, heavy-duty five-speed manual transmission.



How much horsepower does a 1989 Toyota MR2 supercharged have?


145 hp
It produced 145 hp (147 PS; 108 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 186 N⋅m; 137 lb⋅ft (19 kg⋅m) of torque at 4,400 rpm and accelerated the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.5 to 7.0 seconds.


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Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.