AWD vs RWD

these are some previous quotes from users:

mr2quik-
In the lower end, the Evo's also WAYYY easier to tinker with. Most only require larger IC piping & catback exhaust by way of parts. Reflashing is much cheaper & they don't even need an EBC to up the boost. Insulting how easy it is compared to an MR2 when mildly increasing power.

Totenkopf-
In similar form of modification the evo out handles and out performs the MR2.  You've hit the nail on the head though, its probably not as fun as an MR2.  You'd need some pretty mean horsepower in an Evo to get as much of a adrenaline rush from it as a moderately modified MR2.    There is something that brings a smile to your face about stabbing the throttle and having the rear tyres light up.  Unfortunately for the MR2, its getting old and you're forever going to be chasing your tail doing general maintenance etc.  The evo is 10 years younger which is a big bonus if you daily drive or just want the car as a general run around and not a high HP monster (in which case your going to have reliability issues with whatever car you choose).  Aftermarket parts for the CT9A evo are plentiful which also means they are cheaper, relative to MR2 parts. 
 
Personally, my MR2 is my fun car and my Evo is my daily drive with poke.  It'll stay relatively stock with perhaps a conversion to E85 sometime.
 

mr 2c
I got an evo 8 for my daily recently. Great car, good fun, but for some reason, no matter how much i like the evo, i always end up back on the MR2 forums looking for new parts and researching what i can do next. Evo is good, very good, and has great support for modding.
 
I guess its more than when you end up modding an mr2 alot, u end up doing lots of custom work, make the car just a little bit more satisfying.
 
That said, would love to see some real track comparisons of lightly modified evos and a little more heavily modified MR2.

IMO, I've driven quite a few Evos & tinkered with plenty too (also came within a hairline of buying - Greg was there). They're AWESOME cars, I won't deny it. There's been many a night when my mates swing by my place to chill out & I look @ their Evos (in drunken form) while sitting in my MR2's empty garage space questioning "why do I still bother". Just prior to Xmas, helped reflash & add a 340 pump to my best mates 6.5TME. With a constant 20psi, I dare say it'll be VERY hard to beat on the road. The sheer A to B speed is incredible (he has Ohlins coilovers too) & I dare say you won't be able to keep up in an MR2 even in modifed form. Sure, on the track/drag strip, things change. But in the real world, it deserves the respect it's given. With those mods, I'm certain I'll hit low 12's all day long in that car.
 
BUT I would never trade my MR2 for one. My MR2 is my "fun" car. Any Evo I ever own would only ever be a "perfect daily". Food for thought, whilst Evo's get there faster, I'd honestly say I'm happier completing the trip slower in my SW20 or old AW11. Even my Evo mates agree there (especially after they drove my Adub). Guess it's more fun "flirting with mid-engined danger".
 
If you want to talk hardcore, Evo's are no cup of tea. After the usual reflashing etc, they WILL break. Driveline's not so strong, transmission isn't either (6speed is nice, but not tonka toyota tuff), the blocks have weaknesses, there's valvetrain issues too. So in my eyes, not really easier than an SW20 to go nuts on, except for the whole aftermarket availability aspect, although MR2's aren't so bad if you know who to contact (unless you get fancy with custom bits - like James).
 
+1 to selling 1 MR2 & getting an Evo. I see best value in the 8 GSR's ($20k's). Not as old as the previous shape, and only IC piping, cat-back (most have it already), fuel pump & reflash away from perfection. Excellent seats too. Just add a front lip, 9 rear & vortex generator. Rims....Easy as apple pie, 18x9.5 +20 in whatever style you want (concave or dish). Brakes are Brembos, so I need not say more. If you add cams, it'll sound like porn too.

Evo1's are a fair bit behind the Evo5's & above IMO. I'd love to stand up for MR2 build quality, except mine's always broken too....lol

Tree

Depends on how well it's been taken care off I guess. Later model MR2s can be quite reliable, turbos are different story IMO and with power sacrifices reliability :/

Regular servicing, good quality oil etc is always the key to reliability. Obviously anything that's been (heavily) modified though is a different story, especially with turbos.
HOWEVER, A stock 3SGTE running stock boost/ECU is basically bulletproof if its been looked after IMO. Mines still on the original motor/turbo and approaching 180,000kms without any issues what so ever. 

^LOL +10

I dont even consider Subarus as a proper 4WD. AWD sure but not Full time 4WD. 

Having had an Evo 9 and still owning an Evo X, I can tell you the following.
 
1. MR2s are older
2. MR2s are lighter, by quite a bit
3. EVOs are easier to make power, because of technology
4. On the track, your tyres will get hotter quicker with the Evo, over the MR2
5. EVO drive system is very good and forgiving, however once you go over 250kw atw on an EVO, they are not easy to drive on a track either, require some skill
 
What i found was, once things like brakes and tyres get hot and your handling turns to ****, the Evo helps you, whereas the MR2 you need to have an easy lap or drive differently to compensate for the loss of grip. Eventually you may end up 4WD drifting, which is fun and bizzare.
 
Also maintenance wise Evo has more things to service.

MR2 has:
1. Engine Oil
2. Gearbox Oil
3. Brake Fluid
 
EVO has:
1. Engine Oil
2. Gearbox Oil
3. Transfer Case Oil
4. Rear Diff Oil
5. AYC Fluid
6. Brake Fluid
 
Those things arent free, they cost quite a bit.

So many people I see go down the track of EVOs and then realise it costs so much to maintain.

Also for clutch, you need to remove:
1. Tail Shaft
2. Transfer Case
3. Drive Shafts
4. Gearbox (which you need 2 to 3 people to put back in)
Before you can access the clutch

My 2 cents. Someone like always will prolly come up with something but having owned these cars these are my experiences.