Matras appeal to a more discerning clientelle, me excluded, and to be honest, don't have as widespread appeal.
If one have to look at it objectivily the mk I MR2 are (or should I say WERE) better cars then the murenas.
-Lower weight
-More power (except the 142 or "S") from MUCH better fuelinjected 16valve engines
-MUCH better gearbox/linkage
-Better bakes
-Better suspention -> better handeling
-Better driving position.
-Better service and dealership network
-Toyota relyability and buildquality LIGHTYEARS ahead of talbot/Matras
-Cheap to buy,own and drive.
I could go on... but there is no point in doing so.. but they are still MR2's...
And the Murenas are in my oppinion by far the most beautifull car of the two.
And I think that much of the murenas lack of apeal is mostly due to the fact that it has been all but forgotten...too sad (or good if you look at it that way)... because to me the galvanized steel/fiberglass/shared parts concept makes PERFECT sence !