I owned an early mk2 MR2 (3fse engine) and it was slow, barely 110BHP. The later engine 3GSE (iirc) has around 170BHP and is noticable quicker. Personally I love the MK2 MR2, its a real car in the dry that handles really well (being mid engined) and has the feel of a sports car as it is rear wheel drive. It does lack a hell of a lot in the wet, I spun mine a few times through pure mistake. It's totally unpredictable in the wet which makes it a real challenge for winter months.
Turbo's are real quick as someone mentioned above they are light. Get one with NOS and you are in for the scare of your life! (although in the wet it doesn't recognise corners 🙂 )
Get your mate to watch the Drift Bible, there is a nice part about the MR2 and driving it well.
A picture of my old one;
