Sometime in late 1986, Toyota decided to make the front bumper of the MR2 a whole 15mm deeper. I have no idea why- they look the same, and the only way to tell is to try fitting an early bumper to a late car.
Ask me how I know this. In fact, you could have asked me at 1am and received a comprehensive and rather colourful appraisal of Toyota engineers who decided to make such an extensive yet subtle change.
That said, my new rear bumper is 100% better than the old one.
Word of the day:
Bearding
To work on one's own car as a hobby, frequently in an undersized garage or on the driveway. Derived from the MG owner's club, which is often described as 'men with beards and dirty fingernails'.

Two gentlemen Bearding. And their lady friend acting as a counterweight for the engine hoist.
Ask me how I know this. In fact, you could have asked me at 1am and received a comprehensive and rather colourful appraisal of Toyota engineers who decided to make such an extensive yet subtle change.
That said, my new rear bumper is 100% better than the old one.
Bearding
To work on one's own car as a hobby, frequently in an undersized garage or on the driveway. Derived from the MG owner's club, which is often described as 'men with beards and dirty fingernails'.

Two gentlemen Bearding. And their lady friend acting as a counterweight for the engine hoist.