As previously established, the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine is shared by the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86. The Toyota 86 generates 184 lb-ft of torque and 232 horsepower. This gives it a little advantage over the Subaru BRZ, which has a 228-horsepower and 184-lb-ft-torque output. Additionally, drivers claim that when compared to the BRZ, the Toyota 86 accelerates more quickly overall. For many drivers, these can appear to be insignificant changes on paper. However, because to these modest benefits, some drivers may feel that the 86 has a little advantage in terms of handling, acceleration, and overall power. The slight improvements in handling could be attributed to the Toyota 86 being 15 pounds lighter than the BRZ.
The compression ratio is another engine specification that differs between these two versions. The compression ratio of the Toyota 86 is 12.5:1, while the Subaru BRZ’s is 13.5:1. Again, these might not seem like very significant differences, but when contrasting the almost identical 86 with the BRZ, any differences stand out. The basic power specifications of the 2022 Toyota 86 and 2023 Subaru BRZ are summarized below:
- the 232 horsepower
- 6.3 seconds for 0-60 mph
- 12.5:1 engine compression ratio
- torque of 184 lb-ft
- 282 horsepower
- 6.5 seconds for 0-60 mph
- 13.5:1 engine compression ratio
Let’s move on to some distinguishable differences in terms of available warranties and the overall dependability of both models now that some of the performance dynamics have been described.
In This Article...
What makes the FRS BRZ and 86 identical?
The Subaru BRZ and the Toyota 86 are two of the most well-known cars in the sports car category of the automobile market. Since they are both based on the same vehicle format, it should not be surprising that both of these models continue to be successful.
The Scion FR-S vehicle model was introduced to Subaru through a partnership with Toyota, which went on to produce the Subaru BRZ. Following Scion’s bankruptcy the previous year, Toyota took the FR-S and turned it into the Toyota 86.
It can be tempting to disregard these two automobiles as being identical as a result. However, if you look very closely at both models, you will see some minor but significant variations.
Why did Subaru and Toyota produce the same vehicle?
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are the products of a partnership between the two Japanese automakers to create a reasonably priced rear-wheel-drive sports car. According to Road & Track, collaboration reduced expenses and sped up the design process, keeping sticker prices low. As a result, the coupes’ powertrains and chassis shared a number of mechanical parts. There were a few minute variations, though.
Toyota’s rendition initially debuted as the 2013 Scion FR-S. According to Car and Driver, the engine was a 2.0-liter flat-four with 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, just like the Subaru BRZ. The FR-suspension S’s setup, though, rendered it more “tail-happy” than the BRZ, according to DrivingLine. The BRZ also included more standard equipment and a little superior cabin. But it did get more expensive as a result. However, according to Autoblog, by 2016 the two vehicles were basically identical.
According to Car & Driver, the FR-S was rebranded the Toyota 86 in 2017 after Scion was dissolved. The interior of the coupe was also overhauled by Toyota, and the suspension and anti-roll bars were modified. Additionally, Autotrader claims that cars with the six-speed manual received a modest increase in power from 200 hp and 151 lb-ft to 205 hp and 156 lb-ft. According to Car and Driver, the Subaru BRZ received these similar changes for 2017.
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 were nearly interchangeable by 2020. According to Autotrader, they not only provided the same outputs but also the same functionality, albeit in a different way presented. The 86 features an optional TRD Handling Package, whereas the BRZ is a little bit more neutral out of the box, according to Mechanic Base.
Is the GR86 or BRZ superior?
We can (and will, don’t worry) compare all of our test results to see which one is superior based on many measurable criteria, but the suspension settings are by far the most important factors in this situation. What better starting point could we ask for than for both of our test cars to be within 5 pounds of one another and to be equipped with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires that are readily available (reserved for the Limited model of the BRZ and the Premium trim of the GR86), leveling the playing field where the rubber literally meets the road?
The Toyota GR86 just beat out the BRZ at the test track, showing greater grip on the skidpad (0.98 g vs. 0.93) and reaching 60 mph 0.1 second quicker, in 5.8 seconds, despite each vehicle having the same amount of power, weight, and tire options. The GR86 completed our figure-eight course in under a second faster. The Subaru stopped from 60 mph in a solid 107 feet, 1 foot shorter than the Toyota, giving an indication of its firmer front end. This was the Subaru’s lone objective dynamic victory over the GR86, however both cars experienced brake fade during our track session. If you intend to take part in a track day, consider upgrading the brake fluid, brake pads, or both. You may also consider finding a means to improve the cooling of the current brakes.
The BRZ is certainly not a pushover, but it excels at consistency. The Subaru is without a doubt the more dependable lap-time companion of the two thanks to its more planted rear end. Although it will outperform the BRZ if you’re prepared to put a little more effort into your driving, you’ll be having too much fun in the Toyota to care much about lap times. This is because even beginners may readily approach and cross over the grip threshold at sub-felony speeds because the GR86’s butt slides about a lot more, but its movement is telegraphed to the driver’s southern cheeks. With other words, if you overcook something in the Toyota, it’s simple to rein it back in.
Recovery in the Subaru requires a little more concentration; even if its tail clings on for a longer period of time, it releases less gently. Consider it like this: The ultimate rear-end grip of the BRZ is similar to that of the GR86, but there is a smaller window between possessing that grip and losing it. The BRZ can drift, but getting there and maintaining that edge requires more accurate steering and throttle inputs from more seasoned drivers. By the way, the center console of both automobiles has a setting for stability control that alternates between on and off.
What exactly does BRZ mean?
The BRZ is the moniker Subaru gave to its future rear-drive sports car.
The company has declared that manufacturing would begin in the spring of 2012 and that it stands for “Boxer engine, Rear-wheel drive, and Zenit.” Of course, Toyota helped design the vehicle, and Toyota will market it under the Scion brand in this country. Subaru will introduce a new technology.
BRZ: Is it quicker than 86?
Since the Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ are categorized as sports vehicles, it becomes sense to believe that they move quickly and very quickly. Both vehicles have comparable engine performance ratings, but the BRZ outperforms the 86 somewhat in terms of suspension performance.
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine often found in Porsches powers both vehicles. With a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, this engine can provide 200 or 205 horsepower. The stiff sports suspension provides a well-balanced direct drive to the rear wheels.
Customers have the option of choosing the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) package, which improves the 86’s handling. Conversely, Subaru has superior control right out of the gate. Additionally, Brembo brakes are installed to support sudden vehicle stopping during emergencies.
Does Toyota produce Subaru motors?
Since 1968, Subaru automobiles have been sold in the US. They have gained a reputation for producing some of the toughest all-wheel-drive vehicles on the market since entering the American auto sector. Additionally, the business is well known for utilising high-torque boxer engines in their line of automobiles. The only company now producing Subaru cars, trucks, and SUVs is Subaru itself, as the business is the automotive section of Subaru Corporation.
The business, formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries, is the owner of several manufacturing firms that produce anything from heavy machinery to aircraft. The Pleiades star cluster, also referred to as the “seven sisters,” is where Subaru derives its name. Six of the seven stars are visible without a telescope. As a result of the merging of six significant businesses, then-named Fuji Heavy Industries, this star cluster is known as Subaru in Japanese. The famous six-star logo of Subaru, which is seen on the grills of almost all of its vehicles, serves as a reminder of the name’s genesis.
What exactly does GT86 mean?
the title. The 2000GT and the Corolla GT Coup are two of the most significant sports vehicles in Toyota’s history, and they are both mentioned in the moniker “GT86” (AE86). Additionally, it derives from the car’s development code, “086A.”
Does the BRZ outpace the FR-S in speed?
Due to a somewhat more oversteery suspension adjustment, it is slightly faster. They are actually the same. You chose the BRZ since it had a lot more equipment.
Is Subaru or Toyota better?
Subarus are less dependable than Toyotas overall. They consistently receive superior ratings from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and have more distinctions and awards across all models. Toyota provides a model that has received great ratings and will meet your demands, whether you’re searching for an all-wheel-drive sedan or a truck with off-roading skills.
The MSRP of several Toyota automobiles is lower than Subaru’s. Additionally, all trim levels of the majority of their vehicles come standard with amenities like adaptive cruise control, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. They also have Toyota’s Safety Sense, which is a collection of security features like pre-collision and lane-keeping assistance. They become a better overall value and are much more reliable on the road in terms of both their mechanical and feature set.
What Subaru engines should be avoided?
There are certain kinds of pre-owned Subaru you should steer clear of if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on maintenance. An older vehicle’s engine rebuild and transmission replacement are its most costly fixes. The cars that are most likely to require a head gasket replacement as yet another pricey repair are listed in Consumer Reports (with subscription).
Four well-known Subaru models that may have this engine problem have been discovered. Subaru Forester, Outback, Impreza, and Baja vehicles are more likely to require head gasket replacements than other makes and models, according to CR.
The Subaru EJ25 2.5-liter Boxer engine is the one that the Japanese carmaker has had the most issues with. Subaru tried to address the problem in 1999 with a new multilayered metal shim gasket because the gasket material they used in this engine was problematic. But the issue persisted in some engines from 2001 to 2009.
According to Consumer Reports, head gasket difficulties with this engine often start to arise in older Subaru models between 90,000 and 150,000 miles. Due to the engine’s architecture, the Boxer engine appears to be more susceptible to this issue.
Subaru uses the horizontally arranged Boxer engine, in which the pistons rest flat within the cylinder. The fluids have a propensity to accumulate adjacent to the head gaskets when the engine is shut off rather than draining, and over time the acids in the fluids erode the seals. As the gaskets age, leaks in the oil and coolant begin to occur.
How much will repairs for the head gasket cost? If the head gasket needs to be changed, the components and labor will cost at least $1500. The labor to remove the engine accounts for the majority of the repair expense even though the parts are not expensive.