The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT86 are interchangeable.
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What distinguishes an 86 from a BRZ?
If you haven’t already noticed, the Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ, and Scion FR-S have a very similar appearance.
The truth is that these vehicles have only seen a few minor design alterations since they were first introduced. Which of these cars is the best one to buy, then?
You must examine extremely closely to spot the variations between these two car models. Here is a list of their primary distinctions from one another.
The outside appearance is where the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ diverge most. The Subaru BRZ has a dull front end, while the Toyota GT86 has a sharper appearance. There are also some variations in how the suspension performs.
The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ vary in the following ways, in greater detail:
Why are the BRZ and 86 similar?
The Boxer engine, rear-wheel drive, and Z, which stands for Zenith, are the three components that give the BRZ its name. The Subaru BRZ’s front fascia is different from the design of the 86 since it has a different grille, headlamp assembly, and front fender vent.
Better: the BRZ or the GR86.
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.
The Toyota 86 is less expensive than the BRZ, why?
However, Subarus are said to be lighter because the back unit is fastened to the BRZ’s body as opposed to the GR86’s back bar, which is attached to the subframe. This eventually increases the BRZ’s manufacturing cost, something Subaru alluded to prior to the model’s release.
Does the Subaru engine in the Toyota 86 exist?
The Toyota GT86 made its UK debut a few months ago. Wait a little longer if you want the new GR86 with its more potent and torquey 2.4-litre boxer engine, and when the time comes to pay, don’t expect much variation from 30,000.
Since its predecessor has been around long enough for depreciation to set in, there are a good number available for less than the magical 10,000 mark. The only downside is that mechanical problems increase with age.
These vehicles, along with the (very) related Subaru BRZ, are relatively well made, but there are a few issues you should be aware of. To find out all you need to know about purchasing, operating, and customizing one, we spoke with Andy Weightman of Toyota tuning specialists Fensport.
Finding a BRZ is much harder
Despite being marketed as a “joint venture,” the GT86 is far more Subaru than Toyota. Its components are all branded with Subaru emblems, it has a Subaru boxer engine, and Subaru built both the BRZ and the GT86 at its facility in Gunma Prefecture.
So, with a Subaru emblem on the bonnet, this automobile actually makes more sense. However, as BRZs are much more uncommon in the UK than GT86s, we advise against focusing primarily on them. On popular classifieds websites, there are typically ten times as many GT86s available for purchase.
Although the standard suspension configurations are supposed to feel slightly different when driven back-to-back, mechanically speaking, the cars are essentially similar. Before and after the 2016 facelift, the front bumpers of the BRZ and GT86 were also different.
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.”
What is the Subaru BRZ’s sibling 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.
The Toyota 86 is a Supra, right?
However, the Toyota 86 sports car was introduced in its place when the Supra model was unavailable. The Toyota 86 is a fastback coupe with less power but is much more affordable than the Supra because to its lighter and slimmer construction.
So when both of these models are released for the 2020 model year later this year, Toyota will have two sports cars on the market for customers to buy. What distinguishes these Toyota sports vehicles from one another? How do the two models compare? The 2020 Toyota 86 and 2020 Toyota GR Supra are in a race!
Toyota 86 Engine Specs
This generates 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque with a typical manual transmission.
This generates 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque with an optional automatic transmission.
Toyota GR Supra Engine Specs
An inline 6-cylinder engine with a 3L twin-scroll turbo is included in the 2020 Toyota GR Supra. Inside the new Supra model, this generates 335 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque.
The weight distribution of 50:50 and this engine enable the 2020 Toyota GR Supra to reach 60 mph in under 4.1 seconds.
Is 86 more affordable than BRZ?
Even though the two sports cars have many elements in common, the Toyota is the more cost-effective choice. The starting price of the 86 is $28,725 (destination included), while the BRZ is $28,995. Although the $270 difference isn’t much, any time you can save money on a new car is a win.