The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT86 are interchangeable.
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What unites the Toyota 86 and BRZ?
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.
Does the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 share an engine?
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
- torque of 184 lb-ft
- 12.5:1 engine compression ratio
- 6.3 seconds for 0-60 mph
- 6.5 seconds for 0-60 mph
- 13.5:1 engine compression ratio
- 282 horsepower
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.
What distinguishes the Toyota 86 from the BRZ?
The outdated 2.0-liter engine will be replaced by the new 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine by the Japanese automakers. More power is produced by the larger engine, which produces 184 pound-feet (250 Newton-meters) of torque at 3,700 rpm and 232 horsepower (173 kilowatts) at 7,000 rpm. These numbers apply to the JDM-spec GR 86.
The identical engine powers both sports cars, however there is a small difference in horsepower. Due to the fact that its twin brother weighs 15 pounds less than the BRZ, the 2022 BRZ produces 228 horsepower, which is 4 horsepower less than the GR 86. The power output is the same as the 2023 Subaru BRZ.
Due to the fact that its twin brother weighs 15 pounds less than the BRZ, the 2023 BRZ produces 228 horsepower, which is 4 horsepower less than the GR 86.
Another difference is that the Toyota GR 86’s 2.4-liter engine has a 12.5:1 compression ratio as opposed to the BRZ’s 13.5:1. The 2022 GR 86 has reduced the time it takes to complete a lap by 1.1 seconds when compared to the previous generation despite all the powertrain upgrades. Now, the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.3 seconds. The BRZ completes the task in approximately 6.5 seconds.
A six-speed manual or automatic gearbox is used in both cars to transmit power to the rear wheels. Both coupes have a double-wishbone rear suspension and a MacPherson strut front suspension.
Why did Toyota and Subaru 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.
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.
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.
Does Subaru make the GR86?
The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are essentially identical mechanically in 2022. They share a 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder chassis as well as transmissions, wheels, tire options, and other components. The interior layout and materials are same in both cars. Additionally, even though the grilles and front ends of the GR86 and BRZ differ, their overall exterior looks are remarkably similar.
It turns out that detecting the differences between the 2022 Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ necessitates digging deeper. In some circumstances, it also entails getting some tape measures out.
Toyota and Subaru assert that the engines in their respective vehicles are adjusted differently. But if they are, the variations are barely discernible. 2022 GR86 and BRZ models both produce 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The BRZ was also no slower to 60 mph than the GR86 in Car and Driver’s testing, while being only very little heavier.
Although they appear to be rather little on paper, the suspension and steering systems of these cars differ more drastically. In comparison to the Subaru BRZ, the Toyota GR86 sports a firmer rear sway bar with a wider diameter. Additionally, the GR86 features a thinner solid front sway bar compared to the BRZ’s hollow one. Subaru fastened its bar to the BRZ’s body, however Toyota retained its rear bar mounted to the subframe, according to The Drive. Additionally, the 2022 BRZ has softer rear springs and firmer front springs and rear trail-link bushings compared to the GR86.
The Toyota GR86 uses steel steering knuckles, whilst the Subaru BRZ has aluminum ones for 2022. Given that its car weighs a little bit more, Subaru claims the revised knuckles lower unsprung weight, which is fascinating.
The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ still differ from one another in 2022, although this difference is not mechanical. The Premium trim is an upgrade from the GR86 trim, which is simply known as “GR86.” In a puzzling move, the base BRZ trim is called Premium, and the top-of-the-line trim is called Limited.
BRZ or 86, which is quicker?
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.
Which is superior, the Subaru 86 or the BRZ?
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.