According to the JapanTimes, the next generation of Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ expected to be launched in 2021 will get major updates. The horizontal 4-cylinder engine (H4; Boxer) of 2.0L capacity will be replaced. Engine capacity will also be improved to 2.4L for higher performance. It, however, still uses a naturally aspirated engine and uses a rear-wheel-drive (RWD).
Until that said expected release, let’s check out this article on Philtoyota.com to see how the current versions of these Japanese cars differ from each other.
Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ: Same same but different
Both cars have a low profile with a stylish 2-door sports coupe style
| Subaru BRZ | Toyota 86 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4240 mm | 4240 mm |
| Width | 1775 mm | 1775 mm |
| Height | 1425 mm | 1.320 mm |
| Subaru BRZ | Toyota 86 | |
|---|---|---|
| Headlights | LEDs | LEDs |
| Third brake light | Yes | Yes |
| Foldable side view mirror | Yes | Yes |
| Rear camera | Yes | No |
| Fog lamps | Yes | Yes |
| Spoilers | Yes | Yes |
| Body type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Side skirts | No | No |
The Toyota 86 comes equipped with a vertical fog lamp socket, winding, hexagonal air cavity facing up, using HID lights automatically disconnect, adjust the projection angle actively. Rearview mirror is also adjustable - electric folding, integrated turn signal.
Meanwhile, Subaru BRZ is relatively more mildly designed with trapezoidal fog lights, downward wind cavity, and automatic Bi-xenon lights.
The rear end featured sports exhausts on both sides
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Stepping inside, we can feel a sense of active and sporty ambience from both cars thanks to their leather seat cover with a hip-hugging design which helps minimize fluctuations in high-speed cornering and create the stability needed for a sports car.
If you are looking for high-end features of a luxury car inside the cockpit, they will probably be disappointed since these two vehicles are offered with adjustable seats. Not to mention, the steering wheels do not have built-in functions. Another plus point is the small seating space. Even though being 4-seat cars, the rear seats are even just enough to cater to children only.
It can be said that the Subaru and Toyota cars both offer cramped space and are only equipped with basic comfort features.
The plus point in interior design lies in the sporty look of the front seats which are covered with Alcantara leather highlighted by red stitches.
| Subaru BRZ | Toyota 86 | |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustable seats | Yes | Yes |
| Leather seats | Yes | Yes (AT variants only) |
| Steering wheel controls | Yes | Yes (Audio only) |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Rearview mirror | Yes | Yes |
| Cabin lights | Yes | Yes |
| Cup holders | Yes | Yes |
| Cold AC | Yes | Yes |
| One-touch ignition | Yes | Yes |
Those minus points are clearly not all about these performance cars. Infact, there are also a lot of things to appreciate about them.
For example, they come offered with special features and driving modes that you won’t find on many cars. Being sports cars with compact sizes and superior performance does not prevent the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 from being very easy-to-drive cars with a 6-speed automatic transmission level, providing maximum smoothness in all road conditions.
The interior of Subaru BRZ (above) and Toyota 86 (below) are quite similar
Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ both get leather 3-spoke steering wheels. Unfortunately, these steering wheels do not come with built-in buttons but only 4-way manual adjustment. In return, the multi-information display screens on both cars are commented to be highly intuitive.
Some other not-so-fancy amenities equipped for both care include:
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The low center of gravity design in both cars provides a safer, more traction-free driving feel, but also sacrifices comfort, especially when the vehicle is traveling at high speed or rough roads. You can even hear the noise from outside while sitting inside.
Both are equipped with a 4-cylinder Boxer direct injection gasoline engine D4S.
| Subaru BRZ | Toyota 86 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | FA20 2.0 DOHC 16V H4 Boxer | 4-cylinder Boxer |
| Displacement | 2.0 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 156 | 200 |
| Torque (Nm) | 205 | 205 |
| Transmission | 6-speed AT | 6-speed AT w/ Paddle Shift |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Suspension | ||
| Front | McPherson Strut | Double Wishbone |
| Rear | McPherson Strut | Double Wishbone |
| Brakes (F&R) | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Tire size | 17" | 17" |
| Passengers | 2 | 4 |
| Top speed | 216 km/h | 226 km/h |
| Limited Slip Differential | Yes | Yes |
The Toyota 86 is equipped with Boxer 4-cylinder engine, direct injection D-4S, with a capacity of 2.0 liters, producing a maximum capacity of 197 horsepower at 7000 rpm and torque of 205 Nm at 6400-6600 rpm.
While the 86 comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the BRZ uses a manual transmission which can be upgraded to an automatic transmission. A strong rear drive with differential lock provides a more stable and controlled driving experience.
Average fuel consumption is relatively the same on two coupes with 7.1 liters/100km
The genuine driving feel is what these machines promise to bring to drivers. Both offer smooth experience when driving through corners thanks to Cruise control automatic throttle feature, and 2 modes of Sport/Ice optimal operation on all roads.
Both cars have 17" wheel rim set with 215/45R17 tires for true driving feel, grip, and stability. Disc brakes are also appreciated for high sensitivity.
Last but not least, the average fuel consumption of the 86 and BRZ is relatively the same with 7.1 liters/100km on mixed road conditions.
>>> Related: Toyota 86 2019 Philippines Review: A gift for Filipino sports car enthusiasts
Safety equipment is a well-regarded point, from ABS Anti-lock braking system, BA emergency brake assists, EBD electronic brake force distribution to Electronic Stability as well as traction control. Two vehicles come with 7 airbags, ensuring safety for all passengers.
Check out the table below for more detailed list of safety features of the Toyota 86 vs Subaru BRZ:
| Subaru BRZ | Toyota 86 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stability control | Yes | Yes |
| Traction control | Yes | Yes |
| Blindspot detection system | - | Yes |
| Collision mitigation | Yes | No |
| ABS w/ EBD | Yes | Yes |
| BA | Yes | No |
| Airbags | - Dual - Curtain - Side |
- Dual - Curtain - Side - Knee |
| Sonar | No | No |
| Tire-inflation monitor | Yes | No |
| Cruise control | Yes | Yes |
| Adaptive cruise control | No | No |
| Cross-lane warning | - | - |
| Immobilizer | Yes | Yes |
| Active park assist | Yes | Yes |
| Hill-start assist | - | Yes |
| ISOFIX | Yes | Yes |
| Toyota 86 | Price |
|---|---|
| Toyota 86 2.0 MT | ₱2,056,000 |
| Toyota 86 2.0 MT White Pearl | ₱2,071,000 |
| Toyota 86 2.0 AT | ₱2,156,000 |
| Toyota 86 2.0 AT White Pearl | ₱2,171,000 |
| Subaru BRZ | Price |
|---|---|
| Subaru BRZ 2.0 AT | ₱2,158,000 |
While the BRZ is only available with 1 option, the Toyota 86 offers Filipino buyers with 4 variants with prices ranging from P2,056,000 to P2,171,000. Make sure to check out the Latest Toyota promos on Philtoyota not miss out on any hot deals from the brand or simply connect to your nearest Toyota dealerships for most updated information.
We hope you have got a general idea of how the two Japanese sports cars differ from each other through our comparison review. At the end of the day, the final decision probably depends on the price tags and each one’s preference in terms of brand name.
Make sure to bookmark our Toyota stories page for more helpful comparos and updated motoring news.
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