Are the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ the Same Car?

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If you’re in the market for a sports car, you may have come across the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ. These two cars have a lot in common, with striking similarities in their exterior design, performance, and price range. But are they the same car?

In short, the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are essentially the same car, with very minor differences. Both cars were developed as part of a joint venture between Toyota and Subaru, with the goal of creating an affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports car that could compete with the likes of the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Nissan 370Z.

Key Takeaways

The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are essentially the same car, with minor differences in exterior design and interior features.
Both cars were developed as part of a joint venture between Toyota and Subaru.
The Toyota 86 is slightly more expensive than the Subaru BRZ, but both cars are priced competitively within the sports car market.
Both cars offer impressive performance and handling, with a focus on driver engagement and fun.

Exterior Design

At first glance, it’s easy to mistake the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ for each other. Both cars have a sleek, aerodynamic design with a low stance and aggressive front grille. However, there are a few key differences in their exterior styling.

The Toyota 86 has a more angular front fascia, with sharp lines and creases that give it a more aggressive and sporty look. The Subaru BRZ, on the other hand, has a more rounded front end, with smoother curves and a more elegant design.

In terms of dimensions, the two cars are virtually identical. The Toyota 86 is 166.7 inches long, 69.9 inches wide, and 50.6 inches tall, while the Subaru BRZ is 166.7 inches long, 69.9 inches wide, and 50.6 inches tall.

Performance

Under the hood, the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ share the same powertrain. Both cars are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with an optional six-speed automatic available for those who prefer it.

One minor difference in performance is that the Toyota 86 has slightly stiffer suspension tuning than the Subaru BRZ. This gives it a sportier and more engaging ride, but also makes it slightly less comfortable for everyday driving.

Both cars have rear-wheel drive and offer impressive handling and agility on the road. The steering is precise and responsive, and the suspension is tuned for maximum fun and driver engagement.

Interior Features

On the inside, there are a few differences between the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ. The Toyota 86 has a slightly higher-quality interior, with more soft-touch materials and a more modern infotainment system. The Subaru BRZ has a simpler and more straightforward interior design, with fewer frills and a more utilitarian feel.

However, both cars offer comfortable and supportive front seats, with plenty of headroom and legroom for taller drivers. The rear seats are best left for small children or luggage, as they are too small to comfortably accommodate adults.

Price

The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are priced competitively within the sports car market, with both cars starting at around $27,000. However, the Toyota 86 is slightly more expensive than the Subaru BRZ, with a starting price of $27,060 compared to the Subaru BRZ’s starting price of $28,845.

Despite this price difference, both cars offer excellent value for money, with impressive performance and handling for the price.

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