Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison of two seriously fun sports cars: the Toyota 86 GTS and the Subaru BRZ TS. These twins from different mothers have captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts worldwide, offering a pure, engaging driving experience that's hard to find in today's market. But which one comes out on top? Let's break it down and see what makes each of these cars special and where their differences lie. Buckle up; it's going to be a fun ride!

Overview of Toyota 86 GTS

The Toyota 86 GTS is often celebrated for its affordability and its focus on driving pleasure. It's a car that encourages you to push it to its limits, rewarding skillful driving with a balanced chassis and responsive steering. The 86 GTS isn't about outright speed; it's about the thrill of the drive. Think of it as a blank canvas, ready for you to customize and make your own. Its classic sports car silhouette, combined with modern technology, makes it a compelling package for both new and experienced drivers. The interior, while functional, keeps the focus firmly on the road, minimizing distractions and maximizing the connection between driver and machine. The 86 GTS represents Toyota's commitment to providing accessible sports cars that deliver an authentic driving experience. From its playful handling to its distinctive styling, it's a car that puts a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. Its reputation for reliability and relatively low running costs further sweetens the deal, making it a practical choice for those who want a sports car without the associated headaches. The Toyota 86 GTS is more than just a car; it's a gateway to a world of driving enjoyment. It's a reminder that driving can be an engaging and rewarding experience, even in a world increasingly dominated by autonomous technology and mundane commutes. Whether you're carving up mountain roads or just cruising around town, the 86 GTS offers a unique blend of performance, style, and affordability that's hard to beat.

Overview of Subaru BRZ TS

The Subaru BRZ TS (Tuned by STI) takes the already fantastic BRZ and injects it with a healthy dose of performance and style upgrades, courtesy of Subaru's in-house tuning arm, STI. This isn't just about aesthetics; the BRZ TS features enhancements to the suspension, brakes, and chassis, resulting in a sharper, more focused driving experience. Think of it as the BRZ, but turned up to eleven. The BRZ TS is designed for the enthusiast who wants a bit more from their sports car – more precision, more control, and more exclusivity. Its distinctive exterior styling, with STI badging and unique aero elements, sets it apart from the standard BRZ, signaling its enhanced capabilities. The interior also receives special touches, creating a more premium and sporty environment. The Subaru BRZ TS represents Subaru's commitment to delivering performance-oriented vehicles that cater to the discerning driver. It's a car that's equally at home on the track as it is on the street, offering a rewarding driving experience that's both engaging and confidence-inspiring. Its limited production run adds to its appeal, making it a sought-after collectible for Subaru enthusiasts. From its enhanced handling to its distinctive styling, the BRZ TS is a testament to Subaru's engineering prowess and their passion for creating cars that deliver pure driving pleasure. It's a reminder that performance doesn't have to come at the expense of usability, and that even a small sports car can offer a world of excitement.

Engine and Performance

Both the Toyota 86 GTS and the Subaru BRZ TS share the same 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine. This engine is known for its smooth power delivery and willingness to rev, providing a rewarding driving experience. However, the BRZ TS often benefits from slight tuning enhancements, which could translate to a marginally improved throttle response or a small bump in horsepower. While the numbers might not be drastically different, the feel behind the wheel can be noticeably sharper in the BRZ TS. The beauty of this engine lies not in its raw power, but in its responsiveness and the way it encourages you to use the entire rev range. Both cars offer a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, with the manual being the preferred option for purists who want the ultimate control over the driving experience. The close-ratio gearbox and precise shifter make it a joy to row through the gears, allowing you to extract the most from the engine's performance. Ultimately, the engine and performance of both cars are very similar, but the BRZ TS may have a slight edge due to its STI-tuned enhancements, offering a more refined and engaging driving experience. The low center of gravity, thanks to the boxer engine, contributes to the car's exceptional handling, making it feel planted and stable in corners. Whether you're drifting around a track or simply enjoying a spirited drive on a winding road, the engine and performance of these cars provide a thrilling and rewarding experience.

Handling and Suspension

When it comes to handling and suspension, the Subaru BRZ TS typically has the upper hand. Thanks to its STI-tuned suspension components, the BRZ TS offers a more precise and controlled ride compared to the Toyota 86 GTS. This translates to less body roll in corners, sharper turn-in, and an overall more confident feel behind the wheel. The STI-tuned suspension often includes upgraded dampers, stiffer springs, and reinforced components, all designed to improve the car's handling capabilities. The 86 GTS, while still a capable handler, tends to be a bit softer and more forgiving, making it more accessible to a wider range of drivers. However, this also means that it may not feel as sharp or responsive as the BRZ TS in more demanding driving situations. Both cars benefit from a lightweight chassis and a well-balanced weight distribution, which contribute to their nimble handling characteristics. The rear-wheel-drive layout adds to the fun, allowing for controllable drifts and a more engaging driving experience. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing excellent feedback and allowing you to feel connected to the road. Ultimately, the BRZ TS offers a more focused and performance-oriented driving experience, while the 86 GTS provides a more comfortable and accessible ride. The choice between the two depends on your personal preferences and driving style. If you prioritize ultimate handling and precision, the BRZ TS is the clear winner. However, if you prefer a more forgiving and comfortable ride, the 86 GTS may be a better choice.

Interior and Features

Inside the cabin, both the Toyota 86 GTS and the Subaru BRZ TS offer a driver-focused environment with a no-nonsense approach. However, the BRZ TS often boasts a few extra premium touches and features that set it apart. Expect to find things like STI-branded seats, unique interior trim, and potentially upgraded infotainment systems in the BRZ TS. The 86 GTS, while functional, tends to have a more basic interior, focusing on the essentials for driving. Both cars feature supportive seats that keep you in place during spirited driving, and the ergonomics are generally well-suited for performance driving. However, the BRZ TS may offer slightly more comfortable and adjustable seats, adding to the overall driving experience. In terms of features, both cars typically come equipped with things like air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a basic audio system. However, the BRZ TS may offer additional features such as a premium sound system, navigation, and advanced safety technologies. The interior design is simple and straightforward, with a focus on functionality over luxury. The gauges are easy to read, and the controls are logically laid out, making it easy to focus on the driving experience. The rear seats are small and best suited for occasional use or for carrying extra cargo. Ultimately, the interior and features of both cars are similar, but the BRZ TS offers a more premium and well-equipped experience. The choice between the two depends on your priorities. If you value a more luxurious and feature-rich interior, the BRZ TS is the better choice. However, if you're more focused on the driving experience and don't mind a more basic interior, the 86 GTS will suffice.

Price and Value

When it comes to price and value, the Toyota 86 GTS generally holds an advantage. Typically, the 86 GTS is more affordable than the Subaru BRZ TS, making it a more accessible option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the BRZ TS offers additional features and performance enhancements that may justify the higher price tag for some buyers. The value proposition of each car depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're simply looking for an affordable and fun-to-drive sports car, the 86 GTS is hard to beat. However, if you're willing to spend a bit more for a more refined and performance-oriented experience, the BRZ TS is worth considering. Both cars offer excellent value for money, providing a thrilling driving experience that's hard to find in other vehicles. The low running costs and reputation for reliability further enhance their value proposition. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to your budget and your personal preferences. Consider what features and performance enhancements are most important to you, and then compare the prices of each car to determine which one offers the best value for your money. The Toyota 86 GTS excels by offering pure driving pleasure at an accessible price point. The Subaru BRZ TS justifies its premium with enhanced features and a more polished driving experience, making the decision a matter of aligning personal priorities with budget.

Conclusion: Which Car is the Winner?

So, which car wins in the Toyota 86 GTS vs. Subaru BRZ TS showdown? Honestly, it depends on what you're looking for. If you want a pure, unadulterated sports car experience that's easy on the wallet, the 86 GTS is a fantastic choice. It's a blank canvas that you can customize to your heart's content, and it's guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more for a more refined and performance-oriented experience, the BRZ TS is the way to go. Its STI-tuned suspension and premium features make it a more capable and comfortable car, both on the street and on the track. Ultimately, both the 86 GTS and the BRZ TS are fantastic sports cars that offer a unique and engaging driving experience. The best way to decide which one is right for you is to take them both for a test drive and see which one speaks to you the most. Consider your budget, your driving style, and your personal preferences, and then make an informed decision. Whether you choose the 86 GTS or the BRZ TS, you're guaranteed to have a blast behind the wheel.