The new 2023 Nissan Z (final design and specs just dropped) and the 2022 Toyota GR 86 (first-drive impressions just dropped) are not quite on the same level of price and performance. But they are about to coexist in the same relatively small circle of cool, driver-focused, Japanese sports cars and we’re going to be talking about them a lot. So let’s spark a little comment-section discussion here — which is your pick?
As you probably already know, both cars are front-engine, rear-drive, manual-shift, two-seat*, Japanese coupes. OK, the Toyota’s technically got a rear seat but… come on.
The bigger difference lies in power level, weight, and price. To break it down simply:
The Toyota GR 86 weighs about 2,800 pounds, claims 228 horsepower (non-turbo I4 engine), and will list at around $30,000.
The Nissan Z will probably weigh about 3,400 pounds (official claim hasn’t been made yet), promises 400 horsepower (twin-turbo V6 engine), and will list at around $40,000.
Is the Z “ten-thousand dollars better” than the GR 86? Are there other ways to weigh the pros and cons between the two? Let’s chat in the comments!
