Which would you buy? Toyota FT-86 or Subaru 086a?

[Jason]

Just curious which you would buy based on what we know so far, essentially the same cars and motors, d-4s.

Which would you buy? Toyota FT-86 or Subaru 086a?

[KrazyS13]

For me, it all depends on the options between the two. If there is going to be a STi 086a, I would have to pick the Scooby cause it will be full of win!!

I wonder if Toyota has any plans for a "performance" model? TRD-FT 86?!?! That would be cool!

[West]

Yea, Im totally torn. I was once a Toyota Technician, even though I have only owned a All-Trac Camry lol. I have owned three Impreza/WRX's though. Maybe I will just buy both!

[KrazyS13]

Same here, I've owned 2 Subaru's. One GC w/STi swap and a fully built STi. I've always been extremely fond of Subarus. They are great cars, have great quality and have excellent safety ratings. My past experience with Subarus will probably be what leads me more towards the 086a. I've only owned one Toyota as well, a 1986 Toyota Pickup Turbo(pretty rare model) and it was a rust bucket(all of them were). I havent been able to experience any of Toyotas newer stuff.

[Axel]

It should prove to be decision time for enthusiasts if the FT-86 is only offered with the 160-200HP EJ20 2.0L engine and the Subie offers the EJ25 2.5L engine that’s expected to produce between 240–250HP.

There may or may not be room for the EJ25 turbocharged engine producing close to 300HP, or the robustness of the drivetrain to handle that under warranty.

I'd rank the following price/power points as to what I might pay (including considering the higher insurance & maintenance costs on the more potent engines):

#1 choice - Subaru 086A w/EJ25 $27K
#2 choice - Subaru 086A STi w/EJ25T $32K
#3 choice - Toyota FT-86 w/EJ20 $23K
#4 choice - Subaru 086A w/EJ20 $23K

[West]

It should prove to be decision time for enthusiasts if the FT-86 is only offered with the 160-200HP EJ20 2.0L engine and the Subie offers the EJ25 2.5L engine that’s expected to produce between 240–250HP.

There may or may not be room for the EJ25 turbocharged engine producing close to 300HP, or the robustness of the drivetrain to handle that under warranty.

I'd rank the following price/power points as to what I might pay (including considering the higher insurance & maintenance costs on the more potent engines):

#1 choice - Subaru 086A w/EJ25 $27K
#2 choice - Subaru 086A STi w/EJ25T $32K
#3 choice - Toyota FT-86 w/EJ20 $23K
#4 choice - Subaru 086A w/EJ20 $23K

I'm betting they initial offering wont include any turbo options from Subaru or Toyota. Although it would be a bad move to leave this car without a factory turbo options somewhere along the life of the offerings.

I think those prices are a bit to high considering the WRX STi is MSRP around 33-34k. The production form will be scaled back from the images we see today, do that and we are left with a rather basic car that will be a blast to drive. They start getting into the 27k range and they will be going against the roots of this car, which I hope will remain focused on the AE86.

Although you are probably right on with those prices once you get into options packages. I better start saving

[celicajim]

I'm a bit torn also.
I'd like to stay with Toyota, but when the engine and drivetrain are all Subaru anyway, I'm not sure if it makes much difference.
Its heart and soul is Suby, so I would be defecting anyway.

If I can afford it and Suby do make an STI and Toyota don't make a equivalent model, I think I'd have to go the Suby.

But on the other hand the local dealership for Suby sucks and the Toyota dealership has the best service in town.

[Axel]

My local Subie dealer is about the same compared to our Toyota dealers! With the same powertrain, too bad Toyota couldn't also service the Subies under warranty! (never happen though).

[West]

Same with the service around here, Toyota is awesome and Subaru is craptastic.

I'm learning Toyota simply because I was a Toyota tech and those experiences have left some fondness in my soul, even though they only had crappy ECO cars when I was there.

I'm finding its a common feeling that US people are preferring the Subaru, I hope Toyota doesn't catch that feeling too, I want both in the US! Subaru has done an excellent job in building a base with its development of the Impreza/WRX and STi. The Toyota AE86 generation has to be pushing an average of 35 year old's, is that too old? Looking out 7 years in my life I would say absolutely not. There will never be a drop in demand for everything the FT-86/AE86/240sx represent. Cheap, Lightweight, RWD.

PS: I'm not saying 35 is old lol

[Bruce Lee]

I can't really say at this point, because there is not enough concrete information on these two platforms???

When the two models are complete and there is more accurate information on the specifics then
I'll be able to answer your question. That is if they ever make it to the show rooms?

[West]

I can't really say at this point, because there is not enough concrete information on these two platforms???

When the two models are complete and there is more accurate information on the specifics then
I'll be able to answer your question. That is if they ever make it to the show rooms?

Its safe to say Toyota's model will make it to production. Its still in the air over the 086a, Subaru's 086a hasn't even made it to the board yet and they are still confused out over the whole idea with working with Toyota.

[Exitspeed]

Toyota hasn't made anything I've been excited about in over 10 years. I admit I was skeptical about them being able to make a car that actually stirs the soul. When i first saw the pics of the FT86 I was blown away. It's almost EXACTLY what I was hoping for. Low slung, and more bare-bones looking. Pretty much exactly what I've been wanting in a new 240.

It's kinda hard to tell on this yet because the test mule we've seen is using WRX body panels but who knows if that will be the case on the production are. I doubt it highly.

Either way the toyota verson has my vote. So I'm hoping earlier rumors that the US will only get the Suby version are just rumors.

[scoobie]

Yes I will be selfish and say I want both cars in the US. I haven't seen anything concrete on the Subaru model, besides the opposition from Subaru on the car itself. The rumors have been just that, only read that on forums at this
point.

[soulska]

Subaru for me.. Like said earlier engine and gearbox is Subaru anyway. Thats what makes the car.

[IVExample]

I'm going with the Subie.

[StuSSYsporT]

both! but i voted 86 so i can be like takumi! lol

[West]

For some reason, when I originally posted this. I thought Toyota would be the winner.

[StuSSYsporT]

^just started.... poll isnt over yet

[West]

^just started.... poll isnt over yet

True. I Twittered this post, lets see if we can get more votes.

[Exitspeed]

Yeah I'm surprised by the results also.

[dflwrx]

I voted for the Subaru as well. That's definitely not due to any animosity toward Toyota, as I think they also make great cars, but after building a couple subaru track cars/rally cars I've got to say that's where my allegiance is. I'm also pulling for an STI model.

Also, in my area the Toyota service is mediocre and the Subaru service/dealership is outstanding.

[Black]

I want which ever has the balance of power and handling...

[Arcangel]

It all depends on which one comes with what

[ej25ti]

UGH! It's so hard to choose between RWD and AWD!!!
I have AWD now and love it... but I miss RWD in my is300 a lot!!!
I'd like to get back into drifting... but my scooby now is so good for auto-x... hmmm
Idk, I'll have to wait and see what Toyota's performance model is like, and what engine they offer in it...
guess the only way I'd really consider the Toyota... is if they offer a 6 cyl.

[CC2]

After driving my Gf's Impreza and living in region that snows for 4-5 months I would have to choose the Suby 086A.

[Cal]

Just notice the results. Lot of suby fans. I Thought the
toyo would be ahead.

[Exitspeed]

After driving my Gf's Impreza and living in region that snows for 4-5 months I would have to choose the Suby 086A.

I live in Milwaukee WI...I'd still prefer my RWD. But only because I have a winter car too and my sporty cars always get stored. That's the longest 6 months of the year.

[Cal]

Lol at you people with snow.

[Bubblegum]

I voted Toyota, "I WANT MY MPG."

[Cal]

I voted Toyota, "I WANT MY MPG."

Perhaps this is more your style then. LOL