Toyota 86 vs Subaru BRZ: Same Same, But Different?

If you’ve ever ended up at a servo mid-spirited run and found yourself parked next to either a Toyota 86 or a Subaru BRZ, odds are you’ve had that chat: “Mate… are they actually any different?”

On paper? Not really. Under the skin, they’re born from the same joint project between Toyota and Subaru. Same chassis, same engine, same gearbox, even the same interior layout. But if you’ve driven both—or better yet, lived with both—you start to notice the little things. And that’s what we’re unpacking here.

So whether you're hunting a platform to build, or just weighing up which badge to rep on your weekend weapon, here's how they really stack up.

1. Driving Feel — The Tuning Philosophy Split

Let’s start with the big one: suspension tuning.

Even though both the 86 and BRZ ride on the same underpinnings, they’ve been dialled in differently at the factory.

Toyota 86: Slightly firmer suspension setup. It’s more reactive, especially on turn-in. That sharp edge makes it feel a bit more “on its toes” through a series of sweepers—Old Pac, anyone? Great for drivers who love the car feeling alive underneath them, dancing on the limit.
Subaru BRZ: More composed. Softer front dampers and a smidge more understeer out of the box. This actually makes it a bit more predictable for newer drivers and easier to balance mid-corner without being twitchy.

Verdict? The 86 is the livelier choice, while the BRZ is more refined. Your pick depends on how much you want to wrestle versus cruise through your favourite B-roads.

2. Branding, Badge, and Culture

Now this might sound shallow, but in the enthusiast world, branding matters.

The 86 carries Toyota’s Gazoo Racing flair—especially in its GR86 second-gen form. That brings with it a certain motorsport cred and stronger presence at track day meets. People know it, people mod it, and the community around it leans JDM-tuner hard.
The BRZ, being a Subaru, ties into a slightly different lineage—think WRX heritage, boxer engine loyalty, and that love for the underdog. It’s the quieter of the two, culturally, but still earns nods from those who know their stuff.

If you’re the type who rocks a WRC jacket on rainy track days, you’ll probably lean BRZ. If your phone wallpaper’s an AE86 on touge roads, the 86 is probably your spiritual home.

3. Cosmetic & Trim Differences

For first-gens (2012–2021), the differences are minor but there:

Front bumper and headlight design vary slightly. The 86 had a more aggressive, angular look, while the BRZ wore a slightly softer, rounded face.
Trim options and interior colour schemes differed by year and market—red stitching here, blacked-out badges there.
The second-gen (2022 onward) cleaned this up a bit, but Toyota added GR branding while Subaru kept things clean and subtle.

Neither interior screams luxury, but it’s well laid out, simple, and very driver-focused. Expect the usual infotainment gripes, but let’s be real—you’re buying this car to drive, not sync Spotify with six taps.

4. Engine & Performance

Under the bonnet, both generations rock a Subaru-sourced flat-four engine.

First gen (FA20): 2.0L NA boxer. Rev-happy, decent torque if you’re committed to the top end, but yeah… a bit gutless down low.
Second gen (FA24): 2.4L NA boxer. Huge improvement. More torque across the rev range, better throttle response, and finally feels like it has the grunt to match its chassis.

Both engines have that classic boxer thrum, and both are easy to mod—but the FA24’s stronger bottom end means you’re not constantly dropping gears to get moving.

5. Ownership & Support

Both cars enjoy massive aftermarket support here in Australia. Whether you're shopping coilovers, headers, or aero, there’s no shortage of parts.

Popular brands like HKS, GReddy, Invidia, and Cusco make parts for both, and most items are interchangeable.
Tracks like Wakefield and Sydney Motorsport Park are packed with these cars—both beginner builds and full-on NA monsters.
Mod culture is alive and well for both, and there’s a healthy used market for quality gear if you know where to look.

So Which One’s “Better”?

Honestly? Neither. That’s the beauty of it.

If you want a slightly edgier driving experience, a car that feels like it’s got just a bit more track in its DNA, and you vibe with the GR ethos—get the 86.
If you want smoother dynamics, a more relaxed driving feel, and you’re already part of the Subie cult—go BRZ.

Both are brilliant platforms, both are built for drivers, and both offer smiles-per-dollar that’s hard to beat.