Hey car enthusiasts! Ever wondered about the differences between the Toyota 86 and its successor, the GR86? Well, you're in the right place! We're diving deep into a visual comparison, checking out the key differences, and helping you understand what makes each car unique. Get ready for a side-by-side look at these awesome sports cars, filled with images to illustrate the evolution and the improvements. Let's get started, shall we?

The Toyota 86: The Pioneer

The Toyota 86, introduced to the world, was a breath of fresh air for driving purists. This rear-wheel-drive sports car brought back the joy of a lightweight, agile machine that focused on driver engagement. Many consider it as an affordable entry point into the world of sports cars, offering a fun and engaging driving experience without breaking the bank. The 86 was a collaborative effort, born from a partnership between Toyota and Subaru, resulting in a car that shared a platform with the Subaru BRZ. This collaboration allowed Toyota to re-enter the sports car market with a bang, offering a vehicle that was instantly praised for its balanced handling and accessible performance. The exterior design of the Toyota 86 is characterized by its low-slung profile, long hood, and short rear deck. The car's sleek lines and sporty stance immediately signaled its performance aspirations. The headlights, taillights, and overall body contours contribute to an aggressive yet elegant aesthetic. The original 86's design was a modern take on classic sports car cues, successfully capturing attention and setting the stage for its successor. The interior of the Toyota 86 was designed with a focus on functionality and driver ergonomics. The layout was simple and driver-focused, with a clean dashboard and easy-to-reach controls. Bucket seats provided good support during spirited driving, and the overall feel was one of being directly connected to the car. The materials used were generally functional, with a focus on durability rather than luxury, keeping the car's price point competitive. The instrument cluster was easy to read, providing all the necessary information without being overly distracting. The 86's cabin layout effectively created an environment that encouraged an engaging driving experience.

Key Features and Design Elements of the Toyota 86:

• Exterior: The 86 is known for its sleek, low-slung profile. Its design cues include a long hood and a short rear deck. The headlights and taillights reflect a sporty aesthetic.
• Interior: Driver-focused with simple, easy-to-reach controls and supportive bucket seats for an engaging driving experience. Its focus was on functionality and durability to maintain a competitive price point.
• Performance: Offers balanced handling and accessible performance, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.

The Toyota GR86: Evolution and Refinement

The Toyota GR86 represents an evolution of the 86, incorporating several improvements and refinements to address feedback from enthusiasts and enhance the overall driving experience. The GR86, developed by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, builds upon the foundation of its predecessor but brings a host of upgrades. These upgrades include an improved engine, enhanced handling characteristics, and a more modern design, the GR86 aimed to deliver a more refined and exhilarating experience. The exterior design of the GR86 showcases a more aggressive and modern look compared to the original 86. The GR86 features revised body panels, a more prominent front grille, and updated lighting. These changes contribute to a more muscular and assertive appearance, hinting at the car's increased performance capabilities. The GR86's design incorporates aerodynamic enhancements that improve stability and efficiency. The interior of the GR86 sees a noticeable upgrade in terms of materials and technology. The cabin features higher-quality materials, a more modern infotainment system, and updated controls. The seats are designed to provide better support, and the overall feel is more premium. The GR86's interior demonstrates a focus on both comfort and functionality, providing a more refined environment for the driver and passengers. With the GR86, Toyota aimed not only to improve performance but also to enhance the overall ownership experience, resulting in a car that is both thrilling to drive and comfortable to live with. Compared to the Toyota 86, the GR86 boasts several improvements across various aspects, including performance, design, and technology.

Key Improvements and Features of the GR86:

• Exterior: The GR86 features a more aggressive and modern look, with revised body panels, a more prominent front grille, and updated lighting. It includes aerodynamic enhancements.
• Interior: The cabin features higher-quality materials, a more modern infotainment system, and updated controls. Seats offer better support, providing a more premium feel.
• Performance: Improved engine and enhanced handling characteristics contribute to a more refined and exhilarating driving experience.

Visual Comparison: Images and Differences

To better understand the differences between the Toyota 86 and the GR86, let's dive into some visual comparisons. We'll examine the exterior and interior designs, focusing on the key changes and improvements. Here's a closer look, with images to guide you:

Exterior Design Differences

• Front End: The GR86 has a more aggressive front fascia with a larger, more prominent grille and redesigned headlights. The 86 features a sleeker, more understated front end.
• Side Profile: While both cars share a similar silhouette, the GR86 often incorporates more pronounced side skirts and aerodynamic enhancements, contributing to a more assertive stance.
• Rear End: The GR86 typically features redesigned taillights and a more sculpted rear bumper, enhancing its sporty appearance. The 86 has a cleaner, more traditional rear design.

Interior Design Differences

• Dashboard and Controls: The GR86 often features a more modern dashboard design with updated controls and a more integrated infotainment system. The 86 has a more straightforward, driver-focused layout.
• Materials and Finishes: The GR86 generally incorporates higher-quality materials and finishes, providing a more premium feel compared to the 86.
• Seats: Both cars feature supportive seats, but the GR86's seats often offer improved bolstering and comfort, enhancing the driving experience.

Here are some example images to illustrate the differences:

• (Image: Toyota 86 Front View) – Show the front of a Toyota 86, highlighting its sleek design and headlights.
• (Image: Toyota GR86 Front View) – Show the front of a Toyota GR86, focusing on its aggressive grille and redesigned headlights.
• (Image: Toyota 86 Interior) – Showcase the interior of the Toyota 86, emphasizing its driver-focused layout.
• (Image: Toyota GR86 Interior) – Display the interior of the GR86, highlighting its updated materials and technology.

Performance and Driving Experience

Beyond the visual differences, the Toyota GR86 introduces several performance enhancements that set it apart from its predecessor. Let's delve into the key performance upgrades and what they mean for the driving experience.

Engine and Power

The GR86 typically features a more powerful engine compared to the original 86. This enhanced power output translates into improved acceleration and a more responsive feel on the road. The increased horsepower and torque contribute to a more exhilarating driving experience, allowing for quicker sprints and better performance across the rev range. The engine upgrades are often paired with refinements to the exhaust system, which can enhance both performance and the car's auditory experience, making the driving experience more engaging. While the 86 offers a commendable level of performance, the GR86's engine upgrade ensures that the car delivers a more thrilling performance. The GR86 is engineered to provide a stronger performance with its more powerful engine and improved acceleration. These enhancements allow drivers to experience a more exhilarating and dynamic driving experience.

Handling and Suspension

The GR86 often features improvements to its suspension and handling characteristics. These upgrades can include revised suspension tuning, improved dampers, and a more rigid chassis. These enhancements lead to better cornering abilities, improved stability, and more precise handling. The GR86's handling upgrades ensure that the car remains composed and responsive, even during aggressive driving. The GR86's refined suspension and handling enhancements mean that drivers will experience a heightened level of control and agility. These enhancements are designed to improve both the precision and overall driving experience.

Driving Dynamics

The GR86 typically benefits from various driving dynamics enhancements, further refining the overall driving experience. These may include a more responsive steering system, enhanced electronic stability control, and improved braking performance. The combination of these upgrades ensures that the GR86 provides a balanced and engaging driving experience.

Conclusion: Which Car is Right for You?

So, which car is the better choice? The answer depends on your preferences and what you value in a sports car. If you are looking for an affordable and fun-to-drive sports car, the Toyota 86 remains an excellent option. Its balanced handling, simple design, and accessible performance make it a great choice for those seeking an engaging driving experience. However, if you're after a more refined and modern sports car with enhanced performance, the Toyota GR86 is the way to go. The GR86 offers significant improvements in terms of engine power, handling, and interior quality, providing a more exhilarating and premium experience. Ultimately, both the Toyota 86 and the GR86 offer exceptional value in the sports car market. Choosing between them depends on your personal preferences, budget, and desired driving experience. If you prioritize budget and classic sports car simplicity, the 86 will be a perfect choice. If you seek enhanced performance and modern features, the GR86 will be the ideal option. Both cars are designed to deliver fun and driver engagement, so it really boils down to your specific needs and desires.

Whether you opt for the Toyota 86 or the GR86, you're guaranteed to enjoy a fun and engaging driving experience. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride!