Verdict
The Subaru BRZ is the clearer driver’s pick: its 2,387 cc boxer four produces 234 hp and 250 Nm, cutting the 0-100 km/h time to 6.3 seconds against the Toyota 86’s 197 hp, 205 Nm and 7.6 seconds. It also brings an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, reverse camera and blind-spot information system. At RM249,245, it is RM8,257 cheaper, although its RM767 annual road tax is RM388 higher. The 86 counters with a 243-litre boot, full-size spare and lower 1,275 kg kerb weight.
Pick the Subaru BRZ if you want 234 hp, a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time and substantially more contemporary infotainment and parking equipment.
Pick the Toyota 86 if the lower RM379 annual road tax, 243-litre boot and full-size spare matter more than outright acceleration.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru BRZ RM249,245; Toyota 86 RM257,502.
- Engine output: Subaru BRZ 234 hp and 250 Nm; Toyota 86 197 hp and 205 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: Subaru BRZ 6.3 seconds; Toyota 86 7.6 seconds.
- Road tax per year: Subaru BRZ RM767; Toyota 86 RM379.
- Boot space: Subaru BRZ 226 litres; Toyota 86 243 litres.
- Wheels and tyres: Subaru BRZ 18-inch alloys with 215/40R18 tyres; Toyota 86 17-inch alloys with 215/45R17 tyres.
BRZ
- 234 hp and 250 Nm from a 2,387 cc boxer four.
- 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 8.0-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, reverse camera and blind-spot information system.
- RM767 annual road tax versus the Toyota 86’s RM379.
- 226-litre boot versus 243 litres.
- Tyre repair kit instead of a full-size spare wheel.
86
- Lower RM379 annual road tax.
- 243-litre boot and full-size 17-inch alloy spare.
- Lighter 1,275 kg kerb weight.
- 197 hp and 205 Nm trail the BRZ’s 234 hp and 250 Nm.
- 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time is 1.3 seconds slower.
- No reverse camera, blind-spot information system, Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM249,245✓ | RM257,502 |
| Body type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Segment | Sports Car | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM767 | RM379✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally-aspirated with Direct and Port Injection, Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 2,387 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 234 hp at 7,000 rpm✓ | 197 hp at 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm at 3,700 rpm✓ | 205 Nm at 6,400 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Boxer 4 | Boxer 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 94 mm × 86 mm | 86 mm × 86 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.5 | 12.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Transmission Name | — | 6MT |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Aisin |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6.3 seconds✓ | 7.6 seconds |
| Rated Economy | — | 7.1 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 226 km/h | 226 km/h |
| Co2 | — | 164 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,265 mm | 4,240 mm |
| Width | 1,775 mm | 1,775 mm |
| Height | 1,310 mm | 1,285 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,575 mm | 2,570 mm |
| Weight | 1,289 kg | 1,275 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 50 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 226 litres | 243 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/40R18 | 215/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/40R18 | 215/45R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Full-size 17" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 | Michelin Primacy HP |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars — Equivalent to Subaru BRZ with 7 airbags and stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side and Front Curtain) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Seat Belts | 4 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats | Available on two rear passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats | — |
| Safety Notes | Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | Foldable |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front, 1 Glovebox |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front |
| Audio | 8" Touchscreen with Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 8 Speakers | Radio CD/MP3 Player with 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used BRZ & 86 for sale
BRZ vs 86 FAQ
Is the Subaru BRZ or Toyota 86 better?
The Subaru BRZ is the stronger buy on these specifications. It costs RM8,257 less, has 234 hp and reaches 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, while adding a reverse camera, blind-spot information system and smartphone integration.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru BRZ costs RM249,245 and the Toyota 86 costs RM257,502, so the BRZ is RM8,257 cheaper. Its annual road tax is RM767, however, compared with RM379 for the 86.
Which has more practical luggage space?
The Toyota 86 has the larger boot at 243 litres, 17 litres more than the Subaru BRZ’s 226 litres. It also has a full-size 17-inch alloy spare, while the BRZ uses a tyre repair kit.
