Toyota GR86 v GT86 v AE86: DRAG RACE

Thanks to Ben for joining us for the race: @BenCollinsDrives

What’s the performance difference between the new Toyota GR86, the GT86, and the classic AE86?

Well, we’ve got all three lining up here, so we’re going to put them to the test over the quarter-mile!

So let’s see how the cars compare. Starting with the GR86, it’s powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder boxer engine that can produce 234hp and 250Nm of torque. It drives the rear wheels only, comes with a manual transition, and weighs in at 1,275kg.

Next up it’s the GT86. Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 2-litre 4-cylinder boxer engine with a power output of 200hp and 205Nm. It’s also equipped with rear-wheel drive and manual transmission, and it comes in slightly lighter than the GR86, tipping the scales at 1239kg.

Lastly, it’s the classic AE86. Powered by a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine, the power output is well down on the two other competitors, at 124hp and 145Nm. Just like the others, it’s rear-wheel drive with a manual transmission, but it’s a whole lot lighter than the others, coming in at just 970kg!

So will the GR86 walk it? Or could the others spring a surprise? There’s only one way to find out… LET’S RACE!

[carwow]

What's the best car in this line-up?

[TattvaRajput]

That AE86 has got a really good paint job and some tasteful wheels. Good job to the owner in keeping it mint.

[a.w.]

As a GT86 owner myself, I think the problem with Ben's launches is that TC was not fully off, so the computer kept cutting power in the wet. When you press the TC off button once, it only turns off part of the TC (which is what Ben did). To further disable control, you will need to hold the button for 3 sec. And for older model such as the one in this video, you will need to do the pedal dance to fully turn off all electronic control (except for ABS).

[JosephFlemming]

The Gr is remarkably beautiful and the AE is a great classic look.

[saihaannavsarka]

This is the dream vid for people who’ve watched initial D and MF ghost

[ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRIST]

Strongest 124 HP I've seen. Sheesh! That AE86 has a killer launch. Imagine if it had a 20V 4A-GE. 😅

[whiteunclerukus]

Give the GT86 it’s respect, 11 years ago it was the revival we needed and was improved upon.

[SRSG]

Was a pleasure to help out with both this video and the Supra video guys, thanks for having me along.

Whenever Mat wants me to come and convince him to buy a GR86 again, you know how to get hold of me 😂

[Presto_]

Like it or not, you have to admire that AE86 just because it is such a JDM Legend!

[tomwilkinson]

A drag race isn't really the setting for these cars but was definitely interesting to see the performance enhancements :)

[Productions]

If the Sprinter’s flip down lights had been down, it would have won. 😂

[nqobilemahlaba]

GR86 is a great car and we all knew which car was going to come 1st 2nd and 3rd in the race. The AE86 honestly is the underdog in the race. I am impressed.

[C.Fecteau-AU-MJ]

Mat's got his "I beat the Stig" T-shirt, cap, mug, hoodie and pyjamas on order.

[jesseolivermusictherapy]

The AE86 was just so well designed it launches like a rocket!!! even with only 120hp. Check out DK's AE86 with the green carbon hood!

[MarcusJII]

Should do multiple races and drivers switch cars each race

[ApothecaryTerry]

Considering Ben gets a rubbish launch every time he drives a car on this channel, we definitely need to see a car swap to prove if it's the driver in one of these...is the Stig just rubbish at launching? I mean, it's not a main skill for him whereas launching cars is basically the only skill the Carwow team need most of the time!

[ab-]

AE86 may not be the fastest in a straight line but it'll definitely win you on a mountain race while delivering your tofu

[-QuickPicks-]

My 2023 Gr86 just arrived and I'm in love!

[ashokhargovan]

Matt's gotten so skilled at launching a car for quarter mile racing, that I feel the rolling runs give a better measure of a car's performance against its competitors.
That 2.4ltr is a nice improvement over the previous gen

[Triple]

That final drive on the gt86 is what’s killin it