Alright, gearheads! Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of two of the most popular sports cars that have graced the roads: the Scion FR-S and the Toyota 86. These two vehicles are practically twins, but there are some key differences that set them apart. Understanding these nuances can help you decide which one is the perfect fit for you. So, buckle up and prepare to explore the world of rear-wheel drive, sleek designs, and pure driving fun! We'll break down everything from their origins to the subtle tweaks that make each car unique. Get ready to have your questions answered, and maybe even discover a new appreciation for these fantastic machines. Let's get this show on the road, shall we?

The Genesis: A Tale of Two Brands

The story of the Scion FR-S and the Toyota 86 is a testament to the power of collaboration. In the early 2000s, both Toyota and Subaru saw a gap in the market for an affordable, fun-to-drive sports car. They teamed up, pooling their expertise to create a vehicle that would capture the hearts of driving enthusiasts everywhere. Subaru brought its renowned boxer engine technology, while Toyota contributed its design prowess and marketing muscle. This partnership led to the birth of two nearly identical cars: the Scion FR-S and the Toyota 86. The FR-S was launched under Toyota's youth-oriented Scion brand in North America, while the 86 carried the Toyota badge in other markets. Now, that is a little history lesson for you guys!

Their shared DNA meant that both cars offered a similar driving experience: a lightweight chassis, a low center of gravity, and a responsive engine that delivered an engaging ride. The focus was on driver involvement rather than raw power, making them ideal for those who cherished the joy of spirited driving. The cars were designed to be easily modified, which quickly led to a thriving aftermarket, where owners could customize them to their liking.

Over the years, the FR-S and 86 have earned a loyal following, with enthusiasts praising their handling, balance, and affordability. They've become staples at track days, autocross events, and even in drifting competitions. Their success proved that there was still a demand for a simple, driver-focused sports car in an era of increasingly complex and powerful vehicles. We can say that they have made a great impact on the world, especially in the automotive world. These cars also serve as a gateway for people to get into automotive in general!

Origins and Joint Venture

Let's go into more detail about the creation of these vehicles. The collaboration between Toyota and Subaru was a pivotal moment in automotive history. Both companies recognized the potential of a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car that would bring back the fun-to-drive experience. Subaru contributed its expertise in engine technology, specifically its boxer engine, known for its low center of gravity and smooth operation. This engine design was perfect for enhancing the car's handling characteristics.

Toyota brought its design and engineering expertise, as well as its global marketing and distribution networks. This partnership allowed both companies to pool their resources and create a car that was greater than the sum of its parts. The shared platform also helped to keep production costs down, making the car accessible to a wider audience. The resulting vehicle was a hit, and it has set the standard for affordable sports cars for years to come.

The Scion Era and Toyota's Revival

The Scion brand was designed to target younger buyers with stylish and affordable vehicles. The FR-S perfectly fit this mission, offering a sporty design and a performance-oriented driving experience. It quickly gained popularity among young enthusiasts looking for a fun and engaging car that was also practical and affordable.

In other markets, the car was sold as the Toyota 86, aligning with Toyota's long history of producing iconic sports cars. The 86 name was a nod to the legendary Toyota AE86, a beloved sports coupe from the 1980s. When the Scion brand was discontinued, the FR-S was rebranded as the Toyota 86 in North America, uniting the two models under a single name and further cementing their place in Toyota's lineup.

Exterior: The Look of Speed

When you see these cars side-by-side, you'll immediately notice their similar, yet unique, appearances. The FR-S and 86 share a sleek, low-slung profile that screams performance, with a long hood, a short rear deck, and a sporty stance. This design isn't just for show; it enhances the car's aerodynamics and contributes to its excellent handling.

Here’s the deal: The front fascia is where you'll find the most noticeable differences. The FR-S had a more aggressive look, with a distinctive front bumper, a prominent lower grille, and angular fog lights. The Toyota 86, on the other hand, had a slightly more understated design, with a more traditional grille and headlights. The differences are subtle, but they give each car its unique personality. In a nutshell, they are both sexy, and you can customize them anyway!

Both cars featured stylish alloy wheels, which complement their sporty appearance. Over the years, the wheel designs evolved, with various trims offering different wheel options. The FR-S and 86 also featured a rear spoiler, which helps to improve high-speed stability. The overall effect is a car that looks fast, even when it's standing still.

Design Differences and Key Features

While the overall silhouette of the FR-S and 86 is identical, there are several design elements that set them apart. The front fascia is a significant point of differentiation. The FR-S featured a more aggressive front bumper, a distinctive grille, and angular fog lights. The Toyota 86 adopted a more understated design with a traditional grille and headlights.

The rear of both cars featured a spoiler, which improved high-speed stability and enhanced the car's sporty appearance. The taillights also differed slightly between the two models, adding another layer of visual distinction. The FR-S and 86 were available in a range of colors, allowing owners to personalize their cars.

Aerodynamics and Styling Elements

Both the FR-S and 86 were designed with aerodynamics in mind. The low-slung profile and sleek lines helped to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. The front bumper and spoiler were carefully designed to channel air and provide downforce, enhancing handling and stability. The attention to detail in the design extended to the underbody, where panels and other elements helped to further reduce drag.

Over the years, there were several updates to the styling elements of both cars. New wheel designs, updated headlights, and revised bumpers gave each model a fresh look while maintaining their overall sporty character. The design of these cars has proven to be timeless, and they remain popular among car enthusiasts. They are still being sought after in the used market and are still a great option to start with.

Interior: Driver-Focused Cockpit

Step inside, and you'll find a driver-focused cockpit that prioritizes the driving experience. The interior design is simple and functional, with an emphasis on ease of use. The seats are supportive, and the driving position is low and sporty, which puts you in a perfect position to feel connected to the car. The FR-S and 86 were designed to make you feel like you're part of the car, which is what is great about these cars.

The dashboard design is clean and uncluttered, with easy-to-read gauges and intuitive controls. The infotainment system is straightforward and focuses on the essentials. Some models came with a touchscreen display, while others featured a more basic setup. The FR-S and 86 were all about creating a great driving experience. That is what matters in the end! Focus on the important things, not on fancy tech.

Overall, the interior of the FR-S and 86 is a great place to spend time. The materials used were of good quality, and the design was well-executed. If you're looking for a car that puts the driver first, then the FR-S or 86 should be at the top of your list.

Design and Ergonomics

Both the FR-S and 86 had driver-focused cockpits, prioritizing the driving experience. The interior design was simple and functional, with an emphasis on ease of use. The seats were supportive, providing excellent comfort and bolstering during spirited driving. The driving position was low and sporty, putting the driver in a perfect position to feel connected to the car.

The dashboard design was clean and uncluttered, with easy-to-read gauges and intuitive controls. The placement of the steering wheel, pedals, and gear shifter was designed to provide a natural and comfortable driving experience. The infotainment system focused on the essentials, with a straightforward interface and easy-to-use controls. This simple design philosophy enhanced the car's overall driving experience.

Materials and Features

Inside, the FR-S and 86 featured quality materials and a well-executed design. The seats were often upholstered in cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. The dashboard and door panels featured soft-touch materials, which added to the car's premium feel. The controls were designed to be easy to use. The infotainment systems offered a range of features, including a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration.

Throughout their production runs, both cars offered various interior features and options, including upgraded audio systems, automatic climate control, and heated seats. The focus was always on creating a driver-focused experience with modern amenities. The interior of the FR-S and 86 provided a great balance of comfort, functionality, and sporty design.

Performance: Heart of a Sports Car

Under the hood, both cars are powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine developed by Subaru. This engine produces around 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, delivering a peppy and responsive performance. The engine's low center of gravity contributes to the car's excellent handling characteristics.

The FR-S and 86 are available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual transmission is the enthusiast's choice, providing a more engaging and connected driving experience. The automatic transmission is also capable, offering smooth shifts and paddle shifters for manual control. The cars' performance is best experienced when you are driving them on the road.

The focus of the FR-S and 86 isn't on raw power; it's on the balance, handling, and driver engagement. They're designed to be fun to drive, with precise steering, a responsive chassis, and a playful nature. Whether you're carving up a canyon road or enjoying a spirited drive on the track, the FR-S and 86 will deliver a smile to your face.

Engine and Transmission

The FR-S and 86 were powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine. This engine configuration, developed by Subaru, is known for its low center of gravity and smooth operation, which contributes to the car's excellent handling characteristics. The engine produced around 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, which provided a peppy and responsive performance.

Both cars were available with two transmission options. The six-speed manual transmission provided an engaging driving experience, allowing drivers to take full control of the car's performance. The six-speed automatic transmission offered smooth shifts and paddle shifters for manual control. The choice of transmission depended on the driver's preferences. The manual transmission was ideal for those who wanted a more connected experience, while the automatic was better suited for daily driving.

Handling and Driving Experience

The FR-S and 86 were designed to prioritize handling and driver engagement. The lightweight chassis, low center of gravity, and responsive steering contributed to the car's excellent handling characteristics. The cars offered a balanced and predictable driving experience, making them fun to drive on both the road and the track. They're both cars that are incredibly fun to drive, especially at the track!

The suspension was tuned to provide a balance of comfort and performance. The cars handled corners with precision and responsiveness, and they provided ample feedback to the driver. The FR-S and 86 were designed to deliver a pure driving experience that was free from unnecessary distractions. Whether you are a beginner or a skilled driver, these cars offer a fun, engaging, and rewarding experience.

Trim Levels and Options: Customization and Choices

Throughout their production runs, both the FR-S and 86 offered a range of trim levels and options to suit various needs and budgets. The base models provided a solid foundation, with essential features and a focus on driving dynamics. Higher trim levels offered additional features like upgraded wheels, premium audio systems, and advanced safety features. This allowed you to upgrade your car's look and feel!

Both cars were available with various packages, such as the Performance Package, which included features like upgraded brakes and suspension. These options allowed owners to further enhance the car's performance capabilities. The FR-S and 86 were also available with a range of exterior and interior color options, allowing for personalization.

Available Trim Levels and Features

The FR-S and 86 were offered in multiple trim levels. Base models included essential features such as air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. Higher trim levels offered additional features such as upgraded wheels, a premium audio system, and advanced safety features.

Over the years, various special editions and limited-run models were released, each offering unique features and styling elements. These special editions often included exclusive colors, interior trims, and performance upgrades. The trim levels and available features evolved throughout the car's production runs, giving buyers a range of options to choose from. Each car was a great foundation for personal upgrades.

Customization and Aftermarket Support

The FR-S and 86 quickly gained popularity within the automotive aftermarket, with a vast array of aftermarket parts and accessories available. Enthusiasts could customize their cars with performance upgrades, such as exhaust systems, intakes, and suspension components, enhancing the car's performance capabilities. This has made it easy to buy parts and upgrade the cars to the next level!

Additionally, owners could customize the appearance of their cars with body kits, spoilers, and other styling elements. The availability of aftermarket support allowed owners to personalize their cars to their liking. This made them ideal for anyone wanting to modify and make the cars their own. The strong aftermarket support helped to solidify their reputation as affordable, fun-to-drive sports cars.

The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

So, which car should you choose? The answer depends on your personal preferences. If you're a fan of a more aggressive look, the FR-S might be the right choice for you. If you appreciate a more understated design, the Toyota 86 might be a better fit. Both cars offer the same driving experience, so the choice comes down to personal taste.

Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either car. They both offer a fantastic driving experience, with great handling, a responsive engine, and a driver-focused design. If you're looking for an affordable and fun-to-drive sports car, the FR-S or the Toyota 86 is an excellent choice. You should choose the one that you connect with the most. You will have a blast with them either way!

Key Differences Summarized

The main differences between the Scion FR-S and the Toyota 86 are primarily cosmetic. The front fascia, including the bumper, grille, and headlights, is the most noticeable difference. The FR-S featured a more aggressive and angular design, while the Toyota 86 had a more understated and traditional look.

There may be minor differences in interior trim and features, but the driving experience remains the same. Both cars share the same engine, transmission options, and chassis. The choice between the FR-S and the 86 often comes down to personal preference in terms of styling and branding. Both are great options!

Factors to Consider

When choosing between the Scion FR-S and the Toyota 86, it's important to consider your personal preferences. Do you prefer a more aggressive or understated design? Do you have a particular preference for the brand? Do you prefer the Scion or the Toyota? Do you want to modify your car and make it your own? These are all important factors to consider.

It's also essential to consider the availability and pricing in your area. Depending on the market, the prices of the FR-S and 86 may vary. Evaluate both cars and consider which one aligns best with your needs and preferences. Ultimately, the best choice is the car that you feel most connected to. You won't regret your choice with either one!