Autoexpress: Toyota GT86 vs Audi TT vs Nissan 370Z

[Boxer-4]

Toyota is returning to its sports car roots – but is the all-new GT 86 a match for key rivals from Audi and Nissan?

Some cars are so enjoyable from behind the wheel that you drive them purely for fun. It’s something that’s been lacking from Toyotas of late, but the new GT 86 is set to change that.

Designed to offer a classic sports car experience, the GT 86 takes inspiration from some of the great Toyota sports cars of the past, including the 2000GT and Celica. It was developed in partnership with Subaru, and the rear-wheel-drive, boxer-engined coupe promises thrill-a-minute motoring.

But it faces stiff competition. The Audi TT is hard to ignore, especially as the entry-level 1.8 TFSI makes it more affordable than ever. Plus it’s great to drive and cheap to run.

For old-school excitement, there’s little to beat the Nissan 370Z. It costs more than the GT 86, but it offers big V6 performance and traditional rear-drive handling.

We headed for some of the best roads in the UK to see which one of our contenders takes the top spot.

Verdict

The Toyota GT 86 is a back-to-basics sports car that follows a classic recipe to deliver a smile-a-minute driving experience. It’s the sort of car that makes you seek out a twisty road rather than take the direct route – and it wins this test.

But only by the smallest of margins – because we think the 1.8 TFSI is the best TT in the range. The engine is punchy, refined and efficient. The Audi handles like a hot hatch, plus it’s comfortable, has a great cabin and is cheaper to own than its rivals.

However, the fact that the agile Toyota is surprisingly refined and easy to live with narrowly keeps it ahead of the stylish TT. Unfortunately, aside from its power advantage, the more expensive Nissan 370Z is comprehensively outclassed and comes third. Toyota has proved that it has rediscovered some of its sparkle and the GT 86 is our pick.

Winner: Toyota GT 86 ★★★★★
The beautifully engineered GT 86 offers the sort of engagement normally reserved for cars like the Lotus Elise. The boxer engine loves working hard and the handling is near perfect. Yet despite its focus it rides well, and the cabin is comfortable, if a little dated.

2nd: Audi TT ★★★★★
It doesn’t have the traditional rear-wheel-drive balance and engagement of the Toyota, but the front-driven TT is composed, fast and fun. Part coupe, part stylised hot hatch, its lower emissions make it the best company car choice, and with a decent boot, it’s the most practical.

3rd: Nissan 370Z ★★★
On paper, the rear-wheel-drive, V6-engined Nissan has all the right ingredients to succeed in this test. Unfortunately its gruff engine, hefty weight and poorly controlled chassis let it down. Although it’s the fastest car here, it’s also the most expensive to buy and own.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/toyota/...t-86-vs-rivals

[Morten Harket]

I seen this and I was totally shocked by the result. I couldnt believe that AutoExpress rated the GT above an Audi. They totally bone Audi! I think they pretty much summed it up quite well. Bravo AutoExpress.

[Turbowned]

I'm not totally surprised. The TT is 6 years old now and probably not as fun to drive as the GT86 (although it's still really fun to drive). I love the TT personally but they don't offer one in the US with a manual transmission unless you can afford the super-rare TT RS. That makes me a sad panda!

[jesseps]

I've been waiting for a Toyota GT86 vs Audi TT article for a while. It is nice seeing that the Toyota can holds it own again more powerful competition.

[SUB-FT86]

I remember when the Z dropped all of the magazines was going hype/nuts for it and now all of them talk shit about it. Also how is a Z more expensive than a TT?

[Turbowned]

Exchange rates, and the entry level TT in Europe is a 1.8T FWD whereas over here they only come AWD and 2.0T. Base price is GBP24,075 vs. GBP29,975 for the Z.

[zoomzoomers]

Good read. Thanks for the post!

[SUB-FT86]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

Exchange rates, and the entry level TT in Europe is a 1.8T FWD whereas over here they only come AWD and 2.0T. Base price is GBP24,075 vs. GBP29,975 for the Z.

Are you sure that's not a fully loaded Z vs a base model TT? I remember we used to have base model FWD TT's that was priced at 38k base in America so a fully loaded Z can cost more than base TT. Nevermind that's a 158hp TT. The Z seems like a steal in contrast now.

[Turbowned]

I just went on Audi.co.uk and Nissan.co.uk to check

Wow, 158hp. That's gotta suck. The U.S. market cars are AWD, make 211hp, 258lb/ft and are quick! If they offered one with a manual I'd consider getting one and putting a STaSIS chip in it to bump it up to 261hp and 305lb/ft. The TT is an impressive car from an engineering standpoint; the chassis is mostly made of aircraft-grade aluminum with a formed steel trunk area to balance the weight of the drivetrain. It weighs right around 3100lbs IIRC.

[SUB-FT86]

A 1.8T in 2012 that delivers 158hp/151 tq? Audi can't be serious? My RSX engine which is a POS almost matches that on hp and comes close on torque. No wonder that engine isn't in America. Audi is smart.

[Superhatch]

Winner: Toyota GT 86 ★★★★★
The beautifully engineered GT 86 offers the sort of engagement normally reserved for cars like the Lotus Elise. The boxer engine loves working hard and the handling is near perfect. Yet despite its focus it rides well, and the cabin is comfortable, if a little dated.

2nd: Audi TT ★★★★★
It doesn’t have the traditional rear-wheel-drive balance and engagement of the Toyota, but the front-driven TT is composed, fast and fun. Part coupe, part stylised hot hatch, its lower emissions make it the best company car choice, and with a decent boot, it’s the most practical.

3rd: Nissan 370Z ★★★
On paper, the rear-wheel-drive, V6-engined Nissan has all the right ingredients to succeed in this test. Unfortunately its gruff engine, hefty weight and poorly controlled chassis let it down. Although it’s the fastest car here, it’s also the most expensive to buy and own.

This makes me happy.

[SUB-FT86]

I would like to know how a 158hp, FWD car that weighs 2800 lbs got 5 stars? My RSX has all of that and I could never give my car more than 2.5 stars out of 5. But hey its all opinionated anyway.

[tripjammer]

The TT design is old news now, a new one is coming soon.

370Z is too heavy for its size. Why is a 911 lighter than a 370Z?

The next Z needs to go 2.0 liter turbo 4 (low end), and 3.0 liter twin turbo V6 (high end). Nissan needs to embrace the turbo...Why does this sports car have a 3.7 liter V6 in it?

[SUB-FT86]

Originally Posted by tripjammer

The TT design is old news now, a new one is coming soon.

370Z is too heavy for its size. Why is a 911 lighter than a 370Z?

The next Z needs to go 2.0 liter turbo 4 (low end), and 3.0 liter twin turbo V6 (high end). Nissan needs to embrace the turbo...Why does this sports car have a 3.7 liter V6 in it?

Hey it could be worse. It could've been a N/A 4 cylinder.