Hakone vs. GT w/TRD, standard options?
 

I searched, both here and general internet, and can't seem to find the information. Not on the Toyota.com site anymore either.

Other than cosmetics, what did the Hakone edition have above an 86 GT with TRD package? For example, did it come standard with the upgraded exhaust, and lowering springs, or are they basically the same off the floor?

The hakone is a 86 GT with a limited edition color and interior accents. No TRD parts are included.

You would have to add TRD options at the dealer to be installed before delivery.

Thank you. The way it was touted in the media, I would've thought they would be optioned out with all of the performance goodies. Good to know. Didn't take it for all flash and no substance (other than base).

It's relatively common for Toyota/Subaru to offer limited edition color over various year models.

The green is a gorgeous color and the interior looks nice with the brown accents.
The typical TRD parts aren't adding a ton to the car. Most common things used are probably the TRD exhaust and springs.
TRD handling package includes Sachs dampers and brembos. A good option if you track, otherwise brembos are overkill on the street and do limit wheel selection should you ever want to upgrade.

Exhaust is effectively a sound mod, which is fine if you like the tone of that exhaust. The springs are good if you just want to lower the car 1". If you care about spring rates then it's hit or miss depending on how you want the car setup.

If you are handy with a wrench you can install both DIY and save money overall vs checking a dealer box.

Hakone Edition has 17" wheels, like the base model. GT has 18" wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires on stick shift. The TRD Handling Package (Brembo breaks, Sachs dampers) isn't available on the Hakone. It also appears it's out of production, although there may still be limited inventory in dealer stock. It doesn't even show up on the Toyota.com website anymore. If you can find one, it's really a great color and has tan leather seat bolsters, which look very nice.

A (used?) Hakone with low mileage came up locally from a dealer. I'm surprised the TRD package wasn't available with the special edition. Oh well.

I was finally able to test drive one the other day (GT with TRD) I doubt I'd add the exhaust, the stock exhaust is loud enough. This one said it was equipped with sway bars, but I guess not the TRD optional ones. Based on my 10 mile test drive, my gut (or seat of the pants) feeling is that it could benefit by the springs and bars.

I purchased my 2015 FR-S with optional TRD exhaust and Intake. After 30,000 miles, I put the OEM back on with a K&N insert. The TRD stuff was all sound and fury signifying nothing (except highway drone). The most important daily driver performance enhancement was to replace the OEM tires (Primacy or Turanza) with a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports (now Pilot Sport 4S).

When I bought my 2020 Hakone Edition, I swapped the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S's from my FR-S to the Hakone and put the Primacy tires on the FR-S. The OEM exhaust on my 2020 MT car has a more pleasant sound than the OEM on the 2015.

In my case, I did not want the GT suspension package since I already had 16x7 winter wheels with snow tires that would not have fit over the Brembos. The Sachs dampers would have been nice, but given the amount of winter driving I do, the TRD springs would not have been welcome.

A couple other nice things about the Hakone: It comes stock with an armrest, has bronze painted 17x7 wheels (same as stock but different color), and has leather key-fob covers that match the tan accents in the interior.

The Hakone Edition is more about appearance and comfort (relatively speaking) than performance, which suited me just fine.

The Hakone version could use better tires. The Pilot Sports are not included with the Hakone package. I do love the extra squeal the Primacy's give me.

Let’s be honest the PP is not that much substance if this car is a DD. Some people complain about the stock brakes on the Hakone, no brembos. Not needed for DD at all. The PP dampers are a little better, but there are better aftermarket offerings.

Track driving get a used BRZ ts or PP car. If not just get the Hakone. I feel this car will hold its value better than the TRD one.