Are the engines of the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ the same?
3 Answers
Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ share the same engine. Both vehicles are equipped with a horizontally opposed naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, coded FA20, with a displacement of 2.0 liters. This engine incorporates Toyota's hybrid injection technology, which allows for different fuel injection methods under various operating conditions, thereby enhancing engine efficiency and power output. The exterior design of the Toyota 86 originates from TOYOTA's European design center ED2 located in Nice, France. It evolved from the FTHS concept car unveiled by Toyota in 2007, featuring a somewhat European styling influence while still distinctly reflecting its TOYOTA lineage. The Subaru BRZ boasts a more sporty exterior design, fitted with 225/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, reinforced chassis, and a wheelbase of 2570mm.
I've been driving a Toyota 86 for several years and can tell you that its engine is indeed identical to the Subaru BRZ—both use the same 2.0-liter FA20 horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. The driving experience is incredibly smooth, with a low center of gravity that makes cornering super stable. The acceleration response during daily commutes is lightning-fast, and the engine sound when you step on the gas is just thrilling. Because the engines are shared, finding parts is much easier—whether it's spark plugs or oil filters, any repair shop can handle it. Additionally, the two cars have slightly different chassis tuning; the BRZ might feel a bit stiffer, but the core powertrain is exactly the same. This design also makes modifications straightforward. A friend of mine installed a turbo kit, doubling the performance and making drifting even more exhilarating. In short, whether you choose the 86 or BRZ comes down to personal preference for exterior and interior styling—the engine performance is identical.
As a tech enthusiast, I've studied the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ, which indeed share the same heart—the FA20 horizontally opposed engine, a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter unit producing around 200 horsepower. This engine design is unique, with its flat cylinder layout lowering the center of gravity, combined with a high compression ratio and direct injection technology to enhance fuel efficiency while delivering linear power output. When driving, you can feel the engine's responsive nature, ample low-end torque, and strong high-end performance, making it suitable for both track and street use. The engines in both cars are identical, but there might be subtle differences in suspension tuning, with the BRZ slightly emphasizing a sportier feel. Maintenance is straightforward, with parts like the throttle body or sensors being easily interchangeable. Regular maintenance is recommended, including checking fluids and spark plugs to avoid overheating issues. If you prioritize pure driving pleasure, the balanced nature of this engine will make you fall in love with it when choosing a car.
