The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are twins, developed together and built by Subaru, and the current second-generation cars share the 2.4-liter FA24 flat-four rated at 228 hp and 184 lb-ft, with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The differences are in styling, suspension tuning, trims and pricing rather than in the engine or the basic structure.
GR86 vs BRZ at a glance
| Toyota GR86 | Subaru BRZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L FA24 flat-four, 228 hp | 2.4L FA24 flat-four, 228 hp |
| Transmissions | Six-speed manual or automatic | Six-speed manual or automatic |
| Built by | Subaru | Subaru |
| Suspension | Toyota’s own tuning | Subaru’s own tuning |
| Styling | Toyota front end, wheels and details | Subaru front end, wheels and details |
Subaru and Toyota each set their own spring, damper and stabilizer bar tuning, so the two drive slightly differently even on the same platform. Trim names and equipment differ by brand and model year.
Generations: FA20 and FA24
- First generation (2013-2021): the Subaru BRZ (2013-2020; there was no 2021 BRZ), the Scion FR-S (2013-2016) and the Toyota 86 (2017-2021) used the 2.0-liter FA20.
- Second generation (2022 on): the BRZ and the renamed Toyota GR86 moved to the 2.4-liter FA24, adding displacement and torque.
Our FA20 vs FA24 guide compares the engines.
Which should you choose?
Because the engine, transmission and structure are shared, the choice usually comes down to styling, the feel of each brand's suspension tuning, trim content and price, and which dealer is nearby. Driving both back to back is the surest way to decide.
Building a first-generation FA20 for boost
The first-generation cars are popular for turbo and supercharger builds. IAG offers its 800 Series closed deck FA20 short block for the 2013-2021 BRZ, FR-S and GT86 with two piston choices: 10.5:1 compression, which IAG designs for high boost and big turbo setups, and 12.5:1, which it recommends for low-boost or stock applications. Each listing details the pistons, rods and gasket setup.
Do parts interchange?
Many parts fit both twins within the same generation, which is why aftermarket listings often name the BRZ, 86 and GR86 together. The AWE cat-backs we carry, for example, are listed for 2013-2024 or 2013-2025 BRZ, 2017-2021 Toyota 86 and 2022-2024 or 2022-2025 GR86. First- and second-generation engine parts are different, so check the year range in each listing.
Parts we carry for the BRZ and GR86
AWE Touring and Track Edition cat-back exhausts, and IAG closed deck FA20 short blocks for the 2013-2021 BRZ, FR-S and GT86. See them on our Subaru BRZ and GR86 parts page, compare cat-back exhaust systems, and read closed deck vs open deck before building for boost.
More guides: BRZ and GR86 exhaust · Civic Si vs Type R · WRX vs STI · FA20 problems · FA20 and FA24 specs.
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