Nissan
370Z
Toyota
86
Nissan 370Z vs Toyota 86: 2021 Comparison
The short answer
The Nissan 370Z offers power, while the Toyota 86 excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Nissan 370Z if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Toyota 86 if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
370Z
Overall
The sentiment is generally positive, with the 370Z described as a reliable, fun, and capable sports car that can handle daily driving and spirited use. It is praised for its stout VQ37VHR engine, which loves high RPMs and is considered solid with proper maintenance, capable of lasting well over 200,000 miles. The chassis is viewed as proven and capable, with good aftermarket support.
Best version to buy
The Sport Touring trim (or Sport trim in some markets) is recommended for its additional features. For later models (2013+), the facelift is preferred.
Known issues
- ⚠Clutch Slave Cylinder (CSC) failure: The concentric slave cylinder is a known weak point, often failing and causing clutch hydraulic issues. A CSC delete kit is the recommended solution. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Oil Gallery Gasket failure: Primarily affects 2009-2011 models, where paper gaskets can fail, leading to low oil pressure and potential engine damage. Requires engine-out service to replace with updated gaskets. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Steering Wheel Lock failure: An electronic failure that can lock the steering column, primarily noted in 2009-2011 models. Frequency: recurrent.
86
Overall
Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with owners expressing deep affection for the driving experience. The car is consistently praised for its engaging, balanced, and fun-to-drive nature, with specific acclaim for its handling, steering feel, and lightweight chassis. The second-generation (GR86) receives particular praise for its more powerful and linear engine, improved body rigidity, and smoother ride, though some long-term first-generation owners note the newer model feels slightly less raw and special.
Best version to buy
For the first generation, the limited/GT trims (e.g., Subaru BRZ Limited, Toyota GT86 GT) with heated seats, push-button start, and fog lights are preferred. The Performance Package (Brembo brakes, Sachs dampers) is noted as a valuable upgrade.
Known issues
- ⚠Valve spring recall (First Generation, early models): A factory recall for valve springs, when performed incorrectly by dealerships, led to widespread catastrophic engine failures.
- ⚠General Subaru engine reliability concerns: Underlying concern about the long-term durability and maintenance costs of the Subaru boxer engine compared to Toyota's reputation, separate from the specific recall. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Poor dealership and corporate customer service: Instances of rude, unprofessional, or unhelpful service from Toyota brand engagement representatives and dealership service departments when addressing warranty or recall issues.
The verdict
The Toyota 86 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Nissan 370Z, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Nissan 370Z is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Nissan 370Z or the Toyota 86?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Nissan 370Z and the Toyota 86. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Nissan 370Z or the Toyota 86?
The Toyota 86 seats more passengers than the Nissan 370Z on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Nissan 370Z is classed as a Coupe, the Toyota 86 as a Coupe.
Which has better fuel economy, the Nissan 370Z or the Toyota 86?
The Toyota 86 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 9.4 L/100km combined versus 11.2 L/100km for the Nissan 370Z, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Nissan 370Z or the Toyota 86?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Nissan 370Z than the Toyota 86. See the known issues comparison above.