2020 Ford Mustang vs Toyota 86
It’s hard to measure up to the icon of the classic but modern Ford Mustang, especially when the Toyota 86 has only been around since 2012. However, we’re here to do our due diligence. Which is the better sports car? We’re here to tell you all about it, and we have the numbers to back up our comparison in this handy guide to two rival sports cars. One of them could just be the next car in your garage.
Engines: 2020 Ford Mustang
A sports car without a good engine is nothing more than a pretty face. But the Ford Mustang is beautiful inside and out. Pop the hood and you’ll see one of four great engines. The base engine is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder putting out 310 horsepower and great initial acceleration. There’s also a 460-horsepower 5-liter V8 engine, a 526-horsepower 5.2-liter V8, or a V8 engine that makes a whopping 760 horsepower. This cream-of-the-crop engine can go zero to 60 in just 3.3 seconds. That’s blisteringly fast and enough to bring a tear to any sports car fan’s eye.
After that kind of performance, it’s a bit lackluster looking at the 2020 Toyota 89. There are only two engine options, the first being a 205-horsepower 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine. There’s also a 200-horsepower six-speed automatic. As you can see, these two engines simply don’t compare with those of the Ford Mustang. And while they scoot along nicely, going from zero to 60 in 6.2 seconds, that’s almost twice the time of the top Mustang engine.
Trunk Space: 2020 Ford Mustang
This one feels done and dusted, but if you’re still reading, let’s talk about quality-of-life features. Since space is at a premium in sleek sports cars, and the back seat is a bit cramped for space in either car, a large trunk would be really nice. Luckily, the 2020 Ford Mustang has plenty of trunk space for its class, measuring in at 13.5 cubic feet. There’s a wide mouth for easy loading. And especially long items still fit, since the rear seats fold down.
On the other hand, the Toyota 86 offers a cramped 6.9-cubic-foot trunk. You’d be hard pressed to get more than two carry-on suitcases in there. Fortunately, the rear seats fold down in the Toyota 86 because you’re definitely going to need that extra space.
Price: 2020 Ford Mustang
Given all we’ve just said, it may come as a surprise that the 2020 Ford Mustang has the lower starting price than that of the Toyota 86. Still, it’s true. You can get a brand new Mustang for as little as $26,670. Meanwhile, the Toyota 86 is just a few hundred dollars more at its base price of $26,985. Given our money, we think the Mustang has greater value no matter the trim level and it’s more affordable to boot.