Why Buy A Toyota GR86, When This Stunning V8 Sports Car Costs So Much Less?

by Sean McManus

We adore the Toyota GR86 because it's one of the last remaining affordable sports cars. Not only is it fairly inexpensive, but the car also has a near 50/50 weight balance. There's just the right amount of power, enough features to keep you comfortable without going overboard, and so much more. Despite being one of the few cheap performance machines on sale, there are so many used models with more power, features, and fun to be had for the same price.

While it's nowhere near as reliable, the first-generation Jaguar XK8 coupe and convertible are V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive sports cars with timeless style and great driving experiences. In this article, we describe what makes the Toyota GR86 so great. Then we explain why buying a used Jaguar XK8 is an interesting alternative for the same price or less. If the XK8 is still too much for you, there are some less expensive V8 coupes at the end of the story.

All the model specifications come from the respective automakers. New vehicle prices exclude destination, options, taxes, and other fees.

2026 Toyota GR86 Specs and Pricing

There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a new GR86 or the nearly identical Subaru BRZ. They're reliable, lightweight, and plenty of fun to toss around corners on the track or winding canyon roads. The model dates back to the 2013 model year, alongside the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S. A second generation arrived for the 2022 model year.

We want to say the models have come a long way since then, but they really haven't changed much. The current GR86 still follows the original recipe of weight balance, adequate power from the boxer engine, and simple features to keep costs relatively low. There aren't many cheap sports cars left, but this is still a good one.

The 2026 GR86 is virtually unchanged from the 2025 model year, except for the new Yuzu Edition trim level replacing the old Hakone trim. The special model still uses the same powertrain with the same outputs, and everything else mechanical stays the same. However, it's priced higher than the other two trims since this version comes with a distinct body kit. Despite being one of the least-expensive sports cars, the GR86 doesn't sell many units, with Toyota's volume reports showing deliveries of only about 1,000 units per month in the United States. The automaker is keeping it around, though, unlike the discontinued MkV Supra, going away at the end of the 2026 model year.

Toyota GR86 Performance Specs

Regardless of trim level, all current GR86 models are powered by the same 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder that produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The rear-wheel-drive layout is perfect for tearing up canyon roads without being overly dangerous, since it's still a fairly low-powered car. Toyota gave every trim a standard six-speed manual transmission. While the previous model year could be equipped with only an automatic transmission in one trim level, all three trims now have an available automatic for an extra $1,100. With a 6.1-second 0-60 mph sprint, it's not particularly quick. However, we feel as though it doesn't need to be for drivers to enjoy it.

Jaguar XK8: Less Money But More Power

If you're dead-set on buying a brand-new car, the Toyota GR86 is a good option given its affordability. With that being said, open your mind to the used market, where you can find a host of more interesting, powerful, thrilling experiences for the same prices or less than any new sports car.

Before you brush the Jaguar XK8 off entirely for its reliability and maintenance costs, which you'd be right to complain about, hear us out. Yes, any 20+ year-old British sports car is going to have issues, especially those with higher mileage, a history of hard driving, mistreatment, or deferred maintenance costs. We're going to focus on the first generation, available from 1997 through 2006. After that, a second generation lasted until 2015, but these models haven't yet depreciated enough to be as affordable as the early ones.

First-Gen Jaguar XK8 Specs

The Jaguar XK was introduced for the 1997 model year in the United States and carried a new 4.0-liter V8 engine from then until the end of the 2003 model year. At the time, the powerplant was the first eight-cylinder powerplant for a road-going Jaguar. For the 2004 through the 2006 model years, Jaguar upgraded the XK8's powertrain to a 4.2-liter V8 that made slightly more power.

The automaker left the real power to the supercharged XK-R, which made 370 hp in the initial version and 400 hp in the refreshed model. We won't go into further detail because these high-performance models are more expensive and harder to find than the standard, naturally aspirated models. The XK8 is still an impressive machine, producing almost 300 hp.

Sources: Jaguar, Toyota, Kelley Blue Book, Supercars.net, Prestige and Performance Car, AutoTempest

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This article originally appeared on CarBuzz and is republished here with permission.