The Toyota Supra 2.0 Is the True Driver’s Car

Despite the seemingly common consensus, a car’s power output only plays a small role in how good of a car it really is. Aerodynamics, for example can make a big difference in terms of both acceleration, top speed, and handling. The same can be said for curb weight and weight distribution. And this is the basis of my argument that the Toyota Supra 2.0 is the better car, despite its bigger brothers massive difference in power output. If you go with the 2.0, you’ll add an extra second to your 60-mph sprint, but that second only counts when you’re going in a straight line. Stack the four-cylinder Supra against the six-cylinder on a curvy road, and the the smaller engine will win every time. Let me tell you why.

The 2.0-liter engine found under the hood of the four-cylinder Supra sounds like a major turn-off at first glance, but it does produce a decent 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. That accounts for a 128-horsepower and 83 pound-foot deficit over the six-cylinder model. Be that as it may, the four-cylinder Supra can still make it to 62 mph (100 kph) in 5.0 seconds, just 1.1-seconds slower that its six-cylinder counterpart. In this case, however, the good definitely outweighs the bad…

The 2.0-liter Toyota Supra benefits from a number of enhancements, and it all starts with the fact that the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine is smaller and lighter. Because of its size, the bulk of the engine’s weight is positioned closer to the center of the vehicle. Remember, the 3.0-liter Supra has BMW’s inline-six, which means the engine’s weight extends much further into the nose, ultimately making it front-heavy. But with two less cylinders, Toyota is able to achieve a 50-50 weight distribution in the four-cylinder model. That means the car will handle impressively well and much better than the six-cylinder model. This is the story told by loyal fans of the four-cylinder, EcoBoost Mustang, and the case will be the same with the Supra – the cars with larger engines just won’t be able to outmaneuver their less-powerful counterparts.

All told, the four-cylinder Supra tips the scales at 3,181 pounds or around 220 pounds (100 kg) lighter than the six-cylinder model. And, despite the decrease in power and longer sprint times, the four-cylinder Supra will still max out at a limited 155 mph.

But the Supra 2.0 Certainly looks different inside and out, right? Actually, no, it does not, at least not in ways that would really matter.

At a glance, there’s actually nothing that will standout and say “I’m a four-cylinder Supra.” Toyota has decided to skip on adding random “2.0” badges or anything of the sort. The entry-level “Live” specification will come with 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8.8-inch infotainment display, a four-speaker audio system, and Alcantara sports seats – not bad for an entry-level model. Naturally, there’s plenty of safety equipment too, including:

• Pedestrian detection
• Cyclist detection with braking
• Lane-keep assist
• Intelligent speed assist
• Road sign assist

There will also be three optional packages to choose from, the most important of which being the Sport package, which includes upgraded brakes, variable suspension, and an active differential. You probably won’t want to pass up the Premium package, either, as you’ll get the 12-speaker JBL audio system to go with power seats, and a few other goodies.

In the end, and as of the time of this writing, you’ll have to pony up $42,990 before options and taxes to get your hands on a Supra 2.0. That makes it precisely $8,000 cheaper than the Supra 3.0 with BMW’s inline-six. So, while saving $8,000, you’ll get a car that dominantly handles better in almost every circumstance and, if you want more power, you have a decent chunk of change left to make some modifications. If you ask me, that’s a win-win.