These are a diverse group.
The current Japanese sports car crop is diverse. The Toyota Supra has a rear-wheel drive problem, while the Honda Civic TypeR bears the country’s Affordable Fun flag. With its unique platform and all-wheel drive, the Toyota GR Yaris seems a bit odd. But how does it compare to other machines? This Top Gear YouTube clip answers this question.
The Supra is the powerhouse king on paper. The turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-6 produces 339 horsepower (252 Kilowatts) as well as 368 pound-feet (568 Newton-meters), of torque. It is the most powerful of the bunch, but it only powers the rear wheels. The Type R, a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 315 horsepower (235 kW), and 295 lbft (400 Nm), respectively, powers the front wheels. The Yaris is the wildcard, with all four wheels powered from its 1.6-liter three cylinder engine. It makes 260 hp (193 kW), and 265 lbft (360 Nm).
The race starts with the Yaris taking a significant lead over the rest of the cars and using its all-wheel driving to its maximum potential. The Supra’s superior power output means that the Toyota can quickly catch the Yaris and pass it once it has enough traction for its rear wheels. The Supra wins the race, leaving the Yaris fighting for second against Civic. However, the Honda was slow to catch up. Before they crossed the finish line, the Civic was slower off the line than the Yaris and was unable to close the gap.
It’s disappointing to see small, sporty cars like these being abandoned by automakers. However, it is a great time to be an enthusiast of cars. Today’s cars offer a lot of performance at relatively low prices. Even crossovers and SUVs can still pack impressive performance. There is something to be said for small, affordable cars that are fun and affordable.