Toyota GR Supra vs. European Sports Cars: Why the Supra Wins on Value and Performance

It’s rare to see this in South Korea
The legendary Japanese sports car
Toyota GR Supra

Japanese cars frequently populate South Korean roads, with many drivers still favoring them for their renowned reliability, performance, and durability. Japanese vehicles are often praised for their smooth handling and straightforward operation, which enhances the driving experience. However, Japanese sports cars are less well-known and garner limited interest.

Despite their impressive performance, Japanese sports cars often take a backseat to imported European and American models, which are preferred for their design and brand prestige. Nevertheless, a Japanese sports car stands out and is worth recommending. Let’s explore what makes it noteworthy.

Developed in collaboration with BMW, the Toyota sports car GR Supra

The Toyota GR Supra stands out as the automaker’s flagship sports coupe. Although the introduction of the inline 6-cylinder engine, following the discontinuation of the 4-cylinder option, has raised the barrier to entry, the Supra remains highly competitive. The key factor driving its performance is its powertrain, which results from Toyota’s collaboration with BMW—consequently, the Supra shares many components with BMW vehicles.

Specifically, the Supra utilizes the same 6-cylinder engine found in BMW’s Z4 M40i, delivering an impressive 382 horsepower. Unlike the Z4, which sacrifices some body rigidity due to its roadster design, the Supra’s coupe configuration allows for enhanced high-speed stability and safety.

A distinctive design paired with a proven BMW engine

Another advantage of the Toyota GR Supra is the opportunity to experience BMW’s performance within a car that boasts a distinct design. Particularly in South Korea, where the Supra is relatively rare, it commands significant attention due to its unique styling compared to more common vehicles. This rarity and eye-catching design contribute to its popularity in the country.

The Supra offers commendable fuel efficiency for a sports car. With a combined fuel efficiency of 10.2 km/L (24 mpg), it performs well in city driving conditions. However, it’s worth noting that the model with a manual transmission will soon be discontinued. The Supra and its sibling, the BMW Z4, are expected to be phased out after 2026, which will likely enhance the Supra model’s collectible value.

A cost-effective sports car priced at around 57,969
Reasons to recommend the standout Supra

The price advantage of the Toyota GR Supra is also significant. It is the most affordable vehicle option equipped with BMW’s 6-cylinder engine. The Supra is about $2,180 less expensive than the M340i and around $7,265 cheaper than the Z4 M40i. It is priced at $57,969 and offers excellent value for those looking to experience stable driving performance and a distinctive driving style.

While it might not receive much attention in South Korea, the Supra is an excellent choice for those seeking uniqueness and driving enjoyment. We recommend the Toyota GR Supra for its standout qualities among popular imported vehicles like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.