Racing the 2024 GR Corolla vs 2024 GR86* - TheSmokingTire

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We know that cars are getting faster and more capable but the number of affordable, everyday-usable sports cars is rapidly dwindling. So we took two of the best affordable sports cars on the market to Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch - 4 hours away. Matt and Zack take sides in TST's ultimate affordable sports car showdown!
Toyota and Subaru provided the vehicles, a tank of fuel, and insurance for this review.
Spring Mountain Motor Resort & Country Club generously provided the track time.
www.springmountainmotorsports.com/
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Affordable Sportscar Showdown: GR Corolla vs BRZ tS Street & Track Test! - TheSmokingTire
#grcorolla
#SubaruBRZts

[@KN-jw7ts]

Really impressed with Matt’s fondness of this GRC. A guy like him drives everything……his praise speaks volumes.

[@jimiverson3085]

If he doesn't talk about the issue with the differentials overheating on track, there is information missing.

[@JohnDoe-gn3rg]

⁠@@jimiverson3085the don’t overheat unless you TRY to get the rear loose. People think drifting is fast it’s not. 15 laps around road Atlanta no overheating anything. People use the “senna technique” and the drive line clacks and bumps around overheating the diff. As long as you’re not one of those people who think a stuck car is boring and try to drift it’s fine.

[@mengx94]

"But it overheats" - *doesn't own the car, never driven it*

[@wyattbreedlove7001]

"Hitachi! From personal pleasure devices, to shocks! To heavy mining excavators! For all your needs!" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mengx94]

I love hibachi

[@SafeBandicoot]

Hitachi also proudly supply nuclear reactors and related services.

[@wyteoh2000]

Yes.

[@3IS2UR]

Hitachi = Tokico merged back in 2004

[@cbotten106]

Isn't that like a "marital aid" or something? I don't know I'm asking. Any unexplained vibrations in that vehicle we've got an immediate probable cause. And it sounds like Subaru cheaped out on those rear shocks. Car & Driver made the same comment about the rear end "clomping" over bumps the front handled nicely, come on Subaru!

[@andycalifornia426]

I just don't understand why every reviewer has to relegate the 86/BRZ to the car you learn to drive RWD in and then move on to bigger boys. Seriously none of them think one could just own an 86/BRZ and be happy?

[@Villani_AV]

It's the same with motorcycles. Some of us do indeed like more power, but a lot of people just prefer handling and feel

[@Villani_AV]

And it almost becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. If you're someone who prefers handling and lightweight, but you hear nothing but acceleration, 500hp, etc you're going to subconsciously feel like you NEED more. 300hp is still more than most people can handle with everything turned off. Don't listen to others, buy what you like

[@Erkkremlinklum]

True driver enthusiast want even less and get a Miata cause less is more

[@Villani_AV]

@@Erkkremlinklum very broad statement there. I prefer more power, I also like to build those cars to handle. I guess I'm not a "true enthusiast"

[@PM4K]

​@@Villani_AV I agree with you.

[@Stuka87]

A lot of the road noise on the BRZ/86 is from the v-bars that go from the strut tower to the firewall. Wrapping them with sound deadening helps a lot. Going down to 17" wheels is also a big help. This was a really cool non-instrumented video :)

[@FoolOfAToke]

Bittersweet video. Just traded my GR Corolla for a G70 3.3T. Moving from a great driving area to NYC, and the Corolla, amazing as it is, wasn't quite cut out for what my driving life is going to look like when I move. I got 16k miles out of it, with a few track days, so I definitely feel like I experienced it how the GR engineers hoped it would be. Lived up to the hype, and I'll miss it. Figure I may pick one up again down the road one day, so keep buying them people!

[@JoshGRacing]

You have bear mountain north of NYC! Great roads up there!

[@Sayu2x]

The interior quality difference must’ve been life changing

[@mattonthewater]

Ew, a Hyundai? 😂

[@tealruby1]

NYC? I'm there often for work. If I had to move there I would 100% ditch my cars.

[@s4awd2]

Such a fun car to drive. Surprised you let it go. I would have made it work :)

[@starfox_wr-45e93]

Love the "GR-Four" throwback on the side skirts.

[@jeremyjackson8643]

Yea it's nice.

[@DaleFredriksRacing]

That's a pretty nice Nitrous Blue Focus RS... Wait a minute...

[@Erkkremlinklum]

I’m still salty the rs was so short lived

[@exothermal.sprocket]

With 1 less cylinder, less power, and less aesthetic appeal.

[@jaketeske6136]

@@exothermal.sprocketand 1000000% more reliability. Toyotas don’t crack blocks at stock power.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@jaketeske6136 You do realize that was an early issue that Ford solved early, and subsequent 2.3L engines were not doing that? They do still sell that engine in another platform. Anyway. Your percentage number is an obvious gross exaggeration.

[@Badxperiment]

​@exothermal.sprocket I've owned both, two RS' actually. The Corolla is the better car in every way other than straight line speed.

[@wickiss]

AS Matt noted in the podcast, he has lapped the GR Rolla extensively, and not had an issue with the overheating diff. He does also note that this is anecdotal evidence, so perhaps it's how you drive it as well. Also great video.

[@ArthaxtaDaVince777]

So weird, everyone is having overheating.

[@Badxperiment]

I've had mine shut off several times. I have noticed it depends on the track though. I think on throttle long sweeping turns is what heats it up the quickest.

[@sushimaster100]

17:30 He was tracking an a cool day, mid 50's.

[@HoNcHo2332]

Toyota has done something special here. Just picked up my new GRC for MSRP. And I love it. Blows me away. Great video

[@brandon9491]

Such a good car, congrats on getting it for msrp! I paid 2k over a while back and was happy with that 😂

[@josephtejeda854]

I got my core msrp with the diff and caliper package 😊

[@Baka_Mop]

I'm waiting on the 2025 myself. Looking to get the auto for it.

[@alvin.holbrook]

this felt like so much fun. thanks for bringing us along!

[@courtham]

"No instrumented testing" hilarious!

[@Dieu_regne]

Useless, just a waste of time.

[@avery4528]

@@Dieu_regne They did have instrumented testing. Matt was 6 seconds faster in the GR Corolla. You missed the joke.

[@beanmachine3112]

Great video - thanks for giving the people what they want regarding affordable sports cars. I hope you're rewarded with a lot of views.

[@adogmcdizzle]

Seems like they haven't been rewarded... Matt's comments about that on the crew show podcast brought me here.

[@Levibetz]

I suspect if you start asking more, you might find that it's relatively common to have fairly different dampers between the front and back. There's lots of reason why, for one you have more room for damper diameter in the front being a mcpherson strut with a somewhat large diameter spring. The rear is a multilink with the damper inside a fairly small diameter spring for packaging reasons. So the front gets room for a larger body damper, and the rear not so much, but then the rear also has to contend with a lower motion ratio which means it also needs greater damping forces. So in short, you don't necessarily want the same type of damper front and rear as they often have different geometries to contend with.

[@bradcomis1066]

While it true that there are different packaging constraints of chassis/suspension layout front to rear you'd still WANT that great digressive damper curve and balanced damper performance front and rear. Whether or not it can be achieved is the challenge that the engineers take on. A really well packaged car would consider this from the start and build in enough space for good dampers front and rear.

[@Levibetz]

@@bradcomis1066 Maybe I missed it, but I didn't hear exactly what made the front dampers special, but yeah digressive would be good. I thought it might be an inverted strut or something. Best I can tell the Gen 1 BRZ is just impreza rear suspension with a bigger hole for the larger diff. Literally shares lateral links and such. So I suspect this is the same multilink geometry as used on other Subarus. It's a pretty good geometry though, no reason not to use it.

[@bradcomis1066]

@@Levibetz He doesn't state any details about the front dampers other than that they are upgraded and have a good ride feel. So, I'd suspect they have upgraded valving from the standard units. Shared suspension is logical for a product like this.

[@christiangodbee4122]

Great video! Love these kinds of comparisons.

[@jlm582]

Nice to see Thaddeus again!

[@BjCmeadows]

This was put together really well guys, thanks for the video!

[@knappRC]

They should have put the GR Corolla motor in the GR86.

[@johnl.38]

That's the rumor for the next gen

[@stephen8813]

Id pay for that.

[@brasp]

Laggy turbo? No thanks. A slightly larger 4cyl with an 8000 rpm redline would’ve been actually perfection

[@Erkkremlinklum]

@@braspsomeone with some sense!

[@TerryFT86]

@@brasp yes.... 8k..... but subaru accoutants wont do it. Why is there so many MBAs out there ruining every industry

[@patricklinkous]

I've had my BRZ for a little over a year and It's by far my favorite car ever. Such a well-balanced package.

[@JohnKaufmann]

Damnit I'm watching this video! I just listened to the podcast where the guys were wondering what was up with the metrics. It's excellent! Thanks for doing this one.

[@DBtwoz]

“Be there in 5 minutes” had me rolling.

[@SinfulGamer]

I dunno if I'd call the GRC "affordable" it's $45k for what's basically a corolla hatchback under it all. Not that it didn't stop me from buying one mind you.

[@timw2083]

The Corolla Hatch XSE is a very good looking starting point. I have a GRC and love the invisible sleeper effect. Only Car People know what it is. When someone ask what I drive, I quickly say a "Corolla" 😂

[@jjmot27]

The problem is that performance cars are getting rarer these days, and this is “affordable” compared to something like an M3.

[@buggyfanatic6918]

i would rather have a type r than a corola gr any day, even though the type r is a fwd

[@timw2083]

@buggyfanatic6918 that's a great choice. I bought the GRC, but glad there are still fun hot hatch options. You should get one if you can find it

[@R--O]

​@@timw2083 had to fly down a few states to get mine at msrp. #worthit

[@anoopmathew82]

Just heard the pod, crazy this doesn't have more views! Great video, and entertaining. And no you're not old and done, keep going lol! Although faking that you're old and done might boost things haha

[@PaBLo99215]

Haha! :D nice one! Didn't knew that TST crew contains guy from Poland, love it! Pozdrowienia Tadeuszu!

[@davidsteinhour5562]

Good to see Thad. I loved the All Cars movies, and other Thaddeus Ideas over the years. If only they paid enough for you guys to make more of them.

[@crabhab]

Great job boys! Keep up the good work with realistic cars that are attainable

[@JK-tu1xx]

Just for reference, the core edition of the GR Corolla also comes with the selectable torque split and if you opt for the performance package you also get the limited slip differentials. Arguably the GR Corolla Core with a performance package is the car you should get if you care about performance. A core GR Corolla PP MSRP is just under $39,000. When you compare a BRZ ts at about $37,000 you might as well just make the jump to the GR Corolla for $2000, it's not really a $7000 difference.

[@davidsteinhour5562]

Man, I love comparison videos!

[@timw2083]

I've had my GRC Circuit Edition for a week... it keeps a smile on my face. I can't wait to get my track day. I love how its basically invisible on the road since its just a Corolla 😂

[@trigganometry168]

How do you claim the free track day? I also picked up my GRC circuit last week 😅

[@timw2083]

@@trigganometry168 congrats as well. My buddy said Toyota will send us the membership and track cert within a couple of weeks. I hope you're enjoying yours as much as I am. 🎉🎉

[@HenryStan]

Thanks for all what you guys do.

[@hellcat7054]

i think the 86/BRZ is the "more fun car" and the GR is the more speed and more usable car, different ideas and executions. Great to have variety nowadays

[@bungledschnitzel]

14:48 "it's just epic" followed by the warbled shrieking of the tires here is hilarious and I don't know why

[@ruturaj47]

Would love to see GR86 Trueno or one with performance package vs BRZ tS. Just to see how each company tunned suspension.

[@SharpTurnStudios]

Very kind of you to drop this on my birthday! Great as always.

[@PigglyWigglyDeluxe]

Happy birthday whoever you are! 🎉

[@whistlinlipo]

Happy birthday! I hope you have a good day

[@zackklapman3569]

Happy birthday

[@JoshGRacing]

Happy birthday!

[@sethsimpson8086]

Happy birthday 🎂 🥳

[@bcs528]

I’ve totally never seen any of those Hitachi shoulder massager videos either man!

[@boothead5753]

I enjoy these comparison videos

[@starrdogchamp1]

TST is getting better and better

[@jareknowak8712]

...i miss tuned car tests.

[@LifeSOSlive]

I love my GR corolla. Just added some lowering springs and more aggressive alignment and it's even more fun and impressive. Now on another slightly sillier topic. Matt, I really dig that orange flannel lol. Been trying to find one just like it, mind sharing the brand? Cheers!

[@tacobreather]

Keep in mind that the wheel alignment is set to optimize street driving. It can be adjusted to optimize for track.

[@facetiousmonkey5322]

The GR Corolla review makes me wish the GR Yaris was available on this side of the Pacific

[@chucksimonds5164]

At last, a perfect assessment of the GR Corolla. As an entertaining/engaging daily driver, I much prefer my GR Corolla over the BRZ I used to have.

[@p.smallz6168]

Are we all going to ignore @ 25:18 what looks like a coyote run across the track in front of Zack😅.

[@streamius]

I bored my son doing a similar comparison on the way to school today in my GRC. My previous car was a BRZ Limited. I miss the suppleness of the BRZ suspension, but virtually everything else about the GRC is better.

[@redbaron5765]

This is what you need to make more of.

[@Julianklaus]

I don’t agree with your comment about what a true GR product is. You totally missed the mark on that one. Gazoo Racing had major input into the GR86 and the GR Supra development. All three cars deserve those badges. The GR86 has a stiffer suspension and a more aggressive ECU. The GR Corolla might be the “purest” one since it is all “Toyota”. In Asia Toyota released a number of Toyotas that are now branded GR sports. Those are what are would consider “marketing branding” since all they come with is aero bits and black themed wheels, badges, etc…

[@MimosaSTG]

Test drove both of these and went with the GR Corolla Circuit... It wasn't even close.

[@tyler9703]

31:44 I live for Zack's manic laughter

[@claydutton640]

This is an awesome comparison. Hope changing to GR86 increases your engagement.

[@aluisious]

Which car can blow it's motor and have warranty coverage denied first?

[@KN-jw7ts]

What a stupid comment. You really think you’re slick, don’t u.

[@16BitOG]

whichever one does things not covered under warranty that cause the engine to blow.

[@mengx94]

Tbf it's boffum

[@aluisious]

@@16BitOG Both have been denied for track days

[@johnl.38]

​@@16BitOGlots of stories of stock gr86/brz warranty denials related to oil starvation lmao. Do some research... The GR corolla ones I have seen are all money shifts so fair enough.

[@hyogomarume8345]

Hitachi shoulder massager? What is Zack talking about? I have no clue🤷‍♂️

[@XavierGoncalves89]

Indeed, I've only seen them massage other parts

[@JonboiDrives]

You forgot about the GR Yaris at 16:00!

[@KN-jw7ts]

Matt is hilarious. “I looooove this thing”. Lol. They way he said it. 😂

[@Niboldu]

It sadly would not sell here

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Focus RS. Golf R.

[@killafoo402]

Please bring back George from the old Corolla video, he would love this car. Compare the two. Old subs remember the guy who was “really enjoying himself” haha

[@pascaltaillefer1497]

Love these two cars love ypur work and your complicity when working together . I would go for the subaru brz ts since i alrady have two turbo fast german cars . Something like that would give à different feel of driving in my favorite twisty canadian mountain roads.

[@dibblr]

love a Thad appearance! great video boys

[@markb2860]

haha Zach's Hitachi comment...gold!

[@Nick-hz2kl]

The last ts was so dope with carbon fiber spoiler and recaro seats

[@darksunrise8777]

Love my 2nd gen BRZ as a weekend canyon/track car! I added a Cusco throttle pedal extension to close the pedal spacing, also helps liven up the throttle response a bit. A K&N intake gives the FA24 a great induction note. Cheap front camber bolts for -2.5 degrees up front. All makes for an amazing lightweight rwd car for under $50k.

[@banimanFJ]

18:25 the emphasis on 'crispiness' let's you know it's really good

[@__Roylee]

Coyote crossing the track at 25:17

[@J-Bae]

haha I just dropped down to see if there were any comments for this!

[@jamiegoddard1899]

Awesome video guys. Good to see Thad too👍🏻

[@Karto86]

This comparison is missing the Elantra N ;) we would have awd vs rwd vs fwd.

[@johnnyolson258]

Agreed. Elantra N and BRZ/GR86 are probably the best two to compare being in similar price range and closer in power. Very good FWD vs RWD comparison

[@benglasby8014]

Savage Geese 🪿 did a pretty good comparison set, don’t believe the GR86/BRZ was in the mix though

[@g6et_wrx177]

Great see the old (introduced in 2001) the gold STI brembos. I have them on my GC8 WRX and they are amazing

[@asimrc]

Thank you for the review what an excellent comparison

[@H.KH44N]

Great video guys!

[@rpiian]

Bahaha the freaking counting killed me 🤣

[@eliaswreford4523]

25:20 black tailed fox runs across the road. Which is awesome.

[@BarbWaltersMusic]

Had a GRC when they first came out, incredible driving experience but toilet interior.

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

When I sat in a BRZ Ts at the NY auto show, I was disappointed by the pedal placement. Too far apart for "rocking the ankle/foot" heel toe technique and not enough room on the right side of the gas pedal for the full heel out swing method. Also, I wonder like tinted windows...can consumers get "acoustic laminated glass" done aftermarket? I feel like I would want the BRZ to be a little more "grand tourer" as I'm driving across the country to get to the next race track, you know?

[@pokemonbill]

Pretty sure the noise in the BRZ is just the fake speaker engine noise. The normal BRZ has that since without it the engine is very soft and quiet, which is good for being stealthy. Also you can disable the fake engine noise by unplugging the cable and it takes less than a minute with many guides on KZbin.

[@wobblysauce]

Now if you are able to test a GR Yaris.

[@spencerd.3893]

for some reason this video never popped up in my feed, I didn't know about it until listening to the podcast earlier today.

[@e.heckscher1576]

Seldom uttered phrases: "If you want all-out speed, the Corolla might be the answer."

[@basslinefreshdetailing]

12:25 NOW HERE'S A REAL CAR JOURNALIST! THEY ARE BUILT TO BE DRIVEN!

[@warboyrb]

If he loves the GRC so much then I'd really love to see him spend some time with the 140kg lighter GR Yaris 😂😂😂

[@RangerJ441]

I would love to actually see some racing video comparison of a Focus RS and the GR Corolla. There doesnt seem to be too many.

[@djsnoopmike]

Lmao, Hitachi "shoulder massagers" 😂

[@Hakuonu]

I have a GR86 love it. Highly Recommend it

[@yume8380]

Good choice, cheap enough and a modern classic.

[@davesudlik9638]

Ditto

[@MattRadford]

Dear KZbin, fuck you for not putting this in my recommended feed. Great video guys. Sorry it’s not getting as much love as it deserves.

[@Swifty270]

Here to watch after listening to the podcast. Great video ahead, I’m sure of it!!!

[@mateogalguera9089]

When Matt was introducing the Corolla, I half expected him to go “and I still Johnny Liberman’s car.”

[@sergh8605]

Great video guys

[@jdmteggy2388]

I love the gr corolla I jus keep leaning tword the gr for new car but then there's the CTR one of my dream cars .

[@JFlogerzi]

at MSRP is the better overall car and a much better track car. But if you live where AWD matters and more lean towards daily driving the GR would be my pick.

[@theunknown302]

Great video! Im surprised how good the BRZ sounds stock

[@22lrsyndicate]

Did you have any problems with the diff heating up and only being fwd? I'd get one but track testing from everyone else had issues. Why did you have any over heating issues?

[@zackklapman3569]

We didn’t but I’ve heard that that problem occurs with longer track sessions. We drove for like 15 at a time.

[@overkill4607]

I love that on the podcast they discussed the fact that calling it a toyota gr86 wouldve gotten this videos more views

[@Stigs722]

Been waiting for this one!!!!

[@Che1seabluesdrogba11]

I wish Toyota also Brought all the trucks and cars over to the US

[@hertzer2000]

How about a track test between an Accord and a 2012 Impala!

[@starrdogchamp1]

what was that animal crossing the track running for its life from zack? lol

[@bcs528]

Lmao I just came to say that, what the hell was that??

[@terdunkin]

Kangaroo?

[@porsche1178]

Coyote

[@ochayethegnu2915]

Wile-E

[@jareknowak8712]

Whale.

[@may3]

@Zach - BMW's "dynamic handling package" only adds adaptive suspension in the rear on most cars like the 230i, 330i etc - another situation where the front and rear suspensions aren't both upgraded. never understood it either.

[@fantastic9864]

Watching this one on my phone and tv and downloading (KZbin premium) and commenting for the logarithmz

[@masterofdisaster666]

Ok.. now these or well maintained 50-70k mile f80 m3 for daily with some track time?

[@mengx94]

I went with an 06 camry v6 thx to mcm. Grc does not have the options I was looking for

[@ChaseBond11]

Or.... OR ... Cayman S and be done.

[@munseyrohnan]

Yes the color of the kislux is beautiful and it is a great decision, maybe one day they will add feet and straps. It would be nice to have a bigger bag during the colder months when we have to store gloves, beanies, scarves, etc…

[@danny2607]

I’d only want the GRC if I could only have 1 car in the garage. But if I already have a daily I’m taking the tS. Thats just the driving dynamic recipe to me. Although it needs a catback and to disconnect the cabin engine noise module. Then it’s perfect. I’m one of the few that don’t want a turbo in it.

[@ShadowBend]

I've been wondering where this video was, heard the comparison mentioned on the podcast awhile back.

[@iamrobbieb]

Love my GR, just got and I need to hit the track

[@JFlogerzi]

watch those Diff temps. With Summer approaching I might skip unless you live in cooler temps.

[@maximillianmitchell4380]

Awesome to see Toyota making some fun little sports/enthusiast cars. Had a GR86 for a bit and was fun to drive but always wished it had more power. Would love to see that Corolla motor in a GR86 at some point. Sad times that these days the best sports car you can get for under $50k is a Corolla or BRZ/GR86 😔 Cars have gotten outrageously expensive.

[@g.s.8108]

I wonder if the Morizo GR Corolla is similar feeling to the Focus RS, both had complaints of too stiff for the street.

[@JFlogerzi]

Exactly but Snice Matt drove both he can tell u first hand

[@mikec2134]

anybody else catch that coyote running through the track at 25:17

[@eliaswreford4523]

If I wanted to buy a car to teach my lady how to drive a manual, and have a warranty these both would be at the top of my list. Alas, I am an AMG guy so it’s unnecessary currently. I love both these cars, that said.