When the Toyota 86 (formerly known as the Scion FR-S) was launched in 2011, enthusiasts eagerly anticipated a revival of the automaker’s tradition of small, driver-focused sports cars. However, the four-cylinder boxer engine has left many critics wanting for greater power and performance. While it can be argued that 0-to-60 times are not the best metric for evaluating a vehicle designed for winding roads and spirited driving, a race between it and a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica at the drag strip serves as a compelling demonstration of its capabilities.
Before diving into the outcomes, let’s examine the specifications for both vehicles. In the red corner, the Toyota 86 weighs in at 2,754 pounds and features a six-speed automatic transmission, generating around 200 horsepower and 151 foot-pounds of torque, all directed to the rear wheels. In the blue corner, the Chrysler Pacifica tips the scales at a substantial 4,330 pounds and is equipped with a nine-speed transmission, delivering an impressive 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque from its 3.6-liter V6 engine, which powers the front wheels.
Toyota enthusiasts might want to brace themselves: the Pacifica decisively overpowers the 86, launching off the line and maintaining its lead throughout the race. The Chrysler minivan completed the quarter mile in 15.9 seconds and reached 60 mph in just 8.0 seconds, whereas the Toyota lagged by 0.4 seconds overall and fell a half-second short of the Pacifica’s 0-60 time. According to Cars.com, the Pacifica’s closely spaced gear ratios in its nine-speed transmission aided its performance, while the 86 seemed to struggle a bit. Although opting for the manual transmission in the 86 provides a slight boost in power and better gear spacing, the comparison still casts a shadow on Toyota’s sole sports car offering in the U.S. market.
Depending on your perspective, these results either underscore the inherent weaknesses of the Toyota or indicate how most new vehicles today offer more power than any driver could realistically utilize—except for the 86.
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