Toyota GT86 Aero vs Subaru WRX STi & SEAT Leon Cupra

What makes a great driver’s car? Is a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive set-up the secret to success? Or does four-wheel drive add a magic ingredient? And as front-wheel drive is so common, can you really have fun when the tyres are putting the power down as well as doing the steering? 

• Best track day cars

To find out, we’ve lined up three cars that have similar price tags, yet demonstrate each drive format in its best light. First up is the recently revised, rear-drive Toyota GT86. It was our Performance Car of the Year in 2012, while the new flagship Aero model costs £27,495 and adds a bodykit, big rear wing and lightweight wheels.

• Best hot hatches

For around £1,500 more, you could try the Subaru WRX STi. Turbo power means it’s faster than the GT86 in a straight line, while trick electronics help to deliver this to all four wheels. And then there’s the SEAT Leon Cupra. It’s our current hot hatch champ, and as with the Subaru has a turbo engine, but like the GT86, it uses a limited-slip diff to help get its power down to the road. 

Of our trio of drive formats, which one serves up the most driving fun? We tried all three on the road and track to find out.

• Toyota GT86 review

• Subaru WRX STi review

• SEAT Leon Cupra review

Click the links above to read individual reviews, and scroll down to see which performance car comes out on top...

Head-to-head

Performance

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These three cars deliver very different driving thrills. The Toyota’s lack of grip means you reach the limit of its performance easily, but its responsive controls and light weight make it fun to drive. In contrast, the WRX has limitless grip and is at its best when firing out of corners with maximum traction. The SEAT falls between the two, with agile cornering and the power to deliver impressive overtaking punch.

Parts sharing

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Toyota is a shareholder in Subaru’s parent firm Fuji Heavy Industries, and the makers share technology. Subaru sells a near-identical version of the GT86 – the BRZ – while the Toyota and Subaru tested share some interior parts, such as keys, starter buttons and electric mirror and door switches.

Bold design

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The Toyota and Subaru make big statements with their rear wings. The Leon has a rear spoiler, too – it’s just understated in comparison. All cars get twin-exit exhausts, but again the SEAT’s oval pipes are subtle compared to those poking out the back of the GT86, which are the size of baked bean tins.

Verdict

1st place:  SEAT Leon Cupra

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Surprised to see a front-wheel-drive hatchback win this encounter? Don’t be, as the Leon Cupra is every bit as agile, entertaining and quick as its rivals here, yet it wraps these talents in a more refined and versatile package. On top of that, it’s cheaper to run, better equipped and attracts less unwanted attention when you want to get from A to B with as little hassle as possible.

2nd place: Subaru WRX Sti

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On the right road, the Subaru is a real riot, thanks to its firecracker power delivery and limpet-like grip. And in slippery conditions, its permanent four-wheel-drive transmission delivers the sort of confidence no clever diff or traction control system can match. Yet the car is let down by its rock-hard ride, dated interior and steep running costs.

3rd place: Toyota GT86

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Make no mistake, the Toyota GT86 is still a brilliant sports car. At the heart of the appeal are its agile, adjustable handling and eager naturally aspirated engine. Yet you can access the same thrilling driving experience and energetic performance in the mechanically identical entry-level Primo model, which costs £5,000 less than the Aero tested here.

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