Based on current performance model line ups Honda owns Toyota. Compare the current ITR to the current Celica, the Honda has more power, more torque and costs less. I wouldn't be surprised if the Honda handles better, but not having driven either, I can't really comment. The only other sports car Toyota offer new in NZ is the MR2/S, which looks ridiculous, has a paltry 103kw and costs 52k
. Contrast this to the S2000, costs a bit more, but has 177kw and, based on objective experience, is dynamically superior to anything Toyota have ever produced, sad but true.
The NSX is in another league again and, as has already been mentioned, was a genuine competitor to Ferrari (348) when released, something Toyota have not yet acheived. Similarly the S2000 was designed to compete head on with the Porsche Boxster, and prompted refinements to the latter when released. I don't see any Toyota, past or present, attracting attention at Porsche or Ferrari.
IMO The only decent performance Toyota available today is the Altezza RS200, and even then the engine is woefully inadequate in every respect compared to equivalent displacement engine fitted to the S2000.
AFAIC Toyota completely dropped the ball when the downgraded the MR2 to compete with the MX5, as the SW20 turbo was arguably the best and most pure perfomance car they've ever produced. They certainly lost my loyalty and custom as a result.
Of course on a family car basis the score may be somewhat different, but then that's another argument entirely
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