Toyota Soarer: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Toyota Soarer version to choose depends chiefly on whether you want the lightest early coupe, a turbocharged Manual performance model, a naturally aspirated V8, or the later Cabrio. The catalogue covers five generations from February 1981 through July 2005, with Coupe bodies through the third generation and a Cabrio in the fourth.
The Toyota Soarer version to choose depends chiefly on whether you want the lightest early coupe, a turbocharged Manual performance model, a naturally aspirated V8, or the later Cabrio. The catalogue covers five generations from February 1981 through July 2005, with Coupe bodies through the third generation and a Cabrio in the fourth. On the supplied figures, the strongest performance choice is the third-generation 2.5 MT: it combines 280 hp, 377 Nm, a 5-speed Manual, RWD, 1,560 kg kerb weight, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds, and a 252 km/h top speed. Buyers preferring a naturally aspirated engine can choose among 3.0 AT, 4.0 AT, and 4.3 AT versions, while the first-generation 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT provide the simplest specifications and the lowest listed power.
Toyota Soarer generations: what changed?
The first-generation Toyota Soarer, produced from February 1981 through December 1985, was a Coupe offered in two versions: 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT. Both used a 1,988 cc Gasoline engine with 4 Inline cylinders, 2 valves per cylinder, no boost, 105 hp, and 157 Nm. The choice is entirely transmission-led: the 2.0 MT has a 5-speed Manual, while the 2.0 AT has a 4-speed Automatic. Both are RWD, weigh 1,310 kg, and have 165 mm of ground clearance.
The second-generation Coupe ran from January 1986 through April 1991 and expanded the range to twelve versions. Its engines span 1,988–2,954 cc and 135–242 hp. Buyers can choose naturally aspirated 2.0 AT and 2.0 MT versions producing either 135 hp or 150 hp, turbo 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT versions with 210 hp, turbo 2.0 AT and 2.0 MT versions with 242 hp, plus turbo 3.0 AT and 3.0 MT choices rated at 235 hp or 240 hp. Every listed version is RWD, with either a 4-speed Automatic or 5-speed Manual.
The third-generation Coupe ran from May 1991 through March 2001, including its January 1994 restyling. Before restyling, six versions were listed; the restyled range contains five. The generation introduced a choice among a turbo 2.5 AT or 2.5 MT, naturally aspirated 3.0 AT versions, and naturally aspirated 4.0 AT versions. Power reaches 280 hp in both 2.5 variants, while displacement reaches 3,968 cc in the 4.0 AT. The restyled 2.5 versions retain 280 hp but raise torque from 362 Nm to 377 Nm, an increase of 15 Nm.
The fourth-generation Soarer, offered from April 2001 through July 2005, changed from Coupe to Cabrio and reduced the catalogue range to one version. Its 4.3 AT uses a 4,292 cc Gasoline engine with 8 V-shaped cylinders, no boost, 280 hp, 430 Nm, a 5-speed Automatic, and RWD.
Toyota Soarer engine options and specs
Repeated names are separated below by generation, power, torque, or restyling so that each exact version name remains identifiable.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First, 2.0 MT | 105 hp | 157 Nm | 1,988 cc | Gasoline 92 | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First, 2.0 AT | 105 hp | 157 Nm | 1,988 cc | Gasoline 92 | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second, 2.0 AT, 135 hp | 135 hp | 176 Nm | 1,988 cc | Gasoline 92 | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second, 2.0 MT, 135 hp | 135 hp | 176 Nm | 1,988 cc | Gasoline 92 | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second, 2.0 AT, 150 hp | 150 hp | 182 Nm | 1,988 cc | Gasoline 92 | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second, 2.0 MT, 150 hp | 150 hp | 182 Nm | 1,988 cc | Gasoline 92 | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second, 2.0 MT, 210 hp | 210 hp | 274 Nm | 1,988 cc | Gasoline 95 | 6, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second, 2.0 AT, 210 hp | 210 hp | 274 Nm | 1,988 cc | Gasoline 95 | 6, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second, 2.0 AT, 242 hp | 242 hp | 302 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline 95 | 4, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second, 2.0 MT, 242 hp | 242 hp | 302 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline 95 | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second, 3.0 AT, 235 hp | 235 hp | 325 Nm | 2,954 cc | Gasoline 95 | 6, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second, 3.0 MT, 235 hp | 235 hp | 325 Nm | 2,954 cc | Gasoline 95 | 6, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second, 3.0 MT, 240 hp | 240 hp | 343 Nm | 2,954 cc | Gasoline 95 | 6, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second, 3.0 AT, 240 hp | 240 hp | 343 Nm | 2,954 cc | Gasoline 95 | 6, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third, 2.5 AT, 280 hp, pre-restyling | 280 hp | 362 Nm | 2,491 cc | Gasoline 95 | 6, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third, 2.5 MT, 280 hp, pre-restyling | 280 hp | 362 Nm | 2,491 cc | Gasoline 95 | 6, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Third, 3.0 AT, 225 hp | 225 hp | 284 Nm | 2,997 cc | Gasoline 95 | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third, 3.0 AT, 230 hp, pre-restyling | 230 hp | 284 Nm | 2,997 cc | Gasoline 95 | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third, 4.0 AT, 260 hp | 260 hp | 353 Nm | 3,968 cc | Gasoline 95 | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third, 4.0 AT, 265 hp, pre-restyling | 265 hp | 362 Nm | 3,968 cc | Gasoline 95 | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third restyling, 2.5 AT | 280 hp | 377 Nm | 2,491 cc | Gasoline 95 | 6, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third restyling, 2.5 MT | 280 hp | 377 Nm | 2,491 cc | Gasoline 95 | 6, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Third restyling, 3.0 AT, 225 hp | 225 hp | 284 Nm | 2,997 cc | Gasoline 95 | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third restyling, 3.0 AT, 230 hp | 230 hp | 304 Nm | 2,997 cc | Gasoline 95 | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third restyling, 4.0 AT | 265 hp | 362 Nm | 3,968 cc | Gasoline 95 | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Fourth, 4.3 AT | 280 hp | 430 Nm | 4,292 cc | Gasoline 95 | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
The 280 hp third-generation 2.5 engine produces about 112.4 hp per litre, compared with approximately 66.8 hp per litre for the restyled 265 hp 4.0 AT and 65.2 hp per litre for the fourth-generation 280 hp 4.3 AT. Among the second-generation engines, the 242 hp 1,998 cc versions deliver about 121.1 hp per litre, the highest calculated figure in the supplied catalogue.
Toyota Soarer performance, mpg, and fuel economy
Measured acceleration and maximum-speed data are available only for the third-generation 2.5 MT. Both the pre-restyling and restyled 2.5 MT record 0–100 km/h in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 252 km/h. For every other version, 0–100 km/h acceleration is not measured and top speed is not measured.
City fuel consumption is not measured for every Toyota Soarer version in the data. Highway fuel consumption is also not measured, and combined fuel consumption is not measured. Consequently, Toyota Soarer mpg and fuel-economy comparisons cannot be calculated from this catalogue without introducing outside figures.
On weight per horsepower, the restyled 2.5 MT pairs 1,560 kg with 280 hp, or about 5.57 kg per hp. The restyled 2.5 AT weighs 1,600 kg with the same 280 hp, giving about 5.71 kg per hp. Choosing the Manual therefore removes 40 kg while preserving the same output and torque. The pre-restyling 2.5 AT weighs 1,560 kg, whereas the pre-restyling 2.5 MT weighs 1,590 kg, so the Automatic is 30 kg lighter in that earlier pair.
Toyota Soarer dimensions, weight, and capacity
Exterior length, width, height, and wheelbase are not measured for any version in the supplied data, so complete Toyota Soarer dimensions, Z20 dimensions, and Z30 dimensions cannot be stated here. Wheel sizes are likewise not measured across the range.
The first-generation 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT each weigh 1,310 kg and provide 165 mm of ground clearance; gross weight and tank capacity are not measured. In the second generation, measured kerb weights extend from 1,350 kg for the 135 hp 2.0 MT to 1,550 kg for the 242 hp 2.0 MT and the 235 hp 3.0 MT. Kerb weight is not measured for the 242 hp 2.0 AT or 235 hp 3.0 AT. Ground clearance is generally 155 mm, except for the 240 hp 3.0 AT at 150 mm, and every version has a 70-litre tank. Gross weight is not measured.
Third-generation kerb weights range from 1,540 kg for the pre-restyling 225 hp and 230 hp 3.0 AT versions to 1,750 kg for the pre-restyling 265 hp 4.0 AT. The pre-restyling 230 hp 3.0 AT is the only version with a measured gross weight, at 1,815 kg. Ground clearance spans 140–150 mm, all third-generation versions have a 78-litre tank, and wheel sizes are not measured.
The fourth-generation 4.3 AT has a 1,730 kg kerb weight, 140 mm of ground clearance, and a 75-litre tank. Gross weight and wheel sizes are not measured.
Which Toyota Soarer version should you buy?
Choose the third-generation 2.5 MT if the supplied performance figures are the priority. In restyled form it offers 280 hp and 377 Nm while weighing 1,560 kg. It is also the only configuration with measured acceleration and speed: 5.8 seconds to 100 km/h and 252 km/h. Compared with the restyled 2.5 AT, it has the same power and torque, one additional transmission ratio, and 40 kg less kerb weight.
Choose the third-generation 2.5 AT if you want the same 280 hp and 377 Nm with a 4-speed Automatic. Its 1,600 kg kerb weight makes it heavier than the equivalent restyled 2.5 MT, and its acceleration and maximum speed are not measured. The pre-restyling 2.5 AT also produces 280 hp but has 362 Nm, 15 Nm less than the restyled version.
Choose the fourth-generation 4.3 AT if a Cabrio body, a naturally aspirated engine, and the highest listed torque matter most. Its 4,292 cc engine produces 280 hp and 430 Nm, giving it 53 Nm more torque than the restyled 2.5 versions and 68 Nm more than the restyled 4.0 AT. It also provides a 5-speed Automatic rather than the third-generation V8’s 4-speed Automatic. At 1,730 kg, however, it weighs 170 kg more than the restyled 2.5 MT, and its performance figures are not measured.
Choose a 4.0 AT if you want a Coupe with a naturally aspirated engine and 8 V-shaped cylinders. The pre-restyling choices produce either 260 hp and 353 Nm or 265 hp and 362 Nm; the restyled 4.0 AT provides 265 hp and 362 Nm at 1,650 kg. Against that restyled 4.0 AT, the restyled 2.5 MT supplies 15 hp more, 15 Nm more, and weighs 90 kg less.
The naturally aspirated 3.0 AT versions are the middle ground. The restyled 230 hp example produces 304 Nm, which is 20 Nm more than the other 3.0 AT entries while retaining the same 2,997 cc displacement. Its 1,560 kg kerb weight is also 90 kg below the restyled 4.0 AT, although the V8 has 35 hp and 58 Nm more.
Within the second generation, the 242 hp 2.0 MT offers the strongest power-per-litre result, while the 240 hp 3.0 MT offers the greatest listed torque at 343 Nm. The latter adds 101 Nm over the 242 hp 2.0 MT’s 302 Nm? No: the measured difference is 41 Nm, while the 2.0 MT has 2 hp more. Both are 5-speed Manual, Turbo, and RWD, and both have a listed kerb weight of 1,550 kg.
Choose the first-generation 2.0 MT or 2.0 AT when the decision is primarily between transmission types rather than output. Both have 105 hp, 157 Nm, a 1,988 cc engine, 1,310 kg kerb weight, and 165 mm ground clearance. The Manual supplies 5 speeds; the Automatic supplies 4. No price, reliability, sale-listing, or engine-swap data is provided, so those considerations cannot be used to rank the versions.