When it comes to modifying cars for performance and street racing, two Japanese brands come to mind: Toyota and Mazda. Both have a long and respected history in the automotive industry, and both have produced some of the most iconic cars in the world. But which one reigns supreme when it comes to modifications and street racing? In this article, we’ll put Toyota and Mazda toe-to-toe and see which one comes out on top.
The Ultimate Showdown: Toyota vs Mazda
Toyota and Mazda are two of the biggest names in the Japanese automotive industry. Toyota is known for its reliability and practicality, while Mazda is known for its sporty and fun-to-drive cars. Both brands have a loyal following of enthusiasts who love to modify their cars for better performance and street racing. But which brand has the upper hand?
Let’s start with Toyota. Toyota has a long history in motorsports, and it shows in their cars. The Supra, Celica, and MR2 are all iconic cars that have been modified and raced for years. Toyota engines are also known for their durability and ease of modification. Many Toyota enthusiasts opt for 2JZ and 3S-GTE engines, which are known for their ability to handle high horsepower and torque figures.
Mazda, on the other hand, is known for its rotary engines. Rotary engines are unique in that they have fewer moving parts and can rev much higher than traditional piston engines. This makes them popular among street racers who want to push their cars to the limit. Mazda enthusiasts also love the RX-7 and RX-8, which are both great platforms for modifications.
Rev Your Engines: Modifying for Performance
When it comes to modifying cars for performance, there are several areas that enthusiasts focus on. These areas include the engine, suspension, brakes, and aerodynamics. Let’s take a look at how Toyota and Mazda fare in each of these areas.
Engine: As mentioned earlier, Toyota engines are known for their durability and ease of modification. The 2JZ and 3S-GTE engines are popular among enthusiasts, but the 1JZ and 4A-GE engines are also great options. Mazda’s rotary engines are unique and can be modified to produce high horsepower figures, but they require more maintenance than traditional piston engines.
Suspension: Both Toyota and Mazda have great suspension setups from the factory, but they can be improved upon for better handling. Toyota enthusiasts often opt for coilovers, sway bars, and strut braces to improve their cars’ handling. Mazda enthusiasts, on the other hand, tend to focus on improving their cars’ weight distribution by adding aftermarket sway bars and strut braces.
Brakes: Upgraded brake systems are a must for any car that will be raced or driven hard. Toyota and Mazda both have good brake setups from the factory, but they can be improved upon with aftermarket brake rotors, pads, and calipers.
Aerodynamics: Aerodynamics plays a big role in how a car handles at high speeds. Toyota enthusiasts often add front and rear spoilers, side skirts, and diffusers to improve their cars’ aerodynamics. Mazda enthusiasts, on the other hand, tend to focus more on weight reduction to improve their cars’ handling.
Ready, Set, Race: Street Racing Showdown
Now that we’ve looked at how Toyota and Mazda stack up in terms of modifications, it’s time to see how they perform on the streets. Street racing is a dangerous and illegal activity, so we do not condone it in any way. However, we can still compare the performance of these two brands in a hypothetical street racing scenario.
In a straight-line race, the Toyota Supra and Mazda RX-7 are two of the most iconic cars. The Supra is known for its turbocharged 2JZ engine, which can produce upwards of 1000 horsepower with the right modifications. The RX-7, on the other hand, is known for its rotary engine, which can produce high horsepower figures with the right modifications.
In a cornering race, the Toyota AE86 and Mazda Miata are two great options. The AE86 is a lightweight and nimble car that can handle tight corners with ease. The Miata, on the other hand, is known for its balance and predictable handling.
Overall, both Toyota and Mazda have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to street racing. It ultimately comes down to the driver and their skills behind the wheel.
In conclusion, both Toyota and Mazda are great brands for modifications and street racing. Toyota is known for its durability and practicality, while Mazda is known for its sportiness and unique rotary engines. Both brands have a loyal following of enthusiasts who love to modify their cars for better performance. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in a car.