When the fifth-generation Toyota Supra debuted in 2020, it came with 335 hp and a rear-drive platform that was a monster on the street and the track. However, much to the dismay of those who bought the 2020 Supra, Toyota changed things up for the 2021 model year by tweaking the car’s suspension and engine. In case you’re looking for an Mk5 Supra in the used market, here is a breakdown of whether to buy a 2020 Supra or an updated 2021 model.

The 2021 Toyota Supra has more horsepower than the 2020 model

If you’re looking for more power, then the 2021 Toyota Supra is the way to go. Both model years have the same engine under the hood: a single-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine sourced from a BMW Z4. However, the 2021 model puts out 382 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque, which is 47 more hp and 3 more lb-ft more than the 2020 Supra.

That’s a pretty good amount of power and, according to Toyota, that slight bump equates to a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds as compared to a previous time of 4.1. That increased performance and power is mainly due to an increase in the engine’s compression ratio – from 10.2:1 to 11.1 – which also moved its peak power point a little higher in the rev range – from 5,000 rpm to 5,800.  

That power change is not only evident on paper as Car and Driver tested both model years and they both recorded higher numbers than the factory ratings. The 2021 Supra made 388 hp at the wheels while the 2020 model 345 hp – a difference of 43 hp at the wheels. Toyota definitely wasn’t lying about the bump in power. But it obviously underrated the car as well.

There’s more to the 2021 Supra than the power increase

If the increase in horsepower isn’t enough to sway you toward the 2021 model, then maybe the other improvements will. According to CarBuzz, other 2021 tweaks include lightweight aluminum shock tower braces, revised power steering programming, and an adaptive variable suspension. There’s even vehicle stability control and an Active Differential, both of which should aid in getting more traction out of the car’s sticky performance tires.

Which Supra model year is the better buy?

It’s obvious that the 2021 Supra is the better buy among the two model years. Also, if you don’t really need that much power and want to spend $10,000 less, then you can even opt for the 2021 Supra 2.0, which has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 220-pound lighter curb weight.

That doesn’t mean that the 2020 Supra is completely pointless. If you really want a Supra, but want to spend less than $50,000, you can currently find the 2020 model nationwide selling for around $48,000, which is a steal. But if you want the extra power and handling capability, then we suggest spending the extra $5,000 to $7,000 on a 2021 model. Unlike those that bought the 2020 model when it came out, you won’t regret it.