Months after the Z Proto Concept first debuted, the 2022 Nissan 400Z is almost ready to be revealed. But that still leaves a gap of time between its official debut and its arrival in dealerships. And while anticipation for the 400Z is high, it’s not the only updated rear-wheel-drive sports car about to hit the market. There’s also the 2022 Toyota GR 86. So, how do the two stack up?

What we know about the upcoming 2022 Nissan 400Z

With its official debut set for August 17, 2021, many of the Nissan 400Z’s details are still under wraps. However, some information and rumors have leaked through forum and Instagram posts, as well as video games. As a result, we can make some reasonable estimates.

For example, the 2022 Nissan 400Z is expected to ride on an updated version of the 370Z’s chassis, MotorTrend reports. And it should look fairly similar to the Z Proto Concept, inside and outside, minus some regulation-related changes. Also, rumors suggest the 400Z’s dry curb weight will be 3,252 pounds, The Drive notes.

We do know the 2022 Nissan 400Z will have a twin-turbocharged V6, and offer both automatic and manual transmissions. The engine is allegedly the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 found in the Infiniti Q50 and Q60. And based on the car’s name, it could make as much as 400 hp. As a result, it will likely be faster than the 332-hp 370Z, which managed a 5.0-second 0-60 mph time in Car and Driver’s hands.

As far as pricing goes, the outgoing 370Z started at roughly $31K, with the Nismo model starting at roughly $47K. In comparison, forum leaks suggest the 400Z will start at just under $35K and offer two $5000 options packages. The higher price is likely due to the updated powertrain, as well as interior upgrades like the large center touchscreen.

How does the 2022 Toyota GR 86 compare in horsepower, speed, and price?

For 2022, the Toyota GR 86, like its corporate cousin the Subaru BRZ, gets an updated design. And, more crucially as some might argue, the two sports cars have a new, more powerful engine.

As before, the 2022 Toyota GR 86 has a flat-four engine. As in the BRZ, it’s a 2.4-liter flat-four engine rated at 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard in both cars, though an automatic is available. With the latter, Toyota claims the GR 86 goes 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The manual, though, cuts that down to 6.1 seconds.

As of this writing, the 2022 GR 86’s curb weight and price haven’t been released. However, Toyota estimates its RWD sports car will weigh around 2800 pounds. That’s slightly more than the outgoing model, though MT points out that the 2022 car is stiffer and has a lower center of gravity. MT also estimates the GR 86 will start around $30K, with the Premium trim starting at roughly $35K.

Which sports car is the one to get?

As of this writing, there’s no official date set for when the 2022 Nissan 400Z arrives in dealers. But rumors suggest orders will start in mid-November 2021, The Drive says. Meanwhile, the Toyota GR 86 is expected to go on sale in 2021, though again, no official date is available.

Given there’s a breadth of unknowns for both cars, it’s difficult to say which is the one to get. Especially since neither has been driven back-to-back. But based purely on what we know, it appears that the 400Z will offer more straight-line speed. And given its higher estimated base price, more standard luxury features, too. In contrast, the GR 86 will likely be the lighter, more handling-focused sports car.

Deciding between them depends on what you look for in a sports car. But if you’re still unsure, come August 17, these rumors will be put to rest one way or another. And at that point, making a decision should be noticeably easier.

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