Is the Toyota Supra really fast?
Yes — the Supra is fast, with the 3.0-liter turbocharged version delivering sub-four-second 0-60 mph runs and strong on-track performance, while the 2.0-liter option offers brisk acceleration that’s impressive for its class. In everyday driving, both trims feel quick, but the 3.0L is the standout in pure speed.
From its revival in 2019, the Toyota Supra has positioned itself as a true sports car within the Toyota lineup, pairing a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive chassis with turbocharged power. This article examines how fast the Supra really is, what drives its speed, and how it stacks up against rivals in street and track scenarios.
Powertrains and numbers that define speed
Below is a snapshot of the two available engines and the speeds they enable. The figures reflect common performance targets cited by manufacturers and automotive press for the current generation.
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4: about 255 horsepower and roughly 295 lb-ft of torque; 0-60 mph in around 5.0 seconds; electronically limited top speed near 155 mph.
3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6: about 335 horsepower and around 369 lb-ft of torque; 0-60 mph in roughly 4.0 seconds (with automatic); electronically limited top speed near 155 mph.
In practice, the 3.0-liter model is the speed leader, delivering brisk acceleration that makes overtaking and quick starts confident and predictable. The 2.0-liter version remains a compelling option for those prioritizing daily usability and lighter weight, with noticeably quicker acceleration than many non-sport compact cars.
Real-world feel: how speed translates on the road
Speed numbers tell only part of the story. The Supra’s handling, drivetrain, and chassis design influence how fast it feels in everyday driving and on a track. Several elements contribute to its performance perception:
- Rear-wheel drive and balanced weight distribution give the Supra a tunable, eager feel through corners, allowing confident late braking and precise line changes.
- The turbocharged engines provide strong mid-range torque, helping rapid roll-on acceleration in most driving scenarios.
- The available automatic transmission (and, in some years, a manual option for certain trims) affects how quickly gear changes happen and how launch control behaves at the strip or on a track.
Autocross or track days often highlight the Supra’s strengths: responsive steering, a planted chassis, and a sound, eager engine note that rewards aggressive driving. While not the lightest sports car on sale, its package remains competitive against inline-6 rivals and well above typical hot hatch pace.
Where it stands among its peers
Fast cars come in many flavors. Here’s how the Supra stacks up against common rivals in the same segment, in broad terms:
- Nissan Z: Similar power figures with a front-mid-engine setup and a raw, engaging character; the Supra tends to have more refined turbo performance and a more polished interior in many trims.
- Porsche Cayman (used market): More driver-focused dynamics and typically sharper handling, but a higher price tag; the Supra offers a compelling balance of speed and daily usability.
- BMW M2: Strong acceleration, track-ready dynamics, and a luxury-oriented interior; the Supra shares a chassis and driving feel with its Z4-based lineage, appealing to buyers who want a sporty Toyota badge with European racing DNA.
Overall, the Supra’s speed is competitive within its class, with the 3.0-liter model often cited as the quickest and most entertaining version for performance enthusiasts.
Ownership reality: speed, cost, and reliability
Speed is one piece of the ownership puzzle. Buyers should also consider fuel economy, maintenance costs, insurance, and long-term reliability when judging value.
- Fuel economy varies by engine and driving style, with the 2.0-liter offering better economy than the 3.0-liter, though both are higher than many dedicated sports cars.
- Maintenance and parts costs align with the performance sports-car segment: higher than a typical daily driver, but generally in line with other premium sport coupes.
- Reliability tends to be solid for modern Toyotas, though parts cost and service frequency can be higher than mainstream compact cars due to performance components and required specialized service.
In daily use, many owners report a satisfying blend of practicality and performance. On track days or spirited weekend runs, the Supra’s speed remains its defining trait, with performance that can justify the purchase for enthusiasts who want a fast, rear-wheel-drive experience.
Summary
The Toyota Supra is widely regarded as a fast car, especially in its 3.0-liter form. It delivers sub-four-second 0-60 mph times, strong mid-range torque, and confident handling that makes it feel quick in both street and track conditions. While the 2.0-liter version offers brisk acceleration, the 3.0-liter is the speed enthusiast’s choice, and its blend of power, chassis balance, and everyday usability helps it stand out among its sports-car peers. If speed is your primary criterion, the Supra’s 3.0-liter variant is the clear frontrunner within its modern lineup.
Is the Toyota Supra a fast car?
The 2024 Toyota GR Supra not only can get from 0 to 60 MPH in 3.9 seconds, but the Toyota sports car offers a top track speed of 155 MPH.
Which is faster BMW or Supra?
Though the engines, chassis and transmissions of these two cars are nearly identical, in a real world shoot out of zero to 60 mph times, the Supra was actually a second faster at 4.4 seconds than the BMW at 4.5 seconds.
Which car is faster, Supra or Hellcat?
A Hellcat is generally faster than a stock Supra due to its significantly more powerful engine, especially in a straight-line acceleration from a standstill. However, a tuned Supra can be competitive or even faster in some situations, particularly in roll races once its turbo spools up, and a lighter Supra may win a close drag race due to track conditions or a better launch. The outcome depends heavily on the specific models, any modifications, and the race conditions.
Hellcat advantage
- More power: A stock Hellcat has a major horsepower and torque advantage, with its supercharged V8 producing much more power than the Supra's turbocharged inline-six.
- From a dig: The Hellcat's instant power often gives it an edge at the start of a drag race from a standstill.
This video demonstrates a drag race between a Dodge Challenger Hellcat and a Toyota Supra: 41sDashboardDanielYouTube · May 5, 2025
Supra advantage
- Lighter and more agile: The Supra is a lighter, smaller coupe, which can give it an advantage in handling and agility.
- Tuned performance: A Supra with performance modifications like an upgraded turbo and ECU tuning can close the power gap and become very competitive, sometimes even surpassing the Hellcat in specific races.
- Roll racing: The Supra can gain ground on the Hellcat in a roll race once its turbocharger kicks in, though the Hellcat may eventually pull ahead at very high speeds.
You can watch this video to see a comparison of the Toyota Supra and a Dodge Scat Pack: 53sMoochieYouTube · Jul 23, 2024
Which one wins?
- Stock vs. Stock: The Hellcat will almost always be faster in a straight line.
- Modified vs. Stock: A heavily modified Supra has a good chance of beating a stock Hellcat, but a stock Supra will lose to a tuned Hellcat.
- Modified vs. Modified: Both cars can be made extremely powerful, and the outcome will depend on the specific modifications and the driver's skill.
Is Supra faster than Mustang?
It depends on the specific models being compared, but the Supra is often faster in straight-line acceleration, especially the 3.0L version, due to better weight distribution and power delivery. The Mustang, particularly the V8 models, can be faster in high-speed acceleration and has more overall power on paper, though the Supra is more nimble on a road course.
Toyota Supra vs. Ford Mustang
This video compares the drag race performance of the Toyota Supra and the Ford Mustang: 58scarwowYouTube · Oct 26, 2019
- Acceleration: The 3.0L GR Supra is frequently quicker from 000 to 606060 mph than the base 2.3L EcoBoost Mustang, and can often beat the V8 Mustang GT as well, especially in initial acceleration. This is attributed to its wider rear tires and excellent power delivery.
- Top Speed: The Supra's top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, which is the same as the Mustang's.
- Handling: The Supra is designed to be a more agile sports car, with a tighter interior and a focus on driving dynamics. The Mustang is a heavier muscle car, which can make it feel less nimble on twisty roads, although it offers a comfortable ride for a daily driver and has the option for rear seats, which the Supra lacks.
- Power: The V8-powered Mustang GT has more horsepower and torque on paper than the base Supra, but the Supra's lighter weight, low-end torque, and traction make it quicker in a straight line off the line.
This video compares the 2025 Toyota Supra and Ford Mustang: 59sMotorNationYouTube · Jun 3, 2025
Conclusion
- For overall straight-line acceleration, the Supra 3.0L is often the faster car.
- For highway speed and all-out power, the Mustang V8 can be faster.
- For cornering and overall agility, the Supra is the better-handling car.
