Japan vs Germany — 1983 vs 1985
| Corolla AE86 Sprinter Trueno GT-APEX | 944 Turbo S | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 128 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 110 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,587 cc | 2,479 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.3 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 122 mph | 162 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.0 sec | 13.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,072 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,400 mm |
| Length | 4,180 mm | 4,200 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 1,635 |
| Original MSRP | $10,998 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $60,000 | $85,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1983 Toyota Corolla AE86 Sprinter Trueno GT-APEX brings stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 1985 Porsche 944 Turbo S answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Japan and Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1983 Toyota Corolla AE86 Sprinter Trueno GT-APEX versus 1985 Porsche 944 Turbo S is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1985 Porsche 944 Turbo S holds a clear advantage in raw power with 250 hp compared to 128 hp, a 122-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Toyota Corolla AE86 uses a Inline-4 DOHC 4A-GE displacing 1,587 cc, while the Porsche 944 relies on a Inline-4 Turbo SOHC 8V with 2,479 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1985 Porsche 944 Turbo S edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 8.3 seconds. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1983 Toyota Corolla AE86 Sprinter Trueno GT-APEX rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.