Nissan vs. Toyota: The Titans of Tuner Cars

The battle between Nissan and Toyota for the title of “best tuner cars'' is a classic that will live on for a long time. The manufacturers have existed since the 1930s and have always been the pinnacle of the tuning culture. 

We’ll walk you through a head-to-head battle between Nissan and Toyota, where we review the best tuner vehicles from each brand. 

Why Nissan and Toyota Make Great Cars for Tuning 

There are many reasons why Nissan and Toyota cars tend to be great tuner cars. In general, both manufacturers produce vehicles designed for a general audience. Thus, they offer only “middle of the road” performances. Not to mention, both brands have also produced sports cars that function at high speeds. 

Many of these Japanese cars are easily modifiable. While not all models come with a ton of horsepower, installing a turbo, exhaust, intake, and getting it tuned can easily add an extra 100 to 200 horsepower, even on a budget. 

Additionally, both brands produce lightweight vehicles. Heavier cars tend to be harder to tune because they have a lot of extra weight to lug around. That means adding additional horsepower won’t have the same feeling. Nissan and Toyota vehicles come standard with great suspension and braking systems, allowing car enthusiasts to get away with adding lowering springs instead of coil overs, which is an affordable way to improve handling. 

Car enthusiasts who love tuning cars want a car that is fast on the road and the track. Tuning can help unleash the hidden potential of these vehicles. Whether it’s increased horsepower, better handling, or enhanced throttle, the possibilities of tuning are endless. 

Types of Tuner Cars 

Tuner cars have entire subcultures built around them. They are an important part of people’s collective identity and have even earned a spot in the halls of American history museums. Both Nissan and Toyota vehicles sport these types of tuner vehicles: 

Hot Rod: A hot rod is a vehicle with engine modifications specifically designed to maximize straight-line speed. They typically have heavily tuned engines, flame decals, and can be heard from a mile away. 

Lowrider: A tuned car that is equipped with hydraulic jacks. These enable the chassis to be closer to the ground, thus the “low rider” name. They are best used for cruising down the highway. 

Japanese domestic market: JDM’s are Japanese stock vehicles that are sold in the U.S. They typically offer near unlimited customization options, making them suitable for any tuning car project. 

Best Nissan and Toyota Tuner Cars

The first step to tuning is to find a car to improve on. One way is to check out what aftermarket parts are available because easily modifiable cars will have a wide selection of parts. Here are the top tuner cars from Nissan and Toyota. 

Nissan Z-Car 

The Nissan Z-car has roamed the streets since its inception in 1970. While the early Nissan Z-cars aren’t overly powerful, they have lightweight bodies that make them great platforms for tuning. Finding the right part is relatively easy since the tuning market for these cars is massive. 

Nissan 240Sx 

Visit any drift competition, and you’re bound to see at least several 240SX vehicles. This isn’t a coincidence since the 240SX has a lot of aftermarket companies vying for sales, making many of the upgrades affordable. While the 240SX has a mediocre 2.4-liter engine, it’s perfect for a turbocharger and other upgrades. Also, the SEX features a rear-wheel-drive setup that makes the car easier to drift. 

Nissan 350z

Another great option from Nissan is the 350z. That’s because the parts are affordable and abundant. When kept in stock, this machine delivers an impressive 300 horsepower. The 350Z easily is one of the most powerful cars right out of the gate. However, that doesn’t mean you have to shell out your budget to purchase one. 

Many Nissan 350z models start around $6000. At such a low price, this gives car enthusiasts plenty of spending money for parts and tuning. There are countless options for tuning a 350Z, such as upgrading the exhaust or a turbocharger. 

Nissan 370z

Nissan unveiled their 370Z in North America in 2009. While it’s more expensive than the 350z, it does come with much higher performance and more comfort features. The most affordable 370z models are typically between the 2009 to 2013 model years. They offer many customizable options and are among the best modern tuner cars. The 350z is lightweight and powerful with high torque, making them excellent on the streets and for drag racing. 

Toyota 86 

The Toyota 86 is a vehicle manufactured together with Subaru, and it’s marketed under the BRZ badge. This car utilizes a boxer engine and is designed with tuners in mind. That’s because the engine isn’t all that powerful; however, the handling is made to handle the increased output. 

Furthermore, the sporty and low suspension keeps the center of gravity low, and this car boasts an exact 50/50 front and bank balance. Most car enthusiasts that tune the Toyota 86 typically start with improving the engine's horsepower and torque. 

Toyota Supra MKIV

If there’s one vehicle that captured the attention of import-car enthusiasts, it’s the Toyota Supra. What started as just a trim level for the Toyota Celica has blossomed into a cult icon that features a 3.0-liter in-line six engine that produces 320 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque. The Supra, in particular, is best known for its outstanding ability to handle extra horsepower and boost. If paired with the right high-end parts package, it could push it well past the 600+ horsepower mark. 

Toyota AE86

The Toyota AE86 is a legend in the racing world. Many car enthusiasts were enamored with their unique coupe and hatchback configurations. Although it doesn’t have the most attractive visual appeal, its popularity has skyrocketed due to its inherent tunability. The AE86 boasts one of the most modifiable and intuitive engines in the market. Due to its popularity within the drifting community, it became a cult icon. With the aftermarket upgrades, drivers can push the car past its boundaries to garner increased torque, horsepower, aesthetic presence, and downforce. 

Japanese performance brands like Nissan and Toyota are attainable, and with a few simple modifications, they are capable of delivering vast amounts of horsepower and torque. The popularity of these JDM cars and aftermarket parts is increasing in demand. For those interested in tuning a car, the best place to look is in Nissan and Toyota cars.