Mechanically, they're identical, meaning both have a 300-hp turbocharged inline-three with 273 lb-ft of torque, six-speed manual transmission, driver-adjustable torque-splitting center differential, limited-slip front and rear differentials, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. The only meaningful mechanical difference we could find is a strange weight discrepancy.
The weight discrepancy did show up elsewhere in testing, though it's an interesting case. All the differences are small enough to potentially be within the margin of error but could also be explained by the difference in weight balance. There's another factor to consider. Toyota fans will have noticed our Circuit Edition is missing its big rear wing. It and the special shift knob bearing the signature of Morizo are to be installed in the U.S. after the car arrives from Japan but before it's sold. Those parts are still being sorted out and weren't installed on our car.
You can also choose the way you want to use the power. If you want nothing but the maximum, you'll need to keep the revs up and will often find yourself downshifting to the very top of the rev range and having to upshift again quickly. Or you can leave it in the higher gear, let the revs drop out of the powerband, then floor it way sooner than you normally would exiting a corner. By the time the turbo catches up, you'll be straightening out the wheel and ready for the power.
The core doesn’t get the limited slip differentials.
When the salesman told me there would be a minimum of $20k markup..I was out.
Abolutely criminal for Toyota to intentionally limit production 's of this car
Just sell me the engine. My echo hatchback needs boost.