Supra MK4 vs MK5: A80 vs A90 Complete Comparison

The Supra Dilemma: Classic vs Modern

The Toyota Supra nameplate carries weight. For enthusiasts, "Supra" means the MK4 A80 (1993-2002) — the twin-turbo 2JZ legend capable of 1,000+ bhp with the right modifications, the star of Fast & Furious, and arguably the most iconic Japanese sports car ever built. But since 2019, there's a new Supra: the MK5 A90, co-developed with BMW, powered by the B58 inline-six, and dividing opinion like no other car in recent memory.

If you're buying a Supra in 2026, which generation makes sense? The MK4's 2JZ is proven over 30 years with every possible modification documented. The MK5's B58 is newer, more efficient, and increasingly proven in the tuning world. The MK4 costs £60,000-150,000+ for clean examples. The MK5 costs £40,000-65,000 and is still depreciating. The MK4 is a collectible investment. The MK5 is a modern sports car you can actually drive daily.

This comprehensive comparison breaks down everything: engine potential and tuning costs, handling characteristics, technology, ownership experience, running costs, and which Supra suits different types of enthusiasts.

As covered in our 500bhp Supra build guide, the MK4 platform is extensively developed. But how does the MK5 compare?

What You'll Learn:

• 2JZ vs B58 modification potential
• Purchase prices and value analysis
• Handling and performance differences
• Technology and daily drivability
• Running costs comparison
• Which Supra suits different buyers

Quick Specifications Comparison

Toyota Supra Mk4 Reviewed: A Legend That Refuses to Fade

Engine Deep Dive: 2JZ-GTE vs B58

2JZ-GTE (MK4)

Configuration:

• 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six
• Cast iron block
• Sequential twin turbos (stock)
• 280ps (UK spec) / 320ps (JDM spec)

Legendary strengths:

• Cast iron block (bulletproof)
• Forged crank and rods (stock)
• Good pistons (stock good to ~450whp)
• Over-engineered for reliability
• 30+ years of tuning development

Weaknesses:

• Heavy (200kg+ vs B58)
• Sequential turbos complex
• Old technology (no VVT, no direct injection)
• Lower thermal efficiency

Stock power limit: 450-500whp (650-700 crank)

With stock internals: 700-800whp achievable

Built engine: 1,000-1,500+ whp proven

B58 (MK5)

Configuration:

• 3.0L single-turbo inline-six
• Aluminum block with iron sleeves
• Single twin-scroll turbo
• 340ps (early) / 387ps (2021+ 3.0 Premium)

Modern strengths:

• Lightweight (aluminum)
• Modern technology (VVT, direct injection)
• Responsive (single turbo)
• Efficient (better MPG)
• BMW development (N54/N55/B58 lineage)

Weaknesses:

• Less aftermarket than 2JZ (but growing)
• Not proven at extreme power yet
• Aluminum block (less tolerant of abuse)
• Closed deck limits some builds

Stock power limit: 500-550whp

With supporting mods: 600-700whp (stock internals)

Built engine: 800-1,000+ whp (less data than 2JZ)

Tuning Development Status

2JZ: Fully mature. Every modification path documented. 1,000+ builds at every power level.

B58: Maturing rapidly. 500-600whp proven reliable. 700+ emerging. 1,000+ still experimental.

For detailed turbo selection, see our 2JZ turbo guide.

LibertyWalk Toyota Supra Build Story

Modification Costs Comparison

500whp Build

MK4 (2JZ):

• Single turbo conversion: £3,000-5,000
• Fuel system: £1,200-2,000
• Intercooler: £1,000-1,800
• Exhaust: £1,500-2,500
• ECU (standalone): £2,000-3,500
• Supporting mods: £1,500-2,500
• Total: £10,200-17,300

MK5 (B58):

• Turbo upgrade: £2,500-4,000
• Downpipe: £800-1,500
• Intercooler: £1,200-2,000
• Intake: £400-800
• Fuel system: £1,000-1,800
• ECU tune (MHD, BM3): £500-1,000
• Supporting mods: £1,000-2,000
• Total: £7,400-13,100

Verdict: MK5 cheaper to reach 500whp due to modern turbo and fuel system.

700whp Build

MK4:

• Large single turbo: £4,000-6,000
• Built bottom end (recommended): £6,000-10,000
• Full fuel system: £2,500-4,000
• Intercooler: £1,500-2,500
• Standalone ECU: £2,500-4,000
• Supporting: £3,000-5,000
• Total: £19,500-31,500

MK5:

• Large turbo: £3,000-5,000
• Supporting mods: £4,000-6,000
• Fuel system: £2,000-3,500
• Intercooler: £1,500-2,500
• Tune: £800-1,500
• Built engine (recommended): £8,000-15,000
• Total: £19,300-33,500

Verdict: Similar costs at 700whp. Both need serious supporting mods.

1,000whp Build

MK4:

• Fully built engine: £10,000-20,000
• Competition turbo: £5,000-8,000
• Full supporting mods: £8,000-15,000
• Total: £23,000-43,000
• Proven: Thousands of examples

MK5:

• Fully built engine: £12,000-22,000
• Large turbo: £4,000-7,000
• Full supporting: £8,000-15,000
• Total: £24,000-44,000
• Proven: Handful of examples, emerging

Verdict: MK4 is the proven choice at extreme power. MK5 catching up but less data.

For build costs, see our turbo conversion guide.

Street vs Track: Tuning a Supra for Daily Use

Performance and Handling

MK4 Performance

Stock:

• 0-60: 4.8-5.1 sec (manual)
• Quarter mile: 13.1-13.5 @ 108-112 mph
• Top speed: 155 mph (limited) / 177+ mph delimited

Character:

• Heavy steering (no electric assist)
• Solid, planted feel
• Sequential turbos = lag then surge
• Manual gearbox = engaging
• Auto = disappointing

Handling:

• Well-balanced (52/48 weight distribution)
• Surprisingly capable
• Heavier than modern rivals (1,570kg)
• Can be made excellent with suspension work

MK5 Performance

Stock:

• 0-60: 3.9-4.3 sec (depending on model year)
• Quarter mile: 12.2-12.6 @ 114-118 mph
• Top speed: 155 mph (limited)

Character:

• Light, precise steering
• Agile, responsive
• Single turbo = minimal lag
• ZF 8-speed auto = lightning shifts
• No manual (dealbreaker for some)

Handling:

• Exceptional (BMW chassis engineering)
• Lighter than MK4 (1,520kg)
• 50/50 weight distribution
• Adaptive dampers (some models)
• Better than MK4 stock-for-stock

Verdict: MK5 is significantly faster and better handling stock. MK4 with modifications can match or exceed.

1994 Toyota Supra MK4 Targa - A JDM Sports Car Icon

Technology and Daily Drivability

MK4 Technology (1993-2002)

Interior:

• Analog gauges (loved by purists)
• Basic climate control
• Optional navigation (dated)
• Comfortable seats
• Decent build quality

Driver aids:

• ABS
• Traction control (can be defeated)
• That's it

Daily drivability:

• Comfortable enough
• Heavy clutch (manual)
• Dated infotainment
• Acceptable fuel economy (22-27 MPG)
• Reliable if maintained

MK5 Technology (2019+)

Interior:

• Digital gauge cluster
• Modern infotainment (BMW iDrive)
• Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
• Premium materials
• Excellent build quality

Driver aids:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keep assist
• Automatic emergency braking
• Blind spot monitoring
• Parking sensors/camera

Daily drivability:

• Excellent
• Smooth ZF auto
• Modern tech
• Good fuel economy (30-36 MPG)
• Comfortable ride

Verdict: MK5 is far superior as a daily driver. MK4 is dated but charming.

Purchase Price and Value

MK4 Market (2026)

Price trend: Rising steadily. Investment-grade classic.

US market: Even higher (25-year import rule driving demand)

MK5 Market (2026)

Price trend: Still depreciating. Will bottom at ~£30-35k in 3-5 years.

Value analysis:

• MK4: Appreciating asset, but expensive entry
• MK5: Depreciating, but better value for driving

Running Costs Comparison

MK5 is 25-30% cheaper to run.

For insurance strategies, see our modified car insurance guide.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy MK4 If:

• You want THE Supra (the legend)
• Budget allows £70k+ comfortably
• You see it as investment (likely to appreciate)
• Manual gearbox non-negotiable
• 1,000+ bhp potential matters
• You want proven extreme tuning platform
• Analog, mechanical experience preferred
• Can accept higher running costs
• Won't be primary daily driver

Buy MK5 If:

• You want best performance for money
• Budget is £40-60k
• Daily drivability is priority
• Modern technology matters
• Don't care about manual gearbox
• 500-700bhp is plenty
• Want better fuel economy
• Need modern safety features
• Actually plan to drive it regularly

The Controversial Truth

The MK5 is the better car. Faster, better handling, more efficient, more comfortable, more reliable, cheaper to run. But...

The MK4 is THE SUPRA. The legend, the icon, the dream car. It's not rational, it's emotional.

Best answer: If you can afford both, buy MK4 as weekend/investment car and MK5 as daily driver.

Modification Philosophy Differences

MK4 Approach

Common path:

1. Single turbo conversion (most do this)
2. Fuel system upgrade
3. Standalone ECU
4. Build power progressively
5. Built engine for 700+whp
6. Keep stock appearance or period-correct modifications

Philosophy: Proven, documented, reversible

MK5 Approach

Common path:

1. Downpipe + tune (easy 450whp)
2. Upgraded turbos (550-600whp)
3. Fuel system if pushing beyond
4. Keep warranty where possible
5. Modern aesthetics (carbon, aero)

Philosophy: Bolt-on, retain technology, modern look

Common Problems

MK4 Issues

• Ignition coil packs (common)
• Fuel pump failure
• Turbo actuator sticking
• Targa top leaks (if targa)
• Interior trim deterioration
• ECU capacitors (very old cars)

Biggest concern: Finding clean, unmolested example

MK5 Issues

• Cracked front strut mounts (2020-2021 models)
• Software bugs (early cars)
• Paint quality concerns (especially white)
• Active exhaust valve failures

Biggest concern: Depreciation and BMW parts costs

Track Day Capability

MK4

Stock: Heavy but capable. Brakes adequate, handling good.

Modified: Excellent with coilovers + brakes. Weight is limiting factor.

Consumables: £200-350 per track day

Verdict: Capable but not optimal (weight). More of a GT car.

MK5

Stock: Excellent. Sharp handling, good brakes, confidence-inspiring.

Modified: Outstanding with minimal upgrades.

Consumables: £180-300 per track day

Verdict: Genuine sports car, excellent on track stock.

For track setup, see our track day cars guide and corner balancing guide.

The Manual Transmission Problem

MK4: Available with manual (highly desired)

MK5: No manual option (yet). BMW inline-six + ZF 8-speed auto only.

For many enthusiasts, this alone decides the comparison.

Manual purists will never accept the MK5. But the ZF 8-speed is genuinely excellent — fast, smooth, and lets you focus on driving. The lack of manual is unfortunate but doesn't make the MK5 a bad car.

Investment Potential

MK4

2020: £40-60k average 2026: £70-100k average 2030 prediction: £90-130k 2040 prediction: £150-250k+

Status: Blue-chip collectible. Will appreciate.

MK5

2020: £50-58k (new) 2026: £40-60k 2030 prediction: £30-45k (bottoming out) 2040 prediction: £40-70k (may become collectible)

Status: Normal depreciation. May bottom around £30k.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which is faster in a straight line?

MK5 stock. 3.9 sec vs 4.8 sec 0-60. Modified, depends on build.

Q2: Which is more reliable?

MK5 (newer, warranty, modern reliability). MK4 reliable if maintained but 20-30 years old.

Q3: Which is better for 1,000bhp builds?

MK4. Proven at extreme power. MK5 less developed at that level (yet).

Q4: Which handles better?

MK5 stock-for-stock. MK4 with suspension work can be excellent.

Q5: Can I daily drive a MK4?

Yes, but dated. MK5 far better daily proposition.

Q6: Is the MK5 a "real" Supra?

Controversial question. It's Toyota-engineered with BMW components. Drives brilliantly. Badge says Supra. Make your own decision.

Q7: Which will be worth more in 20 years?

MK4 absolutely. It's already collectible. MK5 may or may not become collectible.

? Related Articles

1. 500bhp Supra Build Cost Breakdown

2. Best 2JZ Turbos: Stock to 1000bhp

3. Turbo Conversion Cost Guide

4. Modified Car Insurance Tips

5. Best Track Day Cars Under £20k

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