After decades of waiting, Toyota fans finally got what they have been praying for – a brand new Supra, which was released in 2019. After more than ten years of teasing, Toyota has introduced the fifth generation of this legendary car, and the whole world went crazy.
However, the Supra MK V is not the car we hoped it would be, and it turns out to be a very controversial machine in many ways. Due to the legendary status of its predecessor, the Supra Mk 4, produced from 1993 until 2002, a comparison of those two thoroughbred sports cars is inevitable.
Today, we will give you our take on the rivalry between the '90s icon and 2020 contender. Let's start by defining the Supra MK V's advantages over MK IV.
15 Why The New Supra: Safety
Without a shadow of a doubt, the new Supra is far superior to MK IV in the active and passive safety department. With front and side-impact airbags, a host of electronic stability and braking systems, the GR Supra (as it is officially called) is far safer than its predecessor, which is to be expected.
14 Why The New Supra: Equipment
Even though the MK IV came well-equipped for a '90s car, the 2019 version is far better equipped, with a list of standard comfort and tech features that puts it closer to its luxury counterparts. This includes a modern touchscreen infotainment system, electronic functions, leather, and an automatic transmission. That said, the new version will be much more comfortable and friendlier towards both the driver and the passengers.
13 Why The New Supra: More Power In Stock Form
The stock 2020 Supra comes with a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo six-cylinder engine producing 365 hp. There is also the 2021 model with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and 255 hp, serving as a great entry-level sports car. The MK IV Supra, however, came with a base 220 hp engine optional and the now-legendary 2JZ turbo six with 320 hp (in stock form).
12 Why The New Supra: Better Handling
Almost 30 years of chassis, suspension, and tire development are evident when you compare the driving dynamics of those two cars. The modern Supra is far superior in terms of cornering, braking, and handling, which is to be expected.
11 Why The New Supra: Warranty And Repair Costs
As with any car, opting for a brand new Supra with a warranty and spare parts available everywhere will save you a lot of headaches if you're not going to be working on your car yourself. Toyota offers up to a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty for the owners of new Supras. So, it's definitely the safer choice financially.
10 Why The New Supra: Advanced Infotainment System
The MK IV Supra only came with a cassette player and a digital clock. The new one, however, is equipped with the latest infotainment system with a big 6.5-inch (standard) or 8.8-inch (optional) display.
9 Why The New Supra: Design
When Toyota presented the FT-1 concept, the motoring world was stunned. Six years later, we have Supra with more or less the same design, proportions, and stance. How cool is that?
8 Why The New Supra: Price
Besides being one of the best sports cars on the market, the new Supra is also reasonably priced, starting at $50,000. If you are looking for a pristine MK IV version, be ready to spend over $30,000. But recently, the mint '94 model sold for a whopping $121,000! That's because it's almost impossible to find a '90s supra that hasn't been tampered with or tuned.
7 Why The New Supra: Availability
If you have that JDM fever that only a Supra can cure, all you need to do is to go to the dealership and get yourself brand-spanking-new Supra GR. Finding the right MK IV Supra will be much harder since they are rare.
6 Why The New Supra: Ergonomics
With premium interior materials, leather seats, high-quality plastic, and trim, 2020 Supra is a very nice place to be. The MK IV Supra's interior was great for the time, but it is no match for modern aesthetics and materials.
With heated seats, perfect dash layout, comfortable leather-clad seating, and well-thought-out ergonomics, the MK V's cabin is a much nicer place to be than the interior of the MK IV Supra from the '90s.
5 Why The Old Supra: The MK V Is A BMW, But The MK IV Is A Toyota
The biggest problem with the new Supra is the fact it is not Toyota at all. It is almost totally a BMW Z4, and it is even assembled in BMW`s factory in Austria. Only the design and a few minor details are Toyota's work.
4 Why The Old Supra: It Comes With A Manual
The only transmission available in the MK V Supra is an 8-speed automatic. It is the fantastic gearbox, for sure, but it lacks the involvement and feel of the old-school manual gearbox, such as the one present in the MK IV.
3 Why The Old Supra: 2JZ Engine
The BMW's straight-six in the new Supra is a great engine, but it can't come close to Toyota’s iconic 2JZ engines from the '90s. They were virtually indestructible and incredibly tunable. So, if you're looking to add a few more ponies to your new Supra, forget about it. is one of the best such units ever produced.
2 Why The Old Supra: Investment Potential
With MK IV Supras reaching insane prices, it is obvious that that is where the money is at. If you are looking for investment, don’t buy the 2020 model; look for low-mileage, zero modifications, and one owner models from the '90s.
1 Why The Old Supra: Heritage
When it comes to how important each of the cars is to the automotive culture, the MK IV Supra is a clear winner. Not only it one of the biggest JDM legends, but it is also still an immensely capable and fast car, even in stock form. That said, the MK V is still an amazing car and a head-turner, but there's no question which model is cooler - the MK IV.