Two cars that defined the era of Japanese sports cars: Nissan Skyline And Toyota Supra. These models became not just vehicles, but symbols of tuning culture, race tracks and street racing. Debates about which is better - atmospheric 2JZ-GTE from Supra or turbocharged RB26DETT from Skyline, have not subsided for three decades. But what really sets these cars apart besides the body and badge?

In this article we will look at unique technical solutions that made the Skyline R32-R34 and Supra A80 iconic, compare their dynamic characteristics, reliability and potential for modifications. You will find out why one car became the king of drift, and the other - an invincible dragster, what pitfalls are hidden in the engines of both models, and how much a “pure” copy of each of them costs today. If you are faced with a choice between these legends, here you will find arguments for and against.

Creation story: how the Skyline and Supra became JDM icons

Origins Nissan Skyline go back to 1957, when the model debuted as a modest business-class sedan. But generations brought her real fame. R32 (1989), R33 (1993) and R34 (1999) - it was they who secured the car’s status as a “supercar killer.” The Skyline R32 became the first Japanese car to officially participate in Group A World Rally Championship, and its all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS and suspension Multi-Link on the rear axle made the car invincible on the track.

At the same time Toyota Supra evolved from humble beginnings Celica Supra (1978) into a monster with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine. Generation A80 (1993–2002) became the pinnacle of Toyota engineering: the legendary 2JZ-GTE with two turbines, which in the stock version produced 320 hp, but had potential up to 800+ hp after tuning. Interestingly, the Supra A80 was developed jointly with Lexus SC400, from where it inherited a luxurious interior and front suspension.

  • 📅 Skyline R32 (1989–1994): first with ATTESA and RB26DETT, winner JTCC And 24 hours Sparta.
  • 🏆 Skyline R34 (1999–2002): The last of the "classic" Skylines, made famous in The Fast and the Furious.
  • 🔥 Supra A80 (1993–2002): the only generation with the 2JZ-GTE, record holder for tuning potential.
  • 💰 Both cars were created during the “bubble economy” era of Japan, when development budgets were not spared.
📊 Which of these cars is closer to your spirit?
  • Nissan Skyline R32/R33
  • Nissan Skyline R34
  • Toyota Supra A80
  • I like both
  • None

Technical characteristics: engines, transmissions, suspensions

Main difference Skyline And Supra lies under the hood. RB26DETT from Nissan is a 2.6-liter inline six-cylinder engine with two turbines Garrett T25, cast iron block and aluminum head. Its “trick” is a closed piston deck, which allows it to withstand enormous loads, but requires regular inspection oil pump And turbines. Stock power - 280 hp (by Japanese standards), but the actual numbers are closer to 320–330 hp.

2JZ-GTE from Toyota is a 3.0-liter “iron” engine with a cast-iron block, forged connecting rods and pistons. Its turbines CT12B smaller in size than the RB26, but the system sequential twin-turbo (sequential turbines) provides more linear output. Stock power - the same 320 hp, but here the potential for tuning is higher: without internal modifications, the 2JZ can withstand 600–700 hp, and with forcing - for 1000 hp.

Parameter Nissan Skyline R32/R33/R34 (RB26DETT) Toyota Supra A80 (2JZ-GTE)
Engine capacity 2.6 l 3.0 l
Turbines Two Garrett T25 (parallel) Two CT12B (sequential)
Gearbox 5-st. Manual transmission Getrag or 4-st. Automatic transmission 6-st. Manual transmission Getrag V160 or 4-st. Automatic transmission
Drive Full ATTESA E-TS (R32/R33) or ATTESA E-TS Pro (R34) Rear
Weight 1430–1540 kg 1590–1650 kg

Transmissions are also different: Skyline has a proven Getrag 5-speed manual transmission, which can withstand up to 500 hp without modifications, but the weak point is dual mass flywheel. Supra has - 6-speed Getrag V160, longer and more comfortable, but less durable at high power. Four-wheel drive ATTESA Skyline gives an advantage in drifting and on wet roads, but adds weight and complexity to maintain.

⚠️ Attention: Owners of Skyline R34 often encounter a problem differential wear R200 — its service life rarely exceeds 100 thousand km with aggressive driving. The Supra A80 has a weak point cooling system pump, which, if it fails, can lead to overheating and deformation of the block head.

Dynamics and handling: who is faster on the highway and in the city?

In stock condition Toyota Supra A80 accelerates to 100 km/h for 4.6–4.9 sec, and Nissan Skyline R34 - for 4.8–5.2 sec. The difference seems negligible, but over long distances the Supra pulls ahead thanks to its higher top speed (250+ km/h against 220–230 km/h at Skyline) and better aerodynamics. However, the Skyline feels more confident on winding roads with all-wheel drive, especially in rain or snow.

In drag racing, the Supra is unrivaled: its 2JZ-GTE “breathes” better at high speeds, and 6-speed gearbox allows for more efficient use of power. Skyline loses due to shorter gears and all-wheel drive, which “steals” some of the power. But on 1/4 mile with prepared tires, the R34 can overtake the Supra due to a better start.

  • 🏁 0–100 km/h: Supra A80 is faster by 0.2–0.4 sec in stock.
  • 🌧️ On wet roads: Skyline R34 is more confident thanks to ATTESA.
  • 🔧 Tuning potential: 2JZ is easier and cheaper to boost to 600+ hp.
  • 💨 Maximum speed: The Supra benefits from better aerodynamics.

Reliability and typical problems: what breaks more often?

Both cars suffer from the “diseases of age”, but each has its own weak points. Nissan Skyline with engine RB26DETT known for problems with:

  • 🔥 Oil pump: gear wear leads to a drop in oil pressure and rotation of the liners.
  • 🌀 Turbines: stock Garrett T25 live no more 80–100 thousand km.
  • ⚡ Electronics: frequent problems with ECU, crankshaft position sensors.
  • 🛠️ Suspension: wear of silent blocks and ball joints is already 150 thousand km.

Toyota Supra with 2JZ-GTE more reliable in terms of engine, but has other vulnerabilities:

  • 💧 Cooling system: the pump and thermostat are “consumables” that are changed every 60–80 thousand km.
  • 🔗 Timing chain: stretching leads to mistakes P0340/P0345.
  • 🔌 Electrical: problems with ABS And climate control due to oxidation of contacts.
  • 🛞 Suspension: stabilizer struts and bushings wear out 100 thousand km.
What to do if Skyline R34 does not start?

The most common reason is a malfunction immobilizer (system Nats). Check the chip in the key and the control unit under the steering wheel. There may also be a problem with fuel pump or fuel pump relay (located under the glove compartment).

In terms of reliability 2JZ-GTE objectively wins: its cast-iron block and forged internals allow you to drive 300–400 thousand km without capital with proper maintenance. RB26DETT more capricious: requires frequent oil changes (every 5 thousand km), pressure and temperature control. But repairing the RB is cheaper - spare parts are more accessible, and the engine is easier to assemble.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a Supra A80, be sure to check the replacement history pumps And thermostat. If the previous owner ignored these consumables, the risk of overheating and deformation of the cylinder head is 70%. Skyline is critical to check compression in cylinders and condition oil pump - its wear leads to scuff on the crankshaft.

Tuning and modifications: which is easier and cheaper to boost?

Both engines - RB26DETT And 2JZ-GTE - are considered “friendly tuners”, but the approaches to their modification are different. Skyline most often modified for:

  • 🏁 Drift: install mechanical differential, reinforced axle shafts, coagulation turbines.
  • 🔧 Track days: lighten the body, install safety cage, sports brakes.
  • 💨 Street racing: chip tuning, larger intercooler, release without catcollector.

For Supra typical modifications:

  • 🚀 High power: replacing turbines with single turbo (For example, Garrett GT42), reinforced fuel injectors.
  • 🛠️ Suspension: installation coilovers And reinforced stabilizers for better handling.
  • 🔥 Extreme tuning: built engine with increased volume (up to 3.4 l) and dry sump.

At the cost of forcing 2JZ-GTE costs more: for example, a set of turbines single turbo worth it for Supra $3000–$5000, whereas for Skyline you can get by $1500–$2500 to upgrade stock T25. But the potential of 2JZ is higher: it’s easier to get 800–1000 hp without major internal modifications. RB26 requires replacement of pistons and connecting rods already at 500–600 hp.

Install an oil cooler|Check the condition of the turbines|Replace the fuel pump with a Walbro 450 l/h|Strengthen the clutch (for example, OS Giken)|Update the ECU firmware (for example, Power FC or Haltech)

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Cost and market: How much are Skyline and Supra worth today?

Prices for Nissan Skyline And Toyota Supra over the past 5 years have grown in 2–3 times, especially for “clean” copies without accidents or corrosion. Current prices on the secondary market in Russia and the CIS countries in 2026:

Model Year Condition Price, $
Skyline R32 GT-R 1989–1994 Stock, mileage up to 100 thousand km 40 000–60 000
Skyline R33 GT-R 1995–1998 Tuned, mileage 150 thousand km 35 000–50 000
Skyline R34 GT-R 1999–2002 “Clean” copy, mileage up to 80 thousand km 80 000–120 000
Supra A80 (6MT) 1993–1998 Stock, mileage up to 120 thousand km 50 000–70 000
Supra A80 (automatic) 1993–2002 Tuned, mileage 200 thousand km 30 000–45 000

The most expensive - Skyline R34 in original condition, especially in colors Bayside Blue or Midnight Purple. Supra A80 with a manual transmission is also in price, but automatic transmissions cost more 30–40% cheaper. Important: when purchasing, check not only the engine, but also VIN code for re-export from Japan (many cars have a “gray” history).

💡

A Skyline R34 with a mileage of less than 50 thousand km today costs more than the new Toyota GR Supra (A90) in the maximum configuration. This is due to the growing interest in JDM classics and the limited number of “live” copies.

Which car to choose: Skyline or Supra?

Choice between Skyline And Supra depends on your goals:

  • 🏁 For drift and track: take it Skyline R33/R34 — all-wheel drive and a stiffer suspension will give an advantage.
  • 🚀 For drag racing: Supra A80 with 2JZ-GTE and 6-speed manual transmission there is no competition.
  • 💰 For investment: Skyline R34 increases in price faster, but requires large investments in maintenance.
  • 🛠️ For daily driving: none of the cars are suitable - high fuel consumption (15–20 l/100 km), stiff suspension and problems with spare parts will make operation expensive.

If you need a project for tuning, Supra easier and cheaper to modify to high power, but Skyline will give more drive on winding roads. Remember: both machines require regular maintenance and willingness to spend $3000–$5000 per year to maintain in working order.

⚠️ Attention: Before purchasing, check the car for twisted run (a typical problem for re-export JDM cars) and traces of body repair. The Skyline R34 is often stolen for parts sales, so pay attention to the original VIN numbers on the body and engine.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Which engine is more reliable: RB26DETT or 2JZ-GTE?

2JZ-GTE more reliable in stock: a cast iron block and forged internals allow you to drive 400+ thousand km without capital with proper maintenance. RB26DETT requires more frequent oil changes (every 5 thousand km) and pressure control. However, RB repairs are cheaper and parts are more readily available.

Is it possible to drive the Skyline R34 in winter?

Technically possible, but not recommended: all-wheel drive system ATTESA helps in the snow, but low ground clearance (120 mm), wide wheels and lack of engine protection will lead to rapid corrosion. If you still decide, install mud flaps, treat the bottom anticorrosive and use winter tires 205/55 R16.

How much does insurance cost for a Supra A80 in Russia?

The cost of compulsory motor insurance for Toyota Supra A80 in 2026 is 12,000–18,000 rub. (depending on the region and driver experience). CASCO will cost 80,000–150,000 rub. due to the high cost of spare parts and the risk of theft. Many insurance companies refuse to insure JDM cars older than 20 years, so you will have to look for specialized offers.

How to distinguish an original Skyline R34 GT-R from a replica?

Original R34 GT-R has:

  • VIN starting with BNR34 (for right-hand drive models).
  • Original engine RB26DETT with a number matching the body number.
  • All-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS Pro (checked by availability of handout).
  • Original wheels BBS LM or Nismo LM-GT4 (on later models).

Replicas are often collected at the base Skyline GT-T (with engine RB25DET) or even Laurel.

Is it possible to put the 2JZ-GTE engine in the Skyline R34?

Technically possible, but it is a complex and expensive project ($15 000–$25 000). You will need:

  • Manufacturing of custom engine mounts.
  • Replacing the gearbox (for example, with Getrag V160 from Supra).
  • Reworking the exhaust system and fuel line.
  • ECU tuning (e.g. Haltech Elite or Link G4+).

There are no ready-made kits for such a swap, so you will have to turn to specialists in custom builds.