1986 Toyota Corolla GTS — Specifications and Overview of the Iconic 80s Hot Hatch

5 min readSep 3, 2023

The 1986 Toyota Corolla GTS has achieved legendary status among Japanese sports compacts of the 1980s. This distinct hatchback model combined nimble handling, peppy performance, and standout styling in an affordable package.

This guide will provide an in-depth look at the features, specs, model history, and legacy of the 1986 Corolla GTS that make it so coveted even today. We’ll see how it stacked up in its era and why it remains an iconic car from the decade.

Origins of the 1986 Toyota Corolla GTS

The rear-wheel drive Corolla GTS debuted in 1984 as Toyota’s performance spin on the economical Corolla. The lightweight hatchback featured:

Thrifty yet powerful 1.6L 4A-GE engine
Firm sports-tuned suspension
Driver-focused 5-speed manual transmission
Distinctive angular body panels and spoiler

The GTS, along with the concurrent Sprinter Trueno, represented Toyota’s bid to dominate the 80s pocket rocket market.

Drivetrain and Performance Specs

At the heart of the 1986 Corolla GTS was a 1.6-liter 4A-GE 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder engine:

112 horsepower at 6,600 RPM
97 lb-ft torque at 6,800 RPM
9.4:1 compression ratio
Electronic fuel injection

This free-revving engine enabled energetic acceleration from a standstill and at speed:

0–60 mph in 9.1 seconds
Top speed of 115 mph

All this power reached the rear wheels via a fun-shifting 5-speed manual driving the rear wheels.

Key Tech and Mechanical Details

In addition to its zippy engine, the 1986 Corolla GTS featured carefully engineered components:

4-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts
Front stabilizer bar for nimble cornering
Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
Front disc and rear drum brakes
Fuel capacity of 11.1 gallons
Curb weight of just 2,250 pounds

This precision matching of components resulted in agile handling and a connected feel for drivers.

Exterior Styling and Dimensions

The 1986 Corolla GTS stood out in a crowd thanks to its angular body and sporty accents:

158.7 inches long, 64.6 inches wide, 50.6 inches high
Aerodynamic polyurethane front air dam
Flush-mount halogen headlights
Fog lights integrated into mesh grille
Distinct side skirts and rear valance
Frameless door windows
Low-profile rear hatch spoiler

These body enhancements reduced drag while amplifying the car’s athletic personality versus a standard Corolla.

Interior Features and Ergonomics

The 1986 Corolla GTS interior focused on essentials to emphasize the driving experience:

Sport front bucket seats with side bolsters
Tilt steering wheel
Graphic equalizer and stereo cassette player
Manual climate controls
Analog tachometer, speedometer, and gauges
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter, and brake handle
Available digital instrument panel

The cockpit design instilled the feel of a sports car rather than economy car.

How Much Does the 1986 Toyota Corolla GTS Cost Today?

As a highly sought-after Japanese classic, the 1986 Corolla GTS fetches lofty prices for prime examples:

Good condition: $8,000 — $18,000
Concours restored: $20,000 — $30,000+
Rare AE88 model: $35,000+

Only 7,500 GTS Corollas were produced for 1986. Values continue appreciating given scarcity and strong enthusiast demand.

Comparing the 1986 GTS to the AE86 Trueno

The concurrent Sprinter Trueno is mechanically identical to the Corolla GTS but sold under Toyota’s Sprinter marque:

Same standard features and performance
Trueno offered upgraded trim options
Corolla has fixed headlights; Trueno pop ups
Trueno generally more rare and valuable

The AE86 generations of these 80s icons are revered by drifters and collectors alike for their balanced RWD handling.

How the GTS Compared to 80s Sports Compacts

The 1986 Corolla GTS stacked up well versus others in the 80s hot hatch ranks including:

VW GTI — Nearly as quick, but heavier and more understeer prone
Honda Civic Si — Slower and less powerful, but superb revving engine
Mazda 323 GTX — Heavier and torque-steer inclined despite turbo power
Ford Escort GT — Quick in a straight line but lacked handling acuity

While pricier models made more peak power, the GTS had an irresistible free-revving character.

Reasons Behind the 1986 Corolla GTS Legendary Status

Several factors cemented the 1986 Corolla GTS as an automotive icon:

Giant-slaying performance on a budget
Perfect chassis balance and steering feel
Head-turning wedge-shaped exterior
Durable and reliable mechanicals
Shared DNA with drifting legend AE86 Trueno
Starring role in Initial D manga/anime series

With time, the attributes that made the GTS special then continue endearing it to automotive enthusiasts today.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about this legendary 1980s Toyota:

Were all GTS models rear-wheel drive?

Yes, RWD was essential to the GTS performance orientation compared to front-drive standard Corollas.

Did the GTS have any common problems?

Notorious issues include oil leaks, premature clutch wear, and brake rotor warp if driven hard. But overall durability is excellent.

How is the AE88 GTS different from the base AE86?

The AE88 featured slightly revised styling cues like headlights and taillights but identical performance.

What transmission did the 1986 GTS use?

A 5-speed manual was the sole transmission paired with the high-revving 4A-GE engine.

How many are estimated to still exist?

Rough estimates suggest around 2,000 1986 Corolla GTS cars likely remain based on initial sales volumes.

More than just another retro hatchback, the 1986 Corolla GTS exceeds legend status in the Japanese classics realm thanks totimeless styling and performance. This glimpse into its history and technical details showcases why it remains so coveted over three decades later. For motorsports fans, the rear-drive GTS is an integral part of 1980s car culture.

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