Unpopular Opinion Time: The MKIV Supra is a Fatty

"Nauraushaun" (nauraushaun12) 03/12/2016 at 17:45 • Filed to: SUPRA

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The Supra is one of the most capable and revered cars to come out of the Japanese economy bubble from the 80s/90s. The mighty 2JZ, best friend of tuners everywhere, using some turbos to power the rear wheels only. But it’s ugly and fat and I hate it.

Full disclosure: I love the Nissan 300ZX (though I’m !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ), the car that set the benchmark for the Supra and these days plays second fiddle to it. That upsets me and therefore this post may contain a degree of bias. A few degrees really. 360 degrees. All the bias.

Disclaimer: the photos in this post are from when I parked my Z next to a Supra owned by a guy I know. It’s not stock, it’s not perfect and it’s definitely not my thing. But he’s young, he saved it from the wreckers and he painted it himself and I think that gives him a bit of a free pass.

The whole front of the car is a weird round blob, as if it’s desperate to move forward from the wedges of the 80s (especially the wedgerific MKIII) but it doesn’t know how so it’s just gloop. And if that just sounds like 90s design in a nutshell, this is doing it wrong. It’s not harmonious, it’s not even remotely interesting. It’s a featureless blob. The barely-there contours running down the bonnet are so insignificant they may as well not be there at all. The headlights don’t help either - big shapeless gaping bottom-feeder type things.

The rear is more of the same. Rounded, with a weird bulge coming out under the tail-lights, like a reverse muffin-top. The tail-lights themselves probably looked great in 1993, but are bland and are too obviously of their time. It’s exactly the same story with the spoiler (the stock one, not this one) - it shouts out loud that it’s from an era when big spoilers were cool and it was trying so very hard . These features are fads, which of course means they age like milk.

Stock Supra for reference: Rarest of the rare.

And what else is there? The side of the car is fatas well in the worst way. The whole thing just bulges out, like a balloon full of shit. There are weird intakes just in front of the rear wheels that lead straight to the…what, the tyre? Why? Do they even go anywhere at all? You’d expect something more functional from such a performant car. Even the wheels are fat - like a 5-spoke with added bloat. The stock wheels that is, good luck finding a stock Supra.

Don’t look too hard at this pic - just showin’ off the hole

So there we have it. It’s a fat car. At least it keeps this blobby theme strongly throughout the entire design, that’s something. But it’s nothing compared to its competitors. The low, sleek 300ZX. The lower, sleeker Mitsubishi 3000GT. Subaru SVX, FD RX-7, all of these cars are beautiful things next to the plump Supra. The Supra may best many of them in terms of pure performance, but looking at them side by side you’d never know it.

In closing I’d like to post few comparison pics featuring my old 300ZX. The Z is far from the leanest car of the era but even so you can see how the Supra’s waistline is much higher than the Z’s, how the Supra’s front looks bloated by comparison, how the rear looks too high and just wrong. The Z is also longer, being a 2+2 (not sure about the Supra). The Supra is short, fat and ugly - the chode of the JDM world.

How and why is the Supra so tall?

The Supra might even be lowered a bit - the Z sure isn’t

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 17:53

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I don’t think that’s an unpopular opinion. Pretty sure it’s fact. It’s kind of a pig. Like the 3000GT

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 17:53

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These features are fads, which of course means they age like milk.

They age like milk for a time immediately following their end of production, but if you take a look, it’s the cars that most exemplify and personify the styling of an era that become classics. Think of the ‘69 Charger, the Countach, the ‘59 Cadillac, etc. All overdone, all very period-specific, and 10 years after they released they probably looked horribly dated. But not now. The Supra is a future classic, which is why values have started to increase. You may not love it for its pure 90's-ness, but that’s part of its charm for most people.

Steve in Manhattan > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 17:55

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I’ve driven only one (the Toyota) and considered both before I bought ‘97 SHO. Oh to have that decision back.

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 18:03

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Not just you. I feel like I’m supposed to like it (being a closet JDM fanboy), but I couldn’t even bring myself to spend money on the Hot Wheels model.

El Rivinado > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 18:04

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I agree with you. Its the same reason why I don't like the FD RX-7 as well.

Danger Ranger XLT > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 18:05

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The only thing your comparison pictures show is how poorly 80's style wedges and t-tops have aged in comparison to what the Supra brings to the yard. Though I guess that’s why you’ve called it an unpolupar opinion.

MM54 > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 18:11

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I fully agree that the mk IV supra is one ugly duckling - Mk II looks the best, III in a close second. Then again I also think the FB and FC RX-7 look better than the FD so I’m not sure I have much credit for “what looks good to most people”

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 18:11

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I like the Supra, but think the FD RX7, 3000GT and 300ZX have aged better.

Nauraushaun > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 03/12/2016 at 18:14

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Aside from how I feel about the Supra, I agree.

Nauraushaun > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 03/12/2016 at 18:17

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You’re dead on about that. The same thought crossed my mind as I wrote it. I love things like the 80s digital dashes and t-tops and pop-up lights partially because they’re so of their time , so why don’t I get that with the Supra? I guess the Supra just rubs me the wrong way which paints the whole car in a bad light for me.

I think other 90s cars do 90s better, but the Supra was so 90s that, as you say, it will appreciate as a hallmark of the era.

Funktheduck > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 18:18

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I still like it. I wouldn't pay the prices they go for these days but I like it.

JeepJeremy > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 18:18

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That 300zx was yours?!?

Wow! That thing is sharp!!!!

Nauraushaun > MM54 03/12/2016 at 18:18

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I like the III a lot, it’s just so perfect, and such a perfect example of the later wedge designs.

Doesn’t help that every time you see a mark II it’s in terrible condition.

You prefer the FC to the FD? That’s true sacrilige that is! I’ve been slowly coming around to the FC for a few years now.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 18:21

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The Supra really only works in the 90's. And I kinda have a thing for 90's Toyota so...... I’m not so sure my opinion is based on just the looks.

PorkchoPlissken > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 18:21

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Mk3 was a heavyweight also. Mk1 and 2 are still some of my favorite cars ever made. Also, great looking z. Gotta love the t-tops.

MM54 > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 18:21

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Yeah, clean MkIIs are hard to come by for sure. There was a fairly straight mostly-stock turbo MkIII (in purple!) for sale nearby not too long ago, it’s one of those deals that it kills me that I had to pass it up since I don’t have anywhere to put more cars right now. I will own one at some point before too long!

I actually think the FB looks the best of the three! Performance-wise though the FD wins any time, but if I were to have an rx-7 magically appear in my driveway that cannot be sold (because otherwise I’d just pick the most valuable, sell it, and buy the one I want with profit) it would probably be FB or FC.

Nauraushaun > RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire 03/12/2016 at 18:23

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I felt that way a few years ago. I’ve since decided it’s ugly and everyone else is just misguided. Give in to your hate.

interstate366, now In The Industry > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 18:26

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I’ve come to this opinion as well. Agree that the MK3 is much more attractive.

Nauraushaun > Danger Ranger XLT 03/12/2016 at 18:27

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So triggered right now

daender > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 18:29

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The MK IV is big, but DAT ASS.

Do want, do want badly.

Also, the turbo ‘97 MK IV held the Car and Driver 70-to-0 mph braking distance record of 149 ft for 7 years until a Porsche Carrera GT beat in 2004 at 145 ft.

Nauraushaun > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 03/12/2016 at 18:29

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The 3000GT is sort of a mixed bag I think. Some of them have big wings and weird headlights that make them look very dated. Some aren’t so bad. I think the general design is pretty good.

Contrast to the Supra: they all have the same wing and few design changes. They’re all as ugly as each other.

Nauraushaun > daender 03/12/2016 at 18:35

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I don’t like fat asses. Especially when they’re as bulbous as that one.

Impressive. I did say the car is very capable. It’s just...ugly.

Nauraushaun > PorkchoPlissken 03/12/2016 at 18:37

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It was a heavyweight, they’re all big cars. But it didn’t look as fat. It carried its weight better.

Thanks, but I sold it :(

Nauraushaun > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 03/12/2016 at 18:40

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I like 90s Toyota too, I own an MR2 at the moment! I like the idea of the Supra, just not the execution.

Nauraushaun > MM54 03/12/2016 at 18:41

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Midnight purple? That’s a hard deal to pass up. I think I saw it on here if you (or somebody) posted it.

Fair enough, that’s cool. There are other things at play too - you could never find an FB or FC in acceptable condition. I assume your hypothetical assumes perfect condition.

bob and john > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 18:43

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Its okay, everyone has the right to be wrong time to time XD

Nauraushaun > JeepJeremy 03/12/2016 at 18:44

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It sure was! It wasn’t quite as sharp as it looked, but it was a very nice car. Finding a decent and unmodified one is so difficult.

Nauraushaun > Funktheduck 03/12/2016 at 18:44

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The prices they go for these days are absurd.

PorkchoPlissken > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 18:46

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300zx’s are pigs. I’ve got an 87. About 3200 lbs, loaded. Still so much fun to drive.

Birddog > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 18:51

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I worked in the body shop at a Toyota store when these were new. None of us really thought it was that attractive. We had 2 on the lot that sat there for about 8 months. (They both stickered near $50k)

I don’t think it would be as revered as it is if it weren’t for the FnF movie.

I’d take any previous gen Supra over the MKIV.

Nauraushaun > PorkchoPlissken 03/12/2016 at 18:52

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I’ve had an ‘84 and a ‘90 aside from this ‘94.

They are pigs :P A world of difference to the MR2 I have now, but still much fun even in NA form.

Nauraushaun > bob and john 03/12/2016 at 18:52

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Peter pls

Nauraushaun > Birddog 03/12/2016 at 19:01

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I do wonder how they would’ve fared without that movie. They are one of the quicker cars of the era, with that 2JZ. But surely they would’ve been less popular. I’m sure the one in these photos wouldn’t have been orange if not for the movie too.

Danger Ranger XLT > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 19:01

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That said, my opinions on cars are liable to change every few weeks. A guy I went to school with bought a 300ZX a couple years ago. And let me tell you, my want was strong. I think the Supra has aged better - and looked better when new - but that’s not to say a 300ZX is an awful thing! And Supras just cost soooooo much now.

PorkchoPlissken > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 19:01

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Yup, next on the list for me. Just have had trouble finding one without cancerous rust. Even in Texas.

Funktheduck > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 19:12

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They really are. Prices for all collectibles or interesting cars have shot up beyond average joe prices.

I remember back in high school I found a 66ish mustang fastback for sale for a couple grand. It was a little rough but drive able. Now a rusted out 60s fastback with no engine fetches 10-15 grand easy.

bryan40oop > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 19:26

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Fat? The 300zx was no light weight either.

Birddog > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 19:55

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I don’t think they’d be on an altar as they are now without the movie. It’d be more like how we look at the 300 ZX or 3000gt VR4.

SpAz > Nauraushaun 03/12/2016 at 20:49

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LOL hates blobby 90's car has blobby 90's car.

Nauraushaun > PorkchoPlissken 03/13/2016 at 00:02

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Good luck! Take it slow and you’ll get there

Nauraushaun > SpAz 03/13/2016 at 00:03

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They’re not the same I swear!

Nauraushaun > Birddog 03/13/2016 at 00:04

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But maybe it would be more like how we look at the FD RX7? Even without a big movie appearance, people revere them much and prices reflect that.

Nauraushaun > bryan40oop 03/13/2016 at 00:04

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I know, but it didn’t look it. It was relatively sleek.

Nauraushaun > Funktheduck 03/13/2016 at 00:05

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It’s endlessly depressing, the cars we should’ve bought a few years ago. Or shouldn’t have sold. I’m sure my 300ZX will be one day worth more than it is, but hopefully the MR2 goes up faster.

Funktheduck > Nauraushaun 03/13/2016 at 00:27

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My gf keeps saying I should sell my E30. Prices are just now starting to rise. I don't want to sell it but if I did, now isn't the time.

Birddog > Nauraushaun 03/13/2016 at 00:45

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The RX is a different animal. The popularity of cars that self destruct is purely a 2000s thing. I theorize it has to do with the number of people that want to cock strut on the internet increasing between 1998 and 2005.

Nauraushaun > Birddog 03/13/2016 at 01:08

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Self destruct? I thought it was fairly good so long as you treat it the right way. And people who buy a 20 year old car expect to have to treat it a certain way (or at least replace some things once in a while), so the RX7 comes out as an okay choice.

Nauraushaun > Funktheduck 03/13/2016 at 01:08

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You’re doing the right thing.

wafflesnfalafel > Nauraushaun 04/06/2016 at 23:18

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And wasn’t that final Supra delayed a year or two to spice it up after they found out what Nissan was doing with their Z? It is later 90's blobby vs late 80's/earlier 90's euro trim like the Z.

Nauraushaun > wafflesnfalafel 04/07/2016 at 23:18

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Exactly! The Z came out and set the world on fire in 1989 with 300hp. The Supra took a few years and bettered it in every way, because of course. People disrespect the Z, but it was only inferior because it did it first.

That’s what I meant when I said:

I love the Nissan 300ZX (though I’m no longer an owner ), the car that set the benchmark for the Supra and these days plays second fiddle to it.

wafflesnfalafel > Nauraushaun 04/08/2016 at 21:41

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and it’s arguable that the Supra didn’t better the Z... but we’ll leave that to the fan boys...

Nauraushaun > wafflesnfalafel 04/09/2016 at 08:38

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Right you are. The Supra was faster, but the 300ZX was more of a luxury car. More of a car for the people who can afford to buy one, rather than the walls of teenagers’ bedrooms.

The 300ZX certainly sold better, that’s a very significant marker of its success.