Japanese Cars and Their American Counterparts- A guide for JDM enthusiasts

There is an obvious large divide between American and Japanese car enthusiasts. The age old rivalry is fun and all, but it turns out that we all like certain cars for very similar reasons and purposes. Here is a quick list of Japanese cars that have quite a bit in common with certain American models.

The Mustang GT and Nissan 370 Z

If you want a fairly “balanced” modern performance coupe, American car guys will usually suggest a Camaro, Challenger, or Mustang. Because I’m slightly biased, I’ve chosen the Mustang here. For around 30 grand you get a ~430 hp v8, and today the handling of the mustang has been significantly improved. This car can be modified like crazy, with hundreds of options for every inch of the car.

By nature, the 370 z is far more of a handling based car, but the motors still have potential to make plenty of power. The one pictured has twin turbos! It costs nearly as much as a mustang, and for a new Japanese coupe that isn’t a GTR or frs, it’s a very appealing balanced option.

The Corvette Z06 and MK 4 Supra

What do these cars have in common? Well, they provide great performance for the price, and embarrass almost every super car. Like supras, corvettes have plenty of potential in the aftermarket to make big power. The body profiles of the cars are quite similar as well. Beyond that, the LS and 2Jz motors are probably the most famous motors in the car world, used in a plethora of motor swaps.

What you JDM fans need to get is that corvettes can also be had for good prices, and built into crazy high horsepower monsters like the good ‘ol Supra.

The Foxbody Mustang and Nissan 240

When it comes to cheap project car builds, JDM and US car fans each have a go to option. Both cars can be made into pretty stout drift cars, but they are also quite versatile. The foxbody pictured, owned by Matt Farrah, is meant for canyon carving and great handling. Adam LZ built his 240 for drifting, but then there’s also David Patterson who built his to be a “regular” fun car. Long story short, these cars are both the typical project car.

I hope you all found this interesting!

Sponsored Posts

Comments

Anonymous

MattRobinson editors pick?

10/13/2017 - 02:30 |
2 | 0
PN K

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hopefull

10/13/2017 - 02:32 |
2 | 1
KPS Lucky - Inactive

A Viper in the first picture!? Yes please!

10/13/2017 - 02:42 |
1 | 0
DJ N

The 240 and Fox. Much agree, you see both in many flavors

10/13/2017 - 03:28 |
1 | 0
Caro

imo the mustang and supra were a little more similar

10/13/2017 - 03:40 |
11 | 1
Driven to Drive 1

In reply to by Caro

I went more off of car rarity for those 2, and I really wanted a corvette for this comparison lol. Mustangs are far more common than surpas for me at least. You do see corvettes, but their appearance is more stunning.

10/13/2017 - 03:51 |
0 | 0
Driven to Drive 1

In reply to by Caro

Corvettes are also sort of like hatchbacks like supras lol!

10/13/2017 - 03:52 |
1 | 0
Jia the Supra Fanboy

In reply to by Caro

1993 Supra Turbo Skidpad: 0.95g - Car and Driver
E46 M3 Skidpad: 0.87g - Car and Driver
1992 RX-7 Skidpad: 0.93g - Motor Trend
when a supra fanboy talks facts oh no what happened is the world ending

oh and get this:
1999 SVT Cobra Skidpad: 0.88g - Car and Driver
better than the 2001 E46 M3 loool

10/13/2017 - 03:59 |
2 | 1
Nishant Dash

In reply to by Caro

Exactly!!

10/13/2017 - 05:27 |
0 | 0
Stig's Police Cousin

Corvette/Supra? Supra is only expensive because you’re buying a name, and only fast if you sink high dollars in it.

10/13/2017 - 06:37 |
0 | 0
FLixy Madfox

I don’t know why but when you said corvette I was really hoping for a line like
“Corvettes come LS Swapped from the factory!”

10/13/2017 - 13:08 |
0 | 0
TheMindGarage

I suppose you can say that, but I’m not convinced they’re that similar. What’s with the LFA and Viper at the top though (other than the fact that the LFA made me read this post xD)? They may both be FR N/A V10s, but they’re as different as you can get.

10/13/2017 - 16:06 |
0 | 0

Who doesn’t like a nice LFA and Viper ;)

10/13/2017 - 16:54 |
0 | 0
ᴶᵘˢᵗᴬᴿᵃⁿᵈᵒá

Meanwhile the Viper and LFA has the same engine base,is at the same level as eachother and offers a thrill of a ride

10/14/2017 - 10:13 |
0 | 0