Below are three tables of information specific to the AE86. The actual specifications of the AE86 vary depending on where in the world it was sold. This is because Toyota produced the car to suit the market it was being sold in. As usual with Japanese cars, Japan received the fully featured version of the AE86, this is the version the specifications below are based on, and is the reason the JDM or Japanese Domestic Market version of the AE86 is such a collectable and is the true AE86.

There were two versions of the AE86 and two styles. The versions are commonly known by their Japanese names, firstly the zenki, early model and secondly the kouki, later model. The zenki was produced from 1983 until 1985 and the kouki from 1986 to 1987. The chassis remained the same throughout production with the only changes being aesthetic and minor strengthening of the transmission. The two styles available are the coupe and the hatchback. The coupe is generally thought of as being the stronger of the two and is slightly lighter, therefore is often chosen for racing purposes. The hatchback is the more well known shape and is usually more in demand than the coupe, this is partly due to a popular Japanese cartoon called Initial D.

The 4A-GE is one of the many variations of the 4A series engine. The GE is the high performance sport version of the 4A, the G signifies a wide angle twin cam head, and the E signifies EFI or Electronic Fuel Injection. The predecessor of the 4A-GE was the 2T-G, the 2T-G was the first of Toyotas now legendary series of twin cam engines. The 4A-GE has four main variations, briefly, these are the blue-top 88KW version found in the AE86 and AE82, the red-top 100KW version found in the AE92, the silver-top 120KW version found in the AE101 and finally the black-top 123KW version from the latest AE111. Below is a table of specifications for the JDM AE86 version.

The T-50 is a 5 speed manual transmission that was available in the AE86 and some early Celicas. The transmission uses a standard H gate selector. The T-50 is designed for use with 88KW low torque engines but is capable of much more. Most enthusiasts agree that the T-50 can handle 150KW without problems providing it is looked after, however if power output is higher a recommended upgrade is the bullet proof W55-W58 supra transmission.