An AE86 is just a hunk of rusty steel like any other car from the 1980s.
I dont understand why you get warm and fuzzy owning one? I get that from my KE but its purely because its hella fun to drive and thrash them. The looks on peoples faces when you spank them with an old corolla.
Its much the same spaghetti in a different can. Its just that you guys are still brainwashed by a marketing campaign and cheezy film to think you have noble abilities by owning one. haha. Hope your having fun living the dream.
I think the glass in the hatch of an AE86 is massively heavier than in a KE, 10kg, nah more like 20kg heavier. When you have glass that size and laying as flat as it is, it needs to be of a certain minimum thickness to be strong enough not to crack under daily road use, bumps etc.
The KE70 rear window has a thin glass panel, that is more upright and therefore will flex less and is very thin and more curved, which makes it stronger a little without needing it to be thicker. I have one loose here from a KE70 and it weighs next to nothing.
Some of the extra weight is in the head of the AE86 owner it seems. Lifting the centre of gravity up higher. Im joking relax, hahaha.
Seriously though, I say these things in jest, I just think some of the pure AE86 people like KidKarola lack some perspective, and tend to assume everything about the AE86 is better/golden/desirable/hektic/sporty, regardless whether they have any experience from both sides of the argument.
If you want to talk about what is the better stock vehicle, I think KE70s outsold AE85s and AE86s worldwide by at least 15 to 1. There were so many different xe7x variants over a longer time. Japan had the te71 models in 79 I believe and they were continued in NZ and South Africa until 1987 I think. AE86s were around for less time as we all know, 1983 to 1987.
So the ke70 wins the sales war by a landslide. I gaurantee the T, and K motors are going to outlive any 4ac/3au by at least 100000klms, with or without oil changes. There is more body types and shapes in the xe7x lineup, so more varied appeal to more people.
I particularly enjoy that there is no scene or hype surrounding the xe7x range. Theres something for everyone, those who love dog ugly cars can have a t18, the sedan fans get a sedan, theres panos and wagons for those with dogs or a family to shuffle around, or a business to run. Hell, theres even 2 doors for those who want a sporty look.
The stiffness comparison is I think in general in favour of the xe7x, but I also think such comparisons these days are more related to how the car has been treated for the last 25-30 years as opposed to what the factory did. My old AE71 felt a bit floppy, but my 2 since have been far stiffer, impressively so.