The follow are a few general overviews of the different model types and variations
Factory Body Differences
Coupes/Notch back
Coupes are believed to weigh less on average due to the lack of a rear hatch/glass. The weight difference is minimal at best. Coupes are slightly more rigid in comparison to hatchbacks, again due to the lack of a hatch.
Hatchbacks/Lift backs
Hatches can haul more cargo. Australia only received Hatchbacks when in production.
Trueno:
The Trueno front end has pop up headlights. Never sold in Australia and Europe.
Levin:
Levins have the fixed headlights and more 'snubnose' look. These where sold only in Japan and Australia and Europe.
J-SPEC/A-SPEC Factory Differences
J-SPEC
J-Spec AE86:
Zenki Levin Front Bumper
Kouki Levin Front Bumper
Zenki Trueno Front Bumper
Kouki Trueno Front Bumper
J-Spec tail lights:
(Zenki Hatch)
(Kouki Hatch)
(Zenki Coupe)
(Kouki Coupe)
Miscellaneous:
KMPH Gauge Cluster
KMPH Digital Gauge Cluster
Right Hand Drive
A-SPEC
A-Spec AE86:
Zenki US Trueno Front Bumper
Kouki US Trueno Front Bumper
A-Spec tail lights:
(Zenki Hatch)
(Kouki Hatch)
(Zenki Coupe)
(Kouki Coupe)
Miscellaneous:
MPH Gauge Cluster
Left Hand Drive
Common Names For The AE86
"Corolla SR5" (Sport Runnabout 5 Speed) – AE86 with a 4A-C motor
"Corolla GTS" (Grand Touring Sport) – AE86 with a 4A-GE motor
"Hachi Roku" (Haachee Rokoo) – Japanese for the numbers 86
"Hachi Go" (Haachee Go) – Japanese for the numbers 85
"Trueno" (Tu-Reh-No) – Japanese for Thunder
"Levin" (Rebin) – Japanese for Lightning
"Sprinter" – (Euro & Asian Market Only)