The only thing Corolla about the AE-86 was the badge on the back. Yeah, they're overrated now because fan boys will pay stupid money for them, but man, what a fun little car to drive. More the GT-S than the SR5 version, but still... for what those cars cost new (and for what they could be picked up for 10 years ago), they'd quite happily outhandle and outperform a 325is of the same age for half the price. I know this because I owned both at the same time.
And the BR-Z/FRS is just a refreshingly honest, fun, somewhat reasonably priced little sports car. I love it. It's one of the only modern vehicles I actually like the styling of. It's also the only Toyota that will ever need a head gasket