Putting a highly-modified car against a pristine exotic is, in some trivial ways, a satisfying process. Though we can appreciate the social status afforded by a Lamborghini and the value that adds the the car’s price tag, there is something rewarding about trouncing an expensive exotic in a tuned monster like the Toyota Supra. As an aside, the Supra is hardly an inexpensive car, and modifying the machine takes a significant amount of dough. Nonetheless, the contrast endures, and people will never tire of seeing a modified import spanking an Italian stallion.

The Baltic Supra’s ordinary appearance wouldn’t turn many heads.

The Aventador is a slinky, ostentatious and incredibly dramatic machine that turns heads wherever it goes. The jet fighter-styling, the monstrous single-exit exhaust that spits blue flame on the overrun, and the fact it becomes a convertible at the touch of a button all add to the Monte Carlo-appearance that make it such an icon.

Contrasting those standards is the Toyota Supra, which looks almost pedestrian without huge, angular arches or a massive wing. In fact, this particular Supra has had its rear wing removed, and the body remains almost entirely stock. The only aesthetic giveaway to the improved performance is a big exhaust, a visible intercooler and some wider wheels. Building on its understated image, the Supra is almost a sleeper, and to those who have no interest in cars, would probably pass by unnoticed.

On 40 pounds of boost, the performance is anything but ordinary.

When the two take turns dueling on the freeway, the results are predictable, but still interesting. The wide powerband of the Lambo gives it the jump, but once the Supra gets into its stride and winds up its massive turbocharger, it emits a jetlike-whine and simply struts away from the proud Italian exotic. Disregarding the social status associated with these two cars, the performances alone are what we, as gearheads, really enjoy. This is not because the Supra represents a working class hero, but because, knowing how incredibly fast the Lamborghini is, the Supra’s speed becomes almost unbelievable.