Comparison // Drive865 vs Sixt
Drive865 vs Sixt at TYS
Sixt is the chain that sometimes stocks BMWs and Mercedes. We have a Supra with BMW DNA and a 1994 MR2. Genuinely different vehicles.
TL;DR
Sixt for one-way luxury travel and BMW/Mercedes without planning; Drive865 for sports cars purpose-built for East Tennessee's driving roads.
Side by side
Aspect
Sixt at TYS
Drive865 at TYS
Sixt at TYS
Pros
- BMW, Mercedes in premium classes sometimes available
- On-airport convenience
- One-way rentals
- Sixt+ program
Cons
- Premium vehicle availability not guaranteed at TYS
- No Dragon-specific sports cars
- Counter upsell process
- Credit card hold
Drive865 at TYS
Pros
- BRZ, Supra, MR2, WRX STI — confirmed sports cars
- No counter process
- Multi-day discount structure
- BMW DNA in the Supra — legitimately
Cons
- Off-airport — Economy Lot shuttle
- No one-way rentals
- Advance booking required
- No chain loyalty points
Sixt's genuine advantage
Sixt is the chain most likely to have a BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or occasionally a Porsche at a regional airport counter. For a traveler who wants a premium European car experience without pre-planning, Sixt is the best counter option at TYS — though availability of specific premium vehicles is never guaranteed at smaller airports.
Sixt also has their 24/7 service, one-way rental capability, and the Sixt+ program for frequent renters. For business travelers who want luxury without the enthusiast-car process, Sixt is the stronger counter alternative.
Drive865's advantage over Sixt
The Supra's BMW co-developed chassis and engine give it a direct connection to Sixt's BMW lineup — but the Supra on Tail of the Dragon is a different experience from a BMW 3 Series on TYS's exit ramp. Drive865's fleet is built specifically around East Tennessee's roads, not premium luxury standards.
The BRZ, MR2, and Miata aren't available at any counter rental in East Tennessee. These are the vehicles most worth renting specifically for the Dragon, Cherohala, and Foothills Parkway. Sixt's premium angle is still sedans and SUVs optimized for comfort; Drive865's angle is sports cars optimized for the road.
Frequently asked questions
Does Sixt have sports cars at TYS?
Sixt occasionally has fun cars or premium coupes, but not consistently at smaller regional airports like TYS. The Supra, BRZ, MR2, and Miata from Drive865 aren't replicable through Sixt's TYS inventory.
Is Sixt's BMW the same as the Supra?
The A90 Supra was co-developed with BMW — same platform as the Z4, same B58 engine, same ZF transmission. The driving character is BMW-adjacent but not identical to a BMW 3 Series or M car Sixt might carry.
What if I want a BMW at TYS?
Sixt is the best counter option for a BMW rental at TYS, though availability of specific models is not guaranteed at regional airports. For a Supra with BMW DNA and a confirmed booking, Drive865 is the more reliable option.
Can Sixt do one-way TYS to another airport?
Yes — Sixt handles one-way rentals between airports. Drive865 does not; all rentals return to the original pickup location.
How does Drive865 price compare to Sixt's premium segment?
Drive865's sports car rates are generally competitive with or cheaper than Sixt's premium/luxury segment pricing, particularly on multi-day rentals where Drive865's discount tiers apply.
Does Sixt have AWD vehicles?
Yes — Sixt's fleet includes AWD SUVs and occasionally BMW xDrive models. Drive865's AWD options are the WRX STI, WRX GT, and FJ Cruiser.
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