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Best Sports & Performance Cars From The 1980s

The 1980s. Peak Michael Jackson. MTV. The Atari 2600. Mullets, hi-top fades and big perms. Throw some epic sports cars into the mix. What a time it was to be alive.

Many enthusiasts argue that when civilization’s odometer rolled over into the ’90s, the automotive industry also began to crest over the widespread preference for analog technologies, into an era ruled by microchips and computers. Today, that movement has proliferated into one where artificial intelligence is on the cusp usurping the current status quo.

All of those things make the ’80s all the more romantic for those who have time to reminisce; and that certainly is the majority of us in recent times. Automobiles of this era typify this sentiment, regardless of whether you’re someone who lived through the period, or have had to experience it through a third-party lens. There’s a purity and down-to-earth-ness that only sports cars from the 1980s can express in this style.

While the ‘fast’ cars of the day were always respected for what they were, a good sports car was never touted solely based on its 0-60 mph times, or how much horsepower it produced. This narrow-minded measuring stick is more of a recent phenomenon – spurred on mostly by marketing departments – though thankfully, true automotive enthusiasts usually know better. It’s this demographic which typically maintains an admiration towards boxy silhouettes, pop-up headlights, laggy turbos and high-revving naturally-aspirated engines – cars with no shortage of character and charisma.

Here’s the shortlist of 15 such cars, which we have curated:

Audi Quattro

The Audi Quattro is a prominent figure in automotive history. First introduced in 1981, the Audi Quattro would revolutionize rally racing; and subsequently the trajectory of production car technology. It was the first rally car to effectively and reliably use all-wheel drive and would go on to to be a benchmark for future cars fitted with such a drivetrain.

Eventually, it would be replaced with the Audi Sport Quattro in 1984, after shortcomings of the aforementioned car – such as its relatively large weight and dimensions – became too apparent. Taking advantage of the lenient homologation requirements of the time, Audi engineers went full tilt in creating a successor to the Quattro, doing so after producing the required 200 Sport Quattro cars. It was equipped with an entirely unique 5-cylinder turbocharged powerplant which produced 302 hp @ 6,500 rpm, which was equally impressive technology for the day.

BMW M3 E30

Based on the 1986 model year E30 3-Series, the E30 M3 used the BMW S14 engine to transform the diminutive commuter into a driver-focused, rear-wheel-drive sports car for the true enthusiast. The naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine produced 215 PS without a catalytic converter. Our pick is the the “Evolution” model which had produced up to 220 PS and included thinner rear and side window glass, a lighter boot lid, a deeper front splitter and an additional rear spoiler.

Yes, the E30 is the genesis for one of the greatest sports car in the world. Because of homologation, BMW had to create a roadworthy version of the M3 racing car to compete and they did it in a spectacular fashion. BMW made mincemeat out of Mercedes in DTM and ruled British Touring Car, and many other racing series. The E30 M3 was produced out of necessity and it was a great success.

Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z

Few cars were as synonymous with US culture as the Chevrolet Camaro was back in the ’80s, and the IROC-Z was the epitome of this. The car also typified the golden era of “American Muscle”, and was fitted with a 5.7L naturally-aspirated V8 engine which produced 220 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque.

With its decidedly angular silhouette which was worn over a red-leather interior – plus a removable T-top to boot – not many things could embody the American dream quite like the IROC-Z. For these reasons, the car continues to maintain a cult-following to this day.

Ford RS200

For years, many people were baffled when they opened up the Guinness Book of Records and discovered that the world’s fastest accelerating car was a none other than a Ford – and a curiously small, almost goofy-looking one at that.

Ford has created some phenomenal motorsport machines, but one that often gets overlooked is the RS200. Aside from the Ford GT, it has to be up there as my favorite Ford car. Built from the ground up as a Group B rally car, the RS200 was a short wheelbase, four-wheel drive missile which demanded both incredible finesse and bravery, to extract its full potential.

In order to meet homologation requirements, the FIA required that 200 road going models needed to be produced. The road car featured a 1.8-litre Cosworth tuned four-cylinder motor that produced around 250bhp. It continued to embody its rally roots with its characteristically short overhangs, large hood scoop, roof air-inlet, and eccentric rear wing. Already a lot to handle for even the best drivers, 24 of the 200 cars were upgraded to the 600 bhp Evolution spec by owners who wanted more power. After the death of Henri Toivonen in 1986, Group B cars were banned and the RS200 was retired after only two years of competition.

Honda CRX Si

I don’t think many would argue against the idea of the Honda CRX – particularly its range-topping Si model – being one of the forefathers of the sport compact movement that would eventually hit the North American continent with the force of a tsunami. Reliable, practical, fun, sporty and affordable, the CRX was one of the first cars on the planet to successfully amalgamate each of these characteristics into a single package with unanimous appeal.

Unheard of, even in modern times, the CRX Si features a fully independent double-wishbone suspension at all four wheels. The 1.5L 4-cylinder perfectly complimented the agility of the chassis, producing a spritely 105 hp and 98 lb-ft of torque on a feather-light 2,017 lb. frame. With a 5-speed manual transmission, the Si would accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 8.5 seconds.

The Honda CRX has undoubtedly become one of the most beloved Hondas ever produced.

Mazda RX-7 Turbo II

It’s not a very well kept secret that the FC3S Mazda RX-7 was generally considered – and at times, even marketed – as a poor man’s Porsche 924. The rotary-powered car was inherently unique because of how it moved, but its decidedly ’80s-era Japanese styling also contributes to its overall charm. Boxy features, pop-up headlights and a delightfully analog interior, the RX-7 depicted that era of JDM-ness to an absolute ‘T’.

The Turbo II was a cut above the other models, featuring – as its name suggests – a turbocharged power plant instead of the naturally-aspirated wankel engines seen in the rest of the line-up. The rear-driven Turbo II outputs 182 hp and 183 lb-ft of torque with the help of a single turbocharger. Mazda recently announced that it will be offering a heritage parts program for the RX-7, which will make it easier for owners to restore their cars with factory parts.

Nissan Skyline GT-R R32

As one of Japan’s most celebrated performance cars, the Nissan Skyline GT-R has developed an immense racing pedigree that includes over 200 race wins, five consecutive championship wins in the all Japanese Touring Car Championships and the unofficial lap record for a production car at the world-famous Nürburgring. Every aspect of the Skyline GT-R, from the aerodynamics to body rigidity, has been fine-tuned through competitive racing.

As a road car, the R32 GT-R reached new heights of sophistication. Multi-link suspension front and rear, electronically controlled intelligent four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering, a 2.6L 24-valve straight-6 powerhouse of an engine boosted to 276 hp by a pair of ceramic turbochargers – the R32 pushed forward the boundaries of supercar engineering. While the general public tends to refer to the later R34 GT-R as ‘Godzilla’, true enthusiasts know that the R32 is the real OG here.

Peugeot 205 GTi

Peugeot is the hot hatch automaker. No other automotive brand has consistently delivered small, sporty and agile cars that are so amazing to drive. From the original Peugeot 205 T16 to the sleeper Peugeot 405 Mi16, there are many fan-favorites that have come from the French company.

Many people believe the 205 GTI is the greatest small hatch of all time. Thanks to its 128 hp 1.9L engine (the original produced 113 hp from a 1.6L), it was hugely popular. Lightweight, agile and brimming with feedback, this dynamic hot hatch captivated everybody.

The thing that stands out with the 205 GTI is the way it drove. Direct steering, strong performance and a sports car chassis; it just “felt right”, engaging drivers in every part of the driving experience. Remains a benchmark for hot hatches, even today.

Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2

The Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 was introduced in 1984, effectively replacing the 911 SC. Thanks to a retuned suspension geometry, a bump in power, and a more bulletproof drivetrain, this final production run of G Series cars remain some of the most sought after 911s in the classic car market.

In 1987, Porsche launched the 3.2 Carrera Club Sport, and while it isn’t an official “RS” model, the car managed to hit a sweet spot for amateur racers who would do just as well with a more spirited version of the 911. The car is a more spartan version of the regular 911 road cars, produced with track-use in mind.

Weight reduction was a large part of the formula for the Club Sport, which had forgone luxury items seen on the regular Carreras, such as a sunroof. Depending on options, the Club Sport would shed between 50kg to 100 kg over the aforementioned. Improved engine internals also allowed the engine to be more smooth and responsive. Only 340 were produced worldwide.

Porsche 944 Turbo

The 944 Turbo’s 217 hp 4-cylinder engine with water-cooled turbo technology not only received lots of praise, but it also chalked up several motorsport successes. Experts celebrated its debut as the fastest car in the world which was fitted with a catalytic converter, and even the cleanest automobile in the world; others simply summed it up as ‘Porsche technology at its finest’.

From the excellent weight distribution – which earned it numerous handling accolades when new – to the nostalgic traits of German build quality – evident even in the ‘soft click’ when closing a door – the 944 is a reminder of a special period in Porsche’s history. Add to that, 2+2 practicality and a spacious rear hatch, and the 944 is a classic you can use daily. The 944 Turbo differed from the basic model visually through its aerodynamically optimized front end, black door-sill trims at the sides and the color-coded rear-end diffuser.

Saab 900 Turbo

These days, you’d be hard-pressed to find many people who remember Saab as a brand, nor as one of the pioneers of bringing turbochargers to the mainstream. But, they were most certainly both of those things, with the company’s heyday taking place during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Part of this quest included fitting those aforementioned forced-induction devices into their Saab 900 Turbo, which was a hatch…which kind of also makes the 900 Turbo the pioneer of the modern-day hot hatches we see today.

With a quirky appearance which borderlines on being a caricature of itself, the 900 Turbo was had that characteristic sense of solidity and Scandinavian minimalism. This made the cars undoubtedly reliable – bulletproof, some would say – and an absolute joy to drive. A hot hatch, before hot hatches were cool.

Toyota Corolla GT-S

The AE86 Toyota Corolla is a cultural icon in Japan, and its unique JDM aura has also captivated enthusiasts from all over the world. Many attribute the international popularity of the car to its association with the original and real-life “Drift King”, Tsuchiya Keiichi, and its starring-role in the internationally-enjoyed Initial D anime series. Back in Japan, the AE86 was always popular in grassroots motorsports and was one of the first cars to make “drifting” a real thing.

Small, nimble and powered by a high-revving naturally aspirated engine, the AE86 is arguably the most sought-after in its hatchback body-style, although coupes are also a popular choice. Catching sight of a properly-kept example on the road these days seems to be a bit more rare than it should be – after all, they were solidly built cars – but when it does happen, it takes you back in time like no other car can.

Toyota MR2

The Toyota MR2 was the marriage of prime ’80s JDM characteristics, with the excitement of a mid-mounted engine. As a family unit, that made the MR2 reliable, sporty, affordable, and – for one of the first times in a mass-production Japanese car – exotic too. Certain crowds like to compare the car to the Pontiac Fiero, which was released one year before it, but the fact is that the MR2 was a cut above its competitor which was plagued with various malaise.

For its time, the MR2 had just about all the features you would expect in an exotic car, but scaled down a bit. Namely, a 1.6L inline-four engine mounted ahead of the rear axle, disc brakes all around, a 5-speed manual transmission and a fully-functional rear spoiler. In 1987, a supercharged variant was introduced, producing 145 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque as well as having the option to spec the car as a Targa-top with a removable glass panel.

Volvo 740 Turbo Wagon

Volvos – particularly some of the older platforms such as the 740 Turbo Wagon – have been the subject of a growing following over the years, as performance enthusiasts and grassroots circuit drivers alike have discovered the now hard-to-keep-secret that is its Redblock B230FT engine.

Built on a decidedly Scandinavian philosophy of minimalism and straight-forwardness, the Redblock engines have a reputation above all else, for being extremely bulletproof. This is the reason you see more of those old-school Volvo wagons and sedans (amicably referred to as “Turbo Bricks”) on the road today than maybe you should. Rear-wheel drive, turbocharged, and as solidly-built as a freight train, the Volvo 740 Turbo Wagon upholds the most sacred Scandinavian automotive philosophies with the utmost honor and diligence.

Volkswagen Golf Mk2 GTI

Yet another hot hatch on this list, the Volkswagen Golf Mk2 is the second generation of the Volkswagen Golf, and the successor to the Volkswagen Golf Mk1. It was Volkswagen’s highest volume seller during the decade and had a production run spanning from 1983 to 1992. With so much competition in this segment at the time, the Golf initially struggled to find its feet as its rivals pulled ahead.

The introduction of the range-topping GTI model in 1984 helped turn the tide, with a 1.8L inline-4 engine featuring Bosch fuel injection as the centerpiece of this riposte. Later GTI models were available with a more powerful 16-valve engine – versus an 8-valve in the earlier editions – which produced 127 hp and 124 lb-ft of torque, which was then sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. All GTI models sported the now-iconic distinctive red trim around the front grill, as well as the signature ‘golf ball’ shift knob – a tradition which continues on today’s GTI-badged cars.

July 6, 2021 / Comments Off

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Best Sports & Performance Cars From The 2000s

As someone who experienced a good chunk my adolescent years in the early 2000s, this decade is up there as one of the most memorable, and certainly the most influential when it comes to cars. In terms of becoming an automotive enthusiast, these were the formative years that would go on to put me on a trajectory where I would eventually be writing this very article as a contributor for supercars.net!

Suffice to say, this list is very special and personal to me, and that certainly wouldn’t have been the case if not for some of the most outstanding cars being produced during this decade. In my opinion, this time period was the heyday of Japanese sports cars – I don’t think I’m alone in this sentiment, as there are countless pop culture, social media and grassroots references to support this theory. Don’t worry; I’ve made many picks from both sides of the hemisphere, as there were great products coming out of Europe and North America too.

Even today, I would reckon that every single car that has made it onto this list continues to remain in high (and often increasing) regard. More than 20 years on, they’ve all become iconic cars and many of them are more relevant today than ever before. This is reflected in the highly inflated values seen for these cars on the used market, with many models going for near-or-above brand new MSRP, even after adjusting for inflation.

Here’s the shortlist of 10 such cars, which we have curated:

Honda S2000

For many years, Honda’s beloved roadster held the distinction of producing the most hp per liter of any car on the planet, via its F20C engine. Despite being a convertible, the S2000 is renown for its rigid chassis which helps to provide one of the most raw driving experiences one can have in a production road car. The slick 6-speed manual – the only choice of transmission – was a perfect match to the car’s 2.0L VTEC powerplant which produced 240 hp and revved all the way up to 9,000 rpm.

Later variants of the S2000 featured a strokered 2.2L engine which delivered more power in the lower rev-range and had slightly shorter gearing to improve acceleration. The Honda S2000 embodies everything that is awesome about a naturally-aspirated sports car that is built around the driver; and now, many enthusiasts and collectors alike are seeking to own their piece of its brilliant history.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C5 & C6)

Chevy’s Corvette has a storied history, and the C5 (1997-2004) and C6 (2005-2013) models have almost an equal share of playing time in the 2000s decade. The C5 Corvette Z06 was introduced in 2001 and produced 405 hp from a 5.7L naturally-aspirated V8 LS6 engine. The C5 has aged well, and is considered by many in the motorsport community to be one of the best “budget race cars” you can buy today. The C6 Corvette Z06 arrived as a 2006 model, and is most renown for its 7.0L naturally-aspirated V8 LS7 which produced 505 hp.

To this day, the C6 remains the most powerful naturally-aspirated engine Chevrolet has ever assembled – as next-gen Z06 engines would go on to be supercharged – making it the darling amongst Corvette enthusiasts.

Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)

As far as pop culture icons go, the Nissan Skyline GT-R has cemented a reputation as one of the world’s most revered automobiles. Whether you’re a young teenager who has only been able to experience one through your favorite video game, or a wealthy car collector looking to add a unicorn to your garage, the R34 (1998-2002) Skyline GT-R in particular, checks everyone’s boxes.

Some would argue that the Skyline GT-R only gained international recognition thanks to the “Fast & Furious” movie series, but those into JDM car culture or motorsport were well aware of “Godzilla’s” credentials well before the silver screen event. The Skyline GT-R produced 280 hp (which could easily be tuned to much, much more) from a twin-turbocharged RB26 engine and featured an all-wheel drive system with HICAS, allowing it to become a dominating force on both circuits and mountain roads alike.

BMW M3 (E46)

The E46 (2000-2006) BMW M3 was in a league of its own: it possessed the chiseled good-looks that older and less handsome E36 never had, and didn’t have the bubbly-like demeanor of the E90. Add to that, an iconic inline-6 engine that was lighter (and in my opinion, has more character) than its successor’s V8, and you have a truly balanced and pure driving machine. The E46 also had mechanical steering, but would forgo most of the electrical helpers or ‘nannies’ that the later generations of M3 cars would have as standard.

It was more advanced than the E30 that came before it, and not as bloated as its successors. It was the ideal concoction of luxury and raw driving purity. It had the best of all worlds; and that’s why we believe that the E46 is the perfect M3.

Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)

Epitomizing rotary performance, the FD (1992-2002) Mazda RX-7 is one of the planet’s most famous automobiles, particularly amongst JDM car enthusiasts and the broader tuning community. While spending most of its life in the 1990s era, the FD3S cuts a very modern silhouette for its age, featuring just the right amount of curves and bulges which helped to create its timeless design – even during a period when “boxy” looking cars were the more predominant template.

In that sense, the RX-7 is often perceived to be a 2000s era car, which speaks volumes of its credentials. Of course, it’s engine was revolutionary too, with the 2-rotor twin-turbocharged 13B-REW engine becoming popular for its performance potential and unique personality.

Honda NSX (NA2)

When the NSX was first introduced to the world in 1990, it sent shockwaves throughout the automotive dimension, pioneering an unprecedented amalgamation of characteristics and engineering principles. At a time when the words ‘supercar’ and ‘reliability’ couldn’t be spoken in the same sentence, the formula Honda used to create the NSX resulted in a vehicle that was truly unique for its time – it had all of the desirable characteristics of a supercar, but was packaged with the same reliability, build quality and sensibility of a Honda Accord.

Shortly after the NA2 facelift in 2002, Honda released a Type-R version of the NA2 NSX which was exclusive for MY2002 and for the Japanese market only – just like it did for the NA1 NSX in 1992. By this time, the Type-R moniker had become the official signature of ultimate Honda roadcar performance, and the 2002 Honda NSX Type-R (officially abbreviated to NSX-R on this occasion), certainly lived up to its badge.

Lotus Exige (Series 2)

If you ever want a true track car, any Exige model is a great choice. Fun, playful and seriously quick, it will trouble almost any exotic (old and new) on more technical circuits. The Exige was updated to the ‘Series 2’ beginning in 2004 and received a 192 hp Toyota Celica engine and 6-speed manual gearbox. As for chassis, the Series 2 Exige rides on a 10% stiffer suspension setting than the Elise 111R. But most significant, is the adoption of Yokohama A048 semi-slick tires, helping the new Exige corner quicker and flatter than the Elise.

It wasn’t just track driving that improved, with the Series 2 Exige cars also being more comfortable and smooth on regular roads too. As expected, several updates were made during the the 7-year production run, including the release of over a dozen special edition and limited edition cars.

Dodge Viper ACR

Even if the Dodge Hellcat is hogging all the headlines these days, there’s always something you have to admire about the lunacy of having a two-seater sports car powered by a naturally-aspirated 8.4L V10 engine. No, the Dodge Viper doesn’t do subtlety very well. Yes, it does happen to fall under the ‘Old Testament’ definition of awesome. With 640 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque being produced from that colossus of an all-aluminum engine, the Viper has the exhaust note of a semi-dormant volcano.

It would make absolutely no sense at all if it wasn’t just so damn fast. Variants such as the SRT-10 and ACR-X took the road-going version of the car to the next level, with the latter being a turn-key, non-street legal race car which participates in Viper racing leagues around the world.

BMW Z8

The new millennium super roadster: The BMW Z8. With breathtaking looks and classic proportions, the BMW Z8 was presented the beginning of 2000 as the latest addition to the portfolio of sporting two-seaters. The Z8’s appearance is as equally thrilling as its trendsetting chassis structure, this being a self-supporting aluminum frame called ‘space frame’. This is wrapped in a sleek body shell featuring screw-on components.

Under the bonnet there is a high-performance V8 sports motor displacing five liters. Impressive power of 400 bhp is transmitted to the wheels by a six-speed transmission. Today, the BMW Z8 has become a bit of a unicorn car with a cult following of wealthy collectors. Most examples are going for around US$250,000 on the used market – almost double the brand new MSRP.

Porsche Boxster (986)

The Porsche Boxster (986) was introduced in late 1996 and would be produced until 2004. The car featured a water-cooled, 2.5L flat-6 engine rated at 201 hp. A mid-engine layout provided the Boxster with a low center of gravity, near-perfect weight distribution, and neutral handling. It also shared many of the same body components as the new 911 including the same bonnet, front wings, headlights, interior and engine architecture.

In hindsight, the Boxster was the right car, at the right time, for both enthusiasts and for Porsche alike. It quickly became a hot seller and steadied the ship at Porsche, broadening the brand’s appeal to the mass market and helping to establish the foundation upon which it is so successful today. Reviewers gushed that the car was near perfect.

June 3, 2021 / Comments Off

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This Ultra Low Mileage 1994 Mazda RX-7 Is For Sale

How High Will It Go?

The Mazda RX-7 has become an iconic car. The sports car features a 13B-REW rotary engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. 1990s RX-7s have been going up in value recently, and this particular model should fetch a good price at Bring A Trailer.

The model is a 1994 Mazda RX-7 Touring. It has a crazy-low 4600 miles on the odometer and looks absolutely amazing. It’s all stock, too which is rare for these because tuners love to fiddle with the RX-7. It has a clean Carfax and Virginia title. Whoever owned this took good care of it over the last two and a half decades.

According to the seller, it sat for 12 years. Recently, the car was serviced to ensure it functions well. The car was given an oil change and a new oil filter, spark plugs, and battery. The old fuel was drained from the gas tank and new fuel added. It should now run like a dream.

The Touring version of the RX-7 comes with some special equipment, including fog lights, a rear wiper, a sunroof, and a factory spoiler. This particular model comes with the tan leather interior and tan carpet. The interior looks as pristine as the exterior. If you’re interested in this car, you’ll have to outbid the competition. At the time of this writing, that means you’ll need to pony up more than $42,500.

April 19, 2019 / Comments Off

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