The 1980s was a decade of automotive innovation and excitement, as car manufacturers competed fiercely to produce machines that redefined speed and power on the roads. In this article, we will take a nostalgic journey back in time and explore the top 10 best cars from the 1980s that left an indelible mark on the automotive world. From the raw and powerful muscle of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 to the futuristic design and blistering performance of the Porsche 959, these cars captivated enthusiasts and cemented their place in history.
10. 1980 BMW E30 M3
- Engine: 2.3-litre inline-four
- Power: 192Hp
- Top Speed: Approximately 146 mph (235 km/h)
- Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in around 6.7 seconds
The BMW E30 M3 roared onto the scene as a legend, promptly securing its place as one of the most iconic and influential sports cars of its era. It has left a lasting impact on BMW’s M Division and remains a symbol of driving purity and performance, which makes it worthy of the tag – the top 10 best cars from1980s.
BMW manufactured just over 17,000 units worldwide during its production run, which makes it a rare classic car too. The M3 won numerous races and championships, including the German Touring Car Championship (DTM), British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), and World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).
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9. Porsche 944 Turbo
- Engine: 2.5-litre turbocharged inline-four
- Power: 220Hp
- Top Speed: Approximately 162 mph (261 km/h)
- Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in around 5.9 seconds
The Porsche 944 Turbo marked a significant milestone for Porsche as it became their first production car powered by a turbocharged engine. Renowned for its superb handling, the 944 featured an ideal 50-50 weight distribution, contributing to its impressive on-road performance. Its sleek and aerodynamic look was further enhanced by the distinctive pop-up headlights. Despite being a high-performance sports car, the 944 Turbo didn’t compromise on comfort. Inside, it boasted a well-appointed interior with power-adjustable seats, air conditioning, and the option of a sunroof, providing a pleasant driving experience for its fortunate occupants.
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8. Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1
- Engine: 5.7-litre V8
- Power: 375Hp
- Top Speed: Approximately 180 mph (290 km/h)
- Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in around 4.5 seconds
Interestingly the Corvette ZR-1 enters the list of top 10 best cars from the 1980s because of its performance and technological advancement. The ZR-1 is often regarded as one of the most expensive cars on sale at the time of its launch in 1988.
The base price of the ZR-1 was around $58,995, which was significantly higher as compared to the standard Corvette’s price of approximately $29,480. Chevrolet produced only 2,043 ZR-1s were produced, making them a rare find today. The 1988 ZR-1 was one of the first production cars to feature a keyless entry system, known as the “Active Key.” It allowed the driver to unlock the doors and open the hatch remotely.
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7. Ferrari Testarossa
- Engine: 4.9-litre flat-12
- Power: 390Hp
- Top Speed: Approximately 180 mph (290 km/h)
- Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in around 5.2 seconds
The Ferrari Testarossa, whose name translates to “redhead” in Italian, pays homage to its red-painted camshaft covers on the powerful 4.9-liter flat-12 engine. This moniker is inspired by the iconic 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa race car. The car’s distinctive side strakes, or “cheese grater” vents, became one of its most recognizable design features.
Beyond its automotive prowess, the Testarossa achieved cultural stardom by making appearances in various TV shows, movies, and music videos. Most notably, it became an emblem of style and sophistication in the TV series “Miami Vice,” where Sonny Crockett cruised in a white Testarossa equipped with a distinctive body kit. Despite its fame, the Testarossa’s production remained exclusive, with a total of approximately 7,177 units crafted throughout its manufacturing journey.
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6. Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV
- Engine: 5.2-litre V12
- Power: 455Hp
- Top Speed: Approximately 183 mph (295 km/h)
- Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in around 4.9 seconds
The name “5000 QV” of the Lamborghini Countach refers to its 5.2-liter engine displacement and the “Quattrovalvole,” indicating the presence of four valves per cylinder. Revered for its striking design, the Countach 5000 QV stands out as an iconic and visually captivating supercar.
True to Lamborghini’s style, it featured signature scissor doors, opening vertically, adding to its allure. Lamborghini actively limited production of the Countach 5000 QV to approximately 631 units during its production span. This exclusive addition to the top 10 best cars from the 1980s was crafted by Lamborghini.
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5. AMG Hammer
- Engine: 6.0-litre V8
- Power: 360Hp
- Top Speed: Approximately 190 mph (306 km/h)
- Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in around 5.0 seconds
The AMG Hammer is based on the Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, and it received a substantial performance upgrade from AMG, turning it into a high-performance sports sedan. The AMG Hammer sported the now-iconic AMG “Penta” wheels. These five-spoke rims became synonymous with AMG’s high-performance vehicles. The production numbers of the AMG Hammer or Mercedes-Benz 300E 6.0 AMG, were relatively low due to its limited-production nature and the extensive modifications performed by AMG. It is estimated that around 12 to 15 units of the original AMG Hammer were produced.
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4. Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato
- Engine: 5.3-litre V8
- Power: 432Hp
- Top Speed: Approximately 186 mph (300 km/h)
- Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in around 4.8 seconds
The V8 Vantage Zagato was produced in limited quantities, with only 50 units built between 1986 and 1988. The car’s design was a result of a collaboration between Aston Martin and the renowned Italian coachbuilder Zagato. The bodywork featured Zagato’s signature “double bubble” roof, which provides extra headroom for the occupants. The rarity and unique design of the V8 Vantage Zagato have made it a highly sought-after collector’s car. It often commands a premium price in the classic car market.
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3. Ferrari 288 GTO
- Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 400Hp
- Top Speed: Approximately 189 mph (304 km/h)
- Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in around 4.9 seconds
The “GTO” in the name stands for “Gran Turismo Omologata,” indicating its purpose as a homologation model to meet Group B racing regulations. However, Group B was disbanded before the 288 GTO could participate, and it became a street-legal supercar instead. That’s a proper contender for the top 10 best cars from the 1980s.
Ferrari produced only 272 units of the 288 GTO, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after Ferraris in history. The combination of its low production numbers and being part of Ferrari’s illustrious history makes the 288 GTO one of the most valuable classic cars ever produced.
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2. Porsche 959
- Engine: 2.85-litre twin-turbo flat-six
- Power: 444Hp
- Top Speed: Approximately 197 mph (317 km/h)
- Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in around 3.6 seconds
The Porsche 959 was one of the first high-performance sports cars to feature an all-wheel-drive system, known as Porsche-Steuer Kupplung (PSK). To reduce weight and improve performance, Porsche extensively used lightweight materials in the 959’s construction. The body panels were made of aluminum and Kevlar, while the chassis incorporated steel, aluminium, and Nomex honeycomb.
The Porsche 959 was not only a high-performance road car but also proved its capabilities in off-road racing. It won the gruelling Paris-Dakar Rally in 1986, showcasing its ruggedness and versatility. Porsche originally intended to produce 200 units of the 959 to meet FIA homologation requirements for Group B racing. However, due to its high development costs and complexity, only around 337 units were built. The Porsche 959 was a technical masterpiece that led the innovation in automotive technology for years.
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1. Ferrari F40
- Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 471Hp
- Top Speed: Approximately 201 mph (324 km/h)
- Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in around 3.8 seconds
Our top contender for the top 10 best cars from 1980s, the Ferrari F40 is an iconic and highly regarded supercar, introduced by Ferrari to commemorate the company’s 40th anniversary. The F40 was the last car approved by Enzo Ferrari before his death in 1988. As a result, it holds special significance as a tribute to the founder of Ferrari. At the time of its release, the F40’s top speed of approximately 201 mph (324 km/h) made it the fastest production car in the world.
Ferrari planned to produce 400 units of the F40. High demand and complexity led to the building of 1,311 Ferrari F40 units, including special editions and prototypes. The Ferrari F40 has been featured in several instalments of the “Need for Speed” franchise. The F40 is commonly regarded as a Super Go-Kart due to the raw feel the supercar delivered. The F40 was the opposite of what the 959 was — old-school no electronics perfection.
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Here are a few honorary mentions for the top 10 best cars from the 1980s.
Audi Quattro
- Engine: 2.1-litre turbocharged inline-five
- Power: 197Hp
- Top Speed: Approximately 138 mph (222 km/h)
- Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in around 7.1 seconds
The Audi Quattro is a legendary car that revolutionized the world of rallying and all-wheel-drive technology. The Audi Quattro became renowned for its incredible success in rallying. It made its debut in the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 1981 and went on to dominate the sport, winning two driver’s championships and two manufacturer’s championships in 1982 and 1984.
The original Audi Quattro was produced in limited quantities. Approximately 11,452 units were built over its production run. Beyond its racing achievements, the Quattro was a commercial success, as well. It garnered a strong following among enthusiasts and helped establish Audi’s reputation for performance and engineering excellence.
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Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four
- Power: 224Hp
- Top Speed: Approximately 150 mph (241 km/h)
- Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in around 6.2 seconds
Although not a supercar or even a sports car, the RS500 should be part of the list of top 10 best cars from 1980s. It was created to meet homologation requirements for Group A touring car racing. It was based on the Ford Sierra three-door hatchback and underwent significant modifications to become a high-performance racing car. The RS500 achieved great success in touring car championships, particularly in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) and the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).
Ford initially planned to produce 500 units of the RS500 to meet homologation rules, but due to its popularity and demand, they ended up producing 5,000 units. The RS500’s popularity and performance led to it becoming affectionately known as the “Cossie” among enthusiasts, a nickname that endures to this day.
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