20 of the Best Sports Cars of the 80s

For many, the 1980s was the greatest decade of their lives. Even those who weren’t born then have found themselves wishing they could have experienced life in the 80s. Besides the legendary music to come out during this era, one of the biggest reasons why the 80s is revered today is because of the numerous iconic sports cars that were released. 

The 1980s might possibly be the best decade in automotive history. During the 80s, innovation was at the forefront, with features like airbags, fuel injection, and turbocharging making their appearance. Many car enthusiasts have even gone so far as to say that the 80s was the golden age for car tech. 

80s cars also had performance capabilities never before seen. For example, the Porsche-derived Ruf CTR Yellowbird became the first-ever legal production sports car to break the 200 mph mark. The forward-thinking car manufacturers in the 80s paved the way for some truly remarkable 80s sports cars that we cannot wait to tell you about in this article. 

1. Ferrari Testarossa

The most defining feature of the Ferrari Testarossa is undoubtedly its “cheese grater” sides. Unlike other 80s cars, this model had a unique look compared to the wedge-shaped cars of the era. 

This Ferrari was the successor to the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer and was introduced to the world at the 1984 Paris Auto Show. Many don’t know that the Ferrari Tesstorsa was the only mid-mounted 12 cylinder luxury vehicle ever built. 

Equipped in most of the Ferrari Testarossa models was a 4.9-liter flat 12 engine. This engine permitted the Tesstorsa models to deliver a horsepower rating of 385. Additionally, these 80s sports cars could reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, and they had a top speed of 180 mph. 

2. Chrysler Conquest

Did you know that there were two different body styles for the Chrysler Conquest? Since there were Japanese regulations on size, early Conquest models were narrow, which qualified them for a lower tax bracket. When the company branched out to the American market with this vehicle, they made a wider version that was well received. 

What many car enthusiasts likely know, but the average person doesn’t, is that the Chrysler Conquest was actually a modified Mitsubishi Starion. Unlike a few other 80s sports cars, the Conquest featured electronically controlled emissions, thermostatic climate control, and an optional digital dashboard. 

In essence, the Chrysler Conquest was a Japanese sports car. In Japan, the vehicles were equipped with a 2.0-liter engine, while in America, they had a 2.6-liter single overhead cam engine that had twin injectors and throttle body electronic fuel injection. The base models were able to produce a horsepower rating of 150.

3. Ferrari 308 GTBI

Until the Ferrari 360 Modena was released in the early 2000s, the Ferrari 308 GTBI models were Ferrari’s biggest selling sports cars. Between 1975 and 1985, there were approximately more than 12,000 models sold, and when the 308 was equipped with a slightly larger engine in 1985, there were a further 7,412 units sold between 1985 and 1988. 

The 1980 to 1983 Ferrari 308 GTBI’s were the brand’s marketing weapon of choice. These models were not built as race cars, nor were they built to be rally cars, even though they did complete a fair amount of rally races. Instead, their main goal was to keep the Ferrari name alive on the streets. 

Under its hood, the 308 GTBI was equipped with a 2.9-liter engine with four valves per cylinder. Additionally, it featured a fuel-injected system because of the emission regulations of the time. Moreover, this model could reach a top speed of 146 mph. 

4. 1980 Audi Quattro

The 1980 Audi Quattro was specifically designed to be a rally race car and was introduced in 1980 at the Geneva Motor Show. The Audi Quattro won consecutively at competition racing events for two years because it was constructed to be a high-performance sports car. Interestingly Audi planned for the Quattro year models to be a low production sports car, but their immense popularity allowed the brand to continue the Quattro lineup until 1991. 

The 1980 Audi Quattro had a multi-point injection fuel system and a 2.1-liter engine that could produce a horsepower rating of 200. This model had a top speed of 138 mph, and it could reach 62 mph in 7.1 seconds. 

5. AMC Eagle

The AMC Eagle SX/4 wasn’t the greatest sports car ever made, and it wasn’t loved by car enthusiasts in America, but it managed to find a home in Japan and become one of the most trusted sports cars of the 80s. The AMC Eagle SX/4 was only produced for three years, but in those three years, it left its mark. 

Curiously, the AMC Eagle SX/4 was an 80s car that was equipped with an advanced select drive system. This was a first of its kind because it was a true full-time automatic system that operated between all-wheel drive and two-wheel drive to save fuel. 

Additionally, even though the AMC Eagle SX/4 was only produced for three years, it participated in the ProRally series for six years. Between 1981 and 1986, there were 18 drivers who drove the SX/4 through rallies across the US. 

6. 1986 BMW E30 M3

Since BMW wanted to build a vehicle to compete in DTM, they had to meet the FIA’s Group AA regulations. In order to meet these regulations, they needed to produce 5,000 road-going units of the vehicle they wanted to race. It is because of these regulations that the 1986 E30 M3 was developed. 

The 1986 BMW E30 M3 featured a large rear spoiler, flared wheel arches, wide tires, a deep front splitter, and a host of other aerodynamic add ons were manufactured from plastic to ensure the sports car would be as lightweight as possible. 

Yet, what made this 80s sports car stand out from the competition was its special high revving 2.3-liter four-cylinder DOHC engine. When this model was fitted with a catalytic converter, it could achieve a horsepower rating of 197, and when it wasn’t fitted with one, it had a horsepower rating of 192. With this high revving engine, the 1986 BMW E30 M3 could reach a top speed of 146 mph, and it could go from 0 to 62 mph in less than seven seconds. 

7. 1987 Buick Grand National GNX

One of the most sought-after 80s cars was the 1987 Buick Grand National GNX. This sports car was introduced as a high-performance limited edition version of the Buick Grand national. There were only ever 547 Buick GNX models manufactured in 1987, which was a minute number compared to the 20,193 Grand Nationals that were produced overall.

The 1987 Buick Grand National GNX was the fastest American car you could buy in 1987. It was equipped with a modified Grand National turbo-charged and inter-cooled 3.8-liter V6 engine.

It also had functional body modifications, exhaust and suspension modifications, and functional body modifications. With the body modifications, this model was a powerhouse. According to accounts, the 1987 Buick Grand National GNX could reach 0 to 60 in approximately 4.7 seconds, and it had a top speed of 124 mph. 

8. Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV

The Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV was introduced to the world in 1985 at the Geneva Auto Show. Interestingly, the QV stood for “quattrovalvole,” which is Italian for four-valve. Only 610 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV models were produced from 1985 to 1988. 

Many people instantly fell in love with this supercar because of its aggressively attractive styling and incredible performance capabilities. The 1985 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV was equipped with a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine that was given four valves per cylinder head to increase efficiency. 

With this engine equipped, the LP5000 QV models could produce a horsepower rating of 455 at 7,700 and a torque rating of 340 pounds per foot at 5,200 rpm. These spectacularly attractive models had a top speed of 182 mph and could reach 60 mph in an approximated 4.9 seconds.

9. Ferrari 288 GTO

Were you aware that the legendary Ferrari 288 GTO models were developed to allow Ferrari to make a comeback in Group B racing? During the 80s, there were 272 road-going GTO’s built and 5 GTO Evoluzione models built for pure racing. Interestingly, only three of the Evoluzione versions still exist today. 

The Ferrari 288 GTO was the first vehicle in the Ferrari supercar series, and many believe the 288 GTO is responsible for paving the way for the iconic F40, F50, and Enzo models. When it was presented at the prestigious Geneva Motor Show, the 288 GTO was the fastest and most powerful road car that Ferrari had ever built. 

This supremely masculine-looking vehicle was equipped with a 2.8-liter V8 engine that permitted the supercar to impressively reach 60 mph in about five seconds. Additionally, it had a top speed of 189 mph. 

10. Porsche 959

One of the most advanced sports cars to be produced in the 1980s was the Porsche 959. Not only was this sports car Porsche’s most technologically advanced car, but it was also the only classic car at the time that could confidently rival Ferrari’s F40. Additionally, the Porsche 959 was specifically engineered for the brand’s planned involvement in group B rallying. 

Many defining features allowed this vehicle to claim a place in the automotive history books. The Porsche 959 was equipped with hollow spoke wheels, Kevlar composite body panels, state-of-the-art all-wheel drive, and turbocharging. Interestingly, this model had a top speed of 197 mph, making it one of the fastest cars to be released.

11. 1987 Ferrari F40

The 1987 Ferrari F40 is one of the brand’s most iconic vehicles. This sports car was Ferrari’s flagship of the late 80s. Interestingly the F40 was the last road car Enzo Ferrari signed off on himself. 

Many have stated that this model was an integral player in the growth and development of the brand. Additionally, perhaps the most interesting aspect about this classic 80s car is that its paint was so incredibly thin that the texture of its Kevlar weave could be seen beneath it.

Instead of housing a V12 engine, this model was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V8 engine. With this engine equipped, the spectacular 1987 Ferrari F40 was able to produce a horsepower rating of 478, and it could race the quarter-mile at a speed of 122 mph. By today’s standards, this sports car can still outrun models that have a horsepower rating of 650. 

12. 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z Z28

One of the greatest American pony cars to be produced in the 80s was the 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z Z28. This classic car had astoundingly impressive performance capabilities with horsepower and torque ratings to rival many other sports cars released during the same year. 

According to reports, there were approximately 38,889 Camaro IROC-Z Z28’s produced. The 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z Z28 was equipped with a 350 cubic inch TPI four-speed automatic transmission engine that allowed it to produce a horsepower rating of 230. Straight out of production, the IROC-Z Z28 could reach 60 mph in 6.68 seconds, and it could complete the quarter-mile pass in 15.23 seconds at 91.2 mph. 

13. 1981 DeLorean DMC-12

If you had to ask anyone which 80s sports car is the most remembered, they would likely tell you it is the 1981 DeLorean DMC-12. Arguably this vehicle is the most well-remembered because of its appearance in the film Back to the Future. 

Our list wouldn’t be worth anything if we didn’t add this iconic pop culture car to our lineup. Even though this classic car wasn’t as powerful as others, its charming design and unique stylistic elements made it tstand out. For example, the 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 featured stainless steel brushed steel body outer body panels, enticing gull-wing doors, and a chassis coated with epoxy to prevent erosion. 

This sports car was equipped with a PRV 2.85-liter V6 engine that could produce a horsepower rating of 130 at 5,500 rpm. Additionally, this model had a torque rating of 153 lb-ft at 2,750 rpm, and it could reach a somewhat impressive top speed of 110 mph and 60 mph in 9.5 seconds. 

14. 1980 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

In the 80s, pony cars were incredibly popular. Everyone wanted to own one or at the very least have the opportunity to drive one. One of the best American pony cars that stood out for its compact yet exotic look and incredible performance was the 1980 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. This model was the Ford Mustangs’ direct rival. 

The 1980 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was equipped with a 5-liter V8 engine with a GM Turbo Hydramatic THM 350 three-speed automatic transmission. It was able to accelerate to 60 mph in 10.7 seconds, and it could race the quarter-mile in 18 seconds. Additionally, with this engine, the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was able to reach a horsepower rating of 155.

15. Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary

To celebrate the anniversary of the Z model range, Nissan released the special edition Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary model. Since this sports car was a limited production run, only 3,000 units were produced. That’s why the 280ZX 10th Anniversary models are incredibly sought after today. In particular, many seek out the red and black paint scheme models as only 500 of those were produced. 

Unlike previous versions, the Anniversary edition was equipped with a hi-fi stereo, leather seats, and other luxurious features. It was also equipped with headlight washers, a golden Z hood badge, a tinted T-bar roof, and commemorative wreath decals on the hatch and front fenders. It came with a 2.8-liter inline-six engine that was capable of producing a horsepower rating of 132 with a torque rating of 144 pounds per foot. 

16. 1987 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

Ford Mustang was one of the leading manufacturers of pony cars in the 1980s, but this isn’t the only type of vehicle they were manufacturing. The 1987 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 is one of their understated sports car icons that deserves more attention. 

The 1987 Ford Mustang GTO 5.0 portrayed a much sleeker look than its predecessors. This model managed to achieve a sleeker look because of its flush-mounted headlights and exterior styling. In addition to looking like the more modern cars of the era, this sports sedan had impressive performance capabilities. 

It might not have been the best at fuel economy, but the 1987 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 was equipped with a 302 cubic inch 5.0-liter V8 engine. With this engine, this sports car could produce a horsepower rating of 225, and it could reach 60 mph in approximately six seconds. Additionally, it had a top speed of 150 mph. 

17. Mazda 323 GTX

Another rally sports car that deserves to be on our list of the best 80s sports cars is the Mazda 323 GTX. This model was in production from 1985 until 1989 and can be described as a turbocharged, rally-inspired hatchback. 

Interestingly, finding a Mazda 323 GTX for sale is incredibly difficult. Partly because only 1,243 units were ever imported to America and partly because those who owned these cars treated them like rally cars. 

Although the Mazda 323 GTX was small and light and equipped with a 1.6-liter engine, they packed quite the performance punch for their class. These 80s sports cars came with a factory standard 140 horsepower rating but could be boosted to produce a maximum horsepower rating of 250. 

18. Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Did you know that the Pope requested a special version of the Mercedes Benz G-Wagon 230G in 1980? The Mercedes-Benz G-Class models might not be the classic definition of what a sports car ought to be, but they are certainly robust, versatile, durable, reliable, and powerful. 

To date, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class models are still in production and have become one of the longest-produced models by Daimlers and sold by Mercedes. In 2020 the G-Class model range reached a milestone when the 400,000th unit was manufactured.

The G-Class models are characterized by their attractive boxy styling and body on frame construction. The 1980 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had a top speed of 80 mph. 

19. Nissan Pulsar NX

Some of the most convenient and versatile sports cars produced in the 80s were the second-generation Nissan Pulsar NX models. These 80s vehicles came in various options such as a convertible, a camper-like wagon, a coupe, and a liftback. 

Curiously, the second-generation Nissan Pulsar NX models from the 80s were dubbed the “sportbak.” It sold in the dozens overnight and included some pretty impressive features when it was introduced. For example, they were equipped with rectangular tail lights with diagonal cutouts and a body-color overlay that could be removed. 

The Nissan Pulsar NX was manufactured from 1987 to 1990, and during this time, it had two engine options. Drivers could choose between a 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter high revving engine and between a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic transmission. 

20. SAAB 900 Turbo 16S GT

Were you aware that in 1985 the SAAB 900 Turbo 16S GT was one of the safest cars on the market? These models were not only safer to drive than other vehicles on the American automotive market, but they were also insanely enjoyable to drive. 

These hatchback sports cars were incredibly adept at handling and could take turns easily without slowing down. The 1985 SAAB 900 Turbo 16S GT’s were equipped with a 16 valve head for their turbocharged DOHC. 

Additionally, these sports cars could produce a maximum horsepower rating of 160 and a torque rating of 188 pounds per foot. Interestingly the 1984 Saab Turbo 16S GT manual transmission models reached 62 mph in 8.7 seconds, and they had a top speed of 136 mph.