Cars these days are just not built the way they used to be! Car enthusiasts know the true value of the older model sports cars that seemed to have a bit more pizzazz than the sports cars we see today. Nostalgia undoubtedly sets in for many car buffs as well, and the longing to have some of these memorable cars. Some of these cars are the real-deal beauties we grew up with and felt powerful connections to in our younger years.
Whatever your reason, it's hard to deny that some of the sports cars released in the '80s are far cooler than the sports cars we see today. While a few of them have disappeared, and with good reason, there are some that have stood the test of time.
15. 1988 BMW 325i
Via ClassicCars
The square-framed BMW 325i from 1988 is a pure gem that has most certainly stood the test of time. This car's boxy frame was all the rave, and the dual round headlights on the front grill still get us excited today. For the manual transmission lovers out there, this came as a 5 speed that could push 0-60 in 7.7 seconds, according to Automobile Catalogue.
14. 1984 Porsche 911
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The Porsche 911 Carrera is the definition of sports luxury in the '80s. Let's face it, that sleek styling and clearly defined curves are still desirable today. This old-school Porsche is a rear wheel drive, rear engine, 2 door coupe which came as a 5 speed manual. This car was meant to be driven, and the power to weight ratio on this car was clearly in favor of a fun and speedy performance-based vehicle that made no compromises when it came to luxurious features.
13. 1984 Corvette C4
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With the capability of hitting 140 mph and a 0-60 record of just under 7 seconds, the 1984 Camaro C4 is a raw-powered sports car with loads of appeal. The body was crafted to attract muscle car fans and sports fans alike, and this car boasted a high-powered, rumble of a drive that nobody could resist.
12. 1985 Ford Mustang GT 5.0
Via MyCarBoard
Car and Driver has nothing but compliments for the 1985 Ford Mustang GT. This 5-liter gas guzzler was worth every penny you'd put into the tank, and promised a 6.4 second turnaround from 0-60. The styling was a hit in the 80s, as the rubber protective strip was thought to have resembled German styling, which was always desirable. Many car buffs would love to take this rear wheel drive car out for a fun drive, even today.
11. 1981 DeLorean DMC12
Via TheDrive
The photo says it all, no words needed. The Autotrader suggests there may only be about 6,000 of these left in circulation, so if you're lucky enough to have snagged one, hold on tight! Available as a 5 speed manual or 3 speed automatic, the DeLorean packs a 130 hp V6 that's ready to rumble. This true rear-engine car was produced from 1981-9182 - and that's it!
10. 1989 Mercedes 560SL
Via HemmingsMotorNews
If you're a fan of luxury classics this 1989 Mercedes 560 SL is the car you'll want to pluck right out of the 80s and store in your garage. With less than 50,000 of these produced and original list price of $61,125 back in 1988, it was an expensive purchase, but one that was well worth it. This beauty doesn't just look great, it also pushes from 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds. You'll want to do more than just cruise...
9. 1988 BMW E30 M3 Coupe
Via LuxSportMotorGroup
BMW fans rejoice, the classic 1988 BMW E30 M3 Coupe is a rear-wheel drive with a double overhead camshaft and a 2.3 liter, naturally aspirated 4 cylinder motor. This car could go! It was responsive at the petal push and handled incredibly well on the track. Drivers love this car to this day... well, those who drive standard do. This car was meant to be driven, not just steered.
8. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
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In 1989 Mazda debuted the Miata MX-5. It was a lightweight, 2 passenger car designed to appeal to the masses. The body was contoured and gave the illusion of a very sporty car, and in spite of performance and reliability issues, consumers kept buying these cars. Car and Driver notes that the engine was in the front, which carried enough bragging rights to convince the modest consumer to throw money down to own one. To this day, everyone knows what a Miata looks like - this car has remained "current" well beyond its days.
7. 1984 Toyota Celica
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If comfy seats and peppy pick-up were what you were seeking in the '80s, the 1984 Toyota Celica was your match made in heaven. This car was available as a GT or the more sporty GT-S model. It took corners well and was an affordable car to purchase, which greatly added to the appeal. Car enthusiasts today are still interested in purchasing this car - and are likely to modify it for extra fun!
6. Toyota MR2
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This car definitely stood the test of time. The Toyota MR2 is a two-seat, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car. It was actually Japan's first mid engine sports car ever produced, and is remembered fondly today. The MR2's suspension was designed with the help of Lotus, and it stood its own against the Fiero and Honda CRX which were the direct rivals to this vehicle.
5. 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT
Via CarThrottle
Welcome to the best worst-thing that happened to Pontiac in the '80s. The Fiero is a "love it or leave it" sort of car, as it has as many haters as it does fans. Motor 1 reports that this is the first and only mass produced mid-engine sports car seen from an American automaker. Sales on this car were high, but those who didn't like this car shared one common fact - the car was unreliable.
4. 1987 Porsche 928 S4
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The Porsche 928 S4 from 1987 is a beautifully sleek ride that we still see on the road today. Those who own one simply can't resist driving it, in spite of the fact that parts are tough to come by. This 32 valve 5.0 liter V8 stuns with an impressive 316 horsepower, and the most popular model sold was the 5-speed manual. With a top speed of 270 kmph this car packs a lot of punch for the price you pay.
3. 1980 Mazda RX7
Via Shannos
The Mazda RX-7 is a fun rear-wheel-drive ride that took the '80s by storm. It was priced to be within reach for the average consumer and saw steady sales throughout its life span. The Mazda RX-7 used a Wankel rotary combustion car engine that consumers loved. This car is now considered a classic by many,and has maintained a solid fan base over the years.
2. 1986 Mercedes AMG Hammer
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If you could afford one of these in the '80s, you were a real high-roller. This car was more expensive to buy than a Testarossa, but guess what? It was faster, too! You heard that right. This unsuspecting car would hit speeds of 190-mph, with Topspeed confirming it would leave the Ferrari lagging behind. You can bet that this car remains a keeper, even today.
1. 1985 Nissan 200SX
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The grand finale comes with the Nissan 200 SX which really took the '80s by storm. It was a very affordable vehicle, therefor attainable to most people in the market for some fast wheels. Yes, it's boxy, but so was every other car in the 80s! This turbocharged Japanese import was usually modified by the young and young at heart, and came with an optional T top.
