The Acura Integra, introduced in 1986, swiftly garnered acclaim for its blend of performance, reliability, and affordability. With its sleek design and well-crafted interior, it offered a balance of comfort and excitement.
Available as a hatchback or sedan, featured a 1.6-liter inline-four engine, producing around 113 horsepower and 99 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. With its lightweight design and responsive handling, the Integra offered engaging driving experience.
In the 1980s, the AMG Hammer emerged as a legendary icon in the automotive world, redefining the concept of a high-performance luxury sedan.
Based on the Mercedes-Benz W124 chassis, the Hammer boasted a hand-built 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing a staggering 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. This potent engine allowed the Hammer to go from 0 to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds, making it one of the fastest sedans of its time.
The Aston Martin V8 Zagato is a legendary sports car that combines British craftsmanship with Italian design flair. Produced in limited numbers in the 1980s, the V8 Zagato became a collector’s item.
Performance was phenomenal, with its 5.3-liter V8 engine generating approximately 430 horsepower and around 390 lb-ft of torque. It had a top speed of 186 mph and could travel from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.8 seconds.
In the 1980s, the Audi 100, also known as the Audi 5000 in the North American market, played a significant role in shaping Audi's reputation as a premium automotive brand.
Its timeless styling, penned by renowned designer Claus Luthe, set the stage for Audi's modern design language, emphasizing understated elegance and attention to detail.
The Audi Quattro, produced from 1983 to 1985, was a milestone in the automotive history, revolutionizing the concept of all-wheel-drive performance cars.
The Quattro featured a turbocharged 2.1-liter five-cylinder engine, delivering impressive power and torque for its time. Its innovative all-wheel-drive system, coupled with advanced suspension technology, provided outstanding traction and handling in most driving conditions.
Introduced in 1986, this compact sports sedan was born out of BMW's desire to compete in touring car racing.
Powered by a high-revving 2.3-liter inline-four engine, the M3 delivered exhilarating performance, with around 200 horsepower and exceptional handling dynamics.
Introduced in 1985, the first-generation M5 was based on the BMW E28 5 Series platform and represented a significant leap forward in terms of performance and driving dynamics.
The 3.5-liter Inline-six engine generated 282 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. Its top speed was electronically limited to 155 mph to meet the safety and regulatory requirements of the time.
The Buick Grand National GNX, produced in the late 1980s, stands as a legendary icon of American muscle car history. Only 547 models were ever produced.
However, each GNX became a sought-after collector's item, prized for its rarity and performance prowess. Powered by a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine, tweaked and refined by McLaren Performance Technologies, the GNX boasted impressive performance figures, with around 276 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque.
The Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z, produced during the late 1980s through the early 1990s was inspired by the Inspired by the International Race of Champions (IROC) series.
It featured a range of powerful engines, including a potent 5.7-liter V8, delivering exhilarating acceleration and impressive horsepower.
Chevrolet Corvette C4, introduced in 1984, represented a significant evolution for the Corvette lineup, blending cutting-edge technology with iconic American muscle car styling.
The 1984 Corvette featured a 5.7-liter Crossfire Injection V8 engine that produced around 205 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque.
The Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition, produced in 1980, was an iconic Japanese sports car. Celebrating a decade of the Z-car lineage, this special edition model showcased a unique blend of style, performance, and luxury.
Under the hood, it retained the proven 2.8-liter inline-six engine, delivering ample power and smooth performance.
The iconic sports car, immortalized by the Back to the Future film trilogy, featured a stainless steel body, gull-wing doors, and a rear-mounted engine. Plagued with problems, including an underpowered engine the car had limited success.
It wasn’t on the market for very long, but nevertheless, the DeLorean left behind a pop-culture legacy and nostalgic appeal for everyone who loved the ‘80s.
The Ferrari F40, unveiled in 1987, became a legendary supercar that was the epitome of automotive excellence and performance in the 1980s. Designed to celebrate Ferrari's 40th anniversary, the F40 showcased cutting-edge engineering and aerodynamics for its time.
Powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing around 478 horsepower, the F40 had a top speed of over 200 horsepower, making it one of the fastest cars of the decade.
Developed as a homologation special to compete in Group B racing, the 288 GTO was produced in limited numbers from 1984 to 1987.
This speed machine featured a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V8 engine with approximately 400 horsepower and 366 lb-ft of torque. Its top speed was an astounding 189 mph and it could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds which was impressive at the time.
Introduced in the mid-1980s, the Testarossa featured a 12-cylinder engine, producing approximately 390 horsepower and a top speed of over 180 mph.
With its iconic status cemented by appearances in popular culture, including the hit television series Miami Vice the Testarossa remains a coveted collector's car.
The Ford Mustang GT 5.0 emerged as a fusion of American muscle and modern performance. The ‘80s Mustang GT 5.0 provided a blend of comfort and performance-oriented features, making it a sought-after choice among enthusiasts.
Powered by a potent 5.0-liter V8 engine, the Mustang GT delivered exhilarating power, with around 225 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.
Produced by Ford Europe from 1982 to 1993, the Ford Sierra was a nice departure from the traditional boxy designs of the ‘80s, offering a sleeker, more aerodynamic shape.
The Ford Sierra was offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines, including inline-four and V6 configurations. It would go on to become one of Europe's best-selling cars during the 1980s and early 1990s.
Ford Taurus SHO (Super High Output) was the performance car variant of the Ford Taurus, a mid-size sedan introduced by Ford Motor Company in 1986.
The SHO version, produced from 1989 to 1999, was a collaboration between Ford and Yamaha that defied expectations and set new standards in its class. Generating 220 horsepower and around 200 lb-ft, the Ford Taurus SHO was equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and had a top speed of 143 mph.
The Honda CRX is a classic compact sports car that was produced by Honda from 1983 to 1991. It was beloved for its nimble handling, efficient design, and sporty demeanor, making it a popular choice among drivers.
While its horsepower was weak by today’s standards, its lightweight construction contributed to its impeccable driving dynamics.
The Jaguar XJS was a luxury grand tourer that was produced by British car manufacturer Jaguar from 1975 to 1996. It succeeded the iconic Jaguar E-Type, becoming one of Jaguar's longest-running and most recognizable models.
Initially, the vehicle featured a 5.3-liter V12 engine which produced around 250 horsepower, but later featured a 6.0-liter V12 that could generate up to 318, depending on the model. Meanwhile, the interior of the Jaguar XJS was made up of high-quality materials, including leather upholstery, wood trim, and plush carpeting.
The Jeep Cherokee, introduced in 1984, is a trailblazing SUV renowned for its rugged capability and versatility. Initially designed as a compact off-roader, the Cherokee quickly gained popularity for its exceptional performance both on and off the pavement.
Today, the Jeep Cherokee’s larger sibling, the Grand Cherokee has become the best-selling Jeep vehicle on the market.
Originally introduced in the 1970s, the Countach underwent several updates and iterations throughout the '80s, solidifying its status as an icon of automotive design.
With its sharp, wedge-shaped body, scissor doors, and aggressive lines, the Countach expressed a certain boldness that was popular among the wealthy who could afford it.
The Mazda RX-7 Turbo II was known for its smooth power delivery and exhilarating performance. With its lightweight construction and balanced chassis, the RX-7 Turbo II offered nimble handling and responsive driving dynamics.
The 1987 Mazda RX-7 Turbo II was equipped with a turbocharged 1.3-liter rotary engine (13B-REW), producing approximately 182 horsepower and 183 lb-ft of torque.
The 1985 Mercedes-Benz W124 was available as sedan, coupe, wagon, and convertible body styles, and boasted advanced safety features of the time period, such as anti-lock brakes and airbags.
Various petrol and diesel engines were available, including inline-four, inline-six, and V8 configurations. Power outputs ranged from around 90 horsepower to over 200 horsepower, depending on the engine and model.
Featuring a sleek and aerodynamic design, the Starion boasted a distinctive wedge-shaped body, pop-up headlights, and aggressive styling cues that contributed to its sporty character.
Under the hood, the Mitsubishi Starion was powered by a range of turbocharged engines, including a 2.0-liter inline-four or a 2.6-liter inline-four, delivering impressive performance for its time.
The Porsche 944 Turbo, manufactured between 1986 and 1989, exemplified the German automaker's commitment to engineering excellence and performance.
Featuring a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine, the 944 Turbo outputs ranged from around 220 horsepower to over 250 horsepower, depending on the model year and trim level.
The Porsche 959, produced from 1986 to 1989, was a game-changer in the supercar world. Thanks to a turbocharged 2.8-liter flat-six engine, it could hit over 200 mph without breaking a sweat.
As a rare gem adored by collectors, the Porsche 959 remains a timeless symbol of automotive brilliance and high-speed thrills.
The 1980s Renault 21 Turbo was a high-performance version of the Renault 21 sedan, produced by the French automaker Renault from 1986 to 1994.
The 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline-four engine could generate up to 205 horsepower and 208 lb-ft of torque. The Renault 21 Turbo competed in various motorsport events, including rallying and touring car racing, showcasing its performance credentials on the track.
The Toyota Celica Supra, produced from 1982 to 1986, marked an exciting milestone for Japanese sports cars, blending sleek design with impressive performance.
Under the hood, it was powered by one of many robust engine options, including a potent 2.8-liter inline-six, delivering strong acceleration and smooth power delivery. Its refined suspension and precise handling made it a joy to drive, whether carving through corners or cruising on the highway.
This compact, mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle, known as the "Midship Runabout 2-seater" (MR2), offered a unique driving experience that combined nimble handling with a lightweight chassis and stylish design.
Under the rear hood, the MR2 housed a range of engines depending on the market. The early models were equipped with a 1.6-liter inline-four engine. Later versions offered engine upgrades, including a supercharged variant, which further enhanced the car's performance.
