Ten of the Best Sports Cars of the 1980s
The 1980s were a golden age for fun, analog sports cars. Here are ten of the best, according to you.
Ferrari 288 GTO
Built to compete in Group B rally, the 288 GTO features a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V8 mounted right behind the driver. It’s one of the most desirable Ferraris ever, and for good reason.
Peugeot 205 GTi
What more do you need in a car than what’s provided in the 205 GTi? The tiny French hatchback highlights the joy of simplicity in motoring, with nothing distracting the driver from that pure, raw driving experience.
Toyota Corolla GT-S
Made famous by JDM fanatics everywhere, the AE86-generation Corolla remains one of the most popular ’80s cars around. It was small, simple, and revved to the moon.
Audi Quattro
The original Quattro has been immortalized by the success of Audi’s Group B success, but that signature all-wheel drive and the sound of those racing five cylinders helped a bit too.
Toyota MR2
The original MR2 checks a whole lot of ’80s boxes. It’s small, fun, angular, and features pop-up headlights. What more could you want from a sports car.
Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R
It was never sold here in America, but now that R32-GT-R is legal for import, Americans are starting to get in on the fun. With a trick AWD system and a turbo straight-six, it’s an already-appreciating classic.
Chevrolet C4 Corvette
Some people don’t like the C4-generation Corvette, but it’s hard to see why. Those signature ’80s looks combined with a nice V8 powertrain make for one solid wedge of a sports car.
Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2
The 3.2 Carrera started production in 1984, replacing the 911SC. With retuned suspension, more power, and in later years, a bulletproof transmission, it remains one of the most desirable 911s out there.
Volkswagen Mk2 GTI
Volkswagen hit the nail on the head when it made the GTI, and only improved with the second-gen model. Like the 205 GTi, it’s simple, fun, and practical.
Ford Sierra Cosworth
Group A racing in Europe spawned a whole bunch of cool performance cars. Perhaps the best was the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth. Ken Block just got one, and as you can see, he wasted no time ripping the tires apart.
Originally written by Brian Silvestro for Road & Track.
(http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/classic-cars/g14104706/best-1980s-cars/)
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