The Ten Best 80s Cars Revealed

The 1980s was an era of great change in the automotive industry, with new technologies and designs emerging. It was a decade that saw some of the most iconic cars ever produced, many of which are still revered today. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 best cars of the 1980s.

The cars on this list were selected based on a combination of factors including performance, design, innovation, and cultural significance. From sleek sports cars to rugged off-roaders, this list has something for everyone. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply looking to take a trip down memory lane, these cars are sure to impress. So without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the 10 best cars of the 1980s.

The Rise of Hot Hatches

In the 1980s, the automotive industry saw the rise of the hot hatch. These were small, affordable cars that packed a punch in terms of performance and handling. The hot hatch was born out of a need for practicality and fun, and it quickly became a hit with car enthusiasts across the UK.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

One of the most iconic hot hatches of the 1980s was the Volkswagen Golf GTI. This front-wheel-drive hatch combined practicality with performance, and it quickly became a cult classic. The Golf GTI had a 1.8-litre engine that produced 112 horsepower, and it could go from 0-60 mph in just 8.3 seconds. The handling was sharp, and the ride was smooth, making it a joy to drive.

Peugeot 205 GTI

Another hot hatch that made waves in the 1980s was the Peugeot 205 GTI. This car was known for its nimble handling and impressive performance. It had a 1.6-litre engine that produced 105 horsepower, and it could go from 0-60 mph in just 8.7 seconds. The 205 GTI was also known for its stylish design, which helped it stand out from the crowd.

Ford Escort XR3

The Ford Escort XR3 was another popular hot hatch of the 1980s. It had a 1.6-litre engine that produced 96 horsepower, and it could go from 0-60 mph in just 9.4 seconds. The XR3 was known for its responsive handling and sporty design. It was also one of the more affordable hot hatches of the time, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Renault 5 GT Turbo

The Renault 5 GT Turbo was a hot hatch that was designed for speed. It had a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that produced 115 horsepower, and it could go from 0-60 mph in just 7.5 seconds. The handling was sharp, and the ride was thrilling, making it a favourite among car enthusiasts. The Renault 5 GT Turbo was also known for its distinctive design, which helped it stand out from the crowd.

Overall, the rise of hot hatches in the 1980s was a game-changer for the automotive industry. These small, practical cars proved that you could have fun behind the wheel without breaking the bank. The Volkswagen Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 GTI, Ford Escort XR3, and Renault 5 GT Turbo were just a few of the hot hatches that helped shape the industry and inspire a generation of car enthusiasts.

Iconic Sports Coupes and Saloons

The 1980s saw the rise of many iconic sports coupes and saloons that are still revered today. These cars were known for their sleek design, impressive handling, and powerful performance. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the most notable models of this era.

BMW M3

The BMW M3 is widely regarded as one of the best sports coupes of the 1980s. It was introduced in 1986 and quickly became a favourite among car enthusiasts. The M3 was powered by a 2.3-litre engine that produced 195 horsepower, which was impressive for its time. It also had a top speed of 146 mph and could go from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds. The M3 was known for its excellent handling and became a popular choice for racing.

Audi Quattro

The Audi Quattro was a game-changer in the world of sports saloons. It was the first car to use four-wheel drive in a production car, which gave it superior handling and traction. The Quattro was powered by a turbocharged 2.1-litre engine that produced 200 horsepower. It had a top speed of 137 mph and could go from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.1 seconds. The Quattro was also known for its distinctive design, with flared wheel arches and a bold front grille.

Ford Sierra Cosworth

The Ford Sierra Cosworth was a high-performance saloon that was introduced in 1986. It was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that produced 204 horsepower. It had a top speed of 149 mph and could go from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. The Sierra Cosworth was known for its impressive handling and became a popular choice for rallying.

Alfa Romeo GTV6

The Alfa Romeo GTV6 was a stylish sports coupe that was introduced in 1981. It was powered by a 2.5-litre V6 engine that produced 160 horsepower. It had a top speed of 130 mph and could go from 0 to 60 mph in just 8.3 seconds. The GTV6 was known for its excellent handling and distinctive design, with its angular lines and pop-up headlights.

In summary, the 1980s saw the rise of many iconic sports coupes and saloons that are still highly regarded today. The BMW M3, Audi Quattro, Ford Sierra Cosworth, and Alfa Romeo GTV6 were just a few of the standout models of this era. These cars were known for their impressive handling, powerful performance, and distinctive design.

Supercars and Exotics of the 80s

The 1980s was a decade of excess and extravagance, and the automotive industry was no exception. The era saw the emergence of some of the most iconic supercars and exotics that still hold a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts today. In this section, we will take a closer look at three of the most legendary supercars of the 80s: the Ferrari F40, Porsche 959, and Lamborghini Countach.

Ferrari F40

The Ferrari F40 is widely regarded as one of the greatest supercars of all time and is an icon of the 80s. It was the last car to be personally approved by Enzo Ferrari and was built to celebrate the marque’s 40th anniversary. The F40’s design was focused on performance and speed, and it was the first production car to break the 200 mph barrier, with a top speed of 201 mph.

The F40 was powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produced 478 bhp and 425 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and had a top speed of over 200 mph. The car’s lightweight construction and aerodynamic design made it a true driver’s car, and it remains one of the most sought-after supercars of all time.

Porsche 959

The Porsche 959 was a technological tour de force and was one of the most advanced cars of its time. It was the fastest car in the world when it was first introduced in 1986, with a top speed of 197 mph. The car was powered by a 2.8-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engine that produced 450 bhp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

The 959 was also the first car to feature an advanced all-wheel-drive system that allowed it to handle like no other car before it. The car’s advanced suspension system and aerodynamic design made it a true driver’s car, and it remains one of the most sought-after supercars of the 80s.

Lamborghini Countach

The Lamborghini Countach is one of the most iconic cars of all time and was the ultimate poster car of the 80s. The car’s wedge-shaped design and scissor doors made it an instant classic, and it remains one of the most recognizable cars of all time. The Countach was powered by a 5.2-litre V12 engine that produced 455 bhp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

The car’s performance was impressive, with a top speed of 183 mph and a 0-60 mph time of just 4.7 seconds. The car’s aggressive styling and raw power made it a true driver’s car, and it remains one of the most sought-after exotics of all time.

In conclusion, the 80s was a decade of excess and extravagance, and the automotive industry was no exception. The era saw the emergence of some of the most iconic supercars and exotics that still hold a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts today. The Ferrari F40, Porsche 959, and Lamborghini Countach were three of the most legendary cars of the 80s, and they remain some of the most sought-after cars of all time.

Affordable Classics and Everyday Heroes

The 1980s saw a lot of cars that were practical, affordable, and reliable. These cars were not only everyday heroes but also classic cars that are still sought after by collectors today. In this section, we will take a look at three such cars that are worth considering for anyone who is looking for an affordable classic car.

Fiat Panda

The Fiat Panda was first introduced in 1980 and quickly became one of the most popular cars of the decade. It was a practical and affordable car that was perfect for city driving. The Panda was also known for its excellent fuel economy, making it a great choice for those who wanted to save money on petrol.

Today, the Fiat Panda is considered a classic car and is highly sought after by collectors. Despite its classic status, the Panda is still an affordable car that can be purchased for a reasonable price. It is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a practical and reliable classic car that won’t break the bank.

Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta was introduced in 1979 but really came into its own in the 1980s. It was a practical and reliable car that was perfect for families. The Jetta was also known for its excellent build quality and durability, making it a great choice for anyone who wanted a car that would last for years.

Today, the Volkswagen Jetta is considered a classic car and is highly sought after by collectors. Despite its classic status, the Jetta is still an affordable car that can be purchased for a reasonable price. It is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a practical and reliable classic car that is also stylish and fun to drive.

AMC Eagle

The AMC Eagle was introduced in 1980 and was one of the first crossover SUVs on the market. It was a practical and versatile car that was perfect for those who wanted a car that could handle any terrain. The Eagle was also known for its excellent off-road capabilities, making it a great choice for anyone who wanted a car that could handle the great outdoors.

Today, the AMC Eagle is considered a classic car and is highly sought after by collectors. Despite its classic status, the Eagle is still an affordable car that can be purchased for a reasonable price. It is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a practical and versatile classic car that is also great for off-roading.

In conclusion, the Fiat Panda, Volkswagen Jetta, and AMC Eagle are three great choices for anyone who is looking for an affordable classic car that is also practical and reliable. These cars are not only everyday heroes but also classic cars that are highly sought after by collectors today.

Performance Sedans and Estates

The 1980s saw the emergence of some of the most iconic performance sedans and estates. These cars were not only fast but also luxurious and durable. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the most notable examples of this category.

Mercedes AMG Hammer

The Mercedes AMG Hammer is one of the most iconic performance sedans of the 1980s. It was a modified version of the Mercedes-Benz W124 and was produced by AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz. The Hammer had a 5.6-litre V8 engine that produced 355 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds, making it one of the fastest sedans of its time. The Hammer also had a top speed of 190 mph, which was impressive for a sedan.

Bentley Turbo R

The Bentley Turbo R was a high-performance luxury sedan that was produced by Bentley Motors Limited from 1985 to 1997. It had a 6.75-litre V8 engine that produced 296 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque. The Turbo R could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, which was impressive for a car that weighed over 2 tonnes. The Turbo R also had a top speed of 150 mph. The Turbo R was known for its exceptional build quality and durability, which made it a popular choice among luxury car buyers.

Volvo 240 GLT Estate

The Volvo 240 GLT Estate was a high-performance estate car that was produced by Volvo Cars from 1984 to 1993. It had a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine that produced 155 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The 240 GLT Estate could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds, which was impressive for an estate car. The 240 GLT Estate was known for its exceptional build quality and durability, which made it a popular choice among families and business owners.

In conclusion, the Mercedes AMG Hammer, Bentley Turbo R, and Volvo 240 GLT Estate were some of the most iconic performance sedans and estates of the 1980s. These cars were not only fast but also luxurious and durable, making them popular choices among car enthusiasts and luxury car buyers.

Pioneering Performance Technologies

The 1980s were a decade of technological advancements in the automotive industry. Car manufacturers were focused on developing new technologies to improve the performance of their vehicles. In this section, we will explore some of the pioneering performance technologies that emerged in the 1980s.

Turbocharged Engines

One of the most significant technological developments of the 1980s was the widespread use of turbocharged engines. Turbocharging allowed engines to produce more power and torque without increasing their size. This technology was used in many iconic 80s cars, such as the Porsche 959, the Ferrari Testarossa, and the Mitsubishi Starion.

All-Wheel Drive Systems

Another significant development in the 1980s was the introduction of all-wheel drive systems. These systems allowed power to be distributed to all four wheels, improving traction and handling. The Audi Quattro was the first car to use an all-wheel drive system in a production car. This technology was later used in other iconic 80s cars, such as the Lancia Delta Integrale and the Nissan Skyline GT-R.

Advanced Suspension

Advanced suspension systems were another technological development of the 1980s. These systems allowed for better handling and ride comfort. The Lotus Esprit was one of the first cars to use an advanced suspension system, which allowed it to achieve exceptional handling. Other iconic 80s cars, such as the Porsche 944 and the BMW M3, also used advanced suspension systems.

In conclusion, the 1980s were a decade of significant technological advancements in the automotive industry. Turbocharged engines, all-wheel drive systems, and advanced suspension systems were just a few of the pioneering performance technologies that emerged during this time. These technologies allowed for faster, more powerful, and better-handling cars, and paved the way for the performance cars of today.

Cultural Impact and Automotive Legacy

The 1980s saw a great deal of innovation and creativity in the automotive industry. From the introduction of new technologies to the revival of classic designs, the decade was marked by a number of significant milestones that continue to influence the automotive industry today.

Motorsport Milestones

Motorsport played a key role in the 1980s, with a number of iconic races and drivers making their mark on the industry. From the legendary battles between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost to the emergence of the Group B rally cars, the decade saw some of the most exciting and innovative developments in motorsport history.

Cinema and Pop Culture

The 1980s were also a time of great change in popular culture, with films like “Back to the Future” and “Ghostbusters” becoming instant classics. These films helped to popularize a number of iconic cars, including the DeLorean DMC-12 and the Ecto-1 from “Ghostbusters”. The era was also known for its big hair and bold fashion choices, which were often reflected in the design of the cars of the time.

The Classic Car Movement

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in classic cars from the 1980s. This has led to a resurgence in popularity for many of the iconic cars of the decade, such as the Ferrari Testarossa, the Porsche 911, and the BMW M3. Many of these cars have become highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts, and their legacy continues to be felt in the automotive industry today.

Overall, the 1980s were a time of great change and innovation in the automotive industry. From the emergence of new technologies to the revival of classic designs, the decade saw a number of significant milestones that continue to influence the industry today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which models are considered the top sports cars from the 1980s?

The 1980s saw the rise of the sports car, with models such as the Porsche 911, Ferrari Testarossa, and Lamborghini Countach becoming iconic symbols of the decade. Other notable sports cars from the era include the Mazda RX-7, Toyota Supra, and Nissan 300ZX. These cars are revered for their sleek designs, powerful engines, and impressive handling.

What are some affordable classic cars from the 1980s that are now collectable?

While many classic cars from the 1980s have become highly sought after and expensive, there are still some affordable options for collectors on a budget. The Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Pontiac Firebird are all popular choices, as are the Volkswagen Golf GTI and BMW E30 3 Series.

Can you list some of the most popular small cars from the 1980s era?

The 1980s saw a boom in the popularity of small cars, with models such as the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Nova, and Peugeot 205 becoming hugely popular in the UK. Other notable small cars from the era include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Polo.

Which European cars from the 1980s are recognised for their performance and design?

European car manufacturers were at the forefront of automotive design and engineering in the 1980s, with many iconic models being produced during this time. The Audi Quattro, BMW M3, and Mercedes-Benz 190E are all recognised for their performance and design, while the Peugeot 205 GTI and Renault 5 Turbo are also highly regarded.

What were the defining car colours and trends of the 1980s?

The 1980s were characterised by bold and bright colours, with popular colours including red, yellow, and blue. Stripes and decals were also popular, as were body kits and spoilers. Convertible cars were also popular during this time, with models such as the Mazda MX-5 and BMW Z1 becoming iconic symbols of the era.

How do 1980s cars compare in reliability to those from the surrounding decades?

Reliability is always a concern when it comes to classic cars, and the 1980s were no exception. While some models from the era are known for their reliability, such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, others are less dependable. It is important to do your research before purchasing a classic car from the 1980s, and to ensure that it has been well-maintained and cared for.