Every era has its own iconic supercar models that cannot be compared to anything else. The 1980s was a decade marked by significant innovations in the technology field, but because of the environmental laws, it was challenging to design cars with high power figures.
Many of the 80s performance vehicles might be already long forgotten. But even though this period was quite controversial for the automotive industry, the car manufacturers successfully designed sports cars that are impressive even these days.
10 Ferrari Testarossa
This vehicle can be considered as the icon of the 80s retro culture without a doubt. Its appearance is exquisite - side strakes, improved comfort, ultra-wide rear track. The car's design was one of the most innovative at that time.
The Ferrari's specs also have a lot to say about its stunning performance. It is fitted with a V12 engine paired to a five-speed manual transmission and can produce up to 390 hp and can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.
9 Ferrari 288 GTO
The specs of this 80s Ferrari are pretty impressive - a V8 engine, 395 hp at 7,000 rpm, and a top speed of 190 mph. The company planned to build only 200 of these masterpieces, but since the demand was high, they created 272 GTOs.
It is based on the 308, but has only a few common components. The most significant difference, other than the powertrain, is that most of the body panels were made from composite materials and the wheelbase itself was longer.
8 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE
The Lotus Espirit Turbo is one of the most impressive production cars of the 80s. It hit the market in 1987, and thanks to some enhancements over time, became extremely fast. Its engine produces a maximum of 215 hp and is capable of reaching 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.
The changes that were made by the designer are mostly in the transaxle and gearbox. This model fitted the Renault GTA transmission and new brakes located on the cast alloy hub carriers. Also, the interior had some enhancements - more legroom, better ventilation, etc.
7 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato
Aston Martin turned to Zagato to create a competitive version of their racer. Even though the car's final version didn't turn out as powerful as they hoped it would, its rarity makes this model sought after by many car enthusiasts.
The V8 Vantage comes with a five-speed manual transmission and is capable of reaching 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. This was the fastest production car ever made by Aston Martin thanks to revised suspension and heavy diet.
6 Lamborghini Countach LP500S
This rear-wheel-drive beast is fitted with a 4.8-liter engine that produces up to 375 hp and 303 lb-ft of torque. It supplies its power through a five-speed manual transmission system and can hit a top speed of 170 mph.
There are 323 examples of the Countach LP5000S. It might've been the perfect car for extroverts back in those days. Even now, this beauty looks appealing.
5 De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S
This all-steel wonder is one of the rarest supercars in the world. It has an aggressive look thanks to the widebody kit and the Countach-style rear wing. In the 80s, this car was the best choice for those who wanted a Ferrari but didn't have enough money for it.
The De Tomaso Pantera is ready to impress with its 300 horses, 333 lb-ft of torque, and the ability to sprint to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. Its pushrod V8 engine is mated to a five-speed ratio gearbox.
4 Ford RS200 Evolution
The RS200 Evolution is one of those car models that are both superfast and extremely unique. In total, there are only 24 such vehicles. This Ford is known as the fastest accelerating car in the world, according to Guinness World Records.
This beast is equipped with a 16-valve turbocharged four-cylinder engine that can produce up to 600 hp and comes along with a five-speed manual transmission. The car is designed for Group B racing. Even its chassis was created by a former F1 engineer.
3 Buick Regal GNX
The car is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that makes up to 276 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a turbo-Hydra-Matic automatic transmission and can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds.
This Buick Regal GNX is a nose-heavy car. It doesn't give a lot of steering feedback, but overall it offers a smooth ride quality. The car was conceived as a performance shot and has become seriously expensive and highly collectible.
2 Isdera Imperator 108i
This futuristic-looking low-volume sports car is not the fastest one of the 1980s, but it is the rarest. There are only 30 examples of this vehicle model. Originally, this was a Mercedes-Benz concept car.
The bodyshell was constructed out of glass-fiber, which gave a smooth look, but still didn't improve the aerodynamic drag coefficient, which was 0.38. The car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and had a top speed of 176 mph.
1 RUF CTR
This beauty was based on the 911 Carrera 3.2. It is known under the nickname Yellowbird. The designer chose to lighten the car, add chassis stiffness, enhance suspension and braking systems.
The car is equipped with a 3.4-liter turbocharged engine that can produce up to 463 hp and 408 lb-ft of torque. The two-door coupe is also paired with a custom-designed five-speed manual transmission.