Performance cars from the 1980s have been enjoying a resurgence of sorts as the next generation of collectors looks to recapture the vehicles from their youth. Of course, the assumption is always made that anything that isn't brand new must be eons behind in terms of its performance capabilities, but that couldn't be further from the truth - especially when you consider some of the enthusiast vehicles being made in the latter half of the 1980s.
Turbocharging was perhaps the single biggest contributor to the rise of hot hatches and surprisingly quick coupes and sedans. Other engineering feats were also beginning to grow in popularity, like all-wheel drive and electronically adjustable suspensions. These cars are now becoming somewhat iconic, especially as good examples becoming increasingly hard to find - but you better move quickly to acquire one of these start classics from the era of shoulder pads and neon headbands. Let's take a look at some of the top contenders for the quickest cars of the '80s.
10 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
When Ford began looking for alternatives to raw displacement to build a luxury-oriented performance car that wouldn't rob Mustang sales, it turned to a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The mill eventually grew to produce a healthy 190 hp paired to a slick five-speed manual transition - and made for surprisingly lively acceleration in the big-bodied Thunderbird.
9 Volkswagen Scirocco 16-Valve
The Volkswagen Scirocco was a breakaway design for a company better known for bread-and-butter sedans and hatchbacks. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Scirocco kicked things up a notch in the late '80s when the high-revving DOHC 16-valve engine was dropped in, making a run to 60 mph. possible in just over seven seconds.
Related: These Hatchbacks Will Leave A Supercar In The Dust
8 Toyota Celica All-Trac Turbo
The Celica has been Toyota's long-standing attainable sports car, but there was one model that stood apart from almost any other entry-level sports coupe for a short time: the All-Trac Turbo, featuring a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L four-cylinder paired to a trick all-wheel-drive system to put its 182 hp to the ground.
7 TVR Tasmin
The Tasmin is one of the more obscure cars from the 1980s, but it offered light-weight and a torquey Ford Cologne V6 under the hood that not only produced a gorgeous exhaust note, but also shot the two-seater up to 60 mph in eight seconds flat on the way to a top speed of 130 mph The hot ticket? A 350i model with a Rover V8 under the hood.
6 Ford Mustang SVO
When the muscle cars of the '60s and '70s effectively succumbed to the weight of the oil crisis and increased attention given to fuel efficiency, manufacturers had to find new ways to replace that lost business. Ford turned to turbocharging, creating the limited-production Mustang SVO with a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder good for 200 hp in 1986.
Related: 14 Ford Sleepers We Never Knew We Needed
5 Chrysler Conquest / Mitsubishi Starion
Turbocharged, rear-wheel drive, box flares, two-door sports coupe: the Mitsubishi Starion had it all and was offered in North America under both the Chrysler and Mitsubishi flags. Despite not having the same pedigree, the Starion and its Chrysler Conquest twin were capable of running down the likes of the Porsche 944.
4 Callaway Corvette
The standard C4 Corvette isn't the high watermark for the iconic nameplate, but tuners like Callaway saw a path towards making its performance nothing short of legendary. While many variations exist, the twin-turbocharged 5.7L V8 could churn out monstrous horsepower and torque, making the lethargic 0-60 runs of the early '80s a distant memory.
3 Audi 200 Turbo Quattro 20V
For drivers who want a sleepy sedan capable of reaching 60 mph in under seven seconds, the Audi 200 Turbo Quattro 20V checks many boxes. Throw in the stability of Quattro all-wheel drive, a spacious leather interior with heated seats, and a five-speed manual transmission, and you have a family hauler that can truly haul.
2 Buick Regal Turbo
While the Buick Grand National and GNX are some of the more iconic and valuable muscle cars you can buy, the immediate precursor to these high-performance machines was the Buick Regal Turbo T. A 245 hp, turbocharged 3.8L V6 earned the Turbo T the nickname "Vette Getter" for its ability to run down GM's predominant sports car.
1 Porsche 944 Turbo
The Porsche 911 has skyrocketed in value, placing it out of reach for most enthusiasts looking for a second hobby car. The 944 Turbo is quickly nipping on its heels, but still obtainable for under $20,000. With a 0-60 run in well under six seconds, this is perhaps one of the best performance bargains still out there - but prices are rising fast.
Sources: Hemmings, Mecum, TVR Club, Curbside Classic, Bring A Trailer