It was the 1990s that saw automobile manufacturers delve into territories that hadn't been explored as of yet. Many of the modern-day safety and luxury features that drivers find in vehicles today were first introduced back in the 1990s. Features such as adaptive cruise control, GPS navigation, advanced stability control, and many more were developed for the first time during the last decade of the 20th century. However, it was not just new features in safety and luxury that saw an evolution, but performance standards of vehicles also took a major leap.
The segment of vehicles that saw an immediate impact owing to these new developments were sports cars. The sportscars of the nineties were indeed unique vehicles that can truly be considered engineering marvels, with many of these models becoming cult classics in the following years. While some now-forgotten sports cars were loved, other models are exceptions to this rule and have remained ingrained in people's memories. These models can easily be considered the coolest sportscars that the 1990s had to offer.
1993 Nissan Skyline GTR R33
Although it sported underwhelming specifications when compared to the R32 or even succeeding models like the R35, the Nissan Skyline GTR R33 has a reputation of its own that makes it one of the best sports cars of the 90s.
Owing to the 'gentleman's agreement' that was in place in Japan at that time, the R33 could not reach its true potential in terms of power, but made up for it in terms of lesser drag coefficient, improved stability, and evolved suspension that elevated the camber stiffness and rear suspension of the R33 when compared to the R32. With a power output of 279.8 hp and a max torque of 271 lb-ft, the Nissan Skyline GTR R33 proved that Japan dominated the sports car market in the 90s.
1992 Porsche Carrera RS 911
A worthy successor to the classic 2.7 RS 911 Carrera from the 1970s, the 1992 Porsche Carrera 911 RS is an absolute mean machine that took a detour from the classic looks that the original Carrera 911 RS sported. It was basically a lighter variant of the Carrera 2 and featured a faster body, lower stance, and Cup-1 style magnesium wheels.
Under the hood, the 1992 Carrera 911 RS sports a 3.6-liter flat-six engine that is a major improvement from its previous 2.7-liter 1973 powerplant. Capable of producing a horsepower of 260 at 6,100 rpm, the 1992 Porsche Carrera 911 RS could reach a top speed of 162 mph and accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than six seconds.
1992 Mazda RX-7
The inception of the iconic Mazda RX-7 can be traced back to the latter part of the 1970s. However, the car had remained almost the same for two generations, until receiving a complete revamp during its third generation in 1992. With production discontinued after 2002, many car enthusiasts all over the world really wish Mazda brought back this discontinued sports car.
Powered by a 13B rotary engine, the 1992 Mazda RX-7 could create a power output of 239.27 hp at 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 217 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm. Having a sequential twin-turbo setup, the Mazda RX-7 from 1992 was available with both 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual options.
1992 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport
Produced between 1991 to 1995, the 1992 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport has to be the best model that the series has. This mid-engined sports car is the only production vehicle that was made by Bugatti when it was owned by Romano Artioli.
Powered by a twelve-cylinder, quad-turbocharged 3.5-liter engine, the Super Sport variant of the Bugatti EB110 could produce an incredible 603 hp at 8,250 rpm and came with a six-speed manual transmission. It also produced a maximum torque figure of 479 lb-ft at 4,200 rpm and weighed 330 pounds less than the GT variants.
1991 BMW Z1
Although the BMW Z1 is not the fastest 1990s sports car that comes to mind, it definitely is a uniquely designed one, and that makes it quite cool. Powered by a 2.5-liter straight-six M20B25 engine, the Z1 sported some iconic design elements that made it attain cult status in the years to come.
Some of the most exciting design elements that made the Z1 incredibly famous include its "disappearing" doors and uniquely stylish wedge shape. This vehicle can also be regarded as the car that inspired the modern-day small-roadsters that BMW manufactures, such as the Z3 and the Z4.
1995 Ferrari F50
Although the F50 will always be a lesser vehicle when compared with the F40, the F50 still has many worthy attributes that make it a brilliant sports car in its own regard. Powered by a naturally aspirated V12 engine that is directly bolted to the car's chassis, the F50 makes an incredible sound that is only complemented by its sleek and stylish design. It is proof of the fact that Italians make the most beautiful sports cars.
The 1995 Ferrari F50 is a limited edition beauty with only 349 models made available in the market. Capable of producing a whopping power output of 514 hp at 8,500 rpm, the F50 could reach the breakneck top speed of 201 mph and complete the 0-60 mph acceleration feat in only 3.7 seconds.
1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
Produced by Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Benz's motorsports and performance wing, the Mercedez-Benz CLK GTR dons a look that is not even remotely similar to the looks of the standard CLK. The CLK GTR was specifically built for racing and sports an aluminum honeycomb monocoque and carbon fiber chassis, along with double-wishbone suspensions in both the front and the rear.
Powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine and a six-speed manual sequential transmission, the CLK GTR could reach a top speed of 198 mph and accelerate from 0-60 mph in only 3.8 seconds.
1990 Lamborghini Diablo
While there are many brilliant Italian sports cars that aren't a Lamborghini, the Diablo from 1990 is not one amongst them. Powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine that is capable of producing 492 hp at 7,000 rpm and 428 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm, the Lamborghini Diablo has been named after a ferocious 19th-century bull that was raised by the Duke of Veragua.
Built as a successor to the iconic Lamborghini Countach, the 5-speed manual Diablo achieved the feat quite remarkably and became quite popular in no time owing to its swing-up doors, exotic looks, and complementary performance. It could also accelerate from 0-60 mph in a mere matter of four seconds and had a top speed of 204 mph.
1998 McLaren F1
While there are many sports cars people used to love in the 90s, but not anymore, the McLaren F1 is an exception, being loved immensely by many enthusiasts even today. The sports car that held the title of being the fastest production vehicle and setting the Guinness World Record in 1998, until finally being beaten by the Bugatti Veyron in 2005, is none other than the McLaren F1.
Powered by a 6.1-liter V12 engine from BMW, the McLaren F1 could reach a staggering top speed of 240.1 mph and could produce a magnificent power output of 635.7 hp at 7,400 rpm. Arguably one of the best sports cars ever made, the McLaren F1 also looked incredibly sweet courtesy of its unique butterfly doors and incredible design.
1992 Jaguar XJ220
Although the Jaguar XJ220 does not sport a V12 engine like a lot of supercars from the nineties, it is still a supremely cool sportscar. Powered by a twin-turbocharged, V6, DOHC engine of 3,498 ccs, the Jaguar XJ220 could produce a power output of 549.517 hp at 7,000 rpm and 473 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm.
Capable of reaching a top speed of 217 mph (after removing its exhaust catalyst and bumping up the rev limiter) the XJ220 was the fastest production vehicle in 1992, until being beaten by McLaren F1 the following year. With only 282 models produced between 1992 and 1994, it is one retired sports car model that should make a comeback.