Ah, the eighties. The decade marked by leather jackets with excessive amounts of metal studs and spiked-up hair displayed to warn conformists to move along. A time that saw liquid crystal display Casio watches adorning many wrists and the Compact Cassette tape and Betamax tapes as the future of audio and video consumption.

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The automotive industry was still feeling the effects of the oil crisis with consumer demand still on fuel economy rather than power and speed. Despite all this, Japan still managed to produce some quick and fun vehicles. Here are the fastest Japanese sports cars from the eighties.

10 Honda CR-X

The Honda CR-X was introduced in 1984, filling the void left by the giant-killing, Mini Cooper. A light, nimble front-wheel drive hatchback designed to show that size isn't everything. In 1988 the CR-X went through a major overhaul, ditching the dated Torsen bar and beam axle suspension and replacing them with double wishbones all around.

Technology derived from Honda's Formula 1 experience. In 1989, the CR-X became the second of Honda's fleet to be graced with the famed VTEC system. Making 150 horsepower in a sub-1000 kilogram chassis is a recipe for some serious lap times.

9 Toyota MR2

BMW wasn't the first European automaker that Toyota has collaborated with. In the eighties, Toyota looked to Lotus to help develop an affordable mid-ship sports car, known now as the MR2. It was a match made in heaven, Lotus performance with Toyota reliability.

The first generation was available from 1984-1989 and there was a supercharged version hitting North America in 1988. This pushed the horsepower up to 145 on the peppy little 1.6L 4 cylinder 4A-GZE engine. Following that Lotus philosophy of keeping the weight down, this car carries speed through the corners like a rollercoaster.

8 Mazda Miata

The Mazda Miata has been a fan favorite since its debut in 1989. The go-to vehicle for motorsport enthusiasts, enough so to warrant the spec Miata race series. A super lightweight roadster with perfect 50/50 weight distribution, front to back.

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Four-wheel independent suspension and streamlined rounded edges all add up to the very definition of a momentum car. The world over this convertible can be seen laying down some serious times at autocross or track events. Often leaving higher horsepower contestants behind and wondering what happened.

7 Nissan 200SX

Before the world-renowned 240SX or Silva, as it is known in Japan, the 200SX made its introduction in 1984. During its production run, the later year "SE" models came equipped with a naturally aspirated V6 engine that produced 165 horsepower while only weighing 1170 kg.

There is no doubt that this Nissan is quick. Placing first in the 1988 Ivory Coast Rally and second in the 1988 and 1989 Safari Rally. This S12 also found success on the tarmac, taking home the gold in the 1987 Australian 2.0 Litre Touring Car Championship with Mark Skaife behind the wheel.

6 Mitsubishi Starion

The Mitsubishi that's so nice that they named it twice. Known as the Starion under the Mitsubishi badge and the Conquest under the Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth badge. The Lancer Evolution can trace its lineage to this rear-wheel-drive grand tourer.

A turbocharged 2.6L 4-cylinder engine sat under the hood that, in essence, was a single-cam version of the engine found in the Lancers. The Starion helped make a name for Mitsubishi, winning many professional circuit races around the world. A four-wheel-drive version was also developed for the Group B series before the cancellation of the class.

5 Datsun 280ZX

Despite employing technologies from the previous decade, the 280ZX was advanced enough to remain relevant in the 80s. In 1981, it became the first Z car to have a turbo mated to the tuning-friendly inline 6, L series engine. Pushing the horsepower up to 180, quite a respectable number for the period.

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It found success in many IMSA and SCCA race series. Taking home the overall title in a few different classes.  No surprise, given the significant improvements in every measurable category from the already impressive 280Z that came before it.

4 Nissan 300ZX

Nissan was in need of following up the success of the 280ZX, with other major Japanese manufacturers entering the segment and trying to get their piece of the pie. Released to the public in 1984, the 300ZX was available with a turbocharged V6 that produced 200 HP.

A power figure the Corvette just barely passed with 205 HP and the Mustang failed to meet, at the time. This Z car had some get-up and go, picking up right where the previous one left off. Making its rounds of the circuits of North America and Japan.

3 Mazda RX7

The FC RX-7 rolled out in 1985 continuing with the Wankel powerplant to provide the zoom zoom. The lightweight Dorrito engine got a turbo-charger this time around with great effect. Spreading confusion amongst the automotive community and forcing many to re-evaluate their identity.

A good portion of that population found the courage to make the transition, opting to cut ties with their trusted piston. With a Wankel between the front wheels, the second generation of the RX-7 sat atop countless podiums. Now owners can show off their Wankels with pride.

2 Toyota Supra

Toyota had been looking for an answer to the Datsun/Nissan Z series and after years of nipping at the Z's heels, the Supra finally caught that rabbit in 1986. The third generation of the Supra took a major leap forward.

Fitted with four-wheel, double-wishbone independent suspension standard and a twin-turbo model in the later years. This was Japan's signal to Europe that they were next on the crosshairs. Drawing comparisons to the Porsche 944 and only .4 seconds behind from 0-60. Toyota had arrived.

1 Nissan Skyline GT-R

The R32 GT-R capped off the 80s with a nuclear explosion. Unleased in 1989, Godzilla was a technological marvel. The ATTESA all-wheel-drive system made certain that as much of the monstrous power generated by the RB26DETT twin-turbo inline-six engine produced made it to the pavement.

Dominating virtually every race series it entered, this beast forced a number of them to change the rules, so other cars could compete. The bar had been raised to a level where automobiles produced decades later struggle to meet.

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