Although classic cars are no longer in vogue and only very few people still make use of them, they remain valuable. And with nameplates that have been around for multiple decades, there's bound to be one classic that commands higher respect and value even than modern versions.
Such is the case with the 10 sports cars we have set aside in this list. While they're all cool modern vehicles no car enthusiast would mind owning, they all have a predecessor in their history that's quite frankly cooler.
Some of the many qualities that make the classic versions of these cars so much cooler include their fully immersive and authentic driving experience, simplicity of their designs, and even motorsports success.
10 2020 Toyota Supra (Toyota Supra MKIV)
The 2020 Toyota Supra is the fifth generation of the Supra line. This all-new model has agile handling and a powerful engine performance but there aren’t many similarities between this new Supra and the old models beyond the swept-back headlamps and the GT-style profile.
The 3.0-liter, inline-six engine MKIV model falls in the fourth generation of Supras, representing an arsenal of new technology. It boasts a very efficient dry-road handling and braking system. The MKIV model won its class in the Swiss Mountain Races and became a dominant force in the All-Japan GT Championships (JGTC) from 1995 to 2003. The car was also famously featured in the Fast & Furious franchise.
9 2020 BMW 8-Series Coupe (1994 BMW 850CSi)
The 2020 BMW 8-Series Coupe is a TwinPower Turbo engine grand tourer that epitomizes luxury and is stunning inside and out. Although, rear passengers tend to not be comfortable for long due to the car's relatively smaller frame. The downside of this modern version is that its steering dulls the driver’s involvement.
The BMW 850CSi (E31) is a grand tourer and the first generation of the BMW 8 Series. It was among the first cars to use electronic throttle control (drive-by-wire), with the V-12 versions using two Engine Control Units (ECUs). The car has an assortment of colors and textures that provide warmth, and it wrings out its chassis’ full potential with stiffer shocks and springs, giving it a feel as natural as breathing.
8 Gordon Murray T.50 (1993 McLaren F1)
The Gordon Murray T.50 is a lightweight McLaren F1-inspired hypercar with all the latest in technology. The car's Cosworth V12 engine produces 654 horsepower, yet, the manufacturers have refused to state the top speed on the excuse of not wanting to water the car down to just specs. Of course, it could just be that the specs are so disappointing for a vehicle much anticipated and talked about by the public.
The McLaren F1 came through with a groundbreaking design, bringing Formula One and state-of-the-art technology to the road. It was a hypercar before hypercars were a thing and held the record for the fastest production car for no fewer than 12 years. It introduced a unique three-seat design and was powered by a BMW-made V-12 engine that’s still the most powerful naturally aspirated mill out there.
7 Toyota FJ Cruiser (FJ40 Cruiser)
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a retro-style mid-size SUV and a modern successor to the FJ40. Its body design features rear opening access doors that give it a unique look. The vehicle also sports special high-strength steel, which provides side impact protection without the need for a door pillar. However. the look and feel are distinctly different from its predecessor.
The FJ40 is a functional and straightforward all-terrain capable vehicle, manufactured for both excellent on-road and off-road capabilities. The FJ40 has foldable jump seats behind the front two seats, making it easy to squeeze in more passengers or cargo. Though relatively sparse in comfort, the car captured buyers’ attention all over the world nonetheless, impressing many with its reliability, sturdiness, and off-roading ability.
6 Toyota GT86 (Toyota AE86)
The Toyota GT86, as is common with most Toyota models, is an efficient car with a lot of options. However, this makes for a disadvantage. Compared to the vehicle's standard configuration, the other configurations tend to have an excess of options, making things a bit complicated for buyers.
Fans of the Initial D comics will instantly recognize this car. The Toyota AE86, on the other hand, is a Japanese racing legend. This car left such a mark on the racing circuits that racing teams continued to race it even after production stopped. The car has some of the best qualities not found in modern cars. Its lightweight nature and the rear-wheel-drive system being some of its key points of attraction.
5 Chevrolet Camaro (1970 Chevy Camaro Z28)
The Chevrolet Camaro is a car that needs no introduction. The company has consistently delivered excellent cars from its factories through the years, and the Camaro has been in the spotlight. The new Chevrolet Camaro notably offers some of the best in advanced technology.
The 1970 Camaro Z28 is an all-rounder. At the time of its release, the car set the styling tone for a new generation of vehicles and was one of the most potent muscle cars around. Its engine produced 375 horsepower, a value that is yet bigger than that of some modern cars. If the Camaro badge enjoys any favor today from car lovers, the 1970 Camaro contributed sufficiently to make that happen.
4 2020 Nissan 370Z (1970 Datsun 240Z)
The 2020 Nissan 370Z is a two-door, two-seater sports car available as a hatchback coupe. The engine of the 370Z produces 332hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, but the Nismo version bumps it up to 350hp and 276 lb-ft. It has some 5-spoke 19-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels and revised brake system components. However, its steering is known to lack feedback.
The 1970 Nissan 240Z is a two-door, two-seat rear-drive sports with a 151-horsepower, 2.4-liter, twin-carb engine. The engine is paired with a four-speed transmission and fully independent suspension. The 240Z was a performance bargain, reaching up to 60 mph in 8 seconds and a 125-mph top speed. The 240Z remains one of the most excellent sports cars with a robust engine, enjoyable gearbox, and easy to drive features.
3 2020 Dodge Charger (1969 Dodge Charger)
The 2020 Dodge Charger is a car that satisfies car enthusiasts' demand for affordable, practical, performance cars. And while the base level Charger is a car you see at airport rentals, the top-of-the-line model is one of the fastest sedans in the world. But regardless of its performance, the modern Charger will never be as cool as it used to be.
The 1969 Charger is still the most iconic iteration of the model, back when the Charger was a two-door muscle car. Under the hood is more power than is expected of a classic, with values north of 375 horsepower. Little wonder it lit up racing tracks back in the day. In fact, the new Charger doesn't even resemble the old one, and the only thing they have in common are the badge and the name.
2 Third Generation Lancia Delta (Lancia Delta Integrale)
The Third generation Lancia Delta cars have unique, beautiful styling. Inside the car are a lot of advanced technology features, such as the driving assistant. While positive, this feature is yet another technological feature that removes more of the human elements of driving, thereby dampening the full driving experience.
And while the new Delta looks good, it pales in comparison to the legendary Delta Integrale, revered for its success in rally and dominance among hot hatchbacks in the '90s. Under its hood is a 2.0-liter turbo engine that produces 182 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque. Its simplistic design holds it all together and is not complicated to handle.
1 BMW Z4 (BMW Z8)
The BMW Z4 is a roadster per excellence. Its powerful engine, exceptional handling, and excellent interior are all benefits of this car. Yet, it falls closely towards the bottom in its luxury sports car class, as other manufacturers seem to be providing better offerings.
And while the new Z4 may be beautiful, it pales in comparison to the ultimate BMW Z roadster, the Z8. Discontinued in 2003, these things packed a 4.9-liter V8 pushing out over 400 horsepower. In fact, they were designed to compete with Ferraris and Aston Martins, and their price tags reflected it. It's sad this flagship BMW roadster is no longer around as we're sure there would be a market for them.