Throughout history, cars have evolved in terms of performance, safety, and technology. Each new generation of a vehicle seeks to be better than the last through continual, incremental improvement. These changes are particularly highlighted when we look back at the supercars from a few decades ago.

The hot hatch segment has similarly undergone rapid development. For example, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R—the brand's hottest hatch—can complete 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. This figure is not just quick for the segment but actually beats many truly iconic supercars. The 1980s brought us many great fast cars, however, when compared to a modern hatch they don't stand a chance. Let's explore and compare the performance of some of these greats to the modern-day VW Golf R.

The Golf R is fitted with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter inline 4 petrol engine producing 315 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque that is then transferred to the wheels through VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The top speed is 155 mph, buyers looking for that little bit extra can opt for an optional R-Performance package raising the limit to 167 mph. This package also includes a specially developed Nurburgring profile enabling great performance to be achieved around the track.

In this list, you'll find some of the fastest and most impressive supercars of the '80s, all of which would face a devastating defeat if pitted against an affordable hot hatch like the Golf R.

Related: Hot Hatches Don’t Do So Well In The US, And Here’s Why

10 Ferrari Testarossa

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Via: FavCars

The Ferrari Testarossa entered production in 1984 and was a flat 12 cylinder powered sports/ GT car. The striking looks were designed by legendary Italian design house, Pininfarina and this contributed greatly to the car's success, shifting around 10,000 units. One of the most notable design features is the distinctive slatted side air intake.

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Via: FavCars

Despite, the seemingly large 4.9l 12 cylinder engine, 0-60 was only achieved in a non-Golf R challenging time of 5.2 seconds. The engine did however put out more horsepower at 390hp.

9 Porsche 944 Turbo

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Launched in 1985, the Turbo was the top-of-the-range version of Porsche's 944. The car was fitted with a 2.5l turbo engine producing 220 hp and enabling a 0-60 time of 5.9s. In 1988 a Turbo S version was released producing an increased 250 hp due to a larger turbocharger.

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The increased power did reduce the 0-60 time, but not enough to outrun the Golf, achieving an improved 5.5s. Distinctive design features include pop-up headlights and a black PU rear spoiler.

8 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

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Aston Martin produced the V8 Vantage between 1977 and 1989. As its name suggests, it had a V8 engine, a 5.3-liter 380-hp unit. The top speed was 170 mph and 0-60 was achieved in 5.2s.

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At the time, the V8 Vantage was the fastest 4 seater production car in the world and the UK's first supercar. The V8 has appeared in two James Bond films, 1987 The Living Daylights and 2020 No Time To Die.

7 Porsche 928 S

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A relatively unsung Porsche, the model was produced between 1978 and 1995. In 1985 Porsche introduced the 928 S, which had a 5.0l V8 that could propel the car from 0-60 in 5.7s. The engine produced 288 hp and enabled the car to reach a top speed of 154 mph, just 1 mph slower than the Golf's.

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Contributing to its relative unpopularity was the front-mounted engine, Porsche purists didn't approve of this and preferred the better weight distribution found in the 911. As a consequence, these cars offer great value for money, prices are rising however so prospective buyers ought to get searching.

6 Delorean DMC-12

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Via: Supercars.net

A very distinctive and unique car, the Delorean DMC-12 gained much of its recognition from the role it played as a time machine in the Back to the Future films. While in real life, the DMC-12 cannot quite reach warp speed, its 2.8-liter V6 produces 130 hp and takes the car from 0-60 mph in a relatively slow 9.6s and on to a top speed of 110 mph.

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Via: Sportscarmarket.com

Giving the car its iconic look is the unpainted stainless steel body panels and gull-wing doors.

Related: Here’s What We Love About The DeLorean DMC-12

5 BMW M1 E26

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BMW produced the M1 E26 between 1978 and 1981. The car was fitted with a mid-engined 3.5l inline 6 cylinder petrol producing 274 hp. The M1 was one of the first mass-produced mid-engined sports cars. The top speed was 163 mph with a 0-60 time of 5.6s.

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The original design brief of the M1 was to produce a car that could rival Porsche in group 5 racing. A certain number of cars needed to be produced to allow FIA homologation. As BMW did not have the production facilities required, head of motorsport Jochen Neerpasch commissioned Lamborghini for the purpose. Lamborghini was unable to fulfill this and part-produced cars were consequently sent to Baur in Germany.

4 Lamborghini Countach LP500

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The Iconic and perhaps brand-defining Lamborghini Countach sported an iconic wedge-shaped design. In 1982 the LP500 version was released, this upgraded the engine to a 4.8l V12 producing 370 hp and taking the car from 0-60 in 5.3s. The top speed is a superfast 182 mph.

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The Countach made its public debut at the 1971 Geneva motor show, it received a frenzied reception. Unfortunately, soon after the show, the prototype was destroyed in a crash delaying development.

3 Lamborghini Jalpa

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The Jalpa was produced by Lamborghini between 1981 and 1988. Under the hood was a 3.5l V8 producing 255 hp, taking the car to 60 mph in 6 seconds with a top speed the same as the Golf's, 155 mph.

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The Jalpa was not a best seller, just over 400 examples were sold during its production period. It was designed to appeal to a market unable to afford a Countach, consequently, a V8 was included rather than a more Lambo esque V12.

2 Lotus Esprit Turbo

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Lotus produced the Esprit Turbo between 1980-1992, it gained great popularity following its appearance in the James Bond films "The Spy Who Loved Me" & "For Your Eyes Only."

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The car came with a relatively small capacity 2.2-liter inline 4 cylinder engine. Despite this, the car could travel from 0-60 mph in around 5.5s and on to a top speed of 152 mph.

1 Ferrari 288 GTO

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The Ferrari 288 GTO was fitted with a 2.8-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 394 hp, 288 signifying 2.8-liter V8. The car could reach 60 mph in 4.8s with a top speed of 189 mph.

Related: Pininfarina vs Ferrari: Who Designed The Better Ferraris

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The "GTO" part of the name is significant, standing for Grand Turismo Omologato. Ferrari produced the car in significant quantities (around 200) to homologate it for the Group B FIA racing series. They had intended to return to rallying and had initially wished to redesign the 308 GTB, but this was not permitted under FIA rules.