As we close out our celebration of machines from the 1980s, it’s only natural that this week’s poll reflects our focus on the decade of excess. After a lengthy discussion behind the scenes, the Speedhunters crew has come up with a list of 25 performance cars which we think best define the ’80s. It’s a wide list of cars that includes working man’s hot hatches, unobtainable exotics and everything in between.
As you go through the list, you might notice a few important models like the R32 Skyline GT-R and S13 missing. While it’s true that these cars debuted at the very tail end of the decade, we saw them as being more associated with the 1990s and decided to leave them out for the purposes of this poll.
Anyway, here’s our list of 1980s performance icons. Which will you pick?
Ferrari Testarossa
There are few cars more closely associated with the ’80s than the Testarossa. Being featured in one of the decade’s most popular TV shows, Miami Vice only helped cement the car’s reputation an ’80s icon.
Ford Cosworth Sierra RS
Whether it was on the street or in touring car racing, the Cosworth Sierra RS will forever be known as one of the greatest enthusiast cars of the ’80s. How can you not like the angular, spoilered styling?
RUF CTR Yellowbird
In terms of outright performance, there were few cars that could top the Yellowbird in the ’80s. Even the most advanced exotics of the time had trouble keeping up with this heavily tweaked 911 and its 211 MPH top speed.
Ford RS200
The madness of the ’80s perfectly embodied by the infamous rally cars of Group B. Among these insane machines, the Ford RS200 may be the most well known. With just 200 produced, the RS200 will be sought after until the end of time.
Renault 5 Turbo
Like the RS200, the Renault 5 Turbo is another car which made its reputation on the rally stage. Aside from its competition success, the idea of mid-engine turbo hatchback is just universally awesome.
Porsche 959
Unlike a lot of the cars on this list, the Porsche 959 had specs and performance figures that would still blow minds today. Given how fast cars have gotten in the last few decades, that it is saying a lot.
Ford Mustang 5.0
The 5.0 Mustang is the car that can be credited with launching the modern muscle car movement. Even today, you’ll be hard pressed to visit an American drag strip without seeing a couple 5.0s.
Nissan Skyline DR30
Before the R32 GT-R wowed with its high tech gadgets, the DR30 Skyline RS-Turbo had already established itself in Japan as a legend in both production form and as a Super Silhouette racer.
Chevy Camaro IROC-Z
While the Camaro IROC-Z didn’t develop quite the same budget racer following as the 5.0 Mustang, it’s badass attitude made up for of it. When you think ’80s tough guy, you think IROC.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk.II
VW essentially created the hot hatch with the the Mk.1 GTI, and the second generation car brought the famed nameplate into the next decade with a modernized take on the same formula.
Ferrari 288 GTO
Once again a car that owes its existence to Group B rally, the 288 GTO is another one of those great Ferraris from the ’80s. This one particualry stands out with its distinct motorsport roots.
Ferrari F40
When a car still sits at the top of dream car list 25+ years after it came out, it did something very right. The F40 is a legend, plain and simple.
Mazda RX-7 FC3S
The FC3S wasn’t the first RX-7, but it’s hard to think about the cars of the ’80s without coming back to the FC’s angular good looks and optional turbocharged powerplant.
Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 1
Ford’s answer to the VW GTI, the front-drive Escort RS Turbo won over European enthusiasts with the same balance of fun and practicality on a budget.
BMW E30 M3
If a car is still lusted after today, it’s very much worthy of being on this list. The E30 M3 most certainly qualifies in that department. It looks great, and drives even better.
Mercedes 190E Cosworth
Of course you can’t include the E30 M3 without including its main rival, the 190E Cosworth. Like the M3, the 190E Cosworth built a strong reputation on both the street and the race track.
Mercedes AMG Hammer
As its name suggests, the Hammer was a brutally fast luxury machine from the crazed minds at AMG. It’s another one of those cars with performance credentials that still hold up today.
Lancia Delta S4
Are you sensing a theme here with the Group B cars? The mid-engined Delta S4 was Lancia’s contribution to this outlawed form of rally competition.
Honda CR-X
Whether it’s the first or the second generation models, the CR-X is a car that built Honda’s reputation for building fun, economical, and extremely reliable cars for the masses.
Buick Grand National/GNX
Few cars from the ’80s were as downright sinister as Buick’s turbocharged Grand National and the even hotter GNX. With turbo V6 power, these cars would handily outperform the muscle cars from a couple decades earlier.
BMW M635 CSi
The ultimate Yuppie car? Whatever you call it, the M635 CSi was fast, comfortable, and stylish. One of the best GT cars of the decade.
Audi Quattro
Not only did the Quattro dominate rally competition, but it helped launch Audi’s reputation for building kick-ass AWD performance cars – something that still exists today.
AE86 Toyota Corolla/Levin/Trueno
It’s the AE86. What can you say? It’s one of the world’s greatest cult cars and has such a great reputation that Toyota channeled its spirit (and name) for its new FR sports car.
Peugeot 205 GTI
The 1980s were a decade filled with with simple and affordable driver’s cars, and the 205 GTI was Peugeot’s worthy addition to this booming group.
Lamborghini Countach
What needs to be said about the Countach? It’s the car we all had hanging above our beds in poster form. An ’80s icon not just in terms of cars but in terms of pop culture in general.
Now, it’s your turn to vote for the most iconic performance car of the 1980s.
-Mike
[polldaddy poll="6869901"]
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
lol gutless AE86 rustbucket girl car in front.
This is just impossible. Seriously .. for me there's never been a poll this hard.
959, Yellow Bird, F40, Testarossa, E30 M3, Quattro ... i'll make it roulette-style ...
a seriously hard poll...
you forgot that one one the best drift chassis was established in the 80's as well: the Nissan S-Chassis in forn of the 180 SX, 200SX, 240SX, Silvia...
Where is the "select all" button in this poll? Every single one of them is an icon in its own regard...
Were is the r32 gtr, was released in 1989 .
F40 came out in 1987-1992, so to me it feels more like 90 car. my wote goes to Ferrari Testarossa, it simply screams 80's for all the performance cars of the 1980s
sory for grammar
difficult.
I mean, ok, the F40 maybe could be a bit on the edge.But it was so staggering that even nowadays it is taken as a comparison by everyone, so high was its performance at the time.It's just pure supercar experience, something that has hardly been replicated.All the contenders are top level awesomeness, but the F40 is just another galaxy.
@Rod79 this car is associated more with the 1990s. We said this in the article
@Mane you might want to re-read the intro to the story again
@FrancescoDiGiuseppe Reconsider the Ruf CTR then. 342kph is like another galaxy from the F40.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6Thomd4BQg for all of you interested. Most impressive lap around the Nürburgring ever.
Im sorry, i cant vote..
I have no idea if i want to vote for the F40, 288GTO, Quattro, The Yellow Bird or the Sierra Coshworth.
But i must say the 80s were when the biggest steps in automotive engineering was taken.
Really hard choice!...
But my vote went to one of the most common cars to see in poster format and hung in the rooms of children of that age, the F40 ...
@maxproof I am a Porsche guy myself so you speak my language...but you just have to take a ride in a F40. Seriously, even as a passenger, even at 50 km/h, you can't believe the atmosphere. I believe that a supercar has to have something else along performance, top speed, or exoticness and that is a huge, screaming soul: the F40 has a very very big one. The RUF is amazing, but again it is brilliantly tuned 911, and while it ticks the "performance" box i feel it lacks something, as the 959 does.
impossibur to choose one ;/
For me the Sierra RS Cosworth is the one. My childhood hero car spitting flames from the side exit exhaust and kicking ass on track, street, tarmac rallies and sometimes even on gravel.
Sorry but 'Ford Cosworth Sierra RS' implies that its the Sierra RS edition of the 'Ford Cosworth'. Do your research, 'Ford Sierra RS Cosworth'
Yes I am being pedantic but thats such a rookie mistake..
For me, this really is too hard to give a definitive answer. Although some of the cars are amazing such as the 5 Turbo, RS2000 and the S4 I can't say that, for me, they are iconic as I had no exposure to them, having only been born in the late 80's and then growing up in a largely rural part of North America.
Although not my favorite of the bunch by a long shot, the Testarosa or the Iroc would have to take my vote if forced to choose as those are the ones that I remember from that era and the ones that, before learning of the european Group B monsters, screamed performance car in my mind.
where's the S12 silvia you numb nuts? everything hachiroku and such. silvia exist long before this S13 fan boy found one and got more power stock than the famous hachiroku with the same weight.
How is this even a question? The Ferrari F40 is the greatest car ever f**king made, PERIOD.
really hard to choose. i voted for testarossa.... just felt like this. i love almost all these cars but i had to choose
luckily i have one of those cars (fc3s)
That said, the runners up are all great cars, but they're not F40's.
also hoped to see s12. despite its potencial, many hate s12 for being crapy version of ae86, sad...
also hoped to see s12. despite its potencial, many hate s12 for being crapy version of ae86, sad...
No e28 M5?
I'v always been a Lambo fan
had to choose the Yellowbird Countach,F40, GTO,959 are still Dreamcars the others are also Cars which are still fun to drive and even with todays standards not slow But looking at the Ruf,you just want to feel the ride on a cannonball
Now that was a tough vote, I've owned the R5 Turbo Maxi, Audi Sport Quattro and street Quattro, RS200 and RS200E..
Dam I'm old...
Oh yeah the RS200e was the quickest car on the planet back then, it could smoke anything without even tryin.
sheesh ...I'm not gonna even vote...way too many titans in this list
had to choose the Yellowbird ..... Countach,F40, GTO,959 are still Dreamcars... the others are also Cars which are still fun to drive and even with todays standards not slow ... But looking at the Ruf,you just want to feel the ride on a cannonball
Not an easy decision to make, great time for car manufactures and customers. But the 959 is king then Audi , S4 Lancia
Mk2 VW Gti? Why on earth not the Mk1?!?
how can you even expect us to pick from that list. like its been said many times through out this 80s theme it was probably the best decade in automotive history and this list proves that fact.
It's far from the greatest car on the list, but I've always been fond of the IROC. If I had an opportunity to purchase an excellent example from '87-88 I'd do it. So... Click goes my vote!
The AE86 is the real "ultimate driving machine". Perfectly balanced, timeless style, it just feels right.
No love for the Z31 or Celica Supra?
I own a BEAMS powered AE86 and love it to death, but I cannot ignore the fact that the most iconic car of the 1980's (and for me probably of all time) is the F40, so there you go.
why no celica supra?
This poll is kind of ridiculous...and I'm pretty sure the winners would be known from the very beginning. The list should be separated into two polls: 80's production supercars and 80's standard performance cars. The CR-X, 205 GTI, and F40 are all awesome cars, but what do you expect will get the majority of votes?
I owned an AE86, but the icon was the Countach. Every kid had that poster. poll outcome is retarded.
All are awesome, and it's really hard to decide which one to vote for. I chose the F40 not because it's the best car here, but because it has everything I associate with the 80s performance cars - turbocharged, lots of power, high tech, madly expensive, difficult to tame and you can drive one while wearing stupid looking 80s clothes (unlike the rally cars in which you would have to drive while wearing racing clothes).
I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to pick one until the F40 showed up - if it wasn't my all time favorite car I probably wouldn't have even voted in this poll. I'm in love with probably 90% of these cars.
and we starion guys get no love
Although one of the most stout performers, it doesn't really represent performance of the decade. It is unobtainable to most. I think something that did the pioneering for the masses is more appropriate. I think the Fox Body, E30, 911, and FC or 86 are more appropriate choices. I chose the Fox Body because compared to its immediate predecessor, it was leaps and bounds ahead in performance and became super popular. Even though I don't personallly like the E30, it was a close second for the same reasons.
if the callaway sledgehammer had been here you would have had all 4 of my favourite '80s turbo cars
F40 because I had a poster of it in my room! But I don't think it should have been in this selection, a bit unfair to the others, nothing beats an F40, new ferraris are nowhere near epic compared to it.
Hard choice. I was born in '87 so I haven't really "experienced" these cars. There are several cars which has become icons later on, like the AE86, so that's not my choice. When I saw the poll the F40 was the first thing that came to mind. So that's what I voted for. It's an epic car, an instant legend. The Countach is also very eighties to me, most common poster motive in boys rooms at the time?
When it comes to pure looks the Countach screams eighties more than the F40 to me.
I'd go for a Ferrari 288 GTO, my favourite Ferrari of all time. thought the fact you haven't included the Alfa Romeo SZ is eternally mystifying
As much as i love the 86, the Quattro was made such a change in rally and automotive engineering.
Where is the 205 T16?
this is a hard choice but
testarossa cause my uncle had one. i used to walk to his apartment after elementary everyday just to beg him to take in on the c1 with me lol
BUICK!
FC RX-7...
Man the AE86 has a following like the f40 according to the poling results. I did not expect that. The GTO is gorgeous but the f40 is the f40. Its mean. The 959 is cool and all but the only thing that keeps it from being a winner is the styling. It looks like a 993 with a body kit .Its not unique like the f40 and since you can buy a 997 with pretty much the same tech for half the price a 959 is. The f40 does not share anything with any other ferrari. I used to love the Lambo until i grew up. Not saying the other cars aren't great. I would love to own most of them. The f40 has it all. Just my opinion though
Most definitely the Mercedes 190E 2.5 16, and its main rival the BMW E30 M3.
These are THE Performance icons of the 80´s, at least in Europe, the AE86 has never been popular around Europe.
Most definitely the Mercedes 190E 2.5 16, and its main rival the BMW E30 M3.
These are THE Performance icons of the 80´s, at least in Europe, the AE86 has never been popular around Europe.
s12 has never really been a icon
the s12 was never really an icon
The s12 was never really a icon though, except in super shillouette
What about the Volvo 240 Turbo? It was more successful in Group A than half of it's competitors that made this list. And it still continues to be used frequently in amateur rally all over the world.
lol @ the photo you used of the CR-X! Interesting that there are vehicles from all around the world here, plenty of goodies. Never heard of the AMG Hammer and there isn't much focus on the Renault 5's or anything in Australia. But the S4 has earnt its fame everywhere I think. Would have been interesting to have a VL Walkinshaw in there! hahaha but that's a bit of an Aussie-only vehicle.
Down for all except the IROC and 5.0. I would have liked to see the TTA though, from the turbo 3.8 V6 to the gold meshes, it was the best F Body of the 80s.
ahh so many iconic cars! this was a very hard decision, but ultimately I had to choose the F40 just because it has always been my dream car.
@KevinLokhun
haha very true, thats why I picked the F40 also, lots of other great iconic 80's cars but nothing beats the F40, hardly even today as a dream car
not easily tameable though , short wheelbase is tricky to master
This is one of the toughest choices ever. So many legendary cars, that revolutionized car industry, but it's impossible to pick something other than the F40, really. All those cars had a huge impact, but they are nowhere near as legendary, recognizable and just plainly awesome, as the F40.
Why is the Miata not there! What a shame!
Anyone else have the poster of the 959 in the 1st photo? I did and always wondered what the hell it is on...charcoal...cobble stone road,etc?
I grew up with a dad that fixed exotics...that's why I'd pick the Iroc and 5.0. Both could be bought by a regular guy like me!
I remember when Ferrari F40 was launched... I was 11 years old, I just stay with any reaction in front of the pictures... My gosh, I remember if its happened yesterday.... The most brilliant super car of all time.... And, certainly the definitive car of 80´s... The other Icons listed above, was fantastic and represents the 80´s very well, but the F40 is just one of the best iconic car of all times....
Maybe cause the Miata was lauched on the last mounts of 1989, like 1990 model... I thing cause of this the fantastic car like MX5 miata wasn´t included in the list, but certainly it must appears on every list from icons of 90´s....
f40 all day. countach maybe more " iconic 80s"
@AndyDavis cause the MKI was launched on 70´s...
For fuck's sake you could have at least tried to get a picture of a proper 190E 'Cosworth' (like, perhaps the Smoke Silver 2.3-16 that Senna won in) that pull up some half-arsed shot from the classifieds. Weak sauce, Speedhunters!
Seeing as an Icon is something that everyone recognizes not just the fans, I will go with the Lambo. As stated EVERYONE knows the Countach, Testarosa, and Fox Body. Everyone who knows anything about cars.The F40 is nice, but its not famous outside of the car crowd. I almost would say the Fox body because it was obtainable and is still popular.. The AE86 became famous after Initial D so it is Iconic as well. Many of the cars are nice, but not icons... like the R32 Skyline which is not an 80s icon because a large group of people never even heard of them til the early 2000s.
A Corolla has more votes than the 959. I don't know whether to laugh or be sad.
THE 80s car is the delorean. Admittedly not a sports car though.
If you lined up every single one of those cars in front of me when I was 8 years old(1994) there is only one I could have picked out of the line up. The Lamborghini. That's what got my vote.
This have been the hardest 1 of them all but I have to say the f40 simply because no matter how my taste change the f40 will still be king
Talk about a hard choice.....f40 got my vote as it is and will be a legend. Almost all know of this car in the auto community...and some. How about next you ask for our top three to not stress us out next time.
perpetualroad.wordpress.com
@bigmac69 The 80s had alot of cool cars, but even the early 70s had more "true Icons" then the 80s. In the 80s if you were hard up for cash you had hot hatches and used older 60-70 cars. If you had a little scratch you rolled 5.0, Corvettes, Irocs, or TAs, and Grand Nationals. (at least in the US) I remember MR2s, Celica Supras, and MKIII Supras being fairly popular as well, and the 280zx and Z32 300zx were common and respected. Then you had the 911s, and rare "yuppy" M3s, original M5, 190e, Audi 5000s. And of course if you were rich you had the unobtainable exotics. But on the street, in the US at least; all of those cars (except the Exotics, 5.0, Corvette and Grand National) were were still sorely lacking viscerally and generally in hp and overall performance compared to older cars of the early 70-60s. And everyone knew it.
Except the occasional exotic, many cars struggled to break 14 secs in the quarter mile and hardly any did better than high 6 second 0-60mph times. In Europe all of the real performance "Icons" were extremely rare. I mean yeah VW GTIs were cool, but honestly, they hardly stood out compared to a regular Golf. If you tried to brag about one, 'average Joe' on the street could have cared less.
Don't get me wrong. I like many 80s icons, but in the grand scheme of things they are more of a marker for primitive electronic tech and very lack luster performance as Automakers struggled to infuse computer tech and appease greater government regulation. Like the AE86. it's just a Corolla! Sure they had and have a cult following in Japan, but in the rest of the world it was just a Corolla hatchback. Many of the modern fans of that car only even consider it a "performance" car because of Initial D. The thing needs to have nearly the whole suspension upgraded or swapped out to hang with modern FWD economy car, never mind the work that has to be done to the engine, just to have what is still a relatively slow albeit fun, economy car.
Well man, this is the hardest poll I've ever participated on. May I choose multiple cars, sir?
Wow, i like nearly every car on the list. but i think the voting category needs to be narrowed down quite a bit. Like how about best affordable 80s Icon, or best Japanese 80s Icon, of course you have to have best Exotic 80s Icon, and maybe even the best "still relevant" 80s Icon.
The last one I think will whittle the list down to the true Icon of the 80s. because frankly, many of these cars are irrelevant as hell to next to even average and cars of the 21 century. Icons surpass their class and social standing and stand the test of time. They are cars that everyone young and old appreciates and still lust after, or at the very least have pleasant memories of.
Which weapon for an 80s gunfight? Countach is like turning up with a T. Rex. It doesnt matter how fast it is, its the perfect example of wild 80s excess. So so cool. Gordon Gecko would vote Countach.
Which weapon for an 80s gunfight? Countach is like turning up with a T. Rex. It doesnt matter how fast it is, its the perfect example of wild 80s excess. So so cool. Gordon Gecko would vote Countach.
may not be the car Id choose to own out of the list, but as far as iconic goes, its gotta be the Countach. Doesnt matter if you're a car guy or not, everyone knows the Countach. 80's to a tee
OH, and the IROC, when i think of the 80's, i think of Eddy Murphy, Sly, Van Damme, big arse shoulder pads worn by women, and IROC-Z's
awwww man. it's so hard to choose with all these cars.
in the end, the countach gets my vote. if i could give two more votes though, i'd get the testarossa and f-40.
You guys should have had the Porsche 944
@reno808 It was shortlisted but didn't make the final cut.
@izzy_ortiz It's a good point!
@MarcelKoolkicksRobertson It's interesting to see just how much this car is dominating the vote.
We wanted to show street cars.
Exactly.
@HeathvanderWaerden We discussed doing this, but opted against it in the end :>
Not really a fair poll at all due to some being unobtainable to but a very few.
Anyways as much as I love the AE86 it has to be the F40.
Sidenote - As much as I respect the Ford Cosworth Sierra RS I just can't stomach the styling.
I miss Alfa GTV6 or Alfa 75 here. Important cars in the 80s, i think.
@Carlos Malfitani @AndyDavis
Sure, but the 1st gen Rabbit Gti was released in '83. I should know, I've owned 3. Prior to that there was no Gti trim package. Just sayin...
I cant just choose one! Theres too many awesome cars!
Lancia delta integrale ???
I think most of the 86 corolla buzz is from highschool. I remember being in highschool when i first saw "drift bible" and keichi and his little panda corolla was tearing up tarmac. The things he could do with such a common car was inspiring. We use to go around the trader mags looking for cheap twincam corollas to tear up. cheap, easy to drive, and most of all the best bang for buck. That's why there are so many votes for the 86. shame the new 86 isn't as easily accesible as the ol rolla.
It was a toss up for me between the F40 and Countach. The F40 is pretty much an automotive god in my opinion, yet like the article suggested, I had so many Countach posters in my room as a kid, you would've thought I had Countach wallpaper. I was quite simply obsessed with that car (and the subsequent Diablo that followed).
In the end, I had to give it to the F40 purely because the performance eclipses that of the Countach. Aside from the performance, they were dead even so I had to decide the winner somehow!
This broke my heart. I just couldn't pick.
Where is the toyota a70 supra?
audi quattro ,lancia delta s4 ,bmw E30 m3,sierra rs,RUF,mercedes 190E,288 GTO,Golf mk1 ,959,renault 5 turbo and 205 GTI are between 2-9% and corolla ae86 has 14% ???ok probobly the votes are from young drift kids....i am also but i know what cars are the 80s icons....yes its also ae86 but if you compare it with the other cars it doesent deserve 14%.....my opinion...
The 80's really had some cool cars, and the best part is most of them are cheap enough to afford now. Wish we had cars like them now instead of SUV's.
I truly cannot answer this poll. Im in love with almost all the vehicles..
Every one of these cars is amazing, but in the end, I has to be the F40 in my opinion. It seriously may be the best sports car ever made.
AMG HAMMER 6.0
@Jdmcolliemane Agreed, choosing one is impossible for me.
I had to choose an attainable car. The CRX Si. The impact that car (and the Miata) had on the US grassroots motorsports arena is huge.
Sure the F40 and Countach is all about childhood dreams but cars like the CRX, civic, and Golf were already in the driveway ready to be handed down to new young drivers.
I guess I'm just stuck in reality and unobtainable cars aren't in my reality.
Love the Audi Quattro but just had to vote for the Pug, as my first ever car was a Peugeot 205 GTi Zender. Loved it.
Love the Audi Quattro but just had to vote for the Pug, as my first ever car was a Peugeot 205 GTi Zender. Loved it.
Love the Audi Quattro but just had to vote for the Pug, as my first ever car was a Peugeot 205 GTi Zender. Loved it.
No Volvo 240 Turbo? WHAT!?!?!
No Volvo 240 Turbo? WHAT!?!?!
No Volvo 240 Turbo? WHAT!?!?!
I simply can't choose anything else but the mostly forgotten Countach. It's unique as any of the cars above, and yet the only one which rims were drawn by me hundred of times.
I simply can't choose anything else but the mostly forgotten Countach. It's unique as any of the cars above, and yet the only one which rims were drawn by me hundred of times.
I simply can't choose anything else but the mostly forgotten Countach. It's unique as any of the cars above, and yet the only one which rims were drawn by me hundred of times.
@PatRicK_13
The AE86s fame came later in the 90s and early 00s, when it became an affordable used car.
probably because most site visitors are not from Europe where those cars ran the most. And the AE86 being an 80s icon ... sure it was a used as racecar, but so are the Citroen C2 and (new) VW Scirocco today, and noone would call those icons of the 2000s
I chose the Audi Quattro, since it was genesis for AWD sport cars. All others (205, R5 Turbo, 959, Skyline GTR) were made after Audi proved against all odds that the concept worked.
Btw, if you like to know which car in turn inspired the Urquattro, follow this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Iltis
@PatRicK_13
The AE86s fame came later in the 90s and early 00s, when it became an affordable used car.
probably because most site visitors are not from Europe where those cars ran the most. And the AE86 being an 80s icon ... sure it was a used as racecar, but so are the Citroen C2 and (new) VW Scirocco today, and noone would call those icons of the 2000s
I chose the Audi Quattro, since it was genesis for AWD sport cars. All others (205, R5 Turbo, 959, Skyline GTR) were made after Audi proved against all odds that the concept worked.
Btw, if you like to know which car in turn inspired the Urquattro, follow this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Iltis
@PatRicK_13
The AE86s fame came later in the 90s and early 00s, when it became an affordable used car.
probably because most site visitors are not from Europe where those cars ran the most. And the AE86 being an 80s icon ... sure it was a used as racecar, but so are the Citroen C2 and (new) VW Scirocco today, and noone would call those icons of the 2000s
I chose the Audi Quattro, since it was genesis for AWD sport cars. All others (205, R5 Turbo, 959, Skyline GTR) were made after Audi proved against all odds that the concept worked.
Btw, if you like to know which car in turn inspired the Urquattro, follow this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Iltis
performance icons people, i can't believe people are actually thinking that the ae86 and CRX could possibly be the PERFORMANCE ICON OF THE 80S.
performance icons people, i can't believe people are actually thinking that the ae86 and CRX could possibly be the PERFORMANCE ICON OF THE 80S.
performance icons people, i can't believe people are actually thinking that the ae86 and CRX could possibly be the PERFORMANCE ICON OF THE 80S.
I think we need a new poll: AFFORDABLE 80's performance icons. Take the $100k+ cars out of the equation and re-poll. I knew the F40 was going to win from square one.
I think we need a new poll: AFFORDABLE 80's performance icons. Take the $100k+ cars out of the equation and re-poll. I knew the F40 was going to win from square one.
I think we need a new poll: AFFORDABLE 80's performance icons. Take the $100k+ cars out of the equation and re-poll. I knew the F40 was going to win from square one.
Damn you Speedhunters for making me choose between a RS200, Quattro, S4, and R5 turbo. That's like a nightmare where you can only save one of your family members!
Damn you Speedhunters for making me choose between a RS200, Quattro, S4, and R5 turbo. That's like a nightmare where you can only save one of your family members!
Damn you Speedhunters for making me choose between a RS200, Quattro, S4, and R5 turbo. That's like a nightmare where you can only save one of your family members!
No 80's Supra? I'm disappointed.
Audi Quattro of course, AWD wouldnt be here without it. And that 5cylTurbo makes angelic noises.
Awkward......The fastest 4 door saloon from that time isn´t in the list...... Opel/Vauxhall Lotus Omega/Carlton A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4V2KZNyaw8
i think this poll should be split into 3 parts
1. 80s dream car
2. 80s best rally car
3. 80s road icon
This is a difficult one. If I had to pick the most iconic of the 80s, I'd say the f40, but if you asked my favorite, that would be between the 16v gti, 190e cosworth, and the gnx.
When i was a little boy, the 288 GTO was my favourite toycar. But there is such an overkill in excellent motoring here, that i can't decide. I'll think i go for the renault 5, just because of the crazy aero that is on such a little car. Plus it is way cooler (more vintage looking) than a similar 205 GTI or golf mk1, which are also very cool. hardest poll EVAAAH
@TorstendeLange Awkward... The Lotus Carlton didn't appear until 1990. This poll is about the 1980s.
@RodChong Fair enough, but you could have at least sourced a shot of an original-spec 2.3-16, rather than what looks like a clone with its painted bumper inserts, mis-matched aftermarket indicators and THE WRONG WHEELS!
Ae86
No Shelby Turbo Dodge? Much faster bone stock than many above, easily into the 12's for free and the little GLH outhandles most above as well.
No Shelby Turbo Dodge? Much faster bone stock than many above, easily into the 12's for free and the little GLH outhandles most above as well.
No Shelby Turbo Dodge? Much faster bone stock than many above, easily into the 12's for free and the little GLH outhandles most above as well.
monte carlo SS? but i'll vote for the other G body GNX
I'm a big BMW fan but when an F40 appears in ANY poll... nuff said...
This is a very hard choice. While cars like the F40, Countach, 959 and crazy Group B rides are absolutely amazing, they for a lot of people, have been, are and going to be, out of reach. Mostly a dream car if anyone wins the lottery.
So my vote goes for the AE86, a car which is more than iconic not only in Japan, but worldwide! A truly legendary car, one of the best things that came from Japan. Affordable, great tuning potential, great fun, you just have to love it! Anyways all the cars on the list are amazing, I wouldn't mind owning them all in my own little personal collectors garage, aka "arab style", haha. Oh, the dreams...
No uno turbo...im leaving.
@LouisSoon My thoughts exactly man. I tried to vote for the e30 M3... i really did... but my mouse just headed straight up to the f40 and there was nothing i could do about it.
This would have been a tough vote... but then you guys included the F40. Come on now SH. Too easy! Next question!
@RodChong @izzy_ortiz If i coulda voted top three it would be
f40
e30 M3
Quattro
959
Delta s4
I know that's actually five, but screw you guys: that was a mean poll!
@RodChong @izzy_ortiz If i coulda voted top three it would be
f40
e30 M3
Quattro
959
Delta s4
I know that's actually five, but screw you guys: that was a mean poll!
Setting aside all the Cosworth love - well deserved of course - i just noticed there's not a single properly British car in the list.
Tried to think of one that deserved a place. Couldn't. I'm ashamed
Setting aside all the Cosworth love - well deserved of course - i just noticed there's not a single properly British car in the list.
Tried to think of one that deserved a place. Couldn't. I'm ashamed
This poll has proved to be more difficult than my Engineering semester exams...
This poll has proved to be more difficult than my Engineering semester exams...
honestly finding it hard to believe some of the cars that have more votes than the legendary sierra rs. its one of my favourite cars ever though so my opinion is probably jaded
honestly finding it hard to believe some of the cars that have more votes than the legendary sierra rs. its one of my favourite cars ever though so my opinion is probably jaded
I'd say Delorean as far as iconic cars ago, but I went Countach. To me, the 80's were the age of sharp and angular. The Countach was just that!
Head says F40 Heart says 959. fantastic to see the MkIII turbo Escort in the running along with the Quattro
Head says F40 heart says 959. Great to see the MKIII Turbo Escort in there with the Quattro.
its not about fame....yes the ae86 it is really famous car because exactly what you said...but its only that compared to the other....and its not about were you live,europe or asia or usa...its about car culture...thats why i said that it doesent deverve 13%....its really nice fun car and theese days cheap..but only that...
@PatRicK_13 @Acc The AE86 is so deeply entrenched in car culture it's not funny. I admit comparing it to cars like the 959 is stupid however when compared to other affordable performance cars of the 80's (205 Gti,mk 2 gti) it more than holds its own. Also the AE86 didn't suddenly become popular it was a hit from release.
@PatRicK_13 @Acc The AE86 is so deeply entrenched in car culture it's not funny. I admit comparing it to cars like the 959 is stupid however when compared to other affordable performance cars of the 80's (205 Gti,mk 2 gti) it more than holds its own. Also the AE86 didn't suddenly become popular it was a hit from release.
no SUPRA... this poll stinks of FAIL
no SUPRA... this poll stinks of FAIL
Where is the Starion?
R5 DIESEL ????
sacrilège ......
This makes no sense. There are cars in this list without any form of performance and some others that are erformance cars are not in this list...