After the boring 1970s, the 1980s were a breath of fresh air when it came to American muscle cars. The power ratings finally started to rise, as did the appearance of new designs, models, and modern technology. Even though the 1980s muscle cars were slower than their counterparts from the late 1960s, the muscle models for the neon decade had similarly cult followings, millions of fans, and a performance portfolio they could be proud of. Here are the ten best and most memorable models.
1. Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Arguably, the Trans AM was the best version of the third-generation Pontiac’s F-body. Introduced in 1987, it was the top-of-the-range Firebird on offer. The GTA’s secret weapons were the engine and WS6 handling package.
The engine was a 350 V8 with 210 HP in early models and up to 245 HP in later versions. The rumor was that the engine was the same as in the Corvette since it used the same TPI fuel injection system and displacement, but that wasn’t the case. However, the power and performance were pretty similar.
2. Ford Mustang 5.0 HO
The rise in domestic car power during the ’80s ’80s brought the first real performance to the Mustang range in almost 20 years. The Fox-body Mustang grew more and more potent with each model year, starting from 175 HP in the 1983 model. By the late ’80s ’80s, the venerable 5.0-liter V8 engine was pumping 225 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, translating to quite competent 0 to 60 mph times.
The Mustang was once again an affordable performance car with cool styling, lots of options, and enough power to spin the rear wheels in any gear. That is why we consider the 1987 to 1993 Mustang 5.0 GT one of the best ’80s ’80s muscle cars.
3. Chevrolet Corvette C4
Introduced in 1984, the C4 Corvette is an authentic ’80s ’80s classic. Wedge-shaped bodies, pop-up headlights, rear hatch, and bright colors make this generation a true pop culture icon. However, there is much more about this car than funny stereotypes and GTA Vice City games.
In fact, the Corvette C4 was the car that single-handedly saved the Corvette from demise, recession, and lack of popularity. The car was new from the ground up, with a new chassis, new engines, design, and a crazy digital dash in the interior.
4. Chevrolet Camaro IROC
The third-generation Camaro was a well-received and popular car, but after a while, buyers wanted more performance and power, and Chevrolet delivered in the form of the legendary IROC-Z version. The IROC-Z was introduced in 1985 as a tribute model to the Chevrolet-sponsored International Race of Champions racing series.
However, it was much more than just an appearance package and a cool name. Under the hood was a 350 V8 with 225 HP in the early years and 245 HP in later versions. The buyers could opt for manual or automatic, and the suspension was tuned, as well as the steering.
5. Buick GNX
Nobody expected such a bold move from Buick. After all, Buick was a company for old people producing cars without any excitement. And all of a sudden, there was a turbocharged V6 coupe that broke every classic muscle car mold and was faster than a Ferrari. At that moment, the Buick GNX was the fastest-accelerating production model in the world.
It featured the same 3.8-liter turbocharged V6 but with 275 hp and a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. It’s too bad that Buick made just 547 examples of this very influential car.
6. Ford Thunderbird Turbo
Ford Thunderbird isn’t the car you would typically consider a muscle car. Still, in the 80s’80s, Ford introduced a couple of Thunderbirds that could have that designation and were an interesting addition to the performance car scene in those days.
Although the T-bird was available with a V8 engine, the best-performing version was, in fact, the Turbo Coupe, introduced in 1987. The TC received a Mustang SVO, a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a manual transmission, 190 HP power level, and a top speed of a whopping 143 mph.
7. Dodge Shelby Charger
Based on the Dodge Omni GHL, the Shelby Charger shared a drivetrain and a 2.2-liter turbo engine, which pumped 175 HP. This was loads of power for such a small and light car, and the Shelby Charger could accelerate to 60 mph in just 7.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest-accelerating American production cars for 1987.
Despite the famous name and good performance, Shelby Chargers aren’t that collectible. Still, they deserve more recognition and respect since they are a part of the American performance portfolio from the 80s, and the cheapest way to obtain a genuine Shelby car.
8. Dodge Omni GLH
It was called Omni GLH and was a proper hot hatch and one of the best affordable performance models money could buy in those days. Nobody expected that Dodge could produce a hot hatch that could beat the European competitors, but with Shelby’s help, it did just that.
Shelby took the 2.2-liter four-cylinder and added a turbocharger to produce a total output of 175 hp and 0 to 60 mph time of less than 7 seconds, which was impressive and highly competitive for the day. Of course, the Omni GLH had suspension modifications and other bits improved so it could handle all that power.
9. Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
In the mid-’80s’80s, Monte Carlo was one of the coolest two-door coupes of the period, although its performance wasn’t exhilarating. Under the hood was a 305 V8 with 180 HP mated to a pretty slow automatic transmission.
What the SS lacked in performance contributed to its looks and reputation. In a five-year production run, Chevrolet built over 180,000 of those sleek coupes.
10. Ford Taurus SHO
The SHO (Super High Output) was a performance model in the Taurus lineup that featured a Yamaha-sourced 3.0-liter high-revving V6 with 220 hp. This doesn’t sound much today, but for 1989, it was a pretty lofty figure, and the performance was outstanding: 6.7 seconds to 60 mph.
On the outside, the Taurus SHO looked like any other regular Taurus, and only the badge on the back revealed its true nature.