11. 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
After 11 years of the second-generation GM F-body, the Pontiac Firebird got a much-needed redesign for the 1982 model year. The new model was much more advanced and aerodynamically-designed with improvements in suspension and handling. But the hottest version was the Trans Am with the 305 V8 producing 165 HP. In most aspects, Firebirds were mechanically identical to the third-generation Camaro since they shared almost all the same engines and drivetrain components.
However, they improved the design with one of the hottest signature design details of the decade: pop up headlights. Arguably, the Firebird looked better than the Camaro thanks to the more aggressive design and aero details. However, the hottest version of the 1982 Firebird was the Trans Am. Even though it featured the same engine as the Z/28 Camaro, the TA handled better thanks to the suspension improvements.