Top Ten '90s Sportscars: Reliving the Golden Era of Automotive Design -

The 90’s was a decade of significant advancements in the automotive industry, especially in sportscars. With the introduction of new technologies and design concepts, car manufacturers were able to produce some of the most iconic and influential sports cars of all time. Here, we have compiled a list of the top ten ’90s sportscars that have left a lasting impression on car enthusiasts worldwide.

From the sleek and stylish design of the Mazda RX-7 to the raw power of the Dodge Viper, the 90’s was a time of innovation and creativity in the sports car world. These cars not only looked good, but they also had the performance to back them up. So whether you were a fan of speed, handling, or the overall aesthetic, there was a sports car for everyone in the 90s.

In this article, we will look at each of these top ten ’90s sportscars and explore what made them so special. From their unique features to their impact on the automotive industry, we will delve into the history and legacy of each car. So, buckle up and get ready to take a trip down memory lane as we explore the top ten sports cars of the 90s.

Criteria for Selection for ’90s Sportscars

Choosing the top ten ’90s sportscars was not easy. We looked at various factors to determine which cars were cut. Here are the criteria we used:

Performance: We considered the car’s acceleration, top speed, and handling capabilities.
Design: We looked at the car’s overall design, including exterior and interior styling.
Popularity: We considered how popular the car was at the time of its release and how well it has aged over the years.
Innovation: We looked at how innovative the car was for its time, including any new technology or features it introduced.
Price: We considered the car’s price point and how it compared to other sports cars of its time.

These criteria helped us narrow the list to the top ten sports cars of the 90s. Keep reading to see which cars cut!

Top Ten 90’s Sportscars

The 90s was a decade of innovation and excitement in sports cars. Here are the top ten ’90s sportscars that captured the hearts of car enthusiasts:

Mazda RX-7: With its sleek design and rotary engine, the RX-7 stood out in the 90s sports car market.
Mitsubishi 3000GT: This Japanese sports car boasts a powerful V6 engine and all-wheel drive, making it a top performer.
Porsche 911 (993): The 993 was the last of the air-cooled 911s and is highly sought after by collectors today.
Acura NSX: The NSX was a game-changer for Japanese sports cars, with its mid-engine layout and aluminum body.
Toyota Supra: The Supra gained fame from its appearance in The Fast and the Furious, but it was already a legend in the 90s with its powerful turbocharged engine.
BMW M3 (E36): The E36 M3 was a driver’s car with a high-revving inline-six engine and precise handling.
Dodge Viper: The Viper was an American muscle car with a massive V10 engine and aggressive styling.
Chevrolet Corvette (C4): The C4 Corvette was a sleek and powerful sports car with a top speed of over 170 mph.
Nissan 300ZX: The 300ZX was a technological marvel, with its twin-turbo V6 engine and advanced suspension system.
Ferrari F355: The F355 was a beautiful Italian sports car with a high-revving V8 engine and precise handling.

These ten ’90s sportscars, with their unique designs, powerful engines, and advanced technologies. Whether you’re a collector or just a fan of sports cars, these cars are sure to impress.

1. 1993 Mazda RX-7

The Mazda RX-7 is a classic sports car produced from 1978 to 2002. The third generation of the RX-7, produced from 1992 to 2002, is considered by many to be the best. The 1993 Mazda RX-7 is a standout model in this generation, and it’s easy to see why.

The 1993 RX-7 was powered by a 1.3-liter twin-turbo rotary engine that produced 255 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission that provided smooth and precise shifting. The RX-7 was also equipped with a four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, which made it a joy to drive.

One of the standout features of the 1993 RX-7 was its sleek and stylish design. The car featured a long hood, short deck, and pop-up headlights, which gave it a classic sports car look. The RX-7 was also equipped with a rear spoiler and 16-inch wheels, which added to its sporty appearance.

The 1993 Mazda RX-7 sports car has a thrilling driving experience. Its powerful engine, precise handling, and stylish design make it a standout model in the RX-7 lineup.

2. 1999 Toyota Supra

The Toyota Supra was one of the most iconic ’90s sportscars, and the 1999 model year was no exception. The Supra was known for its sleek design, impressive performance, and overall reliability. It was a favorite among car enthusiasts and was often used in racing competitions.

The 1999 Toyota Supra was powered by a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged inline-six engine that produced 320 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. It could go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph. The Supra also had a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.

The Supra had a sport-tuned suspension system, which provided excellent handling and stability.
The brakes were also upgraded with larger rotors and four-piston calipers.
The interior of the 1999 Supra was well-designed and had a modern feel to it. The seats were comfortable and supportive, and the dashboard was easy to read and use.

The 1999 Toyota Supra was an exceptional sports car with excellent performance, handling, and style. It was a favorite among car enthusiasts and remained a sought-after vehicle.

3. 1996 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo

The 1996 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo is a classic sports car manufactured from 1989 to 2000. This car was a successor to the 300ZX Z31 and was produced with a 3.0-liter V6 engine. The 1996 model year saw some upgrades to the car’s engine, making it more potent than its predecessors.

The Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo has a sleek and sporty design ahead of time. It has a low profile and a wide stance, which gives it a sporty look. The car’s interior is impressive, with comfortable seats and a modern dashboard. It also comes equipped with a Bose sound system, a luxury feature at the time.

The 1996 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo is a fast car, from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. It has a top speed of 155 mph, which is impressive for a car of its time. The car’s handling is also excellent, thanks to its rear-wheel drive and four-wheel steering system.

The 1996 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo is a great sports car with outstanding performance and style. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a classic 90s sports car that still holds up today.

4. 1991 Acura NSX

The 1991 Acura NSX was a game-changer in the sports car world, introducing a new level of sophistication and luxury to the market. With its mid-engine design, lightweight aluminum body, and advanced suspension, the NSX quickly became a fan favorite. Here are a few reasons why:

The NSX was the first production car to feature an all-aluminum body, which made it lighter and more rigid than its competitors.
Under the hood, the NSX boasted a 3.0-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque.
The NSX was also one of the first sports cars to feature variable valve timing, which allowed for better performance and fuel efficiency.
Inside, the NSX was a luxurious and comfortable ride, with leather seats, air conditioning, and a premium sound system.

The 1991 Acura NSX was a groundbreaking sports car that set the bar for performance, luxury, and innovation. So it’s no wonder it’s still a highly sought-after vehicle among car enthusiasts today.

5. 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1

The 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 was one of the most iconic sports cars of the 90s. It was an actual American muscle car built to compete with the best sports cars from Europe and Japan. The ZR-1 was introduced in 1990 and was produced until 1995.

The ZR-1 was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produced 375 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a six-speed manual transmission, making it a joy to drive. The car was capable of reaching 60 miles per hour in just 4.4 seconds and had a top speed of 180 miles per hour.

The ZR-1 was also known for its advanced technology. It was the first car to feature a dual-overhead-cam engine, significantly improving over the standard pushrod engine. The car also had an advanced suspension system that made it handle like a dream.

Overall, the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 was a true masterpiece of engineering. It was a car built to be driven and enjoyed, delivering on that promise in every way. So if you’re a fan of American muscle cars or appreciate excellent engineering, the ZR-1 is worth checking out.

6. 1994 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4

The 1994 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 was a popular sports car in the 90s. It was known for its sleek design and powerful engine. The car had a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produced 320 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque.

The car also featured all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and active aerodynamics, making it a top performer on the road. It had a top speed of 155 mph and could go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.

The 3000GT VR-4 was also known for its advanced technology features. It had a touchscreen display, a rarity at the time, and a premium sound system. The car also had adjustable suspension and a limited-slip differential, which made it a joy to drive on both the street and the track.

Overall, the 1994 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 was a top-performing sports car of the 90s. Its sleek design, powerful engine, and advanced technology features made it a favorite among car enthusiasts and drivers.

7. 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX

The 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX is a sporty car introduced in the 90s. It is a sleek and stylish car for those who love speed and performance. The Eclipse GSX is a two-door coupe that comes with a turbocharged engine that provides an impressive amount of power.

The Eclipse GSX has a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine capable of producing up to 210 horsepower. It also comes with all-wheel drive, which makes it perfect for driving on slippery roads. The car has a top speed of 143 mph and can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds.

The Eclipse GSX is also equipped with several features that make it a great car to drive. It comes with a five-speed manual transmission, which provides a smooth and responsive driving experience. The car also has a sport-tuned suspension system that provides excellent handling and stability on the road.

The 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX is an excellent car with a great driving experience. It is a powerful and stylish car for those who love speed and performance. With its sleek design and impressive features, the Eclipse GSX is worth considering.

8. 1995 Porsche 911 (993)

The 1995 Porsche 911 (993) is one of the most iconic sports cars of the 90s. It was the last of the air-cooled 911s and is highly sought after by car enthusiasts and collectors alike. The 993 was introduced in 1993 and was produced until 1998. It was available in several models, including the Carrera, Carrera 4, Targa, and Turbo.

The Carrera and Carrera 4 models were powered by a 3.6-liter flat-six engine with 270 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. In addition, the Targa model featured a retractable glass roof, while the Turbo model was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter engine that produced 408 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque.

The 993 was known for its excellent handling and performance, thanks to its rear-wheel drive and lightweight construction. It was also praised for its timeless design, which has aged well over the years. The 993 was the last of the air-cooled 911s, and many Porsche enthusiasts consider it the best 911 ever made.

If you’re in the market for ’90s sportscars, the 1995 Porsche 911 (993) is worth considering. It’s a true classic that offers an unforgettable driving experience and will turn heads wherever you go.

9. 1991 BMW M5

The 1991 BMW M5 is one of the most classic ’90s sportscars that has stood the test of time. With its sleek design and powerful engine, it is no wonder this car is still highly sought by car enthusiasts today.

First introduced in 1985, the BMW M5 quickly became known for its impressive performance and handling. The 1991 model year saw significant updates to the car, including a 3.6-liter engine that produced 311 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. In addition, this engine was paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, which made for an exhilarating driving experience.

One of the standout features of the 1991 BMW M5 is its handling. The car is incredibly responsive and agile, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The suspension is also well-tuned, providing a smooth ride even on rough surfaces.

In addition to its performance capabilities, the 1991 BMW M5 has a luxurious interior. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the dashboard and instrument panel are well-designed and easy to read.

If you are in the market for a classic sports car, the 1991 BMW M5 is worth considering. Its impressive performance, handling, and luxurious interior will turn heads wherever you go.

10. 1998 Dodge Viper GTS

The 1998 Dodge Viper GTS is a classic American sports car from 1996 to 2002. It was the second generation of the Viper and was designed to be a more refined version of the original. The GTS was powered by an 8.0-liter V10 engine that produced 450 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. It had a top speed of 185 mph and could go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds.

The Viper GTS was praised for its raw power and aggressive styling. It had a sleek, low-slung body, long hood, and short deck. The interior was simple but functional, focusing on performance rather than luxury. The car was also known for its excellent handling, thanks to its stiff suspension and massive tires.

The 1998 Viper GTS was a limited edition model, with only 1,166 units produced. It featured a blue and white paint scheme with racing stripes and several performance upgrades. These included larger brakes, a revised suspension, and a more aerodynamic body.

Engine: 8.0-liter V10
Horsepower: 450 hp
Torque: 490 lb-ft
Top Speed: 185 mph
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
Production Years: 1996-2002
Production Volume: 1,166 units (1998 model year)

The 1998 Dodge Viper GTS is a true classic among 90’s sportscars. Its raw power, aggressive styling, and excellent handling make it a favorite among car enthusiasts. Although it may not be the most practical car for everyday use, it will surely turn heads and provide a thrilling driving experience.

Reliving The 90’s Sportscars

As you can see, ’90s sportscars were pretty incredible. If you are lucky enough to own one, we recommend holding on to it. These cars are now collector’s items, and if they are kept in reasonable condition can be worth a lot of money one day.

Top Ten ’90s Sportscars: Reliving the Golden Era of Automotive Design