10 Modern Sports Cars That Are Faster Than '80s Supercars

In the 1980s, supercars were the pinnacle of performance, with models like the Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Countach, and Porsche 959 setting new benchmarks for speed and acceleration. At the time, a sub-5-second 0-60 mph sprint was considered groundbreaking, and few cars could achieve such figures without exotic engineering and astronomical price tags. These vehicles were technological marvels of their era, pushing the limits of design and performance with cutting-edge aerodynamics, turbocharged engines, and lightweight materials.

Fast-forward to today, and modern sports cars have completely redefined what it means to be fast. Thanks to advancements in turbocharging, aerodynamics, launch control, and all-wheel drive, cars that are relatively affordable and practical can now out-accelerate the most legendary supercars of the past. What once required millions in R&D is now available in vehicles that can be driven daily, offering a blend of speed, comfort, and technology that was unimaginable four decades ago. This list highlights ten modern sports cars that can sprint from 0-60 mph faster than 1980s supercars, proving just how far automotive performance has evolved in the pursuit of speed.

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Porsche 911 Turbo S (992)

0-60 mph: 2.4 seconds

Porsche

The Porsche 911 Turbo S is a benchmark in automotive performance, combining blistering acceleration with everyday usability. Its 3.7-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine produces a staggering 640 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, sending power to all four wheels via an eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. The result? A 0-60 mph sprint in just 2.4 seconds, making it one of the quickest production cars on the market today.

What makes the 992 Turbo S so devastatingly quick is its advanced launch control system and impeccable all-wheel-drive system, which distributes torque intelligently to maximize traction. Unlike the high-strung supercars of the ‘80s, which required finesse to extract performance, the Turbo S makes its power effortlessly accessible. Even on an unprepared road surface, the car rockets forward with unrelenting force, leaving behind cars that once defined peak speed.

To put this into perspective, the Ferrari F40, arguably the definitive supercar of the 1980s, took 4.1 seconds to hit 60 mph. The Turbo S obliterates that mark by nearly two full seconds while providing luxury, reliability, and modern tech that makes it just as comfortable on a daily commute as it is on a racetrack.

Specifications

Nissan GT-R Nismo (R35)

0-60 mph: 2.5 seconds

Nissan

The Nissan GT-R Nismo is a prime example of how modern engineering can turn a relatively heavy sports car into a world-class speed machine. Beneath its aggressive bodywork lies a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 600 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque. Combined with an advanced all-wheel-drive system and an ultra-responsive six-speed dual-clutch transmission, the GT-R Nismo launches from 0-60 mph in a staggering 2.5 seconds.

Dubbed "Godzilla" for a reason, the R35 GT-R has continuously evolved since its debut in 2007. The Nismo variant benefits from extensive carbon-fiber weight savings, track-honed suspension tuning, and improved aerodynamics, all of which contribute to its mind-blowing acceleration. Unlike many 1980s supercars that demanded a delicate touch to extract speed, the GT-R's launch control system makes rapid acceleration almost effortless.

Comparing it to a 1980s supercar like the Lamborghini Countach, which took roughly 4.7 seconds to reach 60 mph, the GT-R Nismo demonstrates how modern sports cars have completely rewritten the rulebook. Despite its relatively modest price compared to the hypercars of today, the GT-R remains one of the fastest-accelerating cars in the world.

Specifications

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C8)

0-60 mph: 2.6 seconds

William Clavey | TopSpeed

The mid-engine C8 Corvette Z06 takes American performance to another level, rivaling European exotics in both speed and handling. Powered by a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8, the Z06 churns out 670 horsepower and revs to an astonishing 8,600 rpm. This high-revving powerhouse enables it to rocket from 0-60 mph in just 2.6 seconds, thanks to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

The Z06’s aggressive aerodynamics, including an optional Z07 performance package with an enormous rear wing, help keep it planted at high speeds. Its precision-tuned chassis and adaptive suspension ensure that it can not only accelerate like a missile but also carve corners with the best in the business. The old-school muscle car image is long gone—this is a proper supercar killer.

To highlight its speed, consider the Porsche 959, which was one of the fastest supercars of the ‘80s, accelerating to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. The Corvette Z06 is an entire second quicker, despite being significantly cheaper than what a Porsche 959 would cost today.

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Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye

0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds

Dodge

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye is a brute force in the modern sports car world, combining classic American muscle with cutting-edge performance technology. Under the hood sits a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, delivering a monstrous 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this rear-wheel-drive beast rockets from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.

Unlike traditional supercars, the Hellcat Redeye prioritizes raw power over precision. Its wide-body stance and massive rear tires help manage traction, but controlling this much power requires skill. The Hellcat’s straight-line speed is mind-boggling, capable of running a quarter-mile in the mid-10s—a feat that 1980s supercars could only dream of. The Ferrari Testarossa, for instance, took around 5.2 seconds to hit 60 mph, making the Redeye nearly two seconds quicker.

Despite its old-school roots, the Hellcat Redeye incorporates modern technology, such as launch control, line lock, and an adaptive suspension. While its handling isn’t as refined as some of the other cars on this list, its raw acceleration places it among the fastest modern sports cars, proving that brute force can still dominate.

Specifications

BMW M4 Competition xDrive

0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds

BMW

The BMW M4 Competition xDrive is the ultimate evolution of the M4 lineup, offering a perfect balance of luxury, technology, and extreme performance. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six generates 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, but what truly sets it apart is BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Thanks to this enhanced traction, the M4 Competition xDrive catapults from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.

Unlike the rear-wheel-drive M4s of the past, this xDrive variant uses an intelligent AWD system that can distribute power to the front wheels when necessary but still prioritize the rear wheels for an engaging driving experience. The result is a sports car that combines thrilling cornering ability with relentless acceleration.

Inside, the M4 Competition is packed with high-end materials, a digital driver’s display, and configurable driving modes that allow it to be as aggressive or as comfortable as the driver desires. It’s a perfect blend of daily drivability and supercar-slaying performance, proving that a modern BMW M car can go toe-to-toe with some of the world’s fastest machines.

Specifications

Jaguar F-Type R

0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds

Jaguar

The Jaguar F-Type R is one of the most charismatic sports cars on this list, thanks to its intoxicating exhaust note and British grand tourer styling. Beneath the hood lies a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 producing 575 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds. Paired with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, the F-Type R is as fast as it is elegant.

Jaguar has masterfully blended old-school driving excitement with modern performance. Unlike the high-strung and finicky supercars of the ‘80s, the F-Type R delivers consistent acceleration regardless of road conditions. The Porsche 959, one of the fastest cars of its era, needed 3.6 seconds to hit 60 mph, proving that the Jaguar is every bit as quick.

Beyond straight-line speed, the F-Type R’s adaptive suspension and sharp steering make it a joy to drive, whether on winding roads or at high-speed autobahn cruising. It’s a car that embodies both beauty and beastly performance, showcasing how Jaguar has evolved from classic British luxury to modern supercar speed.

Specifications

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Mercedes-AMG GT R

0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds

Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-AMG GT R is a track-focused monster that delivers exhilarating performance and aggressive styling. Powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, it churns out 577 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, propelling it from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. While many AMGs are known for their straight-line dominance, the GT R takes things further with rear-wheel steering, an active aero system, and a lightweight chassis designed for razor-sharp handling.

Compared to a 1980s supercar like the Ferrari 288 GTO, which had a 0-60 mph time of around 4.1 seconds, the AMG GT R shows just how far Mercedes' performance division has come. Despite being heavier due to modern safety and luxury features, the car’s technological advancements allow it to be significantly quicker than supercars that once set records.

The GT R also delivers an engaging driving experience, with a balance of brute force and precision engineering. With its aggressive styling, crackling exhaust, and race-bred aerodynamics, the AMG GT R is a supercar in all but name, proving that modern sports cars have outpaced even the legends of the past.

Specifications

Ford Mustang Dark Horse

0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds

Mecum

The Ford Mustang Dark Horse is the most track-focused naturally aspirated Mustang ever built. At its core lies a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 producing 500 horsepower, mated to either a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic. With the latter, the Mustang can sprint to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, a time that rivals some of the most famous ‘80s supercars.

Unlike its muscle car ancestors, the Dark Horse is built with precision and agility in mind. It features MagneRide adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and an aerodynamic package designed to keep it planted at high speeds. While classic Mustangs were primarily straight-line performers, the Dark Horse is a well-rounded machine that delivers a genuine sports car experience.

For context, the Ferrari 512 TR, a successor to the Testarossa, took 4.8 seconds to reach 60 mph. The Mustang Dark Horse is not only quicker but offers a level of refinement and daily drivability that ‘80s supercars lacked. It’s proof that muscle cars have evolved into serious performance machines.

Specifications

Audi RS5 Sportback

0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds

Audi

The Audi RS5 Sportback is a perfect example of a modern sports car that combines practicality with supercar-rivaling speed. Under the hood, a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to reach 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Thanks to Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system, it delivers blistering acceleration in all weather conditions.

One of the key advantages of the RS5 is its usability. While ‘80s supercars often sacrificed comfort for speed, the RS5 offers a refined interior, advanced tech, and five-passenger seating, making it a performance car that doesn’t compromise on daily practicality.

Compared to the legendary Porsche 959, which hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, the RS5 is only a tenth of a second behind while offering vastly superior technology and reliability. It proves that today’s high-performance sedans are just as fast as the hypercars of the past.

Specifications

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Toyota GR Supra (A91 3.0)

0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds

Toyota

The Toyota GR Supra A91 is a modern reinterpretation of the legendary Supra nameplate, combining BMW engineering with Toyota reliability. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six produces 382 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic that enables a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds.

With precise steering, a lightweight chassis, and aggressive styling, the GR Supra A91 delivers an engaging driving experience while being significantly more accessible than any ‘80s supercar. It’s a testament to how far sports car performance has come in the last four decades.

Specifications