The 7 Fastest Cars From The 1990s That Will Gap Modern Cars

The 90s heralded a time when automakers participated in a race to produce the quickest and most potent vehicles, and boy, they did not disappoint!

Updated: December 6, 2023  // 

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The 90s – a decade of grunge music, neon colors, and the birth of the World Wide Web. We’re talking about 90s cars that would make your heart race and your palms sweat just by looking at them. For any car enthusiast, those 90s machines were like visions from a dream. Want to take a trip even more into the past of automotive excellence? Don’t miss out on these top 10 classic rides from the 80s that are sure to pique your interest. You’re bound to discover some really cool, classic cars that’ll grab your interest in that list!

1. McLaren F1

McLaren F1 Silver

Source: Rob Report

Picture this, it’s the 90s and there’s one car that stood out above all others – the McLaren F1! The F1 pioneered advanced technology and performance benchmarks that influenced the industry. If you’re seriously into cars, getting to know this engineering marvel is a must! Hitting an awe-inspiring 240mph, it easily claimed the title as the decade’s supreme speed monster. Its revolutionary design – a central driving position with passenger seats on either side – redefined supercars forever.

But there was more than just a cool design to it; the F1 had outstanding weight distribution and aerodynamics. It dominated the roads.

It one of the most coveted supercars to date. The F1’s iconic status stands as proof of its standout design and high-octane performance, a fact that keeps car buffs around the globe hooked. With only 106 units ever produced, owning an F1 is owning a piece of history.

2. Bugatti EB110

Bugatti EB110

Source: MotorTrend

Next up is the 1994 Bugatti EB110. Its top speed of 213 mph garnered this speed demon its well-deserved reputation. But it wasn’t just about raw power; its symphony of lines and curves blended together seamlessly, giving this car an utterly breathtaking look. The Bugatti EB110, a coveted gem among car buffs worldwide, stands out with its limited production run of just 139 units.

Another major draw of the EB110 was its carbon fiber body – super light and seriously improved how it handled. Yet, it was the EB110’s unique styling that truly made it stand out from the crowd. With its striking contours, iconic scissor doors, and commanding posture, the EB110 never failed to turn heads. This beast of a machine left an indelible mark on car lovers all over the globe, proving itself as a true feat of engineering. With its standout, almost alien look and a mere 139 ever hitting the streets, it’s not just a car but a coveted treasure for collectors.

3. Ferrari F50

Red Ferrari F50

Third on the list is the 1995 Ferrari F50. The Ferrari F50: a masterpiece of Italian style and engineering. Aerodynamic body, 4.7L V12 engine with 513 horsepower, and top speeds of 202 mph. It was also one of the most exclusive cars of the 90s, with only 349 limited-production hypercars produced.

Its 202 mph top speed was achieved because to its lightweight, agile carbon fiber monocoque chassis. So, the F50? It had this wicked aerodynamic design. Think massive rear wing and diffuser to give it some serious downforce for stability when ripping through at high speeds. The breakthroughs they made with the F50, man, it’s no wonder car buffs and pros alike can’t get enough of its top-notch performance. A large rear wing and diffuser gave the F50 remarkable downforce and stability at high speeds.

But what truly made the F50 special was its open-top design. With its detachable roof, the F50 let both driver and passenger revel in the rush of wind-in-the-hair motoring – a treat not often found in hypercars back then.

4. Lamborghini Diablo GT

Lamborghini Diablo GT Orange

Back in the 90s, nothing screamed “I’m a boss” like rolling up in a Lamborghini Diablo! Asorghini’s top-of-the-line offering, this ride was truly the crème de la crème. Its superior design and performance merit the rightful praise it receives. For any gearhead after both opulence and unmatched power, this ride’s top-tier traits make it a real front-runner. Its predecessor, the Countach, was already an icon, but the Diablo said “Hold my beer”.

The monster under the hood was a V12 engine that produced a neck-breaking speed of 202 mph! Woah, talk about needing to hold on for dear life! And let’s not forget the iconic scissor doors – those were just the cherry on top.

But don’t be fooled; the Diablo wasn’t all about looks and speed. Packed with some serious power, this ride was more than just eye candy – it boasted cutting-edge aerodynamics and state-of-the-art suspension tech. If you wanted to feel like you owned the streets with all eyes on you, the Diablo was definitely the car to have!

5. Jaguar XJ220

Jaguar XJ220 in grass

No one can deny it – the XJ220 is a showstopper among supercars, thanks to its killer looks, those wicked side vents, and let’s not forget those unforgettable pop-up headlights. Its impressively quick acceleration and top speed of 212 miles per hour were unmatched by most competitors of its day.

The Jaguar XJ220 stunned with its bold, forward-thinking engineering and jaw-dropping speed. This beast of a car leaves you slack-jawed, setting the bar sky-high for all supercars out there. Its iconic design still makes people look twice, cementing its place among the car world’s elite.

6. Porsche 911 Turbo S

Porsche 911 Turbo S Black

The 1990s were defined by the Porsche 911 Turbo S. With its top-tier materials and latest features enhancing the cabin’s allure, coupled with plush seating, the Porsche 911 Turbo S offered a driving experience that artfully married comfort with class. For drivers who demand performance and comfort, the automobile was built to give both. For those who wanted to stand out on the road, its dashing and sporty aesthetics made it a tempting choice.

Sporting a hallmark outline, beefed-up back quarters, and an unmistakable rear spoiler, it showcased an assertive and robust profile. Beyond its bold exterior, the 911 Turbo S also packed a swanky interior – think top-tier materials, plush seats for coziness and up-to-the-minute features delivering a blend of comfort and class to drivers. Yet, the standout trait of the 911 Turbo S was undeniably its adaptability. Unlike other speed-focused cars, the 911 Turbo S makes a practical choice with its four-seat setup – ideal for long trips or everyday driving. This Porsche was the ultimate ride, cruising smooth on long drives but ready to rip it up on a racetrack when you felt the need for speed – no compromises here. Simply put, the Porsche 911 Turbo S nailed it in both performance and adaptability like a pro.

7. Acura NSX-T

Acura NSX-T Yellow

The NSX was one of Japan’s largest automotive surprises. This baby was a vision of what future sports cars could be, born from the genius minds at one of Japan’s top car factories. Honda tasked Pininfarina to design an extraordinary new sports car concept.

The HP-X, or Honda Pininfarina eXperimental, was powered by the Honda Legend’s 2.0-liter C20A V6 engine. This first idea triggered Honda’s executives to continue developing a premium sports vehicle, and they instructed their engineers to develop something as fast as Italy or Germany’s top sports cars.

When Ferrari unveiled the 348, it lit a fire under Honda’s top brass – they wanted to create something that not only outdid this marvel of Italian engineering but also was user-friendly and fun to drive. The Pininfarina-designed “New Sportscar eXperimental” (NSX) was the outcome of the HP-X concept. Honda’s most ambitious engineers and designers worked under Chief Designer Masahito Nakano and Executive Chief Designer Shigeru Uehara to bring this dream car to reality. The NSX wasn’t just some tech marvel—it stood as a testament to Honda’s cutting-edge engineering and design ethos.

Even though they’ve got a few decades on them, those ’90s sports cars are still some of the hottest rides around the world. These ’90s sports cars remain coveted for their advanced engineering and passionate artistry.

These iconic 1990s sports cars continue to be coveted for their captivating power, beauty and design. Check out how these cars’ slick engineering, boasting stuff like featherweight carbon fiber shells and souped-up engines, really flaunts the genius of their makers.

About The Writer

Devin Joy

Devin's love of cars came from his father and mother over 35 years ago. They always told stories of their old cars and the adventures they had in them were so amazing he dove headfirst into the car world, and never looked back.

Disclaimer: The writers of this article may have used artificial intelligence to help them with some of the material. It should not be a replacement for professional help.