Nothing beats the feeling of getting behind the wheel of a vintage automobile that’s not only packed with history but also capable of leaving modern rides in its dust. While today’s vehicles may boast flashy touchscreens, lane assist, and a mind-boggling number of cup holders, something about these old-school machines takes our breath away. Here are 7 classic cars that, despite their age, can still outperform modern models.
Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 (1973)
The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 is the stuff of legend. Imagine taking one of these out for a spin and realizing that this almost 50-year-old beauty can still compete with and sometimes outpace today’s sports cars. Equipped with a 2.7-liter flat-six engine weighing just 2,150 pounds, this machine epitomizes Porsche’s “reduce weight, increase performance” philosophy. Capable of 210 horsepower, the Carrera RS 2.7 could hit 60 mph in just over 5.5 seconds, a jaw-dropping feat in the 1970s. Modern Porsches might have more tech, but nothing can quite match the raw, visceral thrill of the original RS. And here’s the kicker: even modern-day 911s owe their performance and handling characteristics to this pioneer.
Ferrari F40 (1987)
The Ferrari F40 marked Enzo Ferrari’s last contribution to the brand before his passing. It was the fastest, most powerful Ferrari of its time, boasting a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that pumped out 471 horsepower. While this figure might seem tame compared to today’s 1,000+ horsepower hypercars, the F40’s lack of electronic interference — no traction control, no ABS, no power steering — made it a pure, unadulterated beast. With a top speed of 201 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds, the F40 was the first production car to break the 200-mph barrier. The F40 demanded skill and respect. If you made a mistake, it wouldn’t politely correct you; it would throw you into the nearest guardrail. Plus, the fact that it looks like the wind itself sculpted it? That’s just the cherry on top.
Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 (1999–2002)
The Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 was Japan’s gift to the world of high-performance cars. The R34 GT-R, affectionately dubbed “Godzilla” for its monster-like performance, was powered by the RB26DETT, a 2.6-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine capable of producing up to 276 horsepower. But what made the R34 special was its cutting-edge ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system, which allowed it to corner with the precision that would make a modern supercar blush. The sophisticated electronics in the R34 GT-R were ahead of their time, and even today, modern tuners find it hard to beat its performance potential. The car is revered by the tuner community because, with the right modifications (which the R34 eagerly welcomes), it can outperform just about anything on the road today — be it a 2024 Tesla Model S Plaid or a Lamborghini Huracán.
BMW M3 E30 (1986–1991)
In the 1980s, BMW took the humble 3 Series, gave it a high-revving 2.3-liter inline-four engine, and created the first M3. While today’s M3 has ballooned in size and weight, the original E30 M3 remains a lightweight, nimble beast that still outperforms many modern sports cars in terms of driving dynamics. Producing around 192 horsepower, the E30 M3 isn’t about raw power. Instead, it’s about handling. The car’s balance is legendary, with a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution that gives it cornering abilities still unmatched by many modern performance sedans. Take this bad boy on a twisty road, and it’ll dance through the turns like a seasoned ballerina. Sure, it may not beat a BMW M4 in a straight line, but take them both to a tight racetrack and watch the M4 driver’s face when the E30 overtakes them on the outside. Did we mention the E30 M3 is now a collector’s item worth more than your house? Yep, old is gold, indeed.
Shelby Cobra 427 (1965–1967)
If you think you’re tough, try taming a Shelby Cobra 427. Built by Carroll Shelby to dominate the racetracks and the hearts of speed enthusiasts worldwide, the Cobra 427 had a straightforward mission: Go fast. The 7.0-liter V8 engine cranked out an eye-watering 425 horsepower, and considering the car weighed only about 2,400 pounds, it was like strapping a rocket to your back. The Cobra 427 could hit 0-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds — a figure still stacks up against today’s muscle cars. But the real thrill came from its lack of modern driving aids. No ABS, no power steering, no stability control. It was just you, the car, and a prayer that you wouldn’t wrap yourself around a tree. This brute-force approach still makes the Shelby Cobra 427 a thrill today.
Toyota Supra MK4 (1993–2002)
The MK4 Toyota Supra has become legendary in tuner and enthusiast circles, and it’s easy to see why. While Toyota initially marketed it as a grand tourer, the car’s 2JZ-GTE engine has since proven capable of handling insane levels of tuning. From the factory, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine produced 320 horsepower. Still, the Supra’s incredible over-engineering allowed it to take on far more power than Toyota ever intended. With minor modifications, Supras can comfortably produce 600 horsepower, and heavily modified ones can easily break the 1,000-horsepower barrier. Also, even without the mods, the Supra’s balance and performance remain impressive. Its rear-wheel-drive setup, smooth power delivery, and bulletproof engine make it competitive against many modern sports cars.
Dodge Viper ACR (1999–2017)
If you enjoy wrangling 645 horsepower through a six-speed manual transmission and a V10 engine, welcome to the club. The Viper ACR was built to be the ultimate track weapon, and even today, it holds numerous lap records at various tracks worldwide. Despite its discontinuation in 2017, the Viper ACR’s performance remains unmatched in many categories. The car’s aerodynamics package, sticky tires, and powerful engine allow it to carve through corners and dominate straightaways like few cars. In fact, on some tracks, the Viper ACR has beaten cars like the Porsche 918 Spyder and McLaren P1, which cost significantly more and feature advanced hybrid technology.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
