[ad_1]
Automotive aficionado and respected voice in car critique, Doug DeMuro, stirred up some controversy in the car enthusiast community with a contentious opinion piece in Motor Trend this week under the banner: “Basically, No Good Cars Came From the 1980s.” It serves its purpose as clickbait very well; as a credible argument… it misses the mark.
DeMuro starts his article acknowledging that “the late 1980s were fine,” which seems to undermine the provocative headline. His primary critique, it appears, is aimed at cars produced before 1986. Moreover, he suggests that the iconic vehicles from 1980-1986—like the Volkswagen GTI, Porsche 930 Turbo, and Lamborghini Countach—weren’t truly products of the ’80s since they were introduced in the late ’70s. It’s a debate structure as shaky as an air dancer outside of a car lot, yet for argument’s sake, let’s entertain it.
DeMuro is perfectly entitled to his views, however debatable, and it is my privilege to provide a counterargument. To start, using horsepower as the single measure of a car’s appeal to enthusiasts seems misguided, as he does when he critiques models like the C4 Corvette, A60 Supra, and E21 BMW 3 Series. Savvy car lovers understand horsepower isn’t everything—consider the driving bliss of lightweight cars with tactile controls and eager engines, a hallmark of many 1980s automobiles.
Moreover, if DeMuro dismisses the better cars of the early ’80s because they were grounded in the ’70s, shouldn’t this logic extend to the less impressive ones too? Indeed, several V8 engines were lackluster in the early 1980s, particularly in American models. These were more reflective of the ’70s than indicative of a new era. The C4 Corvette, which launched in 1984 with only 205 horsepower, represented a significant evolution from the C3 that hit its lowest point in 1978 with 175 horsepower. The Fox Body Mustang was also a revelation compared to the forgettable Mustang II.
The ’80s witnessed immense technological innovation that not only spawned amazing cars during the period but also laid the foundation for the automotive advancements of the ’90s and ’00s. Among the significant developments popularized in the 1980s: electronic fuel injection, widespread use of turbocharging, the introduction of anti-lock braking systems, foundational engine control units, refinement of three-way catalytic converters, proliferation of all-wheel drive, genesis of the modern unibody SUV, and the zenith of Group B rally racing, to name a few. And that’s merely scratching the surface.
In essence, the 1980s are when we witnessed the birth of the modern automobile. Take a spin in a pristine Honda CR-X, E30 BMW, or Porsche 944 now, and you’ll find yourself in a machine that handles modern roadways with ease yet retains a distinctive analog flavor. Contrarily, most ordinary cars of the ’70s don’t measure up to these standards. There’s something alluring about ’80s cars to the younger generation of enthusiasts: they possess enough vintage charm to intrigue but are sufficiently contemporary to not intimidate. A simple, uncluttered engine bay is a joy for maintenance, as opposed to the hassle of dealing with carburetors.
Allow me to honor a few additional early- to mid-’80s automotive legends for the skeptics: the AW11 Toyota MR2, the Buick Grand National, the Jeep XJ Cherokee, Toyota AE86, Honda Prelude, Porsche 959, E28 BMW 5 Series, E24 6 Series, Mercedes W124 and W201, and the FC Mazda RX-7. These models stand as unequivocal evidence of an exceptional era in the automotive world.
Got a tip? Send us a note: tips@thedrive.com
[ad_2]
FAQ About 1980s Cars
- What made 1980s cars so special?
- The 1980s represented a period of significant technological innovation, with the introduction and widespread adoption of features like electronic fuel injection, turbocharging, ABS, and more. These advancements created a foundation that shaped future automotive developments.
- Are 1980s cars good by modern standards?
- Many cars from the 1980s hold up remarkably well on modern roads due to their technological advancements and possess an analog driving experience that is appreciated by enthusiasts.
- What are some iconic cars from the 1980s?
- Iconic cars from the 1980s include the E30 BMW M3, R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R, AW11 Toyota MR2, Buick Grand National, and the Porsche 959, to name a few.
Conclusion
Despite Doug DeMuro’s provocative thesis suggesting that the 1980s lacked notable cars, the era is now celebrated for its significant contributions to automotive design and technology. The decade saw the emergence of technologies and design philosophies that prepared the way for the wonders of automotive engineering that came thereafter. The 1980s should be remembered not just for its memorable automotive icons, but for being the crucible of the modern car—a legacy that car enthusiasts of all ages continue to appreciate and enjoy.
