The 1990s produced more than just flannel shirts and dial-up internet. It cranked out some shockingly fast cars, too. Long before launch control and dual-clutch gearboxes became standard, these machines were eating up pavement and humbling exotics. And they weren’t just quick for their time. Some of them still have what it takes to dust today’s supercars off the line.
McLaren F1
Built with aerospace materials and a central driving position, the McLaren F1 set a new speed benchmark in 1998—240.1 mph, naturally aspirated. Its BMW-built V12 remains legendary, and its weight of under 2,600 pounds lets it pull away from many of today’s electronically boosted giants.
GMC Syclone
The GMC Syclone hit 0–60 mph in 4.3 seconds in 1991, beating the Ferrari 348 in Car and Driver’s famous test. That’s faster than plenty of today’s so-called performance SUVs. Turbocharged V6 power, all-wheel drive, and no nonsense—this truck wasn’t built to tow.
Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)
The R34 GT-R never officially reached American shores in the ’90s but built a worldwide reputation for embarrassing pricier cars. Its 2.6-liter twin-turbo inline-six paired with the ATTESA all-wheel-drive system delivered grip and acceleration that rivals still study. Sub-five-second 0–60 times were standard.
Toyota Supra Turbo (Mk4)
The Mk4 Supra Turbo could reach 60 mph in about five seconds, but that was just the beginning. Tuners quickly discovered it could handle four-digit horsepower without breaking a sweat. Today, modified Supras run circles around cars that cost four times more.
BMW E39 M5
Launched in 1998, the E39 M5 delivered 394 horsepower through a manual gearbox to the rear wheels, just how enthusiasts like it. It was subtle, fast, and shockingly balanced. It could chase down anything short of a purpose-built supercar with a top speed north of 180 mph (when unrestricted).
Dodge Viper GTS
An 8.0-liter V10 with a chassis built for adrenaline, the Viper GTS wasn’t the easiest car to drive fast, but it could outrun anything nearby in the right hands. It made over 450 horsepower in later ’90s trims and could hit 60 mph in around four seconds.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 (C4)
Nicknamed “King of the Hill,” the C4 ZR-1 offered a Lotus-designed, Mercury Marine-built V8 pumping 405 horsepower. In the early ’90s, that was supercar territory. A 4.4-second 0–60 mph time backed up the swagger. While it may lack modern refinement, its raw speed hasn’t gone stale.
Honda NSX (Acura NSX)
The NSX didn’t win drag races by raw numbers, but its lightweight aluminum construction and sharp response meant it could keep pace with faster cars where it mattered: real-world driving. Ayrton Senna had a hand in its development, and it’s still a challenge for some newer supercars.
Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4
It was heavy, yes, but the 3000GT VR-4 came loaded with advanced tech for the time: twin turbos, all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and active aero. It made around 320 horsepower in its later years and could hit 60 in just over five seconds.
Audi RS2 Avant
This was a station wagon built in partnership with Porsche. It shared bits with the 911 and had a turbocharged inline-five making 311 horsepower. The result? A 0–30 mph time quicker than a McLaren F1. Even decades later, it sprints to 60 in under five seconds.
Subaru Impreza 22B STI
Limited to just 400 units, the 22B was Subaru’s rally DNA boiled down into a road car. With a widened body, aggressive suspension tuning, and nearly 280 horsepower, it could reach 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. On tight, twisty roads, few cars today could match its balance.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI
The Evo VI turned everyday sedans into track weapons. Turbocharged, all-wheel-drive, and precise, it posted 0–60 times around 4.5 seconds. That may not turn heads today, but its ability to claw through corners and launch on any surface still pressures modern all-wheel-drive performance cars.
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6
The WS6 package gave the late-’90s Trans Am a suspension upgrade and a rumbling 5.7-liter LS1 V8 making 325 horsepower. The 0–60 time dipped under five seconds. Its six-speed manual and some stickier tires could compete with Porsches of the era and even today.
Ferrari F50
Sometimes overlooked between the iconic F40 and Enzo, the F50 packed a naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V12 derived from Ferrari’s Formula 1 engine. It hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and topped out near 202 mph. No turbo, no hybrid help—just Ferrari at full tilt.
Honda S2000 (1999 launch model)
The original S2000 cranked out 247 horsepower from just two liters, redlining at 9,000 rpm. Its 0–60 mph time hovered around 5.5 seconds, but the magic happened above 6,000 rpm. On the right road, with a skilled driver, the S2000 could out-handle and outlast plenty of modern sports cars.