Rating of the best cars of the 80s

Introduction

Almost every modern person owns at least one car, which serves him as worthy support and support. Having at least small savings available, people try to buy a recently produced car, the year of production of which would be as small as possible, more precisely, close to the current year. However, modern vehicles do not always boast such build quality as, for example, the best cars of the 80s. In the article below, we will consider all presentable vehicles that were created in the 80s and have functioned properly for more than a decade to the delight of their owners. In the text, we will not cite the most popular sports cars of the 80s, we will only touch on the best European technical means that were produced in the period from 1980 to 1990 and had any outstanding advantages that made the car more advantageous over competitors.

The 80s were decisive for almost all concerns, the fashion for cars never stood still, each automaker tried to produce a beautiful presentable vehicle that would not only satisfy consumer demand, but also look more dynamic and high quality. In the 80s, carmakers radically changed their point of view regarding the design and style of the car. 36 years ago, as well as now, everyone worked diligently on the efficiency of the car, which at the same time could significantly surpass its predecessors in terms of driving characteristics.
Car

The drag coefficient is an indicator that has been studied and constantly modernized; thanks to improvements, the world's most popular automakers began to produce cars that had more streamlined shapes. A significant decrease in the coefficient of aerodynamic drag has led to a radical change in the design of cars.

Equally important is the revolution that took place in the awareness of the creators of world cars in the 80s regarding the style of the vehicle. For several decades, people believed that the style and design of a car were one, two inseparable interconnected parts. Since the beginning of the 80s, the style has been influenced not only by the familiar design, but also by the "charisma" characteristic of a particular model, personal character and technical features. In this case, the best example is the Volvo 7 Series, which was launched in 1982. The cars of the 80s, owned by the Volvo concern, "lost" the usual sharp features of the razor style, while at the same time reincarnated into a more modern, attractive car of the time. The 80s were characterized by a change in styles that took place in almost every auto concern. It is worth noting that this time was the beginning when each automaker had its own unique style, which determined the company's development trend for many years to come.

Another important feature that turned the worldview of automakers was the fact that cars should be comfortable. This influenced the rejection of complete minimalism. The vehicles of the 1980s began to be equipped with important technological innovations. At that time, the introduced elements seemed an unprecedented luxury, but now they are a simple necessity, without which a modern car simply would not have the right to exist. In the cars of the 80s, the first ABS, on-board computers and power accessories began to appear, in addition, it was possible to purchase a car with an adjustable suspension.

The development and radical change of technical objects of that time could be watched endlessly, since with each new day cars were equipped with more and more perfect parts, radically different from their predecessors. Absolutely every large concern put its popularity and financial resources at risk, trying to create new presentable machines that would differ from the typical technical means of competitors and at the same time take into account all modern trends.

List of the best cars of the 80s

Mercedes-Benz W123

In the list of the best cars of the 80s, a worthy place is given to the Mercedes-Benz W123 model, which was produced for 11 years, from 1975 to 1986. The successful implementation of the project is evidenced by the fact that more than 2.7 million W123 vehicles rolled off the assembly line. Experts and owners of this car positioned it as a comfortable, reliable vehicle, perfect for “every day”. A distinctive feature of the German car was the power unit, popularly called the "millionaire", the device received a peculiar name because of its durability. As practice has shown, the engine could continue to work even after the body and its chassis were completely worn out. Interesting is the peculiar rally of taxi drivers from Germany, remembered by many, who loved the W123 model so much that they staged a strike in front of the main building of the plant before the Mercedes-Benz concern switched to the new W124 car.

Renault 25

The ranking, which includes only the very best cars of the 80s, includes the Renault 25 model, which was produced for 9 years, from 1983 to 1992. The cars of this concern belonged to the business class, being the most elite and comfortable vehicles ever created by Renault. The car acquired its circle of potential consumers due to its excellent comfort and almost perfect handling. Among the main advantages of the car: an updated transmission with soft shifting and a specific design of the interior space. It is worth noting that Marcello Gandini (who at one time worked on Lamborghini) worked on the creation of the latter for the aforementioned car. Thanks to him, the interior has become as comfortable, spacious and bright as possible. The cars were equipped with electronic windows, an improved on-board computer and a joystick located on the steering device and allowing you to adjust the buttons of the car recorder.

Ford Scorpio

Another car belonging to the business class is the Ford Scorpio, produced from 1985 to 1998. An important advantage of the machine is the use of computer modeling and volumetric graphics in its creation. The exterior of the car has acquired a very extraordinary attractive appearance, and this is not surprising, because about 500 designers have worked on it. A notable feature of the Ford Scorpio is its rich (at that time) equipment. The cars of the concern differed from standard vehicles of competitors by the presence of ABS, which was installed serially. A year after the release of the first car, the Scorpio was named "Car of the Year" by European standards.

Citroen bx

The list of the best cars of the 80s couldn't be complete without the Citroen BX, produced from 1982 to 1994. The car was simultaneously produced in several versions, which significantly expanded the range of potential consumers. The main advantages of this vehicle are the glued-in windshield and rear glass, which was not previously seen on other cars. No less remarkable are the flat bottom and the door handles that are somewhat included in the body. All these innovations, even due to the angularity of the body, gave the cars of the Citroen concern excellent aerodynamic characteristics. Experts recognized the BX model as one of the best in relation to the lowest drag coefficient. The highlight of this 80s car is the hydropneumatic suspension.The innovative suspension height adjustment, which was done entirely by hand, allowed the Citroen BX to become one of the most comfortable cars.

Volvo 200-series

Despite the fact that many car owners consider the Volvo 200-series, produced from 1974 to 1993, a very simple and modest car, at one time it was extremely popular. Growing consumer demand has allowed the automaker to successfully implement the Volvo 200-series for 19 years with little innovation. During production, about 3 million cars left the belt of the plant. Most likely, its success was ensured by three main factors: reliability, comfort and safety. Volvo 200-series cars have become an integral part of the cars used by top officials of government officials. Later, this vehicle became the basis for technical ambulance facilities, limousines, police and army vehicles. Even NHTSA bought a Volvo 240 from the manufacturing plant in order to show the required safety standards to the domestic (American) automaker.

Opel senator

Opel Senator, produced from 1987 to 1994, has every right to be included in the list of the best cars of the 80s. This fact is due to the rarity of the model and its unique configuration, which was many times better than that installed in competitors' machines. Considering the Opel Senator, only its second generation should be taken into account, since the release of the first cars was not crowned with great success due to the fact that the car very much resembled the previous Opel Rekord. Unlike the first failed rework, the second generation can be considered more confident and presentable. Remarkable is the "gentleman's set" of the car, consisting of a 3-liter power unit, air conditioning, trip computer, cruise control, three-level suspension with electronic regulation, leather interior trim, heated electronic mirrors and power windows. Among other things. cars were equipped with heated seats and power steering.

Volvo 700-series

The list, which includes the best cars of the 80s, includes space for a second Volvo car. The 700-series, produced from 1982 to 1990, had a decent level of safety. Compared to competitors and its predecessors, the vehicle stood out with an elongated body, a more comfortable interior and a high level of equipment. Despite the fact that the car did not change the sharp features of the razor style, the circle of adherents of this car turned out to be quite large. People from all over the world preferred the Volvo 700-series for its reliable powertrain and galvanized body that promises to function perfectly for decades. On Russian roads, you can still find cars of this model, which are in good condition.

Audi 100

Compiling a rating in which the best cars of the 80s are located, one cannot forget about the most popular car at that time - the Audi 100. The cars produced from 1984 to 1991 belong exclusively to the third generation. The car once made an unprecedented sensation, in Europe it was recognized as the best vehicle of the year. The technical object was distinguished by the drag coefficient practically unattainable by other automakers (0.3). Everything was perfect in this car: a spacious comfortable interior, ideal driving parameters, excellent handling and a galvanized body. A revolutionary discovery was the diesel power unit with direct fuel injection. Audi has managed to create a design that has been a model for most competitors for 10 years. became, at least until the end of the decade, exemplary.

Bmw 7-series

The BMW 7-series, which is one of the first on the pedestal of the best cars of the 80s, was produced for 8 years, from 1986 to 1994. Cars of this model belonged to the premium segment. When it comes to the BMW 7-series, it's hard to overestimate its comfort, reliability, power and convenience. The main advantage of the car was the use of the V12 power unit. Along with the usual functions, the car was equipped with a landline telephone with fax, refrigerator, air purifier (functioned in automatic mode), climate control, leather (Nappa) interior and decorative elements made of precious wood. In addition, the chairs were equipped with a built-in massager and ventilation function. The specific slope of the radiator grille, turned in the other direction, gave the car a sonorous nickname "shark".

Mercedes S-class

Beautiful luxury cars have always been desired by all car owners, without exception, who were divided into two categories: some could afford the Mercedes S-class, produced from 1979 to 1991, while others could not. Since in the 80s there was no such clear delineation of segments, the car in question was called w126. Without further ado, it becomes clear that this Mercedes S-Class is the leader in the list of the aforementioned cars. Just like the previous car, this powerful technical unit has comfort, safety and ideal handling characteristics. Cars of this brand have achieved a lot, they became cars of the year, received awards from the U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute and "beat" all previously set sales records for 4 years.

The design of the unique car was presented by the Italian Bruno Sacco, who could not even imagine that the creativity he created would serve as the basis for the Japanese Lexus cars. You can talk about this Mercedes model for a very long time, although you can just say in a nutshell that the Mercedes S-Class is a real treasure, which successfully combines the design of the subtlest synthesis of aristocracy with individual style and unprecedented luxury. During the existence of the company, the developers have not yet managed to create a more attractive model.

Conclusion

In the list of the best cars of the 80s, other cars also have the right to be, in particular, the Fiat Uno, Volkswagen Passat B3 and Audi 80 B3. However, the rating is called the best if only the most worthy, presentable and high-quality vehicles are described in it.