What was faster in the 1980s than the 308??

The 911 was always very quick, period, back then vs everything else

The 928 was neck and neck with the 308, depending on the publication.
The Lotus Esprit Turbo was a little quicker

As far as top speed, the 308 seemed to enjoy that trophy, again, depending on the publication and the 928.

Basically, from about 1980-1989 the Corvette, 928, 308, and Lotus Esprit where never going to run away from each other.

(this ^^applies the the US cars only)

 

Buick GNX and Hurst Olds

 

I forgot abot that one. Didn't it bust a sub 5 second 0-60 in about 1986? It was unbelievable

 

The 5.0L Ford Mustang was a damn fast car ---- at least in a straight line ---- back then, as well.

The Audi Quattro (the UR-Quattro) belongs in Dr. Tom's group, too .

 

Let's not forget the bmw M1, and the M5

 

I wouldn't include the M1 in this list. Put it in with the Boxer and Countach.

I think Patrick was referring to what anyone could walk in and buy brand new from the dealer in the US back in the day

 

Porsche 911 was fast, but the 911 Turbo (930) was even faster. They were readily available here again brand new from 1986.

 

Supra, Turbo-Z, Corvette, Impala/Caprice with the 350, 2wd F-150

Have to pull out an old Car and Driver or Road and Track for the road test run downs from the era.

 

Of course all of this depends on how you define "fastest." 0-60? 60-120? Top speed? Quarter mile? Lap times on a road course? Lots of different measures produce lots of different results.

I think a number of cars were probably as fast, if not faster, than the 308 in 0-60 times. But 308s were not built as dragsters. They were built on a road-race model, to carry speed through turns and to hold the road in race settings like the Mille Miglia. American muscle cars were stop light racers, great in a straight line, 0-60. But put them on the track at a place like Lime Rock, and cars like the 308 would run away from them.

So, depending on which measure of speed you use, the 308 may or may not be the fastest. But I'm sure it was by far one of the most fun cars to drive and certainly the most iconic of its era, and still is.

 

Dodge Omni GLH-S was as fast as the 308 from 0-60. 6.5sec
Also handled like a go-kart. One of Shelby's underappreciated wolfs in sheeps clothing.

 

I believe the Mustang SVO & the Thunderbird Turbo Coupe were in the running also.

 

The 308 had a hell of a lot of top end for a car available here in 1982. R&T once published 147mph on the 2V injected car.

That is a place no one ever sees in one, especially now, but very very few cars could match it back then. A Dodge GLH Turbo was quicker but at a certain point it, and just about everything else, was going to be seeing a 308's taillights.

 

944 Turbo was in the group as well - just behind the 930.

Robb

 

Go Like Hell...
Junkyard Find: 1986 Dodge Omni GLH | The Truth About Cars

 

I started a thread on this car!

I would say the GNX - 0-60 - was one of the quickest. Top speed? Not sure, but Road and Track did a piece on the fastest cars in Europe. There were a few I recall - the Aston Martin, Nissan 300ZX, 911 Turbo, etc.

 

Are we talking "just until 1983"? Or ALL of the 80s? Where would the F40 fit in?
Had to be near the top I would think.... about what about the 328? Was the
308 actually FASTER than the 328?

Just confused by the term "in the 80s" without mention of F40, 328 and 348

Jedi

 

Things started changing a little in 86 and onward. I don't think there was a single new car available here between 80 and 85 that could truly exceed 150 mph. Some inched up there but I just don't think there was one and I remember paying attention to that sort of thing back then.

By 1987 there was a small handfull that could.

 

Kirk Evans and Amerisport was still importing and assembling DeTomaso Panteras in the '80s... I know my '71 is way faster than my '85 308, but my Pantera has been warmed up a bit..

 

BMW M635CSi. 286 horsepower, 158mph.

The funny thing is, almost everyone asks me if the Ferrari is fast, but almost no one asks the same about the BMW.

--Woody
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Always loved the BMW M635CSi. Not a lot of them around, great looking, damn fine handling and quick.

 

My 86 300zx turbo is WAY faster than my 1980 308. A simple manual turbo booster ($100) doubles the boost too. People are blown away when I drive them in that car. It's all 2500 to 4500 rpm but it throws ya back in the seat when the turbo hits. Blew a valve from doing this too much but had it and the timing chain and water pump and radiator and some hoses repalced for $1100. Great gearbox with short throws too. Feels like a grand tourer. T-tops etc. Great car to drive around the beach without worrying about sand getting in it or if a light shower gets it etc.

Everyone hates the Z31 but I love mine.

Love my 308 more though.

 

Don't you guys think its a little unfair comparing a 1980 308 gti, the slowest of the bunch in that model line up with the highest end of the model line buy another car company ?