10 Asian Sports Cars Better Than European Ones & 10 European Classics That'll Never Be Beat
10 Asian Sports Cars Better Than European Ones & 10 European Classics That'll Never Be Beat
Which One Would You Choose?
Not every automobile manufacturer can be of the caliber of Ferrari or Jaguar, but some certainly come close. While Asian companies have classically been shackled to their reputation of producing cheaper, mass-produced vehicles, some models have proven they have something to offer in the world of luxury or high-performance sports cars, from Acuras that deliver Ferrari-level performance to Mistubishis that can beat any German race car on the rally circuit. That being said, what Asian companies have in spirit, determination, and cutting-edge tech, they lack in heritage. Europe will always have the edge when it comes to classic, icons like the Porsche 911 and Jaguar E-Type. Here are 10 Asian sports cars we think are even better than their European counterparts and 10 European ones that can never be beaten.
1. Nissan GT-R
The Nissan GT-R got its nickname "Godzilla" for its incredible performance, rivaling Porsche 911 Turbos and Audi R8s for a fraction of the price. It has a long history in motorsport, with wins in multiple categories.
2. Acura NSX
The Acura NSX is renowned for its exceptional handling. It took everyone aback when it debuted in 1990 for its Ferrari-level performance meshed with Honda-level reliability and a reasonable price tag for what it could do.
3. Mazda MX-5
The MX-5 was Mazda's version of a toy car, reminiscent of the tiny British and Italian sports cars of the 1960s and 70s. The concept behind it was to revive the fun-to-drive roadster, and that they did. Although the MX-5 isn't super powerful given its size, it's agile and delivers a driver-first experience.
4. Lexus LFA
The LFA was Lexus's answer to European supercars like the Ferrari 458 or Porsche Carrera, showcasing the company's engineering mastery and attention to detail. Its V10 engine is lightning fast with a roar that sounds downright angelic thanks to Yamaha's meticulous tuning.
5. Toyota Supra
The beautifully designed Toyota Supra is a favorite for drag racers and car enthusiasts worldwide as its engine lends itself well to modifications. It's also astonishingly robust and tunable, especially compared to its European counterparts.
6. W Motors Lykan Hypersport
With only seven units ever made, the W Motors Lykan Hypersport is one of the most exclusive cars in the world, renowned for its striking design and impressive performance. W Motors is the United Arab Emirates answer to Bugatti or Pagani in terms of attention to detail and craftsmanship.
7. Oullim Spirra
The Oullim Spirra, with its impeccable craftsmanship and impressive performance, was certainly a departure from the lesser quality, mass-produced vehicles Korea has a reputation for, and that was precisely the point. It features a full carbon fiber body, is hand-assembled, and has a top speed of 186 miles per hour.
8. Lexus RC F
The Lexus RC F can be compared to German cars like the BMW M4 or Audi RS5, except for Lexus's stellar reputation for reliability. It's at once a comfortable cruiser and track-capable sports car.
9. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, nicknamed Evo, was created by the Japanese company for rally performance. Its success in the World Rally Championship earned it a dedicated cult following among street racers, even surpassing that of the VZ Golf R and Lancia Delta.
10. Datsun 240Z
The Datsun 240Z is reminiscent of the design of a Jaguar E-Type or Porsche 911, but when it came out in 1970, it only cost $3,500. But that reduced price tag didn't mean the Japanese company cut corners, the car also quickly earned itself a reputation for reliability, and maintenance costs that were reasonable compared to its European counterparts.
Now that we've talked about the Asian sports cars giving European ones a run for their money, let's go over the Italian, German, and British classics that will always be the crème de la crème.
1. Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 is one of the most iconic sports cars ever made, known for its immediately recognizable silhouette, versatility as both a high-performance and everyday car, and motorsport prowess. It has a long history dating back to 1963, with tens of thousands of race victories in different categories under its belt, and a sustained reputation for excellence.
2. Ferrari Testarossa
Nothing screams 1980s sports cars quite like the Ferrari Testarossa, immortalized in the TV drama Miami Vice. Everything about this car is iconic, from the slatted side vents to the powerful, aggressive-sounding 5-liter engine.
3. Jaguar E-Type
Name a sexier car than the Jaguar E-Type. We're Waiting. Enzo Ferrari called it the most beautiful car ever made, but it was also powerful and technologically advanced for its time, with a top speed of 150 miles per hour, four-wheel disc brakes, and independent suspension.
4. Lamborghini Miura
A performance powerhouse, the Lamborghini Miura is widely considered the world's first true supercar. It had a mid-engine layout that was revolutionary for its time with a glorious V12 engine that packed incredible power and an unforgettable sound, all neatly packaged within its breathtaking body.
5. Aston Martin Vantage
Although less flamboyant than some other Italian sports cars, the Aston Martin Vantage has a quietly sophisticated design. Part of Aston Martin's core lineup, the vantage has a powerful 656-horsepower engine with a top speed of 200 miles per hour and exceptional handling.
6. Lamborghini Countach
Nothing defined the 1970s supercar era quite like the Lamborghini Countach, with its killer performance, uncompromised driving experience, and radical design. Its notoriously terrible rear visibility, heavy clutch, and lack of power steering only added to its charm and legendary status.
7. BMW M1
Designed specifically for racing, the BMW M1 was the German auto company's first and only mid-engine layout supercar. A bit of an anomaly in BMW's catalog, this car was born from motorsport, with F1 legends Niki Lauda and Nelson Piquet driving identical models in the Procar race series, solidifying its reputation as a high-performance, track-capable sports car.
8. Bugatti EB110
The Bugatti EB110 emerged in the golden age of supercars. It was packed with cutting-edge technology like a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and a six-speed manual gearbox. It was one of the fastest cars in the world when it was introduced in the 90s.
9. Alfa Romeo 4C Spyder
Handcrafted in Modena, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spyder is known for its distinct Italian styling. It's celebrated by car enthusiasts for its raw, unfiltered driving experience which features a mid-engine layout and powerful turbocharged engine.
10. Mercedes-Benz 300SL
The Jaguar E-Type may be the most beautiful car in the world, but the Mercedes-Benz 300SL is a close second. In addition to its pretty face, it's also a groundbreaking piece of engineering with upward-opening Gullwing doors and remarkable performance in endurance races like Le Mans.
