subject: Sports Cars That Werent Fast [print this page] Sports Cars That Werent Fast Sports Cars That Werent Fast
Performance should be core focus of any sports car, looks do matter but automobile has to perform to back live up to its name and design. Over the years many automakers introduced some notoriously slow sports cars. Their design, sharp angles and muscular curves screamed about their, supposed, ability to peel pavement but in reality they turned out to be all show and no go. If you are thinking that some unknown automaker might have launched few such vehicles, then you would be dead wrong, as the very first car on this list proves it.
Ferrari Mondial:
Despite its sleek angular design and so Ferrari like styling, 1980 Mondial was a massively underpowered car, not by current standards but its contemporaries smoked this icon as well. With an unimpressive 0 to 60 figure of 9.4 seconds this Ferrari could be beaten by Corvettes of 1980s and Civics of 2012.
Porsche 914:
Another legend, another failure, 914 was a looker, no doubt but it had nothing else to offer. 0 to 60 took an everlasting 12 seconds and it wouldnt even cross 80 miles in 18 seconds on a mile drag.
California Corvette:
Best looking car of its time, Corvette was faster than the contemporary Ferrari Mondial, so thats a relief. It tapped 0 to 60 in 8 seconds and despite the big V8s, produced a frugal 180 BHP, though some models came with 425 BHP unit with improved 0 to 60 of under 7 second.
Mazda MX5:
Some of you might frown at the inclusion of this peppy roadster but Mazdas, less than impressive; 9 second run to 60 miles ensures its spot on this list. No one can defend that sort of performance in 1990s. However, giving devil its due, MX5 remains one of the most fun cars to drive on twisty roads.
Pontiac Fiero:
Having as cool name as Fiero and then not living up to it, is simply misleading and unforgiveable. Pontiac probably realized that, thats why they clumsily marketed Fiero as a sports car with focus on mileage and fuel economy. A bust in performance department, Fiero sales were powered only by its retro looks.
Delorian DMC-12:
This Back to The Future starrer was a mediocre performer at best but a definite head turner. Unsurprisingly in 1981 its poor performance never hampered its sales and even today a reasonably maintained Delorian can cost more than $60,000, thanks mainly to its gullwing doors and aggressive styling.
Berkeley Sports:
The 1958 British novelty would never reach 100 miles and will take more than half a minute to reach 60. This, supposedly, economical sports car was fitted with 18 and later 30 BHP engine, its rarity coupled with its uniquely weird handling makes it a collectors item.
