Top 10 Sports Cars 1979 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Porsche 911 SC

The Porsche 911 SC ranks first as the best overall sports car of 1979 because it combined genuine performance with peerless durability. Its 3.0-liter air-cooled flat-six produced 180 horsepower, enabling a 6.3-second 0-60 mph time and a 126-mph top speed. The 1979 MSRP was $19,550, and the car's telepathic steering and rewarding chassis set the standard for the era.

This car is for the buyer who wanted one sports car to keep forever, offering daily usability that exotics of the time could not match. It trades away the raw aggression of the 930 Turbo for a more balanced, forgiving character that rewards skill rather than punishing mistakes. Compared to the Datsun 280ZX below it, the 911 SC offers vastly superior handling and a bulletproof engine, justifying its higher entry price.

2. Datsun 280ZX

The Datsun 280ZX ranks second because its all-new 1979 design marked a significant evolution of the iconic Z-car, blending comfort with capable performance. Its fuel-injected 2.8-liter inline-six made 135 horsepower, delivering a 0-60 mph time in the 8.8-to-9-second range and a 124-mph top speed. With a 1979 MSRP of $9,895, it offered a smooth, durable grand-touring experience that appealed to a wide audience.

This car is for the Z loyalist who wanted comfort with the speed, trading some of the old car's rawness for refinement and sound deadening. It is softer and heavier than the beloved 240Z it replaced, but it offers a plusher ride and more luxury features. Compared to the Porsche 911 SC above it, the 280ZX is a more practical and affordable daily driver, though it lacks the Porsche's razor-sharp handling and iconic status.

3. Porsche 930 Turbo

The Porsche 930 Turbo ranks third for its savage, turbocharged performance that was unmatched in 1979, earning its 'widowmaker' reputation. Its turbocharged flat-six produced between 265 and 300 horsepower depending on market, with explosive, laggy boost that arrived all at once. The 1979 MSRP was $34,000, and its iconic whale-tail spoiler and flared arches made it the era's supercar.

This car is for the thrill-seeker who could handle the boost, offering an adrenaline-filled driving experience that demands respect and skill. It trades away the everyday usability of the 911 SC for a more aggressive, raw character that is far beyond most budgets, then and now. Compared to the 911 SC above it, the 930 Turbo is faster and more exciting but also more dangerous and less forgiving.

4. Chevrolet Corvette C3

The Chevrolet Corvette C3 ranks fourth as the definitive American sports car of 1979, offering genuine V8 muscle and iconic targa styling. The hotter L82 350 V8 made 225 horsepower, enabling a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a 15.3-second quarter-mile, as recorded by Road & Track. With a 1979 MSRP of $10,220, it was the best-selling Corvette year ever and the last year the L82 could be paired with a 4-speed manual.

This car is for the American buyer who wanted V8 muscle and a targa roof, offering plentiful supply and cheap parts that keep ownership affordable. It trades away the precision of European sports cars for a more raw, powerful, and culturally significant presence. Compared to the Porsche 930 Turbo above it, the Corvette is far more accessible and practical, though it lacks the Porsche's exotic appeal and investment potential.

5. Ferrari 308 GTS

The Ferrari 308 GTS ranks fifth because no 1979 sports car looked better, with its targa-top Pininfarina wedge that would soon become a TV superstar. Its mid-mounted 3.0-liter V8 made about 205 horsepower in U.S. trim, with a roughly 6-to-7-second 0-60 mph time. The 1979 MSRP was $33,500, and while it was never the fastest exotic, it was achingly pretty and sounded glorious. Carbureted U.S. models were finicky but characterful.

This car is for the buyer chasing the most beautiful car in the showroom, offering exotic theater and a targa roof at a relative-to-Ferrari price. It trades away the raw performance of the Corvette C3 for a more refined, stylish, and prestigious driving experience. Compared to the Corvette above it, the 308 GTS is more exclusive and desirable, but maintenance bills are pure Ferrari.

6. Mazda RX-7

The Mazda RX-7 ranks sixth as the best value sports car of 1979, offering the most fun per dollar with its featherweight rotary design. Its tiny, high-revving 12A twin-rotor engine spun out 100 horsepower from almost nothing, mounted behind the front axle for near-ideal balance. The 1979 MSRP was $7,195, and its light weight and superb chassis made it a handler that embarrassed far pricier machinery.

This car is for the enthusiast who wanted the most fun per dollar, offering light, tossable, and exotic-sounding driving dynamics. It trades away the power and prestige of the Ferrari 308 GTS for a more nimble and accessible driving experience. Compared to the 308 above it, the RX-7 is far cheaper to buy and run, but rotary apex seals demand careful maintenance and warm-ups.

7. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am ranks seventh for its unmatched cultural cool at the 1977-79 peak of the Smokey and the Bandit craze. The special 10th Anniversary Edition was its silver-and-charcoal showpiece, with the hot setup pairing the Pontiac T/A 6.6 (400 V8) with a Borg-Warner Super T-10 4-speed. Output hovered around 220 horsepower with rear-wheel drive, and the 1979 MSRP was $10,620.

This car is for the buyer chasing the Smokey and the Bandit dream, offering presence and screaming-chicken swagger over lap times. It trades away the handling and balance of the Mazda RX-7 for a heavier, softer, and more culturally significant cruiser. Compared to the RX-7 above it, the Trans Am is more powerful and iconic but less agile and more expensive to run.

8. Porsche 924

The Porsche 924 ranks eighth because it proved that balance beats brute force, offering superb transaxle handling at a fraction of 911 money. Its front-mounted 2.0-liter four made just 110 horsepower, but a rear transaxle gave near-perfect weight distribution, with a modest 8.9-second 0-60 mph time. The 1979 MSRP was $12,025, and the 924 Turbo added 150 horsepower for those who wanted more.

This car is for the buyer who wanted Porsche handling on a budget, offering a real Porsche badge and light, economical running costs. It trades away the power and cultural presence of the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am for a more balanced and refined driving experience. Compared to the Trans Am above it, the 924 is more nimble and efficient, but its modest base power leaves some buyers wanting.

9. Triumph Spitfire 1500

The Triumph Spitfire 1500 ranks ninth as the cheapest true open roadster of 1979, offering wind-in-the-hair charm for the price of an economy sedan. Its 1.5-liter four made a modest 57 horsepower in U.S. emissions trim, with leisurely acceleration but a tiny size and flip-forward bonnet. The 1979 MSRP was $5,995, making sports-car ownership at its most accessible.

This car is for the top-down purist on a tight budget, offering charming, simple, and easy-to-wrench driving fun. It trades away the modern handling of the Porsche 924 for a more raw and characterful open-air experience. Compared to the 924 above it, the Spitfire is far cheaper and more charming, but it is strangled to just 57 hp by U.S. emissions rules.

10. Fiat X1/9

The Fiat X1/9 ranks tenth because it offered a genuine mid-engine chassis for pocket-money pricing, a layout shared with exotics costing ten times as much. Its transverse 1.5-liter four made around 67 horsepower, drove the rear wheels, and was wrapped in a sharp Bertone wedge with a removable targa roof. The 1979 MSRP was $6,995, and while it was never fast, it cornered like nothing else at the price.

This car is for the bargain hunter who wanted a mid-engine layout, offering true mid-engine balance and a removable roof that stows in the trunk. It trades away the open-air charm of the Triumph Spitfire for a more exotic and capable chassis. Compared to the Spitfire above it, the X1/9 is more nimble and special-feeling, but its low power makes it more nimble than fast.

How we ranked these

We scored each 1979 contender on six factors, weighted to its own era: driving fun and handling (30%), performance relative to the malaise-era field (15%), value in period (15%), reliability (15%), style and legacy (15%), and collectibility now (10%). We used U.S.-market horsepower figures and period road tests from Road & Track and Car and Driver, plus modern Hagerty and auction data.

We deliberately ignored modern performance benchmarks, nostalgia-driven hype, and non-U.S. specifications. A 0-60 time near nine seconds was respectable in 1979, so we judged accordingly. We also excluded cars that were not realistically available or road-legal in the U.S. market, and we avoided weighting rarity or investment potential too heavily, since the goal was to reflect what actually mattered to a 1979 buyer.

What to look for

Prioritize condition and originality over raw power. A sorted Mazda RX-7 with healthy compression will out-handle a tired 911 SC, and a rust-free Datsun 280ZX is worth more than a patched one. Check for hacked emissions wiring, bad restorations, and rust in floors, rockers, and rear arches—these are the real value killers.

The mistake most buyers make is chasing the lowest sticker price or the biggest horsepower number, ignoring the cost of deferred maintenance. A cheap Triumph Spitfire with rotten sills will eat your wallet, while a slightly pricier, well-documented car is the smarter investment. Also, don't dismiss the 924 or X1/9—they offer genuine handling charm at bargain prices.

Related questions

What was the fastest 1979 sports car in a straight line?

The Porsche 930 Turbo was the fastest, with 265-300 hp and a 0-60 in the low 5-second range. The Corvette L82 was next at 6.6 seconds, followed by the 911 SC at 6.3 seconds. The 930's turbo lag made it tricky, but when the boost hit, nothing else in 1979 could match it.

Which 1979 sports car is the most reliable today?

The Porsche 911 SC is famously bulletproof, with its air-cooled flat-six lasting hundreds of thousands of miles if maintained. The Datsun 280ZX's fuel-injected six is also durable. The Mazda RX-7 requires careful rotary maintenance—check compression and warm-up habits—but can be reliable if treated right.

What is the best 1979 sports car for a beginner collector?

The Mazda RX-7 is ideal: affordable, light, and forgiving, with a unique rotary character. The Triumph Spitfire is also cheap and simple to work on, but its 57 hp is slow. The Fiat X1/9 offers mid-engine balance but watch for rust. All three have strong club support.

How much does a 1979 Porsche 911 SC cost now?

Clean driver-grade 911 SCs typically trade between $25,000 and $45,000, with exceptional examples exceeding $60,000. Values have climbed steadily as the SC gains recognition as a future classic. Compare that to the $19,550 MSRP in 1979—a strong appreciation story.

Why is the 1979 Datsun 280ZX so popular now?

After decades of being overlooked, the 280ZX has surged in value—up over 100% in recent years. Its smooth fuel-injected six, comfortable GT demeanor, and iconic new-for-1979 styling have made it a favorite among collectors seeking a usable, appreciating classic without exotic maintenance costs.

What is the difference between the 1979 Corvette L48 and L82?

The L48 was the base 350 V8 with about 195 hp, while the L82 made 225 hp with a hotter cam, higher compression, and better exhaust. The L82 also offered a 4-speed manual, which was unavailable with the L48 in 1979. The L82 is the one to own for performance and collectibility.

Is the 1979 Ferrari 308 GTS a good investment?

Yes, clean carbureted U.S. 308 GTS models have climbed steadily, now ranging from $50,000 to $80,000. They are the gateway Ferrari, with gorgeous Pininfarina styling and a glorious V8 soundtrack. Maintenance is costly, but values are supported by strong demand and the Magnum P.I. legacy.

What should I check before buying a 1979 Mazda RX-7?

Perform a compression test—low readings indicate worn apex seals. Check for hard starts, smoke, and overheating. Inspect for rust in the floor pans, rockers, and rear wheel arches. Verify the service history, especially oil changes and warm-up habits. A well-maintained rotary can last 150,000+ miles.

FAQ

What was the best sports car of 1979?

The Porsche 911 SC—its 180-hp air-cooled flat-six, superb handling, and lasting durability made it the most complete sports car of the year and a strong appreciating classic today.

What was the best-value sports car of 1979?

The Mazda RX-7, at a $7,195 MSRP. Its lightweight rotary layout delivered genuine sports-car balance for a fraction of a Porsche's price, and first-gen cars remain affordable classics now.

What new sports car launched for 1979?

The Datsun 280ZX (S130) debuted in 1979, replacing the 280Z with a plusher, more refined grand tourer that has since climbed sharply in value.

Why were 1979 sports cars so low on power?

Strict emissions rules forced low compression ratios, catalytic converters, and lean tuning across the industry, sapping output. A 1979 280ZX made 135 hp where its larger six might once have made far more—the malaise-era reality.

Which 1979 sports car has appreciated the most?

The Porsche 930 Turbo is now blue-chip at six figures, but the Datsun 280ZX has shown the most dramatic recent percentage gains after decades of being overlooked.

Is the Trans Am from 1979 the Smokey and the Bandit car?

The 1977-79 Trans Am was the cultural peak of the Bandit craze. The 1979 10th Anniversary Edition is a direct descendant of that black-and-gold icon, though without the earlier 455 engine. It's a collector's piece, especially with the T/A 6.6 4-speed.

What is the rarest 1979 sports car on this list?

The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 10th Anniversary Edition with the T/A 6.6 and 4-speed is rare—only 1,817 of 7,500 anniversary cars got that combo. The Porsche 930 Turbo was also low-volume, but the Trans Am's specific option combination is the scarcest.

Are 1979 sports cars good daily drivers today?

Some are. The Porsche 911 SC and Datsun 280ZX are reliable and comfortable enough for regular use. The Mazda RX-7 is fun but requires rotary care. The Triumph Spitfire and Fiat X1/9 are more weekend toys. All need modern safety and rust-proofing considerations.

What is the cheapest 1979 sports car to maintain?

The Triumph Spitfire has the lowest parts and running costs, with a huge club network and simple mechanics. The Mazda RX-7 is also affordable, but rotary rebuilds are expensive. The Corvette has cheap parts but can nickel-and-dime you. The Ferrari and Porsche are the most costly.

Which 1979 sports car has the best handling?

The Porsche 911 SC offers telepathic steering and a rewarding chassis, but the Mazda RX-7's near-50/50 balance is arguably purer. The Fiat X1/9's mid-engine layout also handles superbly. The 924's transaxle balance is excellent. The 911 SC edges out for overall feel.

Sources

• https://www.hagerty.com/media/valuation-tools/
• https://bringatrailer.com/
• https://www.classic.com/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_911_SC
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datsun_280ZX
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_RX-7
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_Firebird_Trans_Am
• https://www.caranddriver.com/
• https://www.roadandtrack.com/
• https://www.automobile-catalog.com/

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