Top 10 Sports Cars 1998 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

The Best Overall sports car of 1998 was the Chevrolet Corvette C5, a clean-sheet redesign that delivered a 345-hp LS1 V8, sub-five-second acceleration, and genuine grand-touring comfort for a 1998 MSRP of $37,495 — performance that embarrassed cars costing twice as much.

The Best Value of 1998 was the second-generation (NB) Mazda MX-5 Miata, brand-new for the model year and still the purest, most affordable convertible-roadster experience money could buy at a 1998 MSRP of $19,770. Nineteen ninety-eight was a landmark year: it introduced the water-cooled 996 Porsche 911, the new NB Miata, the BMW Z3 M cars, and it marked the final year of the legendary A80 Toyota Supra Turbo in the United States.

This is a past-tense retrospective of the ten best, ranked with collector hindsight.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each car the way an enthusiast actually lived with it in period, then layered on what we know now about how each one aged. The weighting:

• Driving fun and handling — 30%: steering feel, chassis balance, and how alive the car felt at real-world speeds.
• Performance — 20%: horsepower, 0-60, quarter-mile, and top speed against period rivals.
• Value in period — 15%: what you got for the 1998 sticker price in dollars of the day.
• Reliability — 15%: how dependable the car was to own and drive daily.
• Legacy — 10%: cultural and motorsport significance, and whether the car defined its segment.
• Collectibility now — 10%: current demand and values on the classic market.

Sources include period road tests from *Car and Driver*, *Road & Track*, and *Motor Trend*, plus current valuation data from the Hagerty Valuation Tool and recent Bring a Trailer auction results, with technical figures cross-checked against Wikipedia and manufacturer archives.

1. Chevrolet Corvette C5 🏆 BEST OVERALL

1998 MSRP: $37,495 | Best for: the driver who wanted supercar pace and everyday usability for the price of a loaded sedan.

The all-new C5, launched as a coupe for 1997 and joined by a convertible for 1998, was the most complete sports car of the year. Its aluminum 5.7-liter LS1 V8 made 345 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, sent through a rear-mounted transaxle for near-50/50 balance, and the six-speed manual cracked 0-60 in roughly 4.7 seconds.

Beyond the numbers, the C5 rode and tracked beautifully, returned real highway mileage, and swallowed luggage in its deep hatch — it was a sports car you could drive across the country. Clean low-mileage 1998 cars now trade in the low-to-mid teens to low twenties, with pristine examples climbing higher, making it one of the great performance bargains of its era.

Pros:

• Stunning power-to-price ratio that humbled far costlier exotics.
• Genuine grand-touring comfort and cargo space, rare in a true sports car.
• The LS1 V8 proved bulletproof and endlessly tunable in the decades since.
• A 1998 convertible option added open-air appeal without losing rigidity.

Cons:

• Early-build C5 interiors felt cheap, with hard plastics and dated switchgear.
• Some early cars had electrical and column-lock gremlins worth checking.

Verdict: The 1998 Corvette C5 set the value benchmark every other sports car of the year was measured against — our Best Overall.

2. Porsche 911 Carrera (996)

1998 MSRP: $65,000 | Best for: the purist ready to embrace Porsche's bold water-cooled future.

Nineteen ninety-eight ushered in the all-new 996-generation 911, the first 911 built on a clean-sheet platform and the first with a water-cooled flat-six. The 3.4-liter engine produced 296 horsepower, good for 0-60 in about 4.6 seconds and a 174-mph top end, wrapped in a slipperier, larger body that shared its front end with the Boxster.

Purists grumbled about the cooling change and the "fried-egg" headlights, but the 996 drove brilliantly and brought 911 ownership into the modern age. Values dipped for years, making early 996s a famous performance bargain, though the best-kept examples have since firmed up.

Pros:

• A landmark all-new chassis that modernized the 911 formula.
• Searing performance that ran with cars costing far more.
• Daily-usable refinement unmatched by most rivals here.

Cons:

• The early M96 engine carried the well-documented IMS bearing risk.
• Shared-with-Boxster styling diluted some of the 911's exclusivity.

Verdict: The car that dragged the 911 into a new era, and a tremendous driver's machine for the money today.

3. Dodge Viper GTS 🏆

1998 MSRP: $66,700 | Best for: the brave soul who wanted the most outrageous American performance on sale.

The Viper GTS coupe was raw, loud, and gloriously analog. Its 8.0-liter V10 made 450 horsepower and a tarmac-tearing 490 lb-ft of torque, hurling the GTS to 60 mph in about 4.1 seconds through a six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive — no traction control, no driver aids, just throttle and nerve.

The RT/10 roadster offered the same fury with the top down for around $64,000. Built around the timeless "double-bubble" GTS roofline, the Viper has become a blue-chip modern collectible, with clean GTS coupes commanding strong and rising money on Bring a Trailer.

Pros:

• A monstrous V10 with no equal in showroom drama.
• Iconic GTS coupe styling that still stops traffic.
• Strong and appreciating collector demand today.

Cons:

• Brutal cabin heat, no driver aids, and a punishing ride.

Verdict: The wildest car of 1998 and a genuine modern blue-chip — a worthy 🏆 performance icon.

4. Toyota Supra Turbo (A80)

1998 MSRP: $40,508 | Best for: the tuner and the collector who wanted the most legendary inline-six of the decade.

Nineteen ninety-eight was the final year of the A80 Supra in the United States, and it went out as an icon. The twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE inline-six made 320 horsepower in U.S. Trim (with the six-speed manual), launching the Supra Turbo to 60 mph in roughly 4.9 seconds through rear-wheel drive.

The 2JZ's cast-iron block became famous for surviving four-figure horsepower builds, and that reputation — plus its starring movie role years later — sent values into the stratosphere. Clean unmodified six-speed Turbos now sell for many multiples of their original sticker, among the most coveted Japanese cars of all time.

Pros:

• The legendary, near-indestructible 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo six.
• Final-year U.S. Status that cemented its collector cachet.
• Explosive current values for unmodified manual cars.

Cons:

• Heavy and softly sprung compared with sharper European rivals.

Verdict: A cultural and mechanical legend that left the U.S. On a high — now a six-figure dream for the clean ones.

5. Acura NSX-T

1998 MSRP: $84,000 | Best for: the connoisseur who wanted exotic looks with Honda dependability.

The mid-engine NSX-T remained the everyday-usable exotic eight years into its run. By 1998 its 3.2-liter VTEC V6 made 290 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual driving the rear wheels, with 0-60 in the low-to-mid five-second range. The NSX never chased headline numbers; instead it offered a feelsome aluminum chassis, perfect ergonomics, and the unheard-of reliability of a Honda, which made it the exotic you could actually commute in.

The removable targa top of the NSX-T added open-air flexibility, and values for clean cars have climbed sharply as the model's genius has been re-appreciated.

Pros:

• Telepathic mid-engine handling still praised decades on.
• Honda reliability in an exotic-car body.
• Targa-top versatility plus rising collector values.

Cons:

• The most expensive car here, and down on outright power versus rivals.

Verdict: The thinking enthusiast's exotic — a usable masterpiece that has aged into a serious collectible.

6. BMW M Roadster (Z3)

1998 MSRP: $41,000 | Best for: the buyer who wanted M-car muscle in a compact, characterful roadster.

For 1998 BMW dropped its M division's S52 3.2-liter inline-six into the Z3 to create the M Roadster, making 240 horsepower and 0-60 in about 5.0 seconds through a five-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. The flared fenders, quad exhaust, and stubby proportions gave it a hot-rod attitude that the standard Z3 lacked, and the muscular straight-six made it a riot on a back road.

The even more focused Z3 M Coupe — the famous "clown shoe" — arrived for the U.S. Market the following year. Both M cars have become beloved future-classic collectibles with strong followings.

Pros:

• A genuine M-division engine in a small, light package.
• Aggressive fender-flared styling with real road presence.
• Growing collector following for both M Roadster and M Coupe.

Cons:

• The short wheelbase made the chassis lively, even nervous, at the limit.

Verdict: A pocket-sized M car with huge character — increasingly collectible and a joy to drive.

7. Porsche Boxster (986)

1998 MSRP: $40,745 | Best for: the buyer chasing pure mid-engine balance on a (relative) budget.

The Boxster, still early in its life in 1998, delivered the mid-engine handling magic Porsche was famous for at a price well under a 911. Its 2.5-liter flat-six produced 201 horsepower, sending the roadster to 60 mph in about 6.6 seconds through a five-speed manual. Outright speed was never the point — the Boxster's gift was its sublime chassis balance, sweet steering, and a folding top that worked beautifully, making it one of the best-handling cars at any price.

It saved Porsche financially and remains a hugely satisfying, attainable entry into the brand.

Pros:

• Near-perfect mid-engine handling and steering feel.
• An attainable real Porsche at a fraction of 911 money.
• A superb, quick-folding convertible top.

Cons:

• Modest power, and the early M96 flat-six shared the IMS bearing concern.

Verdict: The handling bargain of 1998 — proof that balance beats brute force.

8. Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

1998 MSRP: $25,710 | Best for: the value-minded enthusiast who wanted a refined, hand-built American V8.

The SVT Cobra was the thinking person's Mustang. Its hand-assembled 4.6-liter DOHC V8 made 305 horsepower, far smoother and higher-revving than the pushrod GT engine, and drove the rear wheels through a five-speed manual for 0-60 in the mid-five-second range. SVT fitted upgraded brakes, a independent rear suspension, and unique tuning that made the Cobra handle far better than a standard Mustang, all for a sticker barely north of $25,000.

It was one of the best performance-per-dollar deals of the year and has a devoted enthusiast following today.

Pros:

• A jewel-like, high-revving DOHC V8 unique to the Cobra.
• Independent rear suspension and SVT chassis tuning.
• Tremendous value for the performance delivered.

Cons:

• The DOHC mod-motor was complex and pricey to repair.

Verdict: The best-driving, best-built Mustang of 1998 — and a genuine bargain then and now.

9. Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS

1998 MSRP: $26,500 | Best for: the buyer who wanted Corvette firepower at half the Corvette price.

For 1998 the Camaro inherited the Corvette's aluminum LS1 V8, making 305 horsepower in the Z28 and 320-plus in SS trim, with the SS sprinting to 60 mph in roughly 5.1 seconds via a six-speed manual and rear drive. It was almost comically fast for the money — a fourth-generation F-body that ran with cars costing far more.

The trade-offs were a cramped, plasticky cabin and a chassis that felt cruder than the European competition, but few cars offered this much straight-line muscle per dollar. Clean low-mileage SS cars have become sought-after as the F-body fades into history.

Pros:

• The Corvette's LS1 V8 at a fraction of the price.
• Blistering acceleration that shamed pricier rivals.
• Strong and growing demand for clean SS examples.

Cons:

• A cheap, tight interior and a ride that felt unrefined.

Verdict: Raw American value — Corvette pace for sedan money.

10. Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB) 💎 BEST VALUE

1998 MSRP: $19,770 | Best for: everyone — the affordable, joyful roadster that defined "fun per dollar."

The all-new NB Miata arrived for 1998 with fixed headlights, a stiffer body, and a freshened 1.8-liter four making 140 horsepower driving the rear wheels through a slick five-speed manual. It was never about speed — 0-60 came in around eight seconds — but about the perfect tactile joy of a lightweight, balanced roadster with a folding top and steering that talked to you.

At under $20,000 it offered more genuine driving pleasure per dollar than anything else on sale, and the NB has become a cherished modern classic and the value buy of this entire list.

Pros:

• Unbeatable fun-per-dollar and the cheapest entry here.
• Sublime lightweight chassis balance and steering.
• Legendary reliability and a thriving enthusiast community.

Cons:

• Modest power left it slow in a straight line versus everything above.

Verdict: The purest, most affordable joy of 1998 — our clear 💎 Best Value.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One Was Right for You?

What to Look For in a 1998 Sports Car (Then and as a Classic Now)

• 996 Porsche IMS bearing: the early M96 flat-six in the 996 and Boxster carries a known intermediate-shaft bearing failure risk — confirm a documented IMS service or factor a preventive replacement into the price.
• C5 Corvette early-build quirks: check 1998 cars for column-lock failures, active-handling glitches, and interior wear; well-sorted examples are trouble-free, but early builds need a careful inspection.
• Timing belts and major service: the Acura NSX uses a timing belt with a costly scheduled interval — verify it has been done. Confirm all major fluids and clutches on the Viper, Supra, and BMW.
• Supra and Viper modifications: the most valuable A80 Supras and Viper GTS cars are unmodified; heavily tuned examples are worth far less, so seek stock, documented cars.
• Rust and accident history: inspect Miata sills, BMW Z3 rear subframe mounts, and any prior crash repair across all of these.
• Matters less than nostalgia implies: raw 0-60 figures and headline horsepower matter less to long-term enjoyment than condition, originality, and service history — a clean, honest example of a "slower" car will reward you far more than a tired, modified faster one.

FAQ

What was the best sports car of 1998 overall? The Chevrolet Corvette C5. Its 345-hp LS1 V8, sub-five-second 0-60, real comfort, and roughly $37,495 sticker made it the most complete and best-value performance car of the year.

What was the best-value sports car in 1998? The new NB Mazda MX-5 Miata at $19,770. Nothing else delivered as much pure driving joy per dollar, and it has aged into a beloved affordable classic.

Was 1998 really a landmark year for sports cars? Yes. It brought the all-new water-cooled 996 Porsche 911, the redesigned NB Miata, the BMW Z3 M Roadster, and the final U.S. Year of the A80 Toyota Supra Turbo — a remarkable cluster of debuts and farewells.

Which 1998 sports car is worth the most now? The Toyota Supra Turbo (A80) leads, with clean unmodified six-speed cars selling for many multiples of their original price. The Viper GTS and Acura NSX-T have also appreciated strongly.

Is an early Porsche 996 a smart buy today? It can be an outstanding-value driver's car, but only with the IMS bearing concern addressed. A documented service history transforms it from a gamble into a bargain modern 911.

Were the American muscle-cars competitive with the imports in 1998? Absolutely on price and straight-line speed. The Corvette C5, Camaro SS, and Mustang SVT Cobra delivered staggering performance per dollar, trading away only interior refinement and chassis polish.

Bottom Line

Nineteen ninety-eight was one of the richest years the sports-car world ever produced. The Corvette C5 earned Best Overall by combining supercar pace, real usability, and an unbeatable price, while the new NB Miata took Best Value as the purest cheap thrill on four wheels.

Around them stood a murderer's row: the landmark 996 911, the savage Viper GTS, the immortal A80 Supra Turbo, the usable-exotic NSX-T, the characterful BMW M Roadster, the balanced Boxster, and two screaming American bargains in the SVT Cobra and Camaro SS.

Whether you chased lap times, open-air joy, or future appreciation, 1998 had a perfect answer — and most of these cars are even more rewarding to own now than they were new.

Sources

• Hagerty Valuation Tool — 1998 Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper GTS, BMW M Roadster, Mercedes-Benz SLK230 valuation pages.
• Bring a Trailer — recent auction results for the A80 Toyota Supra Turbo, Dodge Viper GTS, and Acura NSX-T.
• Wikipedia — Chevrolet Corvette (C5), Porsche 911 (996), Porsche Boxster (986), Dodge Viper (SR II), BMW M Coupé and Roadster, and Mazda MX-5 (NB) model histories.
• *Car and Driver* — period road tests of the Corvette C5, Viper GTS, and Toyota Supra Turbo.
• *Road & Track* — February 1998 Porsche 996 Carrera test and Boxster evaluations.
• *Motor Trend* — 1998 sports-car comparison tests and Camaro Z28 SS road tests.
• Edmunds — 1998 Chevrolet Corvette, Acura NSX, and Dodge Viper specifications and reviews.
• Automobile-catalog.com — 1998 performance data for the Viper RT/10, Mustang SVT Cobra, and Camaro Z28 SS.
• Cars.com and Kelley Blue Book — 1998 Toyota Supra and Mercedes-Benz SLK pricing and specifications.
• Corvsport.com and mustangspecs.com — detailed 1998 Corvette C5 and Mustang SVT Cobra build and option data.

*Sports car review — 1998 sports car reviews, rating, best sports car 1998, and a retrospective review of the top vintage sports car picks for buyers and collectors.*