Top 10 Grand Tourers 1993 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Aston Martin DB7

The DB7 earns the top spot for reviving Aston Martin with a 335-hp supercharged straight-six and a Ian Callum-penned body that still turns heads. It hit 60 mph in about 5.8 seconds and topped 155 mph, with a six-figure price tag that undercut the Ferrari 456. Its XJ-S-derived platform was dated, but the DB7 sold over 7,000 units, saving the company.

Buyers get genuine heritage and stunning looks for a fraction of a new Aston, though maintenance costs on the AJ6 engine and rust-prone sills are real. Compared to the Porsche 911 below it, the DB7 trades outright reliability and pace for exclusivity and presence. It is for the enthusiast who wants a usable classic with soul, not a track weapon.

2. Porsche 911 Carrera

The 993-generation 911 Carrera ranks second for being the last air-cooled 911 and arguably the most refined. Its 3.6-liter flat-six made 272 hp, launched it to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, and the multilink rear suspension tamed the tail-happy reputation. Build quality and residuals remain exceptional decades later.

It suits the purist who wants everyday usability with iconic dynamics, though prices have climbed well past $100,000 for clean examples. It gives up the V12 soundtrack and grand-touring opulence of the Aston Martin DB7 above it, but it delivers sharper steering and bulletproof mechanicals. For a daily-drivable classic, few cars match it.

3. Ferrari 456 GT

The 456 GT takes third for packing a 5.5-liter V12 producing 436 hp into a sleek Pininfarina 2+2 that hit 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and 186 mph. Its six-speed manual transaxle and clever rear-mounted gearbox gave near-perfect weight distribution. It was the refined grand tourer Ferrari needed after the angular 412.

It is for the collector who wants V12 theatre and genuine practicality, but running costs are brutal and the electrics are fragile. It outpowers the Aston Martin DB7 above it yet costs far more to maintain, and it lacks the everyday dependability of the Porsche 911 below. Buy one with a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

4. Jaguar XJS 6.0

The XJS 6.0 ranks fourth for offering a 6.0-liter V12 with 318 hp in the final facelifted cars, delivering effortless torque and a 155-mph top speed. The 1993 refresh brought round headlamps and better build quality, and the coupe's proportions remain elegant. It was a bargain grand tourer then and still is.

It appeals to buyers wanting V12 character on a budget, though fuel consumption and electrical gremlins are notorious. It is softer and less precise than the Ferrari 456 above it, but it undercuts the Aston Martin DB7 on price while offering similar presence. Expect to spend on cooling and ignition maintenance.

5. Mercedes-Benz SL600 R129

The R129 SL600 ranks fifth for its 6.0-liter V12 making 389 hp, a 155-mph top speed, and a hydraulically folding soft top that was engineering theatre in 1993. The car pioneered automatic rollover protection and offered remarkable refinement at speed. It remains a heavyweight grand tourer with genuine presence.

It suits the buyer who values comfort and torque over agility, and it trades sharp handling for wafting luxury. Compared to the Jaguar XJS above it, the SL600 is faster and better built but heavier and thirstier. Parts are plentiful, but the V12's complexity means maintenance is never cheap.

6. BMW 850CSi

The 850CSi takes sixth for its 5.6-liter V12 producing 375 hp, a six-speed manual, and a 155-mph limited top speed. It was the most powerful naturally aspirated BMW of its era and the only 8 Series with a proper manual gearbox. Just 1,510 were built, making it genuinely rare.

It is for the collector who wants a technological flagship with wedge styling, but it is heavy, complex, and expensive to repair. It sits below the Mercedes-Benz SL600 on comfort but above it on driver engagement, and it lacks the Ferrari 456's outright pace. Buy on condition, not mileage.

7. Chevrolet Corvette C4 ZR-1

The C4 ZR-1 ranks seventh for its Lotus-designed 5.7-liter LT5 V8 making 405 hp, which propelled it to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and a 180-mph top speed. It set multiple endurance speed records in 1990 and embarrassed far more expensive European machinery. The wide rear body and convex tail distinguish it.

It appeals to performance-per-dollar hunters who can tolerate a stiff ride and dated interior. It beats the BMW 850CSi above it on acceleration but trails the Mercedes SL600 on refinement. The LT5 is durable, but parts and specialist knowledge are thinning, so documentation matters.

8. Bentley Continental R

The Continental R ranks eighth for being the first Bentley since the 1950s not to share its body with a Rolls-Royce, powered by a 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 with 325 hp and colossal torque. It cost roughly $270,000 in 1993, making it one of the most expensive cars on sale. Its fastback coupe shape is timeless.

It is for the buyer who wants old-money luxury and effortless cruising, but it is enormously heavy and thirsty. It offers more exclusivity than the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 above it yet far less performance, and it cannot match the Mercedes SL600's reliability. Maintenance bills can exceed the purchase price.

9. Maserati Ghibli II

The Ghibli II ranks ninth for its twin-turbo 2.8-liter V6 producing 284 hp, rear transaxle, and sharp Biturbo-derived chassis that made it a genuine Italian alternative. It reached 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds and 160 mph, with handsome Gandini-influenced lines. It was rare and characterful in a segment dominated by Germany.

It is for the brave enthusiast who wants exotic feel on a modest budget, but reliability and parts availability are serious drawbacks. It is quicker than the Bentley Continental R above it yet far less luxurious, and it cannot touch the Corvette ZR-1's robustness. Specialist servicing is essential.

10. Toyota Supra Turbo A80

The Supra Turbo A80 ranks tenth for its 3.0-liter twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE inline-six making 320 hp, a six-speed Getrag manual, and a 155-mph top speed. It hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and became a tuning legend thanks to its overbuilt iron block. In 1993 it was a technological tour de force.

It is for the enthusiast who wants bulletproof performance and huge modification potential, but it trades luxury and badge prestige for raw capability. It out-accelerates the Maserati Ghibli II above it and matches the Corvette ZR-1, yet it lacks their grand-touring comfort. Values have soared, so buy carefully.

How we ranked these

We scored each 1993 grand tourer on four weighted pillars: usable performance (0-60, top speed, braking), long-distance comfort (cabin space, ride, noise), running costs (parts, service, insurance, fuel), and collectibility trajectory. Performance and comfort each counted 30%, costs 25%, and future value 15%. Only cars on sale in 1993 with genuine continent-crossing ability made the list.

We deliberately ignored badge prestige, magazine lap times, and concours condition premiums. Those reward show cars, not drivers. We also excluded limited-run homologation specials and anything requiring a specialist just to start. The goal was ranking grand tourers an ordinary enthusiast could actually buy, insure, and drive weekly without financial ruin.

What to look for

Prioritize documented service history over mileage. A 100,000-mile car with fresh belts, bushings, and cooling system is worth more than a 40,000-mile garage queen needing everything. Verify the expensive jobs are done: timing chains or belts, suspension rebuilds, and air conditioning. Parts availability varies wildly between these cars, so check before falling in love.

The classic mistake is buying the cheapest example. On 1990s GTs, deferred maintenance costs two to three times the purchase discount. A $5,000 saving often becomes a $15,000 repair bill within a year. Budget 20% of purchase price for immediate sorting, get a pre-purchase inspection from a marque specialist, and walk away from rust or accident damage.

Related questions

What is the best overall grand tourer from 1993?

The Porsche 928 GTS takes it. Its 5.4-liter V8 made 345 hp, it hit 60 in about 5.5 seconds, and it topped 170 mph while coddling two adults in leather. Build quality and parts support remain strong through Porsche clubs. It blends speed, comfort, and durability better than anything else that year.

Which 1993 GT offers the best value today?

The Chevrolet Corvette C4 ZR-1. Its 405-hp LT5 V8 outran most exotics, yet values stayed low because the standard C4 diluted the badge. Parts are cheap, the engine is durable, and any GM dealer can service it. You get supercar performance for a fraction of European running costs.

Was the Ferrari 456 GT a true grand tourer?

Yes, absolutely. The 456 GT launched in 1992 with a 436-hp 5.5-liter V12, a 2+2 cabin, and a comfortable ride. It could cruise at 150 mph all day. It is the archetypal 1990s Ferrari GT, though maintenance costs are steep and cam belts demand regular attention.

How reliable is the Jaguar XJS in 1993?

The facelifted XJS with the 4.0-liter straight-six is far better than its reputation suggests. The AJ6 engine is robust, and the later cars fixed many electrical gremlins. Rust in the sills and floor is the real enemy. Buy a dry-climate car with records and it can be a dependable cruiser.

Did the Aston Martin Virage compete with these cars?

It did, but barely. The Virage used a 330-hp 5.3-liter V8 and offered hand-built luxury, yet it was heavy, thirsty, and expensive to maintain. Production was tiny, so parts and specialist labor are painful. It is a wonderful oddity, not a rational grand tourer choice.

What about the Mercedes-Benz SL600 R129?

The R129 SL600 packed a 389-hp 6.0-liter V12 and superb build quality. It was heavy but effortless at speed. The problem is complexity: the V12 has two of everything, and the hydraulic suspension and soft-top mechanism are costly to fix. Buy one only with a thorough specialist inspection.

Is the BMW 850CSi a grand tourer or a sports car?

It leans grand tourer. The 850CSi used a 375-hp 5.6-liter V12, offered a six-speed manual, and cruised effortlessly. It was heavy, so it never felt nimble, but that suited its mission. Values have climbed sharply, and maintenance on the V12 remains expensive.

Which 1993 GT is easiest to live with daily?

The Porsche 928 GTS or the Corvette ZR-1. Both start reliably, have decent parts networks, and tolerate regular use. The 928 is more refined; the ZR-1 is cheaper to fix. Avoid Italian V12s and the Aston if you need a car that fires every morning without drama.

FAQ

What defines a grand tourer versus a sports car?

A grand tourer prioritizes comfortable long-distance speed over lap times. It typically has a larger cabin, more luggage space, softer suspension, and effortless high-speed cruising. Sports cars trade comfort for agility. The 1993 cars here all favor continent-crossing ability, which is why track-focused machines were excluded from the ranking.

How much should I budget for maintenance on a 1993 GT?

Plan on $2,000 to $5,000 annually for a European car in good health, more if something major fails. The Corvette ZR-1 is the outlier at roughly $1,000 to $2,000. Always keep a reserve fund equal to 20% of the purchase price for surprises. Deferred maintenance is the biggest hidden cost.

Are 1990s grand tourers a good investment?

Some are. Ferrari 456, BMW 850CSi, and Porsche 928 GTS values have risen steadily. Mass-produced models like the Corvette ZR-1 remain affordable. Buy the best example you can find, drive it, and maintain it. Investment returns are a bonus, not a guarantee. Condition and documentation drive value more than model hype.

Which of these cars has the best parts availability?

The Corvette ZR-1 wins easily, followed by the Porsche 928 and Mercedes SL. GM and Porsche both support heritage parts, and enthusiast communities are large. Ferrari, Aston Martin, and BMW V12 parts are scarcer and pricier. Jaguar XJS parts are reasonable, but trim and electrical items can be tricky to source.

Can I daily drive a 1993 Ferrari 456 GT?

Technically yes, but practically it is expensive. The V12 needs regular belt services, fuel consumption is heavy, and insurance is high. It also attracts attention you may not want in traffic. Most owners treat it as a weekend car. If you need a daily 1990s GT, choose the Porsche or Corvette instead.

What is the biggest risk when buying a 1993 GT?

Rust and hidden accident damage. Many of these cars are 30 years old, and structural corrosion can total them economically. Electrical gremlins are the second risk, especially on Jaguar, Aston Martin, and Mercedes. Always get a pre-purchase inspection from a marque specialist who knows where these cars rust and fail.

How fast were these 1993 grand tourers?

Most ran 0-60 in five to six seconds and topped 155 to 175 mph. The Corvette ZR-1 and Ferrari 456 were quickest, around 4.5 to 5.0 seconds. The Jaguar XJS 4.0 was slower, near seven seconds. In 1993 those figures were exceptional. Today a hot hatch matches them, but the experience is entirely different.

Do these cars need premium fuel?

Yes, almost all of them. High-compression V8s and V12s from this era require 91 octane or higher to avoid knock and protect performance. The Corvette LT5 and Porsche 928 both demand premium. Running regular fuel can cause detonation and long-term engine damage. Factor the higher fuel cost into your ownership budget.

Which 1993 GT has the best manual gearbox option?

The Porsche 928 GTS and BMW 850CSi both offered excellent manuals, and the Corvette ZR-1 had a strong six-speed. The 850CSi's six-speed is rare and desirable. Ferrari's 456 was manual-only initially, which enthusiasts love. If a manual matters to you, these four are the ones to target, and they command higher prices.

Are these cars ULEZ or emissions compliant?

Most are not compliant with modern low-emission zones without historic vehicle exemptions. In the UK, cars over 40 years old can be exempt, but 1993 models are not yet eligible. In the US, many states exempt older cars from testing. Check local rules before buying, especially if you live in a city with strict emissions zones.

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g15378757/best-grand-tourers/
• https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/classic-cars/
• https://www.motortrend.com/features/1993-chevrolet-corvette-zr-1/
• https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/porsche-928-gts
• https://www.hagerty.com/media/buying-and-selling/
• https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/features/best-gt-cars
• https://www.evo.co.uk/ferrari/456
• https://www.bmwblog.com/2020/05/12/bmw-850csi-history/

Related on PULSE

• [More grand tourers 1993 rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
• [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
• [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)