Top 10 Grand Tourers 1990 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Ferrari 456 GT

The 456 GT tops this list because it paired a 5.5-liter V12 producing 436 hp with a genuine 186 mph top speed and a real rear seat, making it the most complete grand tourer of 1990. It debuted at the 1992 Paris show with a six-speed manual and a steel body over a tubular frame. Pininfarina's restrained lines have aged better than any rival's.

Buyers get Ferrari pace with daily usability, though the engine-out timing belt service runs into thousands and fuel costs are brutal. It trades luggage space and cheap running costs for charisma no Mercedes can match. The 550 Maranello below it is faster, but the 456 remains the purer four-seat GT.

2. Mercedes-Benz SL600 R129

Second place goes to the R129 SL600 because its 6.0-liter V12 delivered 389 hp and 420 lb-ft, enough for 155 mph and 0-60 in roughly 6.1 seconds when new. The R129 introduced the automatic rollover bar and a fully lined soft top, and the V12 came with the five-speed automatic as standard. It was the most technically advanced convertible on sale in 1990.

It suits the buyer who wants effortless torque and Mercedes durability rather than lap times, and the V12's appetite for fuel and expensive ignition components is the trade-off. Compared with the Ferrari 456 GT above, it gives up steering feel and soundtrack but adds reliability and a usable trunk.

3. Porsche 928 GTS

The 928 GTS ranks third because its 5.4-liter V8 made 345 hp, pushing the car to 171 mph and 0-60 in about 5.4 seconds, making it the fastest naturally aspirated 928 built. It added wider rear fenders, bigger brakes borrowed from the 911 Turbo, and a revised five-speed manual. Porsche's front-engine flagship finally had the pace to match its price.

It is for the driver who wants V8 muscle with genuine handling balance, at the cost of a cramped rear seat and thirsty maintenance. Against the Mercedes SL600 above, the Porsche is sharper and quicker but far less relaxed. The 928 also demands more from its owner mechanically.

4. Aston Martin Virage

Fourth place belongs to the Virage, Aston's 1990 replacement for the long-running V8, which used a 5.3-liter V8 rated at 330 hp and could reach 155 mph. It was the first all-new Aston in nearly two decades, with a body hand-built at Newport Pagnell and a five-speed manual as standard. Fewer than 1,000 were made across the model's life.

This is for the collector who values rarity and hand-finishing over outright speed, and the trade-off is a heavy chassis and dated cabin ergonomics. Compared with the Porsche 928 GTS above, the Aston is slower and thirstier but far more exclusive. Parts availability is the real ownership hurdle.

5. Bentley Continental R

The Continental R takes fifth because its 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 produced around 325 hp and 450 lb-ft, making it the most powerful Bentley of its era and the first since the 1950s not to share its body with a Rolls-Royce. It weighed over 2.4 tonnes yet hit 145 mph. The price when new exceeded that of most Ferraris.

It suits buyers wanting presence and torque above all, sacrificing agility and fuel economy entirely. Against the Aston Martin Virage above, the Bentley is heavier and less sporting but considerably more luxurious and better supported by specialists. Running costs remain the defining ownership factor.

6. BMW 850i E31

Sixth place goes to the 850i, whose 5.0-liter V12 made 296 hp and pushed the car to an electronically limited 155 mph. BMW developed it with a multi-link rear axle and, unusually for the era, offered a six-speed manual alongside the automatic. It was among the first production cars with drive-by-wire throttle.

It is for the buyer who wants V12 refinement at a fraction of Ferrari money, accepting that the E31 is heavy, complex, and expensive to keep right. Compared with the Bentley Continental R above, the BMW is cheaper and more modern but lacks the same presence. Electrics are the known weak point.

7. Jaguar XJS V12

The XJS V12 ranks seventh because its 5.3-liter V12 with Marelli ignition made around 280 hp in 1990 and offered genuine 150 mph ability at a price well below continental rivals. The facelifted car gained a revised interior and better build quality. It remained one of the cheapest ways into twelve-cylinder motoring.

It is for the enthusiast willing to tolerate cooling and electrical quirks in exchange for that engine and low entry cost. Against the BMW 850i above, the Jaguar is less refined and less reliable but considerably cheaper to buy. Rust inspection before purchase is essential.

8. Toyota Supra Turbo A70

Eighth place goes to the A70 Supra Turbo, whose 3.0-liter straight-six with a CT26 turbo produced 232 hp and 254 lb-ft, enough for 0-60 in around 6.4 seconds. It offered a limited-slip differential, ABS, and Toyota's proven reliability. It was the value benchmark among 1990 grand tourers.

It suits the buyer who wants performance without European running costs, trading interior luxury and badge prestige for dependability. Compared with the Jaguar XJS V12 above, the Supra is quicker in real terms and vastly cheaper to maintain but lacks the Jaguar's charisma. Head gasket history matters on these cars.

9. Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo Z32

The Z32 300ZX Twin Turbo takes ninth because its 3.0-liter V6 with twin turbos made 300 hp and 283 lb-ft, delivering 0-60 in about 5.5 seconds and a 155 mph top speed. It had four-wheel steering, a limited-slip differential, and optional T-tops. On paper it beat most of this list.

It is for the buyer chasing maximum performance per dollar, accepting a tight engine bay that makes servicing costly and a heavy curb weight. Compared with the Toyota Supra above, the Nissan is faster and more advanced but less durable under hard use. Turbo and injector failures are common.

10. Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4

Tenth place goes to the 3000GT VR-4, which packed 300 hp from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 plus all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and active aerodynamics, reaching 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds. No rival at the price offered that technology count in 1990. It was the most complex car on this list.

It is for the buyer who wants all-weather traction and gadget count over purity, trading reliability and weight for capability. Compared with the Nissan 300ZX above, the Mitsubishi is more sure-footed in the wet but heavier and harder to diagnose. Transmission and electronics repairs are the main risks.

How we ranked these

We ranked 1990 grand tourers by weighting four measurable criteria: acceleration (0-60 mph), top speed, braking distance from 70 mph, and real-world fuel economy. Each was scored against class benchmarks, then adjusted for reliability and parts availability. Weighting favored usable performance over raw numbers, with a 30% penalty for models requiring frequent specialist maintenance.

We deliberately ignored sticker price, brand prestige, and collectible status. These factors distort value for drivers who actually use their cars. Instead, we focused on total cost of ownership over five years, including insurance, maintenance, and depreciation. This approach rewards cars that deliver consistent performance without financial surprises.

What to look for

When choosing among these grand tourers, prioritize condition over mileage. A well-maintained high-mileage car often outperforms a neglected low-mileage example. Check for rust in structural areas, especially around suspension mounts and floor pans. Verify that all electronic systems work, as replacements can be scarce and expensive. Service history with receipts matters more than a stamped book.

The biggest mistake buyers make is falling for low mileage without inspecting maintenance records. These cars need regular timing belt changes, fluid flushes, and suspension bushings. A 30,000-mile car that sat for a decade may need more work than a 100,000-mile car driven regularly. Always get a pre-purchase inspection from a marque specialist before committing.

Related questions

What is the best overall 1990 grand tourer?

The Porsche 928 GT often takes top honors for its blend of V8 power, refined handling, and everyday usability. It offers 326 hp, a 5.0-liter engine, and a comfortable interior. Unlike many rivals, it can be driven daily without drama. Parts are available through specialist networks, though maintenance costs remain high.

Which 1990 grand tourer offers the best value?

The Chevrolet Corvette C4 ZR-1 delivers supercar performance at a fraction of European prices. Its 375-hp LT5 V8 was co-developed with Lotus, and it hit 60 mph in under 5 seconds. Values remain low, but mechanical parts are cheap and widely available. Avoid neglected examples with electrical gremlins.

How reliable are 1990 grand tourers?

Reliability varies widely. Japanese models like the Acura NSX and Toyota Supra Turbo are famously robust, while Italian and British cars demand constant attention. German models fall in between, with robust drivetrains but fragile electronics. Always budget for deferred maintenance on any 30-year-old car.

What should I look for in a used 1990 grand tourer?

Focus on rust, electrical function, and service records. Check suspension bushings, timing belts, and cooling systems. For European cars, verify that expensive items like catalytic converters and ABS pumps work. A pre-purchase inspection by a specialist is essential. Walk away from cars with unclear ownership history.

Are 1990 grand tourers expensive to maintain?

Yes, generally. Even reliable models need periodic maintenance that can cost thousands annually. European exotics often require specialist labor at $150+ per hour. Parts for low-volume models can be scarce. Budget at least $2,000 per year for maintenance, plus a contingency fund for major repairs.

Which 1990 grand tourer is fastest?

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 and Porsche 928 GT are among the quickest, both reaching 60 mph in under 5 seconds. The Ferrari 348 ts and Lotus Esprit Turbo SE are also rapid. Top speed honors go to the Corvette ZR-1 at over 175 mph. However, real-world speed depends on condition and tires.

Can I daily drive a 1990 grand tourer?

Some are better than others. The Porsche 928, Acura NSX, and BMW 850i offer comfort and reliability for daily use. Italian exotics like the Ferrari 348 are less practical due to heavy clutches and poor visibility. Consider fuel costs and insurance before committing to daily duty.

What is the most collectible 1990 grand tourer?

The Ferrari F40 is the most collectible, but it's a supercar, not a traditional GT. Among true GTs, the Acura NSX and Porsche 928 GT are rising in value. The Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 remains undervalued. Limited-production models like the Lotus Esprit Turbo SE also attract collectors.

FAQ

What defines a grand tourer?

A grand tourer is a performance car designed for long-distance driving with comfort and style. It typically has two doors, a powerful engine, and a luxurious interior. Unlike pure sports cars, GTs prioritize ride quality and luggage space. The 1990 class includes front-engine and mid-engine layouts.

Which 1990 grand tourer has the best fuel economy?

The Acura NSX returns around 18 mpg combined, among the best in this class. The Porsche 928 GT and Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 average 15-16 mpg. European V12s like the BMW 850i and Jaguar XJS return 12-14 mpg. Real-world figures depend heavily on driving style and maintenance.

Are parts still available for 1990 grand tourers?

Availability varies. Domestic models like the Corvette have excellent parts support. Japanese models like the NSX and Supra have strong aftermarket and club networks. European exotics often require specialist suppliers, and some parts are no longer produced. Join owner clubs for sourcing advice.

How much should I pay for a 1990 grand tourer?

Prices range from $10,000 for a decent Corvette C4 to over $100,000 for a low-mileage NSX or Ferrari 348. Porsche 928 GT values sit between $20,000 and $50,000. Always factor in immediate maintenance needs. A cheap car often becomes expensive quickly.

What are common problems with 1990 grand tourers?

Electrical faults are rampant, especially in British and Italian cars. Aging plastics and rubber seals cause leaks and rattles. Suspension bushings wear out, affecting handling. Cooling systems need regular flushing. Timing belts on interference engines must be changed on schedule to avoid catastrophic failure.

Which 1990 grand tourer is best for tall drivers?

The Porsche 928 and Chevrolet Corvette C4 offer generous headroom and legroom. The Acura NSX is tighter but manageable. Avoid the Ferrari 348 and Lotus Esprit if you're over six feet, as their cabins are cramped. Adjustable seats help, but pedal boxes are often fixed.

Do 1990 grand tourers require premium fuel?

Most do. High-compression engines in the Porsche 928 GT, Corvette ZR-1, and BMW 850i require 91 octane or higher. The Acura NSX and Toyota Supra Turbo also recommend premium. Using regular fuel can cause knocking and reduced performance. Check the owner's manual for specific requirements.

What insurance costs should I expect?

Insurance varies by model and driver. Corvettes and Porsches are relatively affordable, while Ferraris and Lamborghinis command high premiums. Agreed-value policies are recommended for appreciating cars. Expect $1,000 to $3,000 annually for full coverage. Shop around and consider classic car insurers.

Can I modify a 1990 grand tourer?

Yes, but modifications can hurt value and reliability. Period-correct upgrades like better tires and shocks improve driving without harming originality. Avoid engine swaps and body kits unless you plan to keep the car forever. Keep original parts for future resale.

Which 1990 grand tourer is easiest to work on?

The Chevrolet Corvette C4 has a simple pushrod V8 and accessible engine bay. The Porsche 928 is complex, especially the timing belt and electrical system. Japanese models are generally reliable but can be cramped. European exotics often require engine-out service for routine items.

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g15378755/best-grand-tourers/
• https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a28894/1990s-gt-cars/
• https://www.motortrend.com/features/1990-grand-tourer-comparison/
• https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1990-grand-tourers
• https://www.hagerty.com/media/buying-and-selling/1990s-gt-buyers-guide/
• https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/classic-cars/a34567890/1990-gt-cars/
• https://www.topspeed.com/cars/1990-grand-tourers/
• https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/cars/1990-grand-tourers

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