Top 10 Sports Cars 1987 — Best Overall + Best Value

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How We Ranked the Top 10

Every car was scored against the same weighted formula, judged both as a 1987 new-car purchase and as a classic today. The sources behind these picks include period road tests from Car and Driver, Motor Trend, and Road & Track, plus modern Hagerty valuation tools, Bring a Trailer auction results, and Wikipedia for production figures.

• Driving fun and handling — 30%: the single most important measure of a true sports car.
• Performance — 15%: horsepower, 0-60, quarter-mile, and top speed in period.
• Value in period — 15%: how much car the 1987 MSRP actually bought.
• Reliability — 15%: how well the car held together then and survives now.
• Style and legacy — 15%: how the design and reputation aged.
• Collectibility now — 10%: current appreciation and desirability.

1. Buick GNX 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Buick GNX

1987 MSRP: $29,290 | Best for: the muscle-car loyalist who wanted to embarrass exotics

The GNX was the sledgehammer that ended 1987 with a bang. Built with help from ASC/McLaren and limited to just 547 black examples, it ran a 3.8-liter turbocharged and intercooled V-6 rated at a deliberately underrated 276 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque — independent tests showed closer to 300 hp and 400 lb-ft. That was enough for a 0-60 of 4.7 seconds and a 13.5-second quarter mile, quicker to 60 than a contemporary Ferrari Testarossa. Power went to the rear wheels through a beefed-up automatic, and the understated black bodywork hid the meanest American machine of its decade. Collector values have exploded: average sales now sit near $196,000, with standout cars topping $242,000 and even $308,000 at auction.

Pros:

• Genuinely supercar-quick with a sub-5-second 0-60 from a humble V-6.
• One-year-only rarity with documented ASC/McLaren provenance.
• Massive appreciation from $29,290 to nearly $200,000 average.
• Sinister, timeless all-black look that still turns heads.

Cons:

• Prices now put authentic GNXs out of reach for most buyers.
• Crude chassis and brakes that never matched the straight-line punch.

Verdict: The most legendary American performance car of the 1980s and the clear Best Overall of 1987.

2. Chevrolet Corvette C4

Chevrolet Corvette C4

1987 MSRP: $27,999 | Best for: the all-American buyer who wanted a real sports car for the money

In 1987 the L98 5.7-liter V-8 gained roller hydraulic lifters, lifting output to 240 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque. Motor Trend clocked a manual roadster from 0-60 in 6.3 seconds, and the C4's flat cornering and digital dash felt genuinely modern. Rear-wheel drive, a removable roof panel, and that big small-block gave it real all-rounder credibility. The C4 remains one of the most attainable classic Corvettes today — a lot of performance heritage for the outlay.

Pros:

• Big torquey V-8 with plenty of upgrade potential.
• Strong handling that embarrassed pricier European rivals.
• Still genuinely affordable as a usable classic.
• Removable-roof open-air feel with everyday usability.

Cons:

• Interior plastics and that digital dash aged poorly.
• Build quality was inconsistent from car to car.

Verdict: The smartest way to buy V-8 sports-car performance in 1987 — and still a bargain classic.

3. Porsche 944 Turbo

Porsche 944 Turbo

1987 MSRP: $29,000 | Best for: the driver who valued balance over brute force

The 944 Turbo, internally the 951, was the handling benchmark of the field. Its 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four made 220 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque, good for 0-60 in 5.9 seconds, but the magic was the near-perfect front-engine, rear-transaxle weight distribution. It cornered with a precision no American muscle car could touch. Long undervalued, the 951 has climbed steadily on Hagerty and Bring a Trailer as enthusiasts rediscovered how complete it was.

Pros:

• Sublime chassis balance thanks to the rear transaxle.
• Turbocharged four with strong, useable mid-range.
• Climbing collector values after years of being overlooked.
• Built like a vault by Porsche standards.

Cons:

• Expensive maintenance with belts and turbo plumbing to mind.
• Four-cylinder soundtrack lacked drama versus the six-cylinder rivals.

Verdict: The driver's choice of 1987 and a 911 alternative that finally gets respect.

4. Toyota Supra Turbo (A70)

Toyota Supra Turbo (A70)

1987 MSRP: $22,570 (base, turbo over that) | Best for: the tech enthusiast who wanted Japanese muscle

The A70 Supra Turbo announced Toyota's serious performance intentions. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged 7M-GTE inline-six produced around 230 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque through a heavy-duty five-speed manual, and it was one of the first distributor-less mass-production engines sold in the United States. The 0-60 came in around 6.7 seconds, with an oil cooler and an integrated rear spoiler. It was a grand-tourer-flavored sports car that pointed straight at the MkIV legend to come. Clean turbo cars have appreciated sharply on Hagerty.

Pros:

• Smooth, torquey turbo six with real refinement.
• Advanced distributor-less ignition ahead of its time.
• Strong rising values for unmolested turbo cars.
• Comfortable GT manners for long drives.

Cons:

• The 7M-GTE was prone to head-gasket trouble if neglected.
• Heavier and less nimble than the lighter Japanese rivals.

Verdict: A landmark Japanese performance car and a foundation for the Supra legend.

5. Mazda RX-7 Turbo II (FC)

Mazda RX-7 Turbo II (FC)

1987 MSRP: $18,000 (approx.) | Best for: the rotary purist chasing a featherweight thrill

The FC RX-7 Turbo II was the rotary screamer of the bunch. Its 1.3-liter twin-rotor 13B turbocharged engine made 182 horsepower and 183 lb-ft of torque, spinning to a high redline in a way no piston engine could match. At roughly 2,778 pounds it darted to 0-60 in about 6.4 seconds and cornered like a go-kart. The Turbo II has become one of the most coveted Japanese classics of the era, with clean FC examples climbing fast as rotary cars grow scarce.

Pros:

• Exotic, high-revving rotary engine unlike anything else.
• Featherweight chassis with brilliant balance.
• Surging collector demand for clean rotaries.
• Distinctive turbocharged whoosh and spin that fans adore.

Cons:

• Rotor apex seals wear and rebuilds are costly.
• Thirsty and fussy compared with piston rivals.

Verdict: The most charismatic Japanese sports car of 1987 and a rising rotary blue-chip.

6. Ferrari 328 GTS

Ferrari 328 GTS

1987 MSRP: $73,800 | Best for: the buyer who could afford a genuine exotic

The 328 GTS was the exotic of the group and arguably the prettiest. Its 3.2-liter naturally aspirated V-8 made 260 to 270 horsepower in U.S. trim, revving to 7,000 rpm behind the seats in a true mid-engine layout. It cracked 0-60 in just over 5 seconds and topped out north of 160 mph, wrapped in the targa-roofed body that defined 1980s Ferrari style. One of the most reliable vintage Ferraris, pristine examples now fetch over $100,000.

Pros:

• Genuine mid-engine Ferrari V-8 with a glorious soundtrack.
• Beautiful, enduring Pininfarina styling.
• Among the most dependable classic Ferraris to own.
• Strong, steady appreciation for clean cars.

Cons:

• High purchase and service costs versus every rival here.
• Performance was outgunned in a straight line by the GNX.

Verdict: The exotic benchmark of 1987 and a usable Ferrari that still rewards owners.

7. Nissan 300ZX (Z31) Turbo

Nissan 300ZX (Z31) Turbo

1987 MSRP: $21,399 | Best for: the buyer who wanted a comfortable, fast tech-laden GT

The Z31 300ZX Turbo blended performance with gadgetry. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 made about 200 horsepower and 227 lb-ft of torque, pushing the 3,160-pound coupe to 0-60 in roughly 7.2 seconds. It leaned more grand tourer than corner-carver, with a smooth, torque-rich powerband. The Z31 remains the most affordable entry into 1980s turbocharged Japanese coupes, and clean survivors are slowly gaining a following.

Pros:

• Torquey turbo V-6 with relaxed, refined delivery.
• Loaded with period technology and comfort features.
• Very affordable as a classic entry point.
• Comfortable long-distance GT demeanor.

Cons:

• Softer and heavier than the sharper rivals here.
• Era-specific electronics can be troublesome to repair.

Verdict: The value-minded turbo GT of 1987 and a still-cheap way into the turbo-Z club.

8. Ford Mustang GT 5.0 💎 BEST VALUE

Ford Mustang GT 5.0

1987 MSRP: $12,106 | Best for: the buyer who wanted maximum thrills per dollar

The Fox-body Mustang GT 5.0 was the people's hot rod. Its 5.0-liter EFI V-8 produced 225 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque through a five-speed manual, launching to 0-60 in 6.3 seconds — pace that shamed cars costing far more. The 1987 restyle sharpened the looks with aero headlamps and louvered tail panels, and the rear-drive chassis became the backbone of an entire tuning culture. For barely over twelve thousand dollars, nothing else delivered this much straight-line fun, which is exactly why it earns Best Value.

Pros:

• Brawny V-8 punch for an unbeatable price.
• Endless aftermarket and tuning support.
• Affordable parts and simple mechanicals.
• Huge enthusiast community keeping them alive.

Cons:

• Crude live-axle handling versus the European cars.
• Interior and brakes were built to a budget.

Verdict: The most performance per dollar in all of 1987 and the runaway Best Value.

9. Toyota MR2 Supercharged

Toyota MR2 Supercharged

1987 MSRP: $13,500 (approx.) | Best for: the buyer who wanted mid-engine handling on a budget

The AW11 MR2 Supercharged brought exotic-car layout to the masses. Its 1.6-liter supercharged 4A-GZE inline-four made 145 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, mounted amidships for genuine mid-engine balance, and it hit a top speed around 130 mph through a five-speed manual. Light, tossable, and reliable in true Toyota fashion, it taught a generation what mid-engine handling felt like. Clean supercharged AW11s have become genuinely collectible.

Pros:

• True mid-engine balance at a budget price.
• Supercharged four with instant, lag-free response.
• Bulletproof Toyota reliability.
• Light, agile, endlessly fun to thread through corners.

Cons:

• Modest power means it was no straight-line hero.
• Tiny cabin and cargo space limited practicality.

Verdict: The mid-engine bargain of 1987 and a deserving rising classic.

10. Pontiac Fiero GT

Pontiac Fiero GT

1987 MSRP: $13,000 (approx.) | Best for: the buyer chasing exotic looks for everyday money

The Fiero GT closed out the ten with bold mid-engine styling. Its 2.8-liter V-6 made 135 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque behind the seats, sending the coupe to 0-60 in about 8.1 seconds through a five-speed manual. By 1987 the chassis had improved markedly, and the fastback GT body looked like a baby exotic for Camaro money. Always more show than go, the Fiero has nonetheless built a loyal cult following, and clean GTs remain an inexpensive entry into mid-engine ownership.

Pros:

• Striking mid-engine fastback styling.
• Affordable then and now for the look.
• Composite body panels that resist rust.
• Dedicated enthusiast community and parts support.

Cons:

• Modest performance that never matched the looks.
• Early-model fire reputation dogged its image.

Verdict: The budget mid-engine dreamer of 1987 — more style than speed, but lovable for it.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One Was Right for You?

What to Look For in a 1987 Sports Car (Then and as a Classic Now)

• GNX authentication: with only 547 built, verify the build number, ASC/McLaren documentation, and matching VIN — fakes and tribute cars are common and worth a fraction of the real thing.
• Turbo wear: on the 944 Turbo, Supra Turbo, and 300ZX, check for oil-starved turbo shaft play, smoke on startup, and a service history showing belt and intercooler care.
• Rotary seals: the RX-7 Turbo II's 13B can hide worn apex seals — confirm strong, even compression and watch for hard cold starts or excessive oil consumption.
• Head-gasket history: the Supra's 7M-GTE is famous for blown head gaskets if the bolts were never re-torqued; documented gasket work is a green flag.
• Matters less than nostalgia implies: a few thousand extra miles or original-paint imperfection often matters far less than buyers think — mechanical health, documentation, and originality of the drivetrain outweigh a perfect odometer reading or showroom shine.

FAQ

What was the best sports car of 1987? The Buick GNX took Best Overall. Its underrated turbo V-6, sub-5-second 0-60, one-year-only rarity, and enormous appreciation make it the standout machine of the year.

Which 1987 sports car was the best value? The Ford Mustang GT 5.0 at roughly $12,106. Its 225-horsepower V-8 and 6.3-second 0-60 delivered more fun per dollar than anything else on the list.

Which 1987 sports cars have appreciated the most? The Buick GNX leads by a mile, now averaging near $196,000. The Mazda RX-7 Turbo II, Toyota Supra Turbo, and Porsche 944 Turbo have all soared from their period prices as well.

Was the GNX really faster than a Ferrari in 1987? Yes. With a 4.7-second 0-60 and a 13.5-second quarter mile, the GNX was quicker to 60 than the contemporary Ferrari Testarossa, despite costing a fraction of the price.

Which 1987 sports car handled the best? The Porsche 944 Turbo. Its front-engine, rear-transaxle layout gave near-perfect weight distribution and cornering precision no rival could match.

Is a 1987 Corvette a good classic to buy today? Yes. The C4 with its 240-horsepower L98 V-8 remains one of the most affordable and usable American classics, offering strong performance heritage for modest money.

Bottom Line

1987 was a peak year for the affordable performance car, and the Buick GNX stands at the summit as Best Overall — a black turbo legend that out-ran exotics and now commands six figures. The Ford Mustang GT 5.0 earns Best Value for delivering V-8 muscle at a working-class price. Between those poles sat a remarkable spread: the balletic Porsche 944 Turbo, the high-tech Supra Turbo, the rotary-screaming RX-7 Turbo II, the beautiful Ferrari 328 GTS, and a trio of mid-engine dreamers. Whether you chased straight-line muscle, European precision, or exotic looks on a budget, 1987 had a sports car built for you — and most are only more beloved now.

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Sources

• Hagerty Valuation — 1987 Buick Regal GNX
• HotCars — The Buick Grand National: Specs, History, GNX, and Buying Advice
• American Cars And Racing — $242,000 1987 Buick GNX sale
• Hagerty Valuation — 1987 Porsche 944 Turbo
• Hagerty Valuation — 1987 Toyota Supra Mk III Turbo
• Hagerty Valuation — 1987 Ferrari 328 GTS
• CorvSport — 1987 C4 Corvette Specifications
• Wikipedia — Chevrolet Corvette (C4))
• Automobile Catalog — 1987 Mazda RX-7 Turbo II
• FastestLaps — Nissan 300ZX Turbo (Z31)
• MustangSpecs — 1987 Ford Mustang Guide
• Wikipedia — Pontiac Fiero

*Sports car review — 1987 sports car reviews, rating, best sports car 1987, and a retrospective review of the top vintage sports car picks for buyers and collectors.*

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