Despite the ’70s being a troubled time for the automotive industry, many great models were produced. The 1973 oil crisis was one of the main challenges, difficulties in obtaining fuel led to American buyers considering sports cars from other markets. The widely popular muscle cars of the time, while providing a raw and visceral experience, undoubtedly used their fair share of fuel.
The most popular muscle cars of the period include the Ford Mustang Mach 1, Chevrolet Camaro Z28, Plymouth Barracuda, and the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray LS6. Cars such as these could complete a 0-60 mph sprint in around 5.5 to 8 seconds. While some buyers may have considered European sports cars as an alternative option for their slightly better fuel economy, these models also offered great performance. Here are some classic Euro sports cars that could outperform their American muscle competitors.
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Lamborghini Countach LP400
The Countach was unveiled at the 1971 Geneva motor show, where it received a frenzied reception. Shortly after the show, the prototype was destroyed delaying the car’s development.
The 0-60 mph run took 5.1 seconds and the car’s top speed was 186 mph. The Lamborghini Countach sported an iconic wedge-shaped design penned by legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro. The car could comfortably outrun the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 which took around 5.8 seconds to reach 60 mph.
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Aston Martin Vantage V8
Regarded as one of Britain’s first supercars, the Vantage V8 is an iconic period Aston. In many ways, it could be seen as a British Muscle car, in the same way that the Ford Capri is. The V8 engine it is named after produces 385 hp, enough to enable a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 170 mph.
The saloon version was the world’s fastest 4-seater production car, making it not only fast but practical. Just like its DB5 sibling, the Vantage V8 has made appearances in the James Bond films, notably The Living Daylights and No Time To Die.
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Porsche 930/ 911 Turbo
Porsche produced the 930 between 1975 and 1989. The car was widely known as the 911 Turbo and was the highest specification variant of the 911 available. When the car was unveiled, it was the fastest German production vehicle.
Initially, the 930 was available with a 3.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine. In 1978, a 3.3-liter engine was added to the range. The original car produced 260 hp and 0-60 mph took 5.7 seconds.
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BMW M1
The M1 E26 was manufactured by BMW between 1978 and 1981. A 3.5-liter inline 6-cylinder petrol producing 274 hp could be found under the hood. The M1 was one of the first mass-produced mid-engined sports cars, the top speed was 163 mph, and a 0-60 took 5.6 seconds.
The M1’s original design brief was to produce a Porsche rivaling race car. In order to compete in Group 5 racing, a certain number of cars needed to be produced to allow FIA homologation. As BMW did not have the production facilities required, head of motorsport Jochen Neerpasch commissioned Lamborghini for the purpose. Lamborghini was unable to fulfill this and part-produced cars were consequently sent to Baur in Germany.
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Ferrari 308 GTB
Designed by iconic Italian design house, Pininfarina, the 308 GTB is a great-looking car. The 308 GTB was released in 1975 and was the first Ferrari to have a predominantly fiberglass body. Fiberglass provided the required strength and rigidity but helped save on weight.
In the engine bay, is a 2.9-liter V8 producing 255 hp in the European version and 240 hp in the US version. The difference between the two is due to stricter emission regulations in the US and a resulting detuning. With a rear-wheel-drive configuration, the car’s top speed is 157 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds.
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Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS
The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS was a particularly notable model. At the time of its launch, the RS was the fastest German series-production car. The model had 210 hp at its disposal, generated by a 2.7-liter, 6-cylinder boxer engine.
One aspect, that was an iconic part of the car’s design is the rear-mounted “ducktail” spoiler. Interestingly, it was the first 911 model to utilize the “Carrera” suffix in its name, which referred to the classic “Carrera Panamericana Road Race”. 0-60 mph was possible in 5.6 seconds, and the top speed was 152 mph.
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Maserati Bora
Maserati produced the Bora between 1971 and 1978, during this time 564 examples were produced. The car brought up-to-date technology to the car in the form of four-wheel independent suspension.
The most powerful engine in the range was a 4.9-liter, 320-hp unit. The car had a top speed of 177 mph, and 0-60 mph took 6.2 seconds. The powertrain was positioned in a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive configuration. The car was yet another great-looking Italian sports car designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro.
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Ferrari 512 BB
The Ferrari 512 BB was unveiled at the 1976 Paris Motor Show. It was in production between 1976 and 1981, during this time 929 examples were produced. Aesthetically, it was very similar to the 365 GT4 BB, having been designed by the same renowned Italian design house Pininfarina.
The car was powered by a 5.0-liter V12 producing 355 hp. 0-62 mph took 5.4 seconds. The 512 BB could go on to a top speed of 188 mph.
