Old school - 10 very fast 90s sedans

In Germany, discussions continue on the introduction of speed limits on motorways, which currently do not exist. It is these highways that have always provoked local companies to create cars of impressive power and speed. This led to a whole culture of bloated versions of mainstream models, some of which are admirable even today.

Let's remember the most wonderful cars of the 90s, the owners of which will probably not be happy if Germany really introduces speed limits on motorways.

Vauxhall Lotus Omega (1990-1992)

To be precise, this car is named after the British brand Lotus, although technically it looks like a 1990 Opel Omega A. Initially, the company plans to build a supercar based on the larger Senator model, but in the end, only the power steering and rear suspension leveling system are taken from it.

The engine was modified by Lotus and the British increased its volume. Thus, the 6-liter 3,0-cylinder engine becomes a 3,6-liter engine, receiving two turbochargers, a 6-speed manual transmission from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 and a rear limited slip differential from Holden Commodore. Sedan with a capacity of 377 hp It accelerates from 100 to 4,8 km / h in 282 seconds and has a top speed of XNUMX km / h.

Audi S2 (1991-1995)

A very fast sedan based on the Audi 80 (B4 series) came out in the early 90s and positioned itself as a sports model. Therefore, the S2 series of those years mainly includes a 3-door version, although the sedan and station wagon may receive the same index.

The model is equipped with a 5-liter 2,2-cylinder turbo engine that develops up to 230 hp. and is combined with a 5- or 6-speed manual transmission, all four-wheel drive options.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes from 5,8 to 6,1 seconds, depending on the version, the maximum speed does not exceed 242 km / h. The car with the RS2 index is based on the same turbo engine, but with a power of 319 hp. accelerating 100 km / h from a standstill in 5 seconds. It is only available as a station wagon, which creates a tradition for Audi.

Audi S4/S6 (1991-1994)

Initially, the S4 logo received the fastest versions of the Audi 100, which later evolved into the A6 family. However, until 1994, the most powerful "hundreds" were called Audi S4 and Audi S4 Plus, and these two versions differ significantly from each other.

The first has a 5-liter 2,2-cylinder engine with 227 hp, which in combination with a 5-speed manual transmission accelerates the car to 100 km / h in 6,2 seconds. The S4 Plus version, in turn, is equipped with a 4,2-liter V8 engine with 272 hp.

In 1994 the family was renamed A6 and rebuilt. The engines remain the same, but with increased power. With the V8 engine, power is already 286 hp, and the S6 Plus version develops 322 hp, which means acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 5,6 seconds. All variants are all-wheel drive and have a Torsen wheelbase.

BMW M3 E36 (1992-1999)

The second generation M3 initially received a 3,0-liter engine with 286 hp, which has an innovative variable valve timing system.

Its volume was soon increased to 3,2 liters, and power to 321 hp, and the 5-speed manual gearbox was replaced with a 6-speed one. A 5-speed automatic transmission is also offered for the sedan, followed by the first-generation SMG “robotic” transmission.

Apart from the sedan, this M3 is also available as a two-door coupe and as a convertible. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes 5,4 to 6,0 seconds, depending on the bodywork.

BMW M5 E34 (1988-1995)

The second M5 is still assembled by hand, but is perceived as a mass product. The 6-cylinder 3,6-liter turbo engine develops 316 hp, but later its volume was increased to 3,8 liters, and the power to 355 hp. Gearboxes are 5- and 6-speed, and depending on the modification, sedans accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 5,6–6,3 seconds.

In all variants, the top speed is limited to 250 km / h. This series also introduces a fast wagon for the first time with the same characteristics that are lacking in the next generation M5.

BMW M5 E39 (1998-2003)

Already today, fans of the brand consider the M5 (E39 series) one of the best sedans of all time and, therefore, the best "tank" in history. It is the first M car to be assembled on a conveyor belt, with a 4,9-liter V8 engine producing 400 hp. under the hood. It is combined only with a 6-speed manual gearbox, with rear axle drive, and the car has only a locking differential.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes just 4,8 seconds, and the top speed, according to automotive testers, is 300 km / h. In the same year, the M5 also set a record at the Nurburgring, breaking one lap in 8 minutes 20 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz 190E AMG (1992-1993)

The first Mercedes 190 with the AMG lettering was released in 1992. At that time, the AMG studio did not work with Mercedes, but sold its cars with a guarantee from the company. The 190E AMG sedan reaches its peak in the Mercedes 190 family, which in the late 80s includes the homologation series 2.5-16 Evolution I and Evolution II with 191 and 232 hp.

However, the AMG version gets a 3,2-liter engine that offers a relatively modest 234 hp, but accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 5,7 seconds and has a top speed of 244 km / h. manual transmission, the sedan can also be equipped with a 5-speed automatic.

Mercedes Benz 500E (1990-1996)

In the late 80s, Mercedes launched the elegant E-Class (W124 series), which is considered one of the most impressive cars in history to this day. The model relies on comfort, but in 1990 the 500E version appeared with various transmissions, suspension, brakes and even body elements.

Under the hood is a 5,0-liter V8 with 326 hp combined with a 4-speed automatic. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 6,1 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km / h.

In 1994, the 500E morphed into a Mercedes E60 AMG, but now with a 6,0-liter V8 with 381bhp. The sedan has a top speed of 282 km / h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 5,1 seconds.

Jaguar S-Type V8 (1999-2007)

The strangest and most misunderstood model in the history of the Jaguar brand has never had a 4-cylinder engine, and was offered from the beginning with a 8-liter V4,0 and 282 hp. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes 7 seconds.

Just two years later, the engine capacity was increased to 4,2 liters, and then the Supercharged version with an Eaton compressor appeared. It reaches 389 hp. and accelerates from 100 to 5,6 km / h in 250 seconds. The car may be faster, but the S-Type is rear-wheel drive only and the top speed is limited to XNUMX km / h.

Volkswagen Passat W8 (2001-2004)

In the 90s, VW Passat never managed to accelerate below 7 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h. However, in 2000, the fifth generation of the model received the famous engine. In addition to the V6 engine, as well as the exotic 5-cylinder VR5, the Passat is equipped with a 8 hp W275 unit. It allows you to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 6,8 seconds and reach speeds of up to 250 km / h.

Cars with this engine have four-wheel drive and are available with both automatic and manual transmissions. In the 6th generation, which already has a transverse engine arrangement, it is not possible to supply any 8-cylinder unit.

Bonus: Renault 25 Turbo Baccara (1990-1992)

Outside Germany, automakers are not particularly interested in such models, but sometimes interesting options with powerful engines appear. For example, Renault 25, which became the flagship of the French brand in 1983, in addition to 4-cylinder engines, is equipped with 6-liter V2,5 engines.

These units have turbines and are always put on the most luxurious versions of the model. The top version is the V6 Turbo Baccara, which can compete with German models. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes 7,4 seconds, and the maximum speed is 233 km / h. By the way, this is not a sedan, but a hatchback.