- Boxy shapes: Cars in the 1980s often had a boxy, angular design. This was partly due to the influence of the popular Italian sports cars of the era, such as the Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari Testarossa.
- Sharp angles and lines: The cars of the 1980s also featured sharp angles and lines. This was in contrast to the softer, more rounded designs of the 1970s.
- Pop-up headlights: Many sports cars and luxury cars of the 1980s featured pop-up headlights. These headlights were hidden behind the front fascia when not in use and then rose up when the driver turned on the headlights.
- Two-tone paint jobs: Two-tone paint jobs were popular in the 1980s. This involved painting the car in two different colors, often with a contrasting stripe separating the two colors.
- Vinyl graphics: Vinyl graphics were also popular in the 1980s. These graphics were often applied to the sides or rear of the car and could include stripes, flames, or other designs.
Engines and Performance:
- Large engines: Cars in the 1980s were often powered by large, powerful engines. This was due in part to the low cost of gasoline at the time. Common engine sizes included V8s, V6s, and turbocharged four-cylinder engines.
- High horsepower: Many cars in the 1980s had high horsepower ratings. This was especially true of sports cars and muscle cars.
- Rear-wheel drive: Most cars in the 1980s were rear-wheel drive. This made them more fun to drive, but also more difficult to control in slippery conditions.
Safety:
- Lack of airbags: Airbags were not standard equipment in cars in the 1980s. They were only available as an option on some luxury cars.
- Weak crash ratings: Cars in the 1980s generally had weak crash ratings. This was due to the lack of safety features, such as airbags and crumple zones.
- Three-point seatbelts: Three-point seatbelts were standard equipment in cars in the 1980s. However, many people did not wear them, as they were not always comfortable or convenient.
