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Technological advancements in the '90s made cars more fun to drive, faster, and more efficient.

The 90s led to many technological advancements that made cars more fun to drive, faster, and more efficient. Power steering, ABS, and fuel injection all became mainstream and improved dramatically from the 80s technologies.

These cars had a wonderful feel on the road, allowing drivers to enjoy the mechanical connection. In terms of raw speed, most vehicles on this list would be annihilated today by most performance cars. However, modern cars are simply too fast and easy to drive, making them less engaging than all cars on this list.

From the 1960s onwards, hot hatches or sporty compact cars were part of the model portfolio for many manufacturers. This tradition peaked in the '90s when even small cars were available with high engine power.

A good example is the 1992 Renault Clio 16V, which the company also used in rallying. To create a competitive rally car, Renault had to develop a homologated road car. This led to the birth of the 1993 Renault Clio Williams with a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine producing 150 hp.

The Carlton was one of the most unique cars in Lotus’ lineup. It was produced from 1990 to 1992 and was available with a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine. The Carlton had another name, the Omega, which helped differentiate between left- and right-hand models.

The motivation behind the Carlton came from Vauxhall and Opel, who wanted to improve the image of their cars. To achieve this, Lotus used the Vauxhall Carlton as the base for the vehicle and improved on every component. Lotus replaced the induction bodies, cooling manifold, induction system, crankshaft, and pistons in their redesigned GM inline-6 engine.

Related: Here's Why Gearheads Should Drive The Lotus Emira GT4

The Elise was a sports car that took the world by storm. It helped showcase Lotus engineering, making it a great handling car that was fun to drive. The Elise got into production in 1996 and was a car meant to be enjoyed by driving enthusiasts.

It introduced a range of technologies like lightweight composite body panels, a composite energy-absorbing crash structure, and a chassis made from extruded and bonded aluminum. Lotus also added a 1.8-liter Rover K-series inline-4 engine, capable of a 5.9 seconds 0 to 60 mph run.

The 968 was arguably the best-built Porsche of all the front engine versions. It borrowed some of its looks from the 924 and 944, but Porsche claimed that the 968 was 83% new. It was the last version of the four-cylinder transaxle models and was designed in line with the 928 and 911.

The 968 CS was a lighter, sportier version of the 968 and was in production from 1993 to 1995. This was a focused and hard-core sports car since Porsche eliminated some comfort extras to help lower its weight by 100 lb. The 968 CS retained the massive 3.0 liter naturally aspirated inline 4 producing 237 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque.

Related: These Are The Best European Sports Cars Of The 1990s

The 500 E was a combination of a sports car performance with the comfort of a touring sedan. It was birthed from a collaboration between Mercedes and Porsche, and it was an amazing car of the 90s. Porsche helped redesign the W124 chassis to make the sedan feel like a real sports car performer.

They did this by getting the 5.0-liter V8, the same in the SL, to fit in the engine bay. The team also upgraded the drive train and the suspension system. The engine fitted in the 500 E was a real performer, capable of 6.0 seconds from 0 to 62 mph.

The Volvo 859 was introduced in 1991 with the GLT sedan. A few years later, Volvo launched the GLE, a wagon, and turbo. The management continuously looked for new ways to place the 850 in the spotlight. During this time, two ideas were born; the first was to get back on track with the 850, and the second was a special version of the 850 Turbo, also known as the 850 T-5R.

Volvo kitted out the standard T-5 with accessories like 17-inch sporty rims, a completely new color, and lowered suspension. They also adapted the engine of the T-5 for the T-5R but produced more power and torque with a change of the ECU software. This helped the T-5R produce 243 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel it from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

Related: What Makes The Volvo 850 Turbo An Underrated Performance Car

The E39 M5 launched in 1998 at the Geneva Motor Show and was considered a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It won the hearts of enthusiasts and was the finest sedan chassis of its time. Some enthusiasts consider this M5 the greatest of all time.

Not only did it look fantastic, but it also handled superbly, comfortably, and extremely fast. It also came with a six-speed manual that enthusiasts immediately fell in love with. The E39 M5 was available with a 4.9-liter S62 V8, capable of a 0 to 60mph time of 4.7 seconds.

The 1995 911 introduced advanced performance and technology but remained faithful to the rear-engine sports car of the 60s. The Carrera was the basis for Porsche’s higher performance and racing versions. One of these models was the 1992 RS 3.6.

It was powered by the naturally aspirated 3.6-liter engine, which was upped to 3.8 liters in the Carrera RS from 1993 to 1994. The Carrera RS served as the homologation base for the RSR. Besides being a lightweight variant of the Carrera, the Carrera RS was capable of producing 300 hp and was easily distinguishable by a non-retractable rear wing.

Related: This Is Why The 996 Is The Most Hated Of All The Porsche 911 Generations

The Delta was one of Lancia’s most successful products. It was in production from 1979 to 1994 and could be used on the road and the track. By 1985, Lancia was preparing a Delta prototype for Group B racing, with the result being the Delta S4.

This hot hatch of extreme specification had 480 hp but was canceled for racing in 1986. After this, Lancia returned to the drawing board and came up with the HF Integrale, winning six consecutive victories. The Evoluzione II was the only car that didn’t race but was created in honor of the Delta.

The next generation of the BMW M3 high-performance sports car was launched in 1992. It had a notable modern design, increased comfort, and significantly higher power. On closer inspection, performance car enthusiasts noted that the E36 had carried some M-specific DNA like its predecessor.

It was the first M3 to feature a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine. To some people, the M3 had become a thoroughly cultivated gentleman, leaving behind the rebellious sports sedan mantra of its predecessor. Even though this was a reserved M3, it took everyday practicality to a new level while achieving a 5.5-second 0 to 60 mph time.

Brian is a husband, father and freelance writer. He's also a tech and automotive junkie passionate about cars and motorcycles. Brian is also an F1 fan - team Mercedes (LH). When he's not writing, Brian goes for impromptu drives and walks.