The 1997 Ferrari F355 GTS is the best sports car of 1997, with the Porsche 911 Turbo S (993) at #2 and the Dodge Viper GTS at #3. For value, the Chevrolet Corvette C5 and Toyota Supra Turbo were the standouts.
The F355 GTS put a 3.5L V8 with 5 valves per cylinder behind the seats, making 375 hp at 8,250 rpm and reaching 60 mph in 4.6 sec. It cost $127,190–$137,080 new.
Go ifCollectors who want the last analog, naturally-aspirated Ferrari V8 feel
Skip ifYou need daily-driver reliability or a six-figure budget isn't realistic
Why #1 over #2: Its 8,250 rpm V8 and open-top GTS body made it the more special car, even against the Turbo S’s 444 hp.
2
1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S (993)
Photo: Frank and Myra Fan. / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe final, fastest air-cooled 911 — now a blue-chip collectible.
Price new: $157,561 (as-optioned window sticker)Horsepower: 450 PS (444 hp), twin-turbo flat-60-60 mph: 0-100 km/h in 4.1 secProduction: 435 units built
The 993 Turbo S made 450 PS (444 hp) from its twin-turbo flat-6 and ran 0-100 km/h in 4.1 sec. Only 435 were built; one window sticker read $157,561.
Go ifBuyers chasing the last and rarest air-cooled 911 Turbo
Skip ifYou want something you can actually find for sale
Why #2 over #3: All-wheel-drive grip and Porsche build quality beat the Viper’s raw 450 hp.
3
1997 Dodge Viper GTS
Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictBrutal V10 power with a coupe body for the first time.
The NSX-T paired a 3.2L DOHC VTEC V6 (290 hp at 7,100 rpm with the 6-speed) with a removable targa roof. It cost $88,000 and hit 60 mph in about 5.0 sec.
Go ifSomeone who wants supercar handling with Honda everyday usability
Skip ifYou want maximum horsepower bragging rights
Why #4 over #5: Its mid-engine aluminum chassis was more advanced than the Corvette’s, though it cost $88,000 vs $37,495.
5
1997 Chevrolet Corvette C5
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictAll-new platform that out-performed cars costing triple.
The Camaro SS used a 5.7L V8 with 305 hp. The Camaro coupe started at $20,115 before the SS package, making it the most affordable way into V8 power on this list.
Go ifShoppers wanting big V8 horsepower on a small budget
Skip ifYou want sophisticated handling or premium interior materials
How we ranked these
We ranked each car on real-world performance, engineering significance and lasting desirability: halo exotics first, then the value champions. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What was the fastest sports car of 1997?
The Porsche 911 Turbo S (993) was the quickest, hitting 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds from its 450 PS twin-turbo flat-six, though the Viper GTS and F355 were right behind it.
What was the best-value sports car in 1997?
The all-new Chevrolet Corvette C5 delivered 345 hp, a 4.7-second 0-60 time, and Ferrari-rivaling pace for just $37,495 — a fraction of what exotic rivals cost.
How much did a new Acura NSX cost in 1997?
The open-top NSX-T started at $88,000, backed by a 290-hp, 3.2-liter VTEC V6.
Horsepower at a glance
1997 Porsche Boxster201 hp
1997 BMW M3 (E36)240 hp
1997 Acura NSX-T290 hp
1997 Jaguar XK8290 hp
1997 Chevrolet Camaro SS305 hp
1997 Toyota Supra Turbo320 hp
1997 Chevrolet Corvette C5345 hp
1997 Ferrari F355 GTS375 hp
1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S (993)444 hp
1997 Dodge Viper GTS450 hp
Horsepower, as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
