In the late 80s and early 90s, General Motors (GM) sought to bring a little speed to its GMC Sonoma pickup truck. Staffed with a turbocharged 4.3-liter V6, all-wheel drive, and a sports-tuned suspension, it could snap a speedo in 4.3 seconds. It was a Ferrari beater in its day, and its performance was compared to the 1990 Corvette ZR1. In fact, the 1991 GMC Syclone held the record for the world’s fastest truck for 30 years. Only the 700-horsepower Ram 1500 TRX could beat it. But who knew the Syclone would beat some 2023 sports cars more than three decades on? Despite all being brand-new models, the following five still can’t hit the 0-60 mph time. 

1. Porsche 718 Boxster

The baby 911 may not be as quick as the brand’s flagship, but the 2023 Boxster can’t even best the 90s pickup truck. Porsche put a 300-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four in its entry-level model, but it’s only enough to muster a 4.9-second 0-60 time.

2. Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda’s current MX-5 may be the heaviest of its roadster variations, but it’s the most powerful. Its eager-to-rev 2.0-liter delivers 181 horsepower, but performance is seen more in the corners than in a straight line. Despite its lively acceleration, it hits 60 mph from a standstill in 5.7 seconds.

3. Subaru BRZ

Subaru’s attempt at an affordable 2023 sports car has captured the hearts of many looking for engaging driving on a budget. The high-revving 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine produces a modest 228 horsepower. Consequently, the BRZ takes 6.6 seconds to reach 60 mph, far longer than the 1991 GMC Syclone.

4. Audi TT

The 2023 Audi TT has a similar 228 horsepower in its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It may have an interior miles better than the 1991 GMC Syclone, but this is about speed, not amenities. Unfortunately, the TT’s 5.2-second 0-60 time is almost a second off the Syclone.

5. BMW Z4

Although it has a lightning-quick eight-speed transmission and 382 horsepower, the 2023 Z4 will fail to beat the Syclone. The Syclone’s GM 4L60 four-speed auto can send the pickup to 60 quicker than the Z4’s 5.4-second time.

Are there any 2023 sports cars that can beat the 1991 GMC Syclone?

Yes, there are some 2023 sports cars that can’t keep up with a 90s pickup truck. Thanks to the Mitsubishi-supplied turbocharger, the 1991 GMC Syclone’s 280 horsepower was enhanced by 350 pounds-feet of torque. Its wildly impressive all-wheel drive system is on par with many athletic vehicles made today, but the Syclone meets its match with many 2023 sports cars.

For instance, the base Ford Mustang can blitz the Syclone. Its turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder provides 310 horsepower and 350 pounds-feet of torque, good enough for a 4.2-second 0-60 time. Ford’s V8s offer a 60-mph time sprint in the high three-second range. The outgoing 2023 Dodge Challenger can also dominate the 1991 GMC Syclone. While the Mopar V6 won’t, the 807-horsepower Super Stock variant will hit 60 mph in the mid-three-second range. That is if one can get it to grip off the line.