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These days if you're looking for a car with speed and performance, you're better off choosing a German-made one.
That is the sad truth of what Japanese performance automation has become. They just don't make fast cars anymore. Just about every manufacturer is trying to find the optimal balance between fuel economy and performance.
It's a German party
Some will argue that the Nissan GTR, Toyota Supra and Honda Civic Type R are exceptions but still, those are but a handful and very much out of the price range for the average Joe to even consider.
READ | Germany vs Japan - Which manufacturer makes the better car?
Turn your attention to the German stable and the plethora of options available is what Japanese performance cars used to offer in the 90's - arguably its brightest period.
What is your best Japanese car ever built, and why? Email us.
Image: Charlen Raymond
The Germans have something for everyone. Volkswagen, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, those are the top dogs and features a car for each segment.
Taking a back seat
Japanese automakers have been forced to retreat into an area they are not entirely familiar with. Producing small cars with small engines to use less fuel.
The fact is that everything is getting smaller. Throaty V12's are no more, and the discontinuation of 8-pot engines will follow in the near future. The iconic Ford Mustang has already gone electric.
Image: Motorpress
Gone are the days of powerful turbocharged engines and in its place goes 3-cylinder ones aided by snail-like turbo's. You only need to look at the Nissan Micra and Toyota Corolla hatch for a bit of clarity.
Petrolheads still use cars and engines of the '90s to get their dose of performance because they just don't make cars like they used to anymore.
Toyota is the only Japanese manufacturer flying the flag high in terms of sales and wider model variety to go up against Volkswagen. Still, but the scales tip slightly in favour of those from Wolfsburg.
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