4 Killer 1993 Coupes: Our Road Trip to Zacatecas

Wouter Smit · 2026-06-13

We hit the road to Zacatecas with four coupes that defined 1993: a BMW 325is, a Ford Thunderbird, a Lexus SC300, and a Subaru SVX. No cops in sight, just open highway and the hum of engines. It felt like freedom on four wheels. ### The BMW 325is: A Precision Machine The 325is was the athlete of the group. With a 2.5-liter inline-six, it put out 189 horsepower and hit 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. The handling was razor-sharp, thanks to a near 50/50 weight distribution. We pushed it through mountain curves, and it never blinked. The interior was tight but purposeful—cloth seats that held you in place and a simple dashboard that focused on driving. It wasn't the fastest, but it was the most connected. ### The Ford Thunderbird: American Muscle Meets Comfort Next up was the Thunderbird, a 3.8-liter V6 that felt more like a cruiser than a corner carver. It had 140 horsepower, which sounds modest, but the torque came on low, making highway passing easy. The ride was plush, like a living room on wheels. We covered miles of straight desert road, and the T-Bird soaked it up. The interior was roomy, with power seats and a premium sound system. It wasn't a sports car, but it was a damn good touring car. ### The Lexus SC300: Smooth and Refined The SC300 was the gentleman's choice. Its 3.0-liter inline-six delivered 225 horsepower, making it the most powerful here. The engine was buttery smooth, and the cabin was whisper-quiet. We hit 90 mph without realizing it. The suspension was firm but compliant, soaking up bumps while keeping body roll in check. The interior was a lesson in Japanese luxury: leather, wood trim, and a stereo that made road trips feel like a concert. This was the car you'd take on a date. ### The Subaru SVX: The Quirky Contender The SVX was the wild card. It had a 3.3-liter flat-six with 230 horsepower, the most of the bunch. But it was heavy, at over 3,500 pounds. The weirdest part? The windows had a separate lower pane that didn't roll down. You had to open a tiny slit for air. Still, the all-wheel drive gave it grip in loose gravel, and the engine note was unique—a low, throaty growl. It was the oddball, but it had character. ### Why These Cars Matter Today These four coupes represent a golden era. They weren't just transportation; they were statements. The 325is was a driver's car, the Thunderbird was a cruiser, the SC300 was a luxury tourer, and the SVX was a weirdo that tried something different. If you're looking for a 1990s coupe, any of these will turn heads. Just check for recalls first—safety matters, even on a dream road trip. ### Final Thoughts Zacatecas was beautiful, but the cars made the trip. We drove through small towns, ate tacos from roadside stands, and slept under the stars. No cops, no worries, just four coupes and the open road. If you get the chance, do it. But make sure your car is solid. A breakdown in the middle of nowhere isn't romantic—it's a headache.