Was it as early as that?
As indicated EU manufacturers did produce a few dogs of their own, but Porsche also made the excellent 928.
In any event if you unstick, you may be able to get it back in a front engine / rear drive car (I have, but would recommend not having to do so), whereas if the car is going backwards your chances of recovery are negligible.
Not driven that many US cars, as they are rare over here and almost invariably LHD. Another factor is that expensive performance car owners are not always that keen to let you have a go...
Mostly I have owned and driven (and liked) BMW's. I am very tall and don't fit in a lot of sports cars.
Owned and liked
BMW 740i, 735i (4 off including two manuals) Rover 35000 SD1 (2 off 1981-85) Triumph 2.5TC (1979 - 81) now a classic
Driven and liked
Bently GT BMW 750i BMW 728i (bit slow) BMW M535i BMW 540i BMW 525e BMW 320i Mercedes S350 Mercedes 500SE Mercedes 320CE24V Porsche 928 (only practical for me without a sun roof) Daimler Sovereign V8 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton Vauxhall Senator 3.0i 24V (just makes it)
Driven indifferent
Bentley Azure Citroen XM BMW X5 BMW 316i (slow) Mercedes E Class (90's) Vauxhall Carlton, Cavalier, Astra (late), Corsa Audi A4 VW Golf GTi Minis Saab 9000
Driven disliked
Wolsey Six (owned 1978) Citroen CX, BX Jaguar XJ12 (too cramped) Jaguar XJR (too cramped) Merc A series (on test track) Rover 827 Ford Capri, Cortina, Sierra, Escort Renault 19, 30 Peugot 305, 205, 105 MGB Roadster VW Golf, Polo Various BL cars - worst was Marina Land Rover Freelander Lexus Vauxhall Astra (early), Nova Buick Park Avenue Pontiac Grand Am
Been in and suspect I would like
Aston Martin Lambourghini