10 FASTEST GAS-POWERED MAINSTREAM CARS TO 60 MPH

Mainstream brands offer some impressive, fast, and fun-to-drive cars. These cars accelerate quickly and offer more than enough performance features to tear up public roads. When you’re ready to color between the lines but want a car that reminds you why you began driving in the first place, these cars have the chops to make you smile as soon as the accelerator is pressed.

In addition to being fast cars, these models are affordable enough to fit into most budgets. You won’t find top-end, exclusive cars like the Ford GT, Nissan GT-R, or Chevrolet Corvette on this list. Instead, these cars are fast, active, fun, and playful without being expensive or exclusive.

Toyota GR86

0-60 MPH: 6.1 seconds

Fun on a budget doesn’t get much better than the Toyota GR86. Developed by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing team, this two-seat sports coupe brings fun and active driving to your time behind the wheel. The GR86 benefits from a traditional front-engine RWD setup, giving you the driving feel you want when pushing this car hard and fast.

Powertrain Specs

The GR86 is quick and has outstanding handling dynamics without using an expensive or complicated advanced suspension system. This makes the GR86 fun to drive when you’re searching for empty roads to challenge this car and your driving skills.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

0-60 MPH: 6.0 Seconds

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the last of a dying breed. Built using the same platform for many years, the Golf GTI is one of the final hot hatches left on the market. This version provides expected performance qualities, including dynamic handling, strong braking, and a powerful engine.

Powertrain Specs

Step up to the Autobahn trim and the VW Golf GTI has adaptive suspension, head-up display, and tri-zone automatic climate controls. This hatchback is the ideal blend of impressive performance and practicality, with comfortable seating and generous cargo space. When you want a fun car with good fuel mileage, this little hot hatch is a great choice.

Subaru BRZ

0-60 MPH: 6.0 Seconds

When it comes to affordable and fun sports cars, the Subaru BRZ is near the top of most lists. This mainstream performance machine feels great on any road, blending style, performance, and technology into one amazing package. This classic-looking sports car features the traditional front-engine RWD layout, which delivers exceptional handling and balance.

Powertrain Specs

Stepping inside the BRZ shows drivers a set of sports seats with supportive bolstering, a digital instrument cluster with a G-force meter, and models for Sport and Track. The quick-ratio steering makes this a driving purist delight, as does the traditional 6-speed manual transmission.

Mazda MX-5 Miata Club

0-60 MPH: 6.0 Seconds

Since it first appeared on the market, the Miata has been the poster child for Mazda’s “zoom zoom” mantra. It’s easy to understand, invoking the feeling of excitement and exhilaration on any road. The latest version of the Miata has fun built-in with amazing cornering capabilities and a flowing style that makes this sports coupe fun and active on any road.

Powertrain Specs

To gain the automatic transmission, drivers must choose the Grand Touring trim, which is a little more expensive than the Cub version. This lightweight sports car (less than 2,400 pounds) has a stiff suspension, limited-slip differential, and plenty of creature comforts to make it a good daily driver but an even better recreational car.

Nissan Z

0-60 MPH: 5.0 Seconds

The latest in the Nissan Z-car family is the Nissan Z. This impressive sports coupe blends styling qualities from several early models to give this modern car a nostalgic style. The Nissan Z is easily one of the fastest gas-powered mainstream cars, providing owners with an exciting combination of acceleration, athleticism, cornering abilities, and style.

Powertrain Specs

The Z comes equipped with a fully digital instrument panel, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It also has advanced safety features to make it a good car to drive every day. This compelling sports car is fun and active, making it a wonderful car to drive.

Subaru WRX

0-60 MPH: 5.0 Seconds

For years, the Subaru WRX has been one of the fastest gas-powered mainstream cars, with its rally-inspired build and impressive driving features. The added benefits of standard symmetrical AWD and a six-speed manual transmission makes the WRX a lot of fun to drive when it's time for a fast run on some open road.

Powertrain Specs

The WRX has a track-tuned suspension, which makes sharp cornering easier and refines the ride quality for some added fun. The cabin features a functional build, making the WRX a sporty sedan with the safety features you want for daily driving.

Toyota GR Corolla

0-60 MPH: 5.0 Seconds

The Toyota Corolla without the Gazoo Racing treatments isn’t much to talk about. Toss in the GR elements, and this car becomes one of the fastest gas-powered mainstream cars available. This little car could bring back the hot hatch market and spurn a change for many automakers. This little Corolla has two rows of comfortable seating to make it easy to show off for a few friends.

Powertrain Specs

If you want to drive the Toyota GR Corolla, you had better know how to row the gears; this car doesn’t offer an automatic transmission. The GR treatments include high-performance brakes, sporty styling, a track-tuned suspension, and an impressive exhaust note that makes you wonder if there are more than three cylinders under the hood.

Hyundai Elantra N

0-60 MPH: 4.9 seconds

You might not think the Elantra should be included on a list of fast cars, but when that Elantra receives the N performance treatments, it becomes a dynamic and impressive sports car. The Elantra N has fun performance features and nimble handling to make it one of the fastest gas-powered mainstream cars available.

Powertrain Specs

For the most engaging driving experience, the Elantra N offers a six-speed manual transmission, which allows you to row your gears. The N comes with high-performance brakes, a rear chassis brace, a limited-slip differential, and launch control to add to the driving fun.

Ford Mustang EcoBoost

0-60 MPH: 4.5 Seconds

The EcoBoost model is the base version of the Ford Mustang, and it’s still one of the best gas-powered mainstream cars at an affordable price. You could step up to the Coyote V8-powered GT mode, but it’s much more expensive than the EcoBoost, which offers ample performance and power features to put a smile on your face.

Powertrain Specs

The EcoBoost Mustang is upgradable with the High Performance package with improved Brembo brakes, summer performance tires, and a TORSEN limited-slip differential. With this package, the automatic transmission receives a manual mode, which is operated via paddle shifters.

Chevrolet Camaro LT1

0-60 MPH: 4.3 Seconds

Camaro production ended once again, which is a bit sad, but this impressive muscle car is still one of the top choices for speed, power, style, and fun. The Camaro LT1 is the most affordable way to get V8 power in the mainstream market. This model slots below the SS trim, but still features the 6.2-liter V8 engine.

Powertrain Specs

The Chevrolet Camaro LT1 does more than deliver straight-line power; this iconic American Muscle Car also handles well. This handling comes from the performance suspension upgrade and Brembo front brakes. The LT1 also features power front seats, wireless connectivity, and a 7-inch infotainment screen.

2024-07-26T06:04:01Z dg43tfdfdgfd