For decades, car designers and engineers have struggled with the art of building a car that handles well. A car’s ability to not only get around corners quickly but also produce the driving pleasure we desire as enthusiasts is influenced by the complexity of its suspension systems, weight balance, tires, and running gear. Even though automobiles get faster and faster every year, they don’t always get better at handling.
However, there are special vehicles that perfectly execute the handling formula and have survived time to become driving icons. Today, we look at some of our favorite cars, which set the standard for handling and cornering perfection.
Table of Contents
Discover the Best Handling Cars of All Time: Performance and Innovation
When it comes to driver confidence at high speeds, handling always takes precedence over horsepower. So here are the top 9 best handling cars of all time.
1) Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Fuel Economy: 26 / 34 mpg
- Horsepower: 181@7,000
- Torque: 151@4,000
Since the Mk1 appeared in the last part of the 80s, this convertible games vehicle has forever been about lightweight and having a great time. It is a well-balanced vehicle that pays off when you push it hard.
The MX-5 isn’t designed to be faster than a more practical hot hatchback. The 2.0-litre engine is brisk and enjoys being revved up, so you should use the excellent manual transmission.
There is an automatic transmission, but use the manual instead; It turns this lightweight two-seater into an engaging driving companion. The Miata is equipped with the essentials, and its chassis is expertly tuned for maximum fun. However, it is not the best choice for daily commuting or long road trips, and tall drivers will find the cabin to be a little cramped.
2) Porsche 911
- Fuel economy: 18/ 25 mpg
- Horsepower: 379.50bhp@ 6500
- Torque: 465Nm@6300
An all-wheel drive is an option on some 911 models, but the majority have rear-wheel drive. Roadster, convertible, and Targa body styles are offered, and they have a lodge that is agreeable for two grown-ups whether it’s been decked out in extravagances or left bone stock. The 911 is superior not only because of its impressive performance capabilities but also because it is comfortable enough to use every day.
a heated GT steering wheel with multiple functions and Porsche’s Dynamic Light System Plus, which has automatic high beams and headlights that swivel in the same direction as the front tires. This is just a small sample of the customization options that Porsche offers for this automobile, all of which significantly raise the price.
3) Honda Civic Type R
- Fuel economy: 22/28 mpg
- Horsepower: 306 HP @ 6,500 RPM
- Torque: 400 NM
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the previous-generation Civic Type R has been upgraded to produce 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed manual transmission of the front-wheel-drive Type R has also been upgraded to cope with the increased power, and Honda has improved brake cooling to help it withstand the rigors of track days.
An upgraded 315-hp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and six-speed manual transmission boost the CTR’s output by nine horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque. Since its lap recording and performance instrumentation can now be accessed from the Type R’s 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, the onboard data logger no longer requires a smartphone app.
4) Ford Fiesta
- Fuel economy: 21/25 mpg
- Horse Power: 89.75bhp@3750rpm
- Torque: 204Nm@2000-2750
Ford has given the Fiesta’s interior a dual-tone black and gray color scheme to make it feel a little more expensive than it did before. Having said that, it is important to keep in mind that this has only been effective in terms of visual characteristics.
In terms of features, the Fiesta has a push-button start, automatic rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, a touchscreen-enabled multimedia system with Bluetooth connectivity, controls mounted on the steering wheel, and rear parking sensors.
The diesel engine in the Fiesta has a displacement of 1.5 liters and produces 91 horsepower and 2015 Nm of peak torque. The engine is connected to a manual 5-speed transmission, which sends power to the front wheels.
5) Ford Mustang
- Power: 401PS@6550RPM
- Torque: 515Nm@4250-4300RPM
The gasoline 5.0-litre dual overhead cam, four-valve-per-cylinder V8 Mustang is standard equipment. At 6500 rpm, the naturally aspirated motor produces 395 bhp and 515 nm of torque. While the car comes standard with a Getrag six-speed manual transmission, only an automatic six-speed transmission will be available to us. Ford might introduce the Mustang, which has a smaller EcoBoost engine.
In addition to making use of the GT350’s lightweight Tremec six-speed manual transmission, oil-filter adapter, engine oil cooler, and front and rear subframe, the 2021 Mach 1 uses the current Coyote 5.0 L engine with GT350 components, such as the intake manifold, to boost performance to 480 hp (358 kW) at 7,000 rpm and 420 lb-ft (569 Nm) at 4,600 rpm.
6) AMG GT
- Horse power: 510 PS @ 6250 rpm
- Torque: 650 Nm @ 1750-4750 rpm
A 4.0-litre M178 twin-turbocharged V8 engine powers the vehicle. Dry-sump lubrication is used and the engine is in a “hot inside V” configuration with turbochargers and exhaust manifolds inside the cylinder banks to reduce turbo lag. Power is shipped off the back tires through a seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT double grasp transmission; An electronically controlled mechanical limited-slip differential is used in the GT S variant.
The GT S completed the quarter mile in 11.2 seconds, accelerated from 0–97 km/h (60 mph) in 3.0 seconds, and reached a top speed of 311 km/h (193 mph) in a road test conducted by Car and Driver.
7) Boxster
- Horse Power: 265bhp@6700rpm
- Torque: 280Nm@4500-6500
In 2017, Motor Trend named the 718 Cayman its second-best driver’s car, praising its handling and throttle response. “The suspension is just what you want to feel in a car like this—stiff, sporty, rigid,” Miguel Cortina said when he presented the award. It’s easy to get a good sense of what’s going on on the road. The first Cayman to receive the RS treatment, which is typically reserved for 911 models, was unveiled by Porsche in 2021 as the 718 Cayman GT4 RS.
A new engine, a slightly detuned version of the GT4’s 4.0-litre naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine, was added to the 2020 Boxster and Cayman GTS 4.0 models. The GTS 4.0’s engine has a rating of 294 kW (400 PS; 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque and 394 horsepower. A mechanical limited-slip differential, a -20 mm sport suspension and a six-speed manual transmission are all standard features on the GTS.
8) Toyota Supra
- Fuel economy: 25/32 mpg
- Horsepower:255- 382 HP
- Torque: 295 lb-ft
The 2023 GR Supra, Toyota’s flagship sports car, provides sufficient excitement, style, and drama to compensate for the brand’s more restrained SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks. The GR Supra was developed and built alongside the BMW Z4 convertible. It has a build quality that is comparable to that of the Z4 convertible and uses simpler interior materials that still look good.
We can’t help but adore the fierce, optional 382-hp turbocharged 3.0-litre BMW inline-six that propels this two-seater, although the entry-level 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder provides ample power. Only rear-wheel drive is available, and the GR Supra’s stable chassis and precise steering make it fun to drive on racetracks and twisty roads.
9) Nissan GT-R
- Fuel economy; 10.2/14.9 mpg
- HorsePower:562.20bhp@6800rpm
- Max Torque: 637Nm@3300-5800rpm
The GT-R’s brake hardware is a floating two-piece design that helps to dissipate heat and prevents it from transferring to the hub and bearings. The 15-inch diameter vented and drilled steel rotors are 1.3 inches thick in the front and 1.2 inches thick in the back.
The race-inspired Bilstein DampTronic driver-adjustable shocks, which take input from multiple vehicle sensors and tailor the damping forces to suit the immediate driving conditions, are a major contributor to the handling prowess. Brembo callipers clamp with six pistons each in the front and four in the back, and they use radial mounting to the uprights to reduce calliper flex.
Normal, Comfort, and “R,” the system’s three settings, allow for the best handling and maximum suspension compliance. The VDC system and transmission shift operation both feature the same three-stage adjustability, which also includes a Snow mode.
Conclusion
It is widely held that handling is more than just numbers. It also shows up in the precision of the steering, the balance of the chassis, and how confident the driver feels when pushing a vehicle to its limits.
On straight and wide roads, some will argue, drivers need not worry about anything but fast cars. However, if you plan to drive through the mountains or along the coast, you’ll want to know which cars handle the best.
FAQ Regarding The Best Handling Cars
Q.1) What are some of the best-handling cars on the market today?
Some of the top best-handling cars include the Porsche 911, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Chevrolet Corvette, BMW M2, and Honda Civic Type R, among others.
Q.2) What makes a car have outstanding handling?
A car with extraordinary handling typically has a combination of factors, including a low center of gravity, stiff suspension, responsive steering, balanced weight distribution, and advanced technology features such as traction control and electronic stability control.
Q.3) What factors should I consider when choosing a car for its handling?
You should consider factors such as driving style, the type of roads you typically drive on, budget handling, responsiveness, and comfort. It’s also important to consider safety features, reliability, and maintenance costs.
Q.4) Are there any downsides to cars with the best handling?
There are some downsides to consider. They may have stiffer suspensions, which make the ride less comfortable on rough roads.
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