Cars are much more than just vehicles that transport us from point A to point B. For some of us, they are a passion, a hobby, and even a lifestyle. The thrill of high-speed driving, the exhilaration of pushing a car to its limits, and the satisfaction of mastering a difficult track are experiences that car enthusiasts live for.
However, you don’t necessarily need to own an expensive sports car to enjoy these thrills. In this post, we’ll explore 12 ‘regular’ cars that are secretly performance monsters, proving that sometimes, unassuming exteriors can hide incredibly powerful engines.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI may look like a regular compact car, but it is a true hidden gem in the world of performance vehicles. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine can pump out an impressive 228 horsepower, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds. Not only is it quick, but the GTI also offers a genuinely engaging driving experience with sharp handling and notable agility.
The GTI also impresses with its practicality. It provides ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a suitable choice for everyday commuting or long trips. When it comes to balancing performance and practicality, the Golf GTI is a tough act to beat.
Ford Fusion Sport
Ford Fusion Sport is a midsize sedan that packs a serious performance punch. It’s powered by a 2.7-liter V6 engine that produces a whopping 325 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. This power is complemented by all-wheel drive, allowing the Fusion Sport to accelerate with purpose and handle with confidence.
Despite its performance capabilities, the Fusion Sport remains a comfortable and spacious sedan. It comes loaded with standard features, including a large infotainment screen, a premium sound system, and advanced driver-assistance technologies. This makes the Fusion Sport a great option for those who want a car that can do it all.
Subaru WRX
From the outside, the Subaru WRX looks like a conventional compact car. However, its performance tells a different tale. The WRX’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine can generate 268 horsepower, resulting in an impressive 0-to-60-mph time of less than 6 seconds.
The WRX is also renowned for its exceptional handling, thanks in part to its standard all-wheel-drive system. This, combined with its practical four-door body style, makes the WRX a great choice for those who want a car that’s fun to drive but also practical for everyday use.
Chevrolet SS
The Chevrolet SS is a full-size sedan that hides a Corvette engine under its hood. This 6.2-liter V8 pumps out a mind-blowing 415 horsepower, making the SS a true sleeper car. Its rear-wheel-drive layout and precise steering give it the feel of a sports car, while its spacious interior and comfortable ride make it an excellent daily driver.
Though it may look understated, the SS is anything but when it comes to performance. If you’re looking for a car that offers muscle-car levels of power in a practical, family-friendly package, the Chevrolet SS is worth considering.
Audi S3
The Audi S3 may look like a typical compact luxury car, but it packs a surprising performance punch. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generates 288 horsepower, enabling the S3 to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.
Despite its small size, the S3 offers a plush, high-quality interior and a smooth, comfortable ride. It also comes with Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, which provides excellent traction and stability. This makes the S3 a great choice for those who want a car that’s compact, luxurious, and seriously quick.
Volvo V60 Polestar
Volvo might be known for safety and comfort, but the V60 Polestar is a performance beast in a sophisticated shell. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 362 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque, and can sprint from 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds.
Not only does this Volvo offer impressive performance, but it also offers comfort, practicality, and safety. It comes with a well-appointed, spacious cabin, a comfortable ride, and a long list of safety features. The V60 Polestar is an excellent choice for those who want a family-friendly wagon that can also deliver thrilling performance.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk might look like an ordinary SUV, but it’s actually one of the fastest and most powerful SUVs on the market. Its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine produces a staggering 707 horsepower, enabling it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
Despite its performance capabilities, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk still remains a practical and comfortable SUV. It offers a spacious cabin, a smooth ride, and a host of convenience and safety features. If you’re looking for an SUV that can deliver sports-car-like performance, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is hard to beat.
Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
The Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is a luxury sedan with a secret: it’s also a performance monster. Its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine produces a staggering 603 horsepower, rocketing the E63 from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds.
Despite its performance credentials, the E63 AMG remains a comfortable and luxurious sedan. It offers a plush, high-quality interior, a smooth ride, and a host of high-tech features. This makes the E63 AMG a great option for those who want a car that can deliver thrilling performance without sacrificing luxury or comfort.
Honda Civic Type R
The Honda Civic Type R may look like a regular compact car, but it’s actually one of the fastest front-wheel-drive cars in the world. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 306 horsepower, enabling the Type R to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds.
Despite its performance capabilities, the Civic Type R remains a practical and comfortable compact car. It offers a spacious cabin, a smooth ride, and a host of modern features. If you’re looking for a car that can deliver thrilling performance without sacrificing practicality, the Civic Type R is a great choice.
BMW M550i xDrive
The BMW M550i xDrive looks like a typical luxury sedan, but it packs a serious performance punch. Its twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine produces a staggering 523 horsepower, enabling the M550i to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds.
Despite its performance credentials, the M550i remains a comfortable and luxurious sedan. It offers a plush, high-quality interior, a smooth ride, and a host of high-tech features. This makes the M550i a great option for those who want a car that can deliver thrilling performance without sacrificing luxury or comfort.
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is a full-size sedan with a secret: it’s also a performance monster. Its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine produces a staggering 707 horsepower, rocketing the Charger from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds.
Despite its performance credentials, the Charger SRT Hellcat remains a comfortable and spacious sedan. It offers a large, well-appointed cabin, a smooth ride, and a host of modern features. This makes the Charger SRT Hellcat a great option for those who want a car that can deliver thrilling performance without sacrificing comfort or practicality.
Hyundai Veloster N
The Hyundai Veloster N may look like a regular compact car, but it’s actually a performance beast. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 275 horsepower, enabling the Veloster N to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds.
Despite its performance capabilities, the Veloster N remains a practical and comfortable compact car. It offers a spacious cabin, a smooth ride, and a host of modern features. If you’re looking for a car that can deliver thrilling performance without sacrificing practicality, the Veloster N is a great choice.