Best Street Racing Cars That’ll Leave You in Awe!
Ready to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush that comes with driving super fast? Not just experiencing the any cheap speedstar on the road but being a part of the growing subculture where your world revolves around street racing models. If drifting is your passion, you’ll find that many of these vehicles also rank among the best drift cars, offering unparalleled control and precision.
Indeed, it’s accurate! Despite being against the law in many parts of the world, including North America, street racing has surged as a significant trend in the US.
In Japan, street car races also happen but secretly and underground. Thanks to the rising popularity of video games, animes, and Hollywood movies, street racing became a phenomenon.
Street racing vehicles are symbolic of neck-breaking speed and high performance. The engineering prowess is the driving force behind the best street racing cars.
With innumerable models available today, there is a common ground linking all. Each model is designed and engineered with enhanced driver-centric features, extraordinary interiors, racing gears, and, most importantly, supercharged engines.
Ready to know about the fastest street racing cars? Let’s get started.
Also read: Fastest Cars Under $20K
8 Most Popular Street Racing Cars of All-Time
Ready to know about the fastest street racing cars? Let’s get started.
A Flexible Family Car Model
1. Honda Civic Type R 2024
Price: $44,795
We start the list with this popular family car, the Honda Civic Type R. The simple sedan is one of the most powerful and agile cars from the Honda family.
While the brand has manufactured some iconic Honda sports cars, the Civic Type R undoubtedly has premium handling features with the four-mode drive system, allowing it to tune as per the owner’s needs.
If you possess one, you can redesign the interiors to tune it for street racing. While it has a tamed exterior, the suspension, and exhausts can be upgraded with engineer tuners and programmers to convert it into an intelligent, top-racer car.
Read more: 10 Cheap Sports Cars Under $45K
Engine Features:
| Engine | 2.0-liter VTEC turbocharged engine |
| Horsepower | 315 hp |
| Torque | 310 l b-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 170 MPH |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual transmission |
Other Notable Features:
- The four-mode drive system features +R, individual, comfort, and sport.
- Lightweight chassis
- Commendable power-weight ratio
- Suspension modifications
- Incredible handling with an R-exclusive shift link mechanism
- Center-mounted Active Exhaust Valve on Triple-outlet exhaust
- Dual-axis McPherson front suspension
- Multi-link rear suspension
- Adaptive Damper System
- Four-piston front brake calipers from Brembo
- Limited-Slip Differential
- Electric power steering
- Michelin Pilot Sports 4 S 265mm wide tires
- Lightweight components like sports seats, aluminum hood, resin-made hatch, flywheel, and crankshaft.
Key Competitors:
The main competition for the Honda Civic Type R is the BMW M240i and Toyota GR Yaris. What makes the Honda Civic Type R an avant-garde street racer is its skill and the choice of converting the sedan into a racing vehicle on a budget.
A Cult Legend
2. Toyota Supra MK IV
Price: $ 100,000 – a brand-new car.
Between $39,000 and $70,000- 1993 model
While the 4th generation Toyota Supra MK IV might not hold the tag of the fastest car in the world, it has secured legendary status in the street circuit zone.
This one has become a craze after franchise Hollywood movies, the likes of Fast and the Furious (that’s true – the Supra featured with another rocking model – the 2000 Nissan or the Brian’s Skyline) that made the Supra a demi-god as a top racer car.
With numerous mods, its remarkable 2JZ-GTE engine delivers a terrific performance. Like the sporty hypercars, the Toyota Supra MK has impressive velocity but at a reasonable price.
Engine Features:
| Engine | 3.0-liter 2JZ-GTE turbocharged I6 engine |
| Horsepower | Between 320 – 326 hp |
| Torque | Between 315 – 325 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | Between 4.7 – 5.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 177 MPH |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual transmission and 4-speed automatic transmission |
Other Notable Features:
- Front engine, RWD
- Sleek and aerodynamics design
- Pop-up headlights
- Double-bubble roof
Key Competitors:
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28, the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda, and the 1993 Mazda RX-7 are its closest competitors.
The fourth-generation Toyota Supra MK is the most iconic and popular of all four, probably due to the Hollywood angle.
The fact that it can be modified with a few going over 1,000 hp makes it a strong contender as the best street racing car.
An Innovative Fastest Street Racing Car
3. Dodge Charger Daytona
Price: Between $24,000 to $43,991- Dodge Charger Daytona 392
The 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona totally rocks and isn’t just old—it’s awesome! Way back in the late 1960s, car makers wanted slick designs to zoom fast on racetracks. Dodge made this one a real winner.
What’s so great about it? They only built 503 of these cars, just for smashing NASCAR races! It’s got a shiny nose cone and huge 23-inch wings on the back that make it look crazy fast. Plus, it was the first to speed up to 200 miles per hour—wow, that’s huge!
Check out why the Daytona rules:
- Awesome Look: Its metal nose and big wings help it fly down the track.
- NASCAR Star: Made for winning races, it’s a super rare piece of car history.
- Eye-Catcher: People still go wild over its cool, bold style.
Love cars with wild speed and an epic story? The Daytona’s totally your thing!
Engine Features:
| Engine | 7.2-liter 440-inch Magnum V-8 engine. 426-inch Hemi V-8 optional |
| Horsepower | 375 hp |
| Torque | 278 Nm |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 130 MPH |
| Transmission | Four-speed manual and three-speed automatic |
Other Notable Features:
- Sports power steering wheel
- Bucket seats
- Chrome driver’s mirror
- Power brakes and front discs
- Three-speed wipers
- Dayona radial S/R tires
- Locking gas cap
- Aerodynamic exterior
- Slanted nose cone
- Flush rear glass
Key Competitors:
For this classic collector’s pride, the 1960 Dodge Charger Daytona, its successor, is the only competitor worth considering.
It’s the Plymouth Superbird. While both models were considered ugly initially, they were explicitly for NASCAR races with their innovative aerodynamic shapes.
The Daytona was more aerodynamically efficient, giving it a speed advantage of 1 to 3 mph over its successor.
An Expensive Bargain but One of the Best Street Racing Cars
4. BMW M2
Price: $60,000 for 2021 model
Do you want value for money? Go for a BMW M2. It’s worth the price, even though it could be way expensive.
Known to be the best-made “M” car, it will wow you with its pickup from 0 to 60 mph in about 4 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph, listing it among the speediest luxury cars.
The brand is busy revamping the M2, but this one will surely never fail you when it comes to street racing.
Thanks to the impressive acceleration and handling features.
Engine Features:
| Engine | 3.0L turbo engine twin-turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 453 hp |
| Torque | 406 Nm |
| 0-60 MPH | 4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 177 MPH |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual transmission and eight-speed automatic transmission |
Other Notable Features:
- Rear-wheel drive
- Specially-tuned suspension
- Chassis enhancements suitable for street racing
- Spacious interior
- Racy design
- Aggressive body-hugging buckets
Key Competitors:
The Volvo XC90 and the Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 are its closest competitors. Within its competitive set, the BMW M2 is a sure-shot winner due to its optimized features.
It offers a well-balanced ride with a high-end braking system and maneuverability. The chassis is tuned for precision, enabling convenient steering even on curved streets.
The Modern Era of Pony Cars
5. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (2020)
Price: $74,095 (Starting Price)
The most expensive car to feature in our list is the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. It may not win top-speed awards, but it holds its ground regarding street races.
The rear-wheel-drive gives it a superior edge with one of the best acceleration features and a whopping 760 horsepower. The GT500 is the best in the Ford Mustang series.
Famous since 1964 as a top racer car, the GT500 has lived up to its legacy all through. The 2020 GT500 is a unique zest of style, power, and performance. Its design is out of the world, and so are its handling capabilities.
Engine Features:
| Engine | 5.8–liter, 32-valve supercharged V8 engine |
| Horsepower | 760 Hp |
| Torque | 625 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 180 MPH |
Other Notable Features:
- 20-inch carbon-fiber wheels
- Has quicker lap times
- Carbon-fiber instrument panel trim
- Leather-trimmed Recaro front buckets
Key Competitors:
The competitive group includes the Chevy Camaro ZL11LE and the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. The Ford Mustang GT500 is a monster on the road, believe us! It is a powerful beast, the most robust in the Mustang series.
Iconic American Muscle Car
6. Chevrolet Camaro
Price: $72,100
Launched in 1966, the Camaro has some iconic models like the ZL 1 or the Z/28. The most popular variant nowadays is the ZL1, one of the wealthiest street racer cars. Powered by a 6.2 liter V8 engine, the Camarao is regarded as one of the strongest cars for street racing in the US. Its trim is known for an impressive performance combined with an aggressive style. The model accelerates between 0-60 mph in under 3.5 seconds and gains a top speed level of 190 mph or more with precision handling. Be it on the track or the street, this one is truly a legend!
Engine Features:
| Engine | 6.2-liter V8 engine |
| Horsepower | 650 |
| Torque | 650 |
| 0-60 MPH | Under 3.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 190 mph |
Other Notable Features:
- Advanced features like rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning for driver assistance.
- Advanced magnetic suspension technology for precise handling and control.
- With performance traction management, drivers can optimize performance.
- Top Brembo braking system
- Recaro seats (optional) for spirited driving
- Dual-mode exhaust.
Key competitors:
If speed and agility define your driving style, whether you’re racing or cruising the streets, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 stands out among its closest competitors, including the Shelby GT500, Ford Mustang, Challenger SRT Hellcat, BMW M4, and Mercedes-AMG C63 S.
Power Personification
7. Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170
Price: $96,666 (Starting Price)
The SRT Demon 170 has earned the distinct reputation of being one of the first American street racing cars. Priced on a higher side it’s worth the money. A 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine provides the power to the SRT. It can accelerate very fast, from 0 to 60 mph, almost within 1.66 seconds.
The SRT Demon 170, sadly, had limited production – about 3,300 units. However, if you are a racing enthusiast, you can feel the power of a Hermi V8-powered Dodge street racing car in the 2009 Challenger SRT8. This one has a five-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual transmission, with almost 50% the horsepower and torque of the SRT Demon 170.
Engine Features:
| Engine | 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine |
| Horsepower | 1,025 |
| Torque | 945 |
| 0-60 MPH | 1.66 seconds |
| Top Speed | 168 MPH |
Other Notable Features:
- The TranBrake System allows the engine to rev more quickly.
- Wider tires with an aggressive stance and better grip.
- Functional hood air-grabber scoop.
- Drag mode suspension for increased traction during drag racing.
Key competitors:
SRT Demon 170 is an elegant car that beautifully blends performance and power. It competes against the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Ford Mustang GT350, Dodge Charger Hellcat, and Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.
The Heart of a Legend
8. 2024 Nissan GT-R
Price: $122,885
Say goodbye to Godzilla, friends—the 2024 Nissan GT-R is wrapping up its wild 15-year run. Nissan pulled the plug on the R-35 in the U.S. last year, though in Japan it’s hanging on until the end of 2025. You still have a shot—updated 2024 rides, like the slick T-spec Takumi and Skyline editions, stick around while supplies last.
Back in the mix comes the T-spec, sitting pretty between the Premium and the beastly NISMO. That twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-6 is pumping 600 horses in the NISMO, while Premium and T-spec roll with a still-crazy 565. Performance goodies don’t quit—e-adjustable Bilstein dampers and Brembo brakes with carbon-ceramic flair for the hardcore trims are all here. The dual-clutch auto transmission and sticky all-wheel drive team up, blasting that famous GT-R speed. The clock’s ticking, so if you’re dreaming of this monster, you’d better hustle.
Engine Features:
| Engine | 3.8L turbocharged V6 |
| Horsepower | Up to 600 hp |
| Torque | 481 Lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 200 MPH |
| Transmission | 6-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode |
Other Notable Features
Here’s what else rocks:
- Blistering Acceleration: Hits 0-60 in under three seconds, thanks to a 565-hp twin-turbo V6 (600 hp in NISMO).
- Sharp Handling: Sticks to turns with all-wheel drive and a tweakable suspension.
- Powerful Engine: Hand-built 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 slings 467 lb-ft of torque (481 in NISMO).
- Track-Ready Design: Nissan’s top drivers, including Nürburgring pros, tuned it for street or circuit domination.
- Supportive Seats: Front seats are super cozy—leather, heated, holding you snugly.
Key Competitors:
Rivals want to scrap, though. The Audi R8 and Mercedes-AMG GT flex fancy interiors and tech, costing you $153,350 and $136,050 to start—steep! The Porsche 911, kicking off at $116,050, mixes speed with class, offering a smoother ride and a fresher cabin too. Then there’s the Chevrolet Corvette—$67,895 base, matching the GT-R’s zip, cheaper, with newer toys, but no all-wheel drive. The GT-R’s edge? Raw power, track-ready, and easier on the wallet than luxe foes. The downside is the old-school screens and missing safety stuff—purists dig it, but luxury fans might not. Godzilla’s still a legend, even on its way out. Grab one and feel the roar!
Conclusion
We have endeavored to list the top fastest street racing models for you here. We also promise to cover others in another edition of the best racers for the streets.
All geared up for a street race? Consider converting your Honda Civic Type R for a mod transformation. If your pocket permits, you can invest in the Toyota Supra MK IV, the BMW M2, or the GT500 from the Ford Mustang. The Dodge Charger Daytona is the best buy if you want an economical choice.
To make the most of your car’s power, you should use turbos or superchargers. You can also replace coilovers for more responsive cornering, and use tires like Michelin Pilot Sports for improved grip. The ECU tuning can push engines such as the 2JZ found in the Supra to very high power levels. We recommend a pro to have it tuned properly, and refer to your local law before any upgrade. Remember, some of the mods are not allowed for street driving, but they can get you all the way to being a track star!
A street racer is designed for both roads and races. The conventional headlights and comfortable seating means you can use it to run daily errands. Track cars take this stuff out completely in favor of speed, leaving out emissions equipment and interior to save weight. In addition, street racers tend to sacrifice performance in favor of durability. A prime example is the slick suspension of a Camaro. On the other hand, track cars go full-blown with lightweight components that have short lifespans.
Safety’s the top priority in street races. Roll cages save you in crashes. Five-point harnesses keep you locked in tight. Brembo brakes stop you fast, and traction control prevents wipeouts. Add these to your ride for high-speed runs, but stick to legal tracks like drag strips to stay safe and avoid trouble.
Tires can break or make your street racing game. Summer tires, such as Michelin Pilot Sport, stick to a dry road like a glue, which make them ideal to perform drifts. All season tires are good-to-go in mixed weather but compromise stickiness. Drag radials, such as the ones we see in Demon 170, are designed to achieve straight-line acceleration. Wider, softer tires provide more ride. Choose a tire based on where you are going to race.
About the Author: Musa Khan
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