Street racing is an adrenaline-filled underground sport known to many. Today we look into some of the best kinds of vehicles used in today’s street racing scene. This is the most complete and in-depth list consisting of the 20 best street racing cars along with helpful tips, great off-the-lot cars, the best cars to modify, and commonly asked questions regarding street racing.
What is street racing?
Street Racing is usually an illegitimate form of automotive racing that takes place on public roadways. Street racing is either an organized event via a car club or organization or a spontaneous race occurring between two or more drivers upon some form of initiation.
What kinds of street racing are there?
Street Racing comes in many forms. Depending on the way your roadways are set up and how established street racing is in your location it is likely you will find one or two of these kinds of racing common in your area.
Drag Racing
Drag racing is the most basic and common form of street racing around. The premise behind a drag race is two or more vehicles line up beside one another and race in a straight line, the faster vehicle, quicker reaction time, and ability to shift, or whatever else gets you to the indicated finish first is the winner.
Dig
Dig racing is a form of drag racing in which the vehicles start racing from a complete stop.
Roll Racing
Roll racing involves the vehicles racing to start at a specific speed (Rolling) instead of from a stop. This will help to minimize wheel spin and potentially reduce turbo lag.
Racing from Lights
Racing from lights is a type of drag racing where vehicles align themselves at a set of stop lights, then race from a dig and go when the street lights turn green. Usually racing until the next set of street lights or until it is evident one vehicle is quicker or you are forced to stop due to traffic or other obstructions.
Organized Events
Organized street drag racing events are events held by car clubs or organizations in which people drag race other vehicles at specific locations specified by the club. Sometimes these events include racing for money. Organized events may also include legally organized events where there is a blocked-off section of road that’s been discussed with your city and a club.
Drifting
Drifting on the streets often is less of a race and more of an event for fun and thrill. Drifting involves sliding your vehicle sideways in a controlled manner often synchronized (In tandem) with other drivers on a set route.
Touge
Tōge or Touge racing is a type of race originating in Japan but quickly spreading to parts of Europe and North America which usually involves a lead and a chase driver racing up or down a mountain. The reason Touge falls into the drift category is it is common to see Touge races drifted by drivers as the winding mountain roads are great tracks for drifting.
Sprints/Circuits
Circuit and sprint races are races set along specific routes where racers compete to beat one another either to a specific location (sprints) or around a pre-discussed loop (Circuits). In these races, you will typically need a high-power and agile vehicle so you can corner well, brake fast, and accelerate quickly.
Best Cars for Street Racing
The vehicles on this list are not listed by which is better as not one car will fit everyone’s needs, budget, driving intentions, or build plans. The Price, Speed, and Engines will vary by year, condition, model, and country you are in consider this when purchasing a vehicle. The price will be listed in USD and the speeds will be written in MPH for the most part on this list.
This list of vehicles generally pertains to street Drag Racing as this is the most common form of racing found here in North America.
American
1) Cadillac CTS-V
2009-2015
0-60 MPH: 4.2 Seconds
Engine: 6.2L LT4 V8
Price: $15,000 to $85,000
First we have the Cadillac Cts-V. This car is great stock however this car performs best with modifications. The Cadillac Cts-V has extensive aftermarket support making it a great choice for those looking for a street car.
Note:
Great aftermarket support and factory performance.
2) Pontiac G8 GXP
2009
0-60 MPH: 4.5 Seconds
Engine: 6.2L LS3 V8
Price: $15,000 to $37,000
A hidden monster on the list as it is not a flashy ride but performs incredibly. The Pontiac G8 GXP is a great choice for street racing as it is powered by the renowned LS3 which is shared by Corvettes and Camaros extending its aftermarket support and ability to make power.
Note:
Great Aftermarket support. For an easier-to-find and still-able vehicle, the GT models with the 6.0 L67 engine are another great option for modification and street racing.
3) Chevy SS
2013-2017
0-60 MPH: 4.7 Seconds
Engine: 6.2L LS3 V8
Price: $27,000 to $48,500
One of the best sleeper cars to ever exist! The Chevy SS looks quite average but comes with a huge engine and incredible performance all kept beneath a subtle-looking exterior.
Note:
With the LS3* you are easily able to push the vehicle far beyond its already fast factory speeds making it another great choice for street racing.
4) Camaro ZL1
1993+
0-60 MPH: 3.4 to 5.2 Seconds
Engine: 6.2L LT4 V8
Price: $25,000 to $50,000
ZL1 Camaros are tried and true muscle cars dating back to 1969. This is an incredible performing vehicle and great for street racing.
Note:
Great aftermarket support and availability.
5) Mustang GT500
2009+
0-60 MPH: 3.6 to 4.6 Seconds
Engine: 5.2L Predator V8
Price: $10,000 to $127,000
Next up on the list is the Ford Mustang GT500. The GT500 is a monster of a vehicle providing high power, agile suspension, and a beautiful aesthetic. The GT500 will serve you well in the street racing scene.
Note:
The 5.2L Coyote Engine Variant paired with its Whipple supercharger can produce huge amounts of power straight from the factory and with its combined aftermarket support, your options for speed are limitless.
6) Corvette C7 Z06
2014-2019
0-60 MPH: 2.95 to 3.7 Seconds
Engine: 6.2L LT4 V8
Price: $20,000 to $80,000
Another classic vehicle brought up to the high-performance spec of the new era. The Corvette C7 Z06 from 2014 to 2019 will provide you with a great vehicle to race with as it is quick stock and even faster when modified.
Note:
Its’ nimble and sturdy build paired with the LT4 provides you with an incredible street racing car that is relatively easy to find. A great choice to buy and use without modifications.
7) Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye
2021+
0-60 MPH: 3.5 to 4.0 Seconds
Engine: 6.2L Hemi V8
Price: $63,000 to $102,000
A unique spec of the Dodge Charger, the Redeye is a powerful vehicle known to many for its unique look and high performance.
Note:
Cheaper than Dodge Demons and has lots of aftermarket support.
8) Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
2018+
0-60 MPH: 1.66 to 2.3 Seconds
Engine: 6.2L Hemi V8
Price: $84,000 to $250,000
The Fastest 0-60 MPH stock on the list and perhaps the fastest even compared to many modified vehicles also! The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon provides extreme performance and aesthetics, perhaps making it one of the best stock street racing vehicles!
Note:
Incredible 0-60 Speed. Optional modification is possible with its unique yet extensive aftermarket support.
9) Tesla Model 3
2018+
0-60 MPH: 1.99 to 2.3 Seconds
Engine: Dual Rotor Carbon Sleeved Electric Motors
Price: $20,000 to $108,000
The only electric vehicle to appear on the list due to its incredible modern performance. The Tesla Model S Plaid maintains 1000 HP up to 322 KPH (201 MPH).
Note:
The Tesla Plaids are beginning to gain aftermarket support as they are being tested and worked on. This does not allow as much customization as most other vehicles on this list but its quick speed from the factory and ability to download modifications as they are being released makes this perhaps the next step into the future of street racing.
European
10) BMW M3 & M4 Competition G80/G81
2019+
0-60 MPH: 2.5 to 3.8 Seconds
Engine: 3.0L S58 I6
Price: $70,000 to $100,000
The first appearance of a European vehicle on the list features the German-manufactured BMW M3 and M4. The G80/G81 BMW M3 and M4 Comps carry the S58 engine which holds great performance from the factory and even more aftermarket tuning potential.
Note:
The S58 engine is growing as one of the most tunable and performance-driven production BMW I6 engines.
11) Porsche 911 Turbo
2019
0-60 MPH: 2.9 Seconds
Engine: 3.7L H6
Price: $150,000 to $170,000
A beautiful vehicle both visually and performance-wise. The Porsche 911 Turbo is one of the most basic Porsche 911’s. This can seem odd due to the variety of higher trims, but because it’s relatively simple to get your hands on and modify, it makes the list in its lower trim level.
Note:
Great aftermarket support and easy to find.
12) Volkswagen Golf R
2019
0-60 MPH: 4.5 Seconds
Engine:: 2.0L EA888 I4
Price: $20,000 to $50,000
A very unique and inspiring vehicle that creates great power from a small engine propelling its lightweight chassis to incredible speeds.
Note:
The Golf R is an easily accessible and modifiable vehicle making it a great choice for the more low to mid-budget tuners.
Japanese (JDM)
13) Honda Civic K20/K24
0-60 MPH: 6.6 to 6.7 Seconds
Engine: K20/K24
Price: $1000 to $25,000
As controversial as the title suggests Honda Civics are a great choice for those looking to enter the street racing scene! It is strongly advised to find a Honda Civic with a K20 or K24 engine as these will provide the strongest platform for creating a competitive amount of power.
Note:
The easiest to find and modify at the cheapest price point. A properly modified and tuned Honda Civic is not something to take lightly.
Acura Integra's/RSX's
Another vehicle to note is the Acura Integra or RSX. Some of these also carried the K20 and K24 engines allowing for even more opportunity to create a beast of a street racing car by allowing for a larger pick of vehicles.
14) Honda S2000
2005-2009
0-60 MPH: 5.4 to 5.8 Seconds
Engine: 2.2L F20C I4
Price: $15,000 to $50,000
One of the most unique Honda Cars ever produced quickly caught on as a performance sensation known for its impeccable handling and engine tuning/swap potential.
Note:
Large aftermarket support and performance potential.
15) Lexus IS300
1998-2003
0-60 MPH: 6.8 to 7.3 Seconds
Engine: 3.0L 2JZ GE/GTE I6
Price: $5000 to $30,000
The Lexus IS300 is quite a sleeper when modified as its engine which is shared with MK4 Toyota Supras allows you to tune and create huge amounts of power hidden behind the somewhat bland appearance of the early 2000s Lexus.
Note:
The 2Jz carried in these years of IS300 allows you to have one of the most tunable engines at a much cheaper price than a MK4 Supra.
16) Nissan Skylines
Through 1989-2002 a very special few years of the Nissan Skyline were released carrying the RB26DETT engine. The R32, R33, and R34 all carried the RB26DETT and a few other kinds of engines but what makes the RB26DETT engines so great is their ability to make power and propel the Nissan Skylines to incredible speeds especially when tuned.
R32
1989-1994
R33
1995-1998
R34
1998-2002
17) Nissan GTR
2009
0-60 MPH: 3.3 Seconds
Engine: 3.8L VR38DETT V6
Price: $50,000 to $80,000
One of the best Nissan GTRs to acquire and modify. Although fast from the factory in both straight lines and around bends the Nissan GTRs have extensive aftermarket support making it a very versatile street racing option.
Note:
Great Factory and Aftermarket performance, has the potential to be one of the fastest street racing builds.
18) Mitsubishi Evo Lancer 8
2003-2005
0-60 MPH: 4.1 to 4.7 Seconds
Engine: 2.0L 4G63 I4
Price: $1000 to $12,000
The Mitsubishi Evo 8 is a great entry vehicle for street racing, quick around corners, quick on straights, and easy to modify along the way. The Evo 8s are also going to be relatively easy to find if you keep your eyes peeled!
Note:
Great entry vehicle with extensive aftermarket support.
19) Mazda MX5
The Mazda MX5 (this will include Mazda Miatas also) is a lightweight, easy-to-find platform capable of becoming a great street racing car. From the factory, the engine is not going to be your best bet and it is encouraged to engine swap it to create a great street race car.
Engine Swap
The reason MX5s are the pick is because of their ability to engine swap, there are all kinds of engines being swapped into these vehicles. This is because the MX5 platform is very lightweight and versatile meaning the power-to-weight ratio is incredibly easy to increase when doing a proper engine swap.
Note:
Almost all years of MX5s and MX5 Miatas are cheap and easy to find as they were introduced first as affordable and nimble sports cars. The aftermarket support for Mazda MX5s is huge, so transforming this vehicle into whatever you need is very easy. (There are no stats included because engine swapping is assumed.)
20) Toyota Supra Mk IV
1993-2002
0-60 MPH: 5.4 Seconds
Engine: 3.0L 2JZ-GE/GTE I6
Price:
Unfortunately being able to get an affordable MK4 Supra is not so simple as their value has shot up to an unrealistic amount because of their increased popularity. To get a cheaper 2JZ vehicle go back up and check out the Lexus IS300 again.
Note:
Incredible tuning potential and aftermarket support. Unfortunately very unaffordable for the vehicle you receive because of their increased popularity.
-Toyota Supra Mk V
2019+
0-60 MPH: 3.9 Seconds
Engine: 3.0L B58 I6 (A BMW built engine)
Price: $20,000 to $70,000
The newly released Toyota MK5 Supra is here to revive the Supra name for street cars. The newest Supra addition to the Toyota family has quickly gained an immense amount of aftermarket support and performance/tuning potential.
Note:
A great choice for a modern street car quick from the factory and a growing community of aftermarket support.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the best Budget Street Racing Car?
The best budget street racing car would be a tie between modifying a K20/K24 Honda Civic or the Mitsubishi Evolution Lancer 8. These are both great options for a beginner on a tight budget looking to begin racing on the street! However great deals do appear for other vehicles seen on the list, as well as newly released vehicles which could perhaps be a more suitable option. Keep up with the aftermarket and street racing communities to be updated about the best picks.
What is the best factory Street Racing Car?
Out of the gates where money is no object the new Dodge Challenger SRT Demon will serve you well. The Dodge Demon is a drag racing car sold to drive on the streets with an astonishing 0-60 MPH time and respectable top speed; this is a great choice for a street racing vehicle from the factory.
Is Street Racing Legal?
Street racing is generally illegal in most parts of the world. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Safety Risks: Street racing poses significant dangers to both participants and the public. High-speed driving on public roads can lead to serious accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
2. Traffic Laws: Most jurisdictions have strict traffic laws that prohibit racing, reckless driving, and speeding. Engaging in street racing often involves violating these laws.
3. Public Nuisance: Street racing can be a public nuisance, causing noise disturbances and traffic disruptions.
5. Legal Consequences: Those caught participating in street racing can face severe legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and even jail time.
While organized and sanctioned racing events held on closed tracks are legal and often regulated for safety, unsanctioned street racing on public roads remains illegal in most areas.
Disclaimer
Street racing is not a legal or safe thing to do. Understand the risks and consequences of undertaking any action of this sort. Street racing can lead to severe legal repercussions and is not condoned by 74Customs or its associates. This is simply a list of high-performance vehicles commonly used by those who participate in such activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top 20 best street racing vehicles for 2024 highlight a mix of old legends and modern technology that have captured the hearts of racing fans. These cars, whether vintage Japanese or modern muscle, are known for their speed, and performance potential.
Remember, while these cars are built for speed, it’s important to race safely and legally. Enjoy the excitement of these amazing vehicles, but always prioritize safety in controlled environments. As we look ahead, we can expect even more exciting developments in the world of street racing.
