Forza Horizon 5: The best cars in each class

Forza Horizon 5’s Performance Index does a wonderful job of categorising similar performing cars, based on various metrics, in one consolidated group. Through allocating alphanumeric values, players can find cars ranging from the slowest (the D class) to the fastest (the S2 class).

Almost all of the cars featured can be modified to meet your needs but based on base class stats, which are the best from each car class? Here's what you need to know about the best car from each car class in Forza Horizon 5, based on speed, acceleration, braking, handling and more.

Best S2 class car

The variety of cars in this class are quite limited as they all are geared for road and street racing. Relying on speed and acceleration, these cars hardly need performance upgrades as they are already some of the fastest in the game.

As it is hard to pick just one car that encompasses what players need to charge down the asphalt, we had to go for the Apollo Intensa Emozione. It will require players to tweak around with the car’s tuning, but once you have found the right layout, it beautifully grips onto the road without much effort and it can take corners at record speeds.

• Speed: 7.4
• Handling: 10
• Acceleration: 7.7
• Launch: 8.4
• Braking: 10
• Offroad: 3.9

Nevertheless, as impressive as the Apollo Intensa Emozione is, purchasing it will cost you 1,5000,000CR at the Autoshow -- an eye-watering sum. It can also be won through Wheelspin or Super Wheelspin, by bidding on it at the Auction House or if you own the “Welcome Pack” DLC, you will have the car delivered to your garage for free.

Best S1 class car

We start to see a greater variety of cars in the S1 class, opening up the Autoshow to pick any car to meet our racing demands. A great way of determining which car from this class type would be best to invest in, is to look at the Rivals leaderboards which should show certain cars appearing more frequently on the leaderboard.

But if you don’t have time to waste staring at the leaderboards, we would recommend a car that works well in races but with a more technical layout. The 2005 Honda NSX-R GT would fit the profile as a well-rounded car great for racing and everything in-between (except for off-roading activities).

• Speed: 6.4
• Handling: 6.7
• Acceleration: 5.6
• Launch: 4.4
• Braking: 5.6
• Offroad: 4.5

However, this car cannot be acquired through Autoshow. As such, players can either bid on the car at the Auction House or wait for the listing to appear at the Forzathon Shop or Festival Playlist.

Best A class car

The A class boasts a wide array of cars. If you’re looking for a car to tackle the mountainous regions of Mexico, we would suggest the Sierra RX3. Looking for a car to drive around the tight corners of the scenic beach roads, then the Dodge Dart Hemi Super Stock would be our pick for the job.

But our overall pick goes to the well-rounded 1997 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-SPEC. With the base stats in mind, showcased in Speed and Handling, the Nissan Skyline GT-R V-SPEC can outperform most cars in its class, as long as you install the right performance upgrades.

• Speed: 6.1
• Handling: 5.7
• Acceleration: 4.8
• Launch: 2.5
• Braking: 3.7
• Offroad: 5.4

Not only is this car affordable to get from the Autoshow at 37,000CR, but players can possibly find it even cheaper at the Auction House or chance their luck with Wheelspins and Super Wheelspins.

Best B class car

As we go lower through the car classes, we should see more cars becoming available at reasonable prices. While these cars aren’t the best performing, based on braking and handling stats, they can go from A to B in races and are quite favourable with most players.

The 2016 Honda Civic Type-R is a standout car in this class, largely due to its turbocharged engine and powerful front-wheel drive. As one of the fastest hatches around, it would be a mistake not to add this hot car to your garage.

• Speed: 6.5
• Handling: 6.0
• Acceleration: 4.7
• Launch: 4.8
• Braking: 4.3
• Offroad: 4.6

Purchasing the 2016 Honda Civic Type-R will set you back 38,000CR from the Autoshow.

Best C class car

If you're looking for a car you can take off-roading, street racing and drag racing, our pick would be the 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. Not only is this one of the most powerful Dodges ever manufactured but it is also truly iconic as it featured heavily in the “Dukes of Hazzard” TV series.

• Speed: 5.2
• Handling: 3.8
• Acceleration: 3.6
• Launch: 3.5
• Braking: 2.4
• Offroad: 5.2

The car is easy to get in Forza Horizon 5 as it can be driven off the Autoshow floor room for 103,000CR. It can also be acquired through Wheelspins and the Auction House.  Furthermore, there is an Achievement, “Long Gone” linked to the car if it’s used to compete in the Goliath race event.

Best D class car

The slowest, most underwhelming cars are relegated to the D class, but it’s not all doom and gloom. Having previously focused on speed and acceleration, we now turn our attention to a car that can tackle the rugged terrain of Mexico without batting an eye. For this reason, we have to go for the 2020 Ford Super Duty F-450 DRW Platinum.

• Speed: 4.6
• Handling: 3.1
• Acceleration: 4.3
• Launch: 7.3
• Braking: 2.7
• Offroad: 8.1 

The 2020 Ford Super Duty F-450 DRW Platinum is available for 70,000CR from the Autoshow.

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Featured image courtesy of Playground Games / Xbox Game Studios.