Performance automobiles, as opposed to conventional cars, typically have lightweight materials, powerful engines, and high-tech aerodynamics/suspension systems. They are more expensive, faster, nimble, and balanced than traditional cars. Automobiles from Porsche, Ferrari, McLaren, and Lamborghini all have a level of finesse that every sports car lover seeks. That is why people pay exorbitant prices for these moving pieces of technology. The disadvantage is that the majority of them are not suitable for daily driving.
Small storage capacity and limited passenger space are some of the downsides of these types. Those that ride too low also difficult to enter and exit. Some of the vehicles on this list have low fuel efficiency, necessitating numerous trips to the gas station. Others, such as the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and the Ferrari F8 Tributo, have far too much raw power for city driving. Both the Ford GT and the Chevy Camaro ZL1 have limited outward visibility. The list is endless. Continue reading to find out which high-performance vehicles are unsuitable for daily use and why.
Mercedes-Benz GT R Pro
The Mercedes AMG GT R Pro is a track toy developed by Mercedes AMG based on the GT R. Because the GT R Pro is a limited edition vehicle, only a few fans will ever get to experience its exciting driving experience. It, like the ordinary Mercedes-AMG GT R, is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. The output is still 577 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The acceleration time from zero to 60 mph is 3.5 seconds, and the top speed is 198 mph.
It has aerodynamic enhancements, lightweight construction, and a track-tuned suspension for racetrack supremacy. It also offers an impressive list of entertainment and advanced safety technology features. However, due to limitations such as a loud exhaust tone, a harsh ride, and low fuel economy, it is not suitable for daily travel. Because of the low ground clearance, driving over speed bumps and potholes will be difficult.
Tribute to the Ferrari F8
The 2023 F8 Tributo is a top-tier convertible supercar with outstanding performance. The F8 Tributo is powered by a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine mated to a 7-speed automated transmission. It produces 710 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. The Ferrari accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and tops out at 211 mph. The handling is precise, and the whole driving experience is typical of an exotic supercar.
Every journey in the F8 Tributo is special, thanks to its unusual soundscape and exceptional performance. If you decide to use it as your everyday driver, you will have to accept the high fuel consumption. It also has a limited load capacity and a low ground clearance. Prepare for a lot of unwanted attention as well as expensive maintenance.
R8 V10 Plus Audi
The Audi R8 V10 Plus is a gorgeous supercar with a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic shell that combines style and performance. The engine is a 5.2-liter V10 mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The engine produces 610 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque from the Quattro all-wheel drive system. This permits the Audi R8 V10 Plus to reach 60 mph in 3.2 seconds.
With enough roads, it can reach a top speed of 205 miles per hour. It also has a sumptuous interior that includes heated and ventilated sports seats as well as a quality sound system. However, it is one of those supercars that is difficult to drive and requires large sums of money to keep running on a daily basis. Aside from the exorbitant starting price, the Audi R8 V10 Plus rides on high-end tires and consumes a lot of premium petrol. The cost of the exciting performance is practicality and economy.
Final Edition Lotus Exige Cup 430
The Lotus Exige debuted in 2000 as a more aggressive version of the Elise Roadster. The Exige has evolved into a high-performance sports car with several driving thrills over a three-generation production life. Lotus showcased a trio of last-edition Exiges after multiple upgrades over the course of 21 years. The Exige Cup 430 is the top-of-the-line Exige, with a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine.
With 430 horses and 325 lb-ft of torque, it can reach 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and top out at 174 mph (restricted). The Lotus Exige will be missed for its speed and lightweight brilliance, among other things. Despite its superb performance and handling, it is not practical as a daily driver. It has minimal cargo space and little comfort in a sparsely furnished and noisy cabin. Entry and egress are difficult due to the low ride height, and the ride is rough due to the firm suspension.
Mustang Shelby GT500 by Ford
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is a four-wheeled beast. Another beast lurks beneath the hood: the 5.2-liter supercharged Predator V8 engine. The Shelby GT500 is one of the most powerful Ford production automobiles, with 760 foaming ponies and 625 lb-ft of torque. A lightning-fast 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission powers the Predator’s rear wheels.
According to the manufacturer, the car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and has a top speed of 202 mph. It is not just fast, but also agile and well-balanced. On the other hand, the inside of this complex and pricey vehicle is very similar to that of a conventional Mustang. It also has poor fuel efficiency when compared to competitors. The engine’s absurd power, though, makes it unsuited for regular driving.
4C Alfa Romeo
The Alfa Romeo 4C made its production debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show as a 2-door mid-engined coupe. The jury is still out on whether the 4C was a spectacular flop or an underappreciated sports vehicle. For its final model year, 2020, it was only available as a convertible with a carbon fiber chassis. It has a supercar style and construction, as well as razor-sharp handling. The power comes from a 1.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
With 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, it accelerates to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. As a track toy, it checks all the criteria, but we can’t say the same for regular driving. The bare-bones cabin is cramped and uncomfortable, with no sound insulation. Furthermore, it has few current technological capabilities, and the cargo room is limited. Because of a lack of power steering, steering effort is high at low speeds.
911 GT3 RS from Porsche
The GT3 RS is the track champion of all Porsche 911 versions on the road and the ideal car for driving aficionados. It is a German technical marvel with aggressive cutting-edge aerodynamics and features such as an adjustable splitter and an adjustable rear wing. The GT3 RS, like F1 vehicles, has DRS (Drag Reduction System). Unlike high-performance cars that rely on forced induction, the GT3 RS is powered by a naturally aspirated engine.
The high-revving 4.0-liter flat-6 engine produces 518 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque via a lightning-fast 7-speed PDK automated transmission. The acceleration from zero to 62 mph takes 3.2 seconds, with a top speed of 184 mph. However, the exceptional track prowess is too excessive for a daily driver. It has a loud exhaust and a rough ride in an interior that is lacking in comfort.
The Ford GT
The Ford GT is a rear mid-engined two-seater that debuted in 2005. In the 2022 model year, the GT is one of the quickest production automobiles on the market, and not even a tornado can slow it down. The engine is a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that produces 660 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque using a 7-speed dual-clutch automated transmission.
The Ford GT’s performance is nothing short of astonishing, requiring under three seconds to reach 60 mph from rest. On its route to a top speed of 216 mph, it obliterates the quarter mile in 10.8 seconds at 134 mph. Drivers can change performance and handling by using the various driving modes. The Ford GT, however, will never be a grocery-getter because of its noisy engine, restricted visibility, and little cargo space. Furthermore, it is difficult to enter and exit.
ZL1 Chevrolet Camaro
The fire-breathing dragon The Camaro ZL1 debuted in 1969 as a special-order dragstrip champion. The ZL1 continues to amaze gearheads with outstanding horsepower and nimble handling in its sixth generation. It is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine. A 6-speed manual transmission is normal, although a 10-speed automatic transmission is available.
With 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. It had a quarter-mile time of 11.4 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph. Unfortunately, this track day monster is not a good choice for a daily driver. Camaros’ owners remain silent about a variety of issues, including poor outside visibility. Furthermore, the little rear seat is nearly unusable, and the small trunk has an equally short entrance. You should look elsewhere for a daily driver.
The Lexus LFA
The Lexus LFA is a high-performance automobile produced in limited numbers by the Japanese carmaker between 2010 and 2012. It is a two-seater mid-engine coupe made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. A 4.8-liter V10 engine produces 552 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. The engine was co-developed by Lexus experts and Yamaha, who modified it to generate a magnificent soundscape.
It accelerates the LFA from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds when combined with a 6-speed automatic sequential gearbox. The LFA has a top speed of 202 mph when given enough runway. However, aside from performance, the costly supercar has aged and lacks new technological capabilities. It also costs a lot of money to keep it running because of its high maintenance expenses and poor fuel efficiency. Overall, the Lexus LFA is not a suitable investment for daily use.
