30 Everyday Cars That Can Outrun Squad Cars

29. GMC Syclone

In the 1980s, GM experimented with turbocharged engines, which was in sync with industry trends back then. Interestingly, GM took an ordinary S10 body shell and installed a 4.3-liter V6 with a turbocharger to produce 280 HP in it. They also used a special four-speed automatic they sourced from a Corvette and a performance-based all-wheel drive.

Although the power figures may not be impressive these days, the Syclone was able to sprint to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. This made it faster than contemporary Ferraris. The key was its light weight, small dimensions and torque from the turbocharged engine. Because the price was significantly higher than the regular model, GMC built less than 3,000 of them. Also, most of them come in the signature black color.

28. Mazdaspeed 6

Emerging in 2006, the Mazdaspeed6 is an affordable performance car they disguised as an economy family four-door. However, Mazda designed this car to be the perfect driver’s machine in sheep’s clothing. Under the hood is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 HP. It sends power to all four wheels over its intelligent AWD system and six-speed manual transmission.

They hid the Mazdaspeed6 advanced hardware under their regular body style. The only difference is the grille and a few subtle modifications. Even the most experienced car fans have trouble telling which is a regular Mazda 6 and which is the crazy Mazdaspeed 6.

27. Mercury Marauder

Even though Ford never intended the Grand Marquis to be a performance car, Mercury decided to turn it into one. So, they installed a highly tuned 4.6-liter V8 with 302 HP, as well as a revised suspension, gearbox and brakes. All those changes turned this sleepy, comfy sedan into a sharp muscle car. It came in three colors, but the black Marauder had the most menacing looks and an aggressive stance, differentiating it from its sedate cousins.

Also, the performance was impressive for a big, heavy sedan. It could go from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds. However, the biggest asset was its appearance. Just the sight of this big, black sedan in your rearview mirror could make you want to pull over to the side of the road.

26. Nissan Sentra SE-R

The Sentra SE-R was one of the most surprising economy cars from the early 2000’s. It featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission. In fact, the engine delivered 175 HP to the front wheels. But from the outside, the Sentra looked as ordinary as any other economy compact. However, when the driver pressed the gas, this little sedan could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds, embarrassing other pricier cars.

Since it was affordable even when new, it is inexpensive now. So, look for cars in the 2004 to 2006 model years. Even when new, the Nissan Sentra didn’t get much attention on the streets since it looked like other economy sedans. However, today, many people are amazed by its performance.

25. Chevrolet SS

Unfortunately, the Chevrolet SS is out of production, but dealers have enough unsold cars to offer you one right now. And you should do that since the SS is one of the best affordable performance sedans on the market today. With a 6.2-liter V8, 412 HP, precise steering and neutral handling, this car rivals Europe’s finest sports sedans.

The performance numbers are respectable. A 0 to 60 mph sprint is possible in just 4.7 seconds, while top speeds are over 150 mph. The Chevrolet SS is a valuable proposition for people who need a practical sedan but also want a sports car. The styling is elegant and unassuming, which is good since this car can surprise many regular sports models with its performance.

24. Buick Regal GS

One of the cars that helped Buick re-emerge is the Regal. It is a family sedan Opel in Europe designed. Aside from the regular Regals with front-wheel drive, Buick produced the Regal GS. It is one of the best affordable performance sedans on the market. The GS comes with unassuming looks and compact dimensions, but it has a highly-capable powertrain. The Regal GS was the first true performance car in Buick’s lineup since the GNX in the mid-80s.

The secret of the Regal GS is its engine. It is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 270 HP. The power goes to all four wheels over an advanced AWD system. And the six-speed manual transmission makes driving fun and engaging. Due to compact dimensions and relatively light weights, the Regal GS can reach 60 mph in around six seconds. And since this is Buick, the interior is luxurious.

23. Volkswagen Golf R

The R is the top of the line Golf with a powerful four-cylinder turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. It delivers a brutal performance for a family hatchback. The R version is the derivate of the mighty R32 Golfs from the early 2000’s with 3.2-liter naturally aspirated V6 engines.

However, the latest versions feature a smaller, more powerful 2.0-liter turbo four that delivers 292 HP. As you can expect, the performance is brutal for a family compact. Going from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.5 seconds and this car can top 155 mph. Even though this is a hot hatch and hot hatches usually come with flamboyant designs, scoops and spoilers, the Golf R is restrained and discrete.

22. GMC Typhoon

GMC equipped its Typhoons with a 4.3-liter V6 engine with a turbocharger and intercooler. The power output was 280 HP, which is not that impressive today. But back in 1991, it was a nice number. Also, the automatic transmission, performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system and suspension enhanced the performance. The Typhoon could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.

The rest of the package included a special trim, luxury interior appointments, special colors and wheel choices. It was also limited in production. Although the performance figures were not that unique in 2017, the Typhoon could outrun a Ferrari 348 back then. It can still surprise many performance cars at the stoplight.

21. BMW E39 M5

The M5 BMW built from 1998 to 2003 is widely considered one of the best performance sedans of all time. In fact, it was the best M5 model, as well as a prime example of a proper German muscle car. The BMW M Power department transformed the E39 5-series into a fantastic machine with numerous upgrades.

The heart of the car was a glorious S62 4.9-liter V8 engine with 400 HP. And it sent all its power to the rear wheels through the six-speed manual, which was the only transmission choice. The result was the ultimate driver’s sedan and an instant classic that could jump to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. It had a top speed of 155 mph, even though they electronically limited it. Today, the E39 M5 is still an obtainable and affordable car.

20. Mazdaspeed 3

The perfect example of an overpowered and brutal front-wheel drive car is the legendary Mazdaspeed 3. Mazda presented it in 2007, and it was a hot hatch with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 263 HP, which was a crazy number to send to the front wheels.

However, despite its severe torque steer, the Mazdaspeed 3 was a capable, rapid car. It brought many customers to the dealerships, reintroducing Mazda as a prime affordable performance brand in the U.S.

19. Volkswagen Passat W8

With the restyling of the then-current B5 generation of the mid-size sedan, Volkswagen introduced a special edition with top of the line technology. It had an advanced 4.0-liter W8 gasoline engine and a four-motion all-wheel-drive system. Customers got a selection of manual and automatic transmissions. Also, this top of the line model had all luxury features and creature comforts as standard.

The result was a perfect sleeper performance car in an unassuming Passat body. The compact, yet powerful W8 engine delivered 270 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque. And that was enough to propel the somewhat heavy Passat to just over six-second 0 to 60 mph times.

18. Volvo V60 Polestar

This is one interesting station wagon, as well as one of the best driving cars in its class. As a spiritual successor to the classic 850 R Wagon, the V60 brings elegance and quality craftsmanship. Also, you get power and performance in the exclusive Polestar package. Best yet, under the hood is a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine with 345 HP and intelligent all-wheel drive.

This combo is capable of 0 to 60 mph times of just over five seconds. Yet, it still provides decent fuel economy and functioning, like any regular Volvo station wagon. However, after you’ve dropped your kids at school and are done running your errands, the only thing you need is to press the accelerator pedal to let the fun begin.

17. Audi RS3

From the outside, you could mistake the new RS3 Sedan for a regular A3 four-door since it retains the elegance and same proportions as the standard sedan. So, you might think that this is another rather boring compact sedan with nothing to show. But, as soon as you press the gas pedal you will understand how wrong you were. The 2.5-liter unit delivers 400 HP and 354 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful car in its class.

The power goes to all four wheels over the signature electronically-controlled Quattro AWD system. And AWD also ensures the perfect traction and grip in all driving conditions. All of this translates to incredible performance. The RS3 Sedan is capable of reaching 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, topping 174 mph.

16. Mercedes CLA 45 AMG

The Mercedes CLA 45 is a compact executive sedan with an angry 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. This combo, along with 381 HP produces astonishing acceleration times and brutal driving dynamics.

The small dimensions, along with the composed handling and sublime performance are what makes this compact sedan the perfect getaway car.

15. Cadillac ATS-V

Cadillac unveiled the ATS-V in 2016. It was the newest American muscle four-door car that was compact but immensely powerful. With this model, Cadillac attacked the likes of Mercedes C Class and BMW 3 Series with a modern executive sedan. It came with recognizable styling and brutal power.

Under the hood is a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 engine with 464 HP and 445 lb-ft of torque. It is enough to launch the ATS-V from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and top speeds of an astonishing 189 mph. And even though the ATS-V doesn’t have a V8, it is still a proper muscle car. In fact, it’s a precision driver’s machine available in a two-door form, as well.

14. Ford Taurus SHO

For decades, fast and stealth cars were a European specialty. However, with the introduction of Ford Taurus SHO, Americans had their own muscle sedan. But the best and the fastest is the current model. In fact, it is one of the coolest and most usable performance cars you can buy.

With its 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine delivering 365 HP to all four wheels over a six-speed automatic transmission, the Taurus SHO is capable of a convincing performance and high top speeds.

13. Chevrolet Cobalt SS

Although they discontinued it, most car fans will remember the Cobalt SS as one of the best and most powerful American compact cars. Available as a supercharged, turbocharged or naturally aspirated model, the best SS was the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder they introduced in 2008.

The engine delivered 260 HP, which was astonishing by the standards of the day and more than any of the competitors. Also, the Cobalt SS had big tuning potential, so it is easy to get even more power from this engine.

12. Honda Civic Type R

The new performance Civic looks like every racer’s dream with its numerous spoilers, scoops and air vents. The aggressive design, great performance and JDM appeal make this Civic a valuable, sought-after addition to the hot hatch class. For a long time, Honda has resisted the temptation to turbocharge its performance engines.

But now, the Civic Type R has exactly that under the hood like any other competitor in class. The 2.0-liter turbo-four delivers 306 HP. Better yet, it can propel this nasty-looking Civic to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and top 170 mph. However, the acceleration times are somewhat slower than the competitors because the Civic is front-wheel drive and not AWD like most models in its class.

11. Ford Focus RS

Under the hood of the new Focus RS, there is a 2.3-liter turbocharged unit that delivers 345 HP to all four wheels. This makes the Focus RS a capable hot hatch beast. The performance is incredible since getting from 0 to 60 mph takes only 4.7 seconds. Also, its top speed is 165 mph.

This kind of performance deserves special packaging. So, the Focus RS has a unique front spoiler, bulging fenders and side skirts. And simply looking at this furious compact will tell you that this is a genuinely fast Ford.

10. Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk

There were fast SUVs before Jeep introduced the Trackhawk and there will be long after the Trackhawk is gone. However, this glorious machine deserves a place on this list for two reasons. First, it has the infamous 707 Hellcat Hemi engine under the hood. Second, with a 3.4-second 0 to 60 mph time, this makes it faster than most supercars. So, if you think Jeeps are slow workhorses, think again.

9. Subaru Impreza WRX

Under the hood of the WRX is a flat-four engine with 2.5-liters of displacement and a turbocharger. And that combination delivers 305 HP to all four wheels via the six-speed manual. It’s a true driver’s car with a proper manual gearbox, great road holding and enough power to make this car fly.

The performance numbers are respectable with 5.1 seconds from 0 to 60 mph and 160 mph top speeds. Since this is a four-door car, it is also quite practical since it can seat five people and it has a decent trunk, too.

8. Ford F150 Raptor

Here’s a vehicle a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 churning out 450 HP with 510 lb-ft, 10-speed automatic transmission and sub-five-second acceleration times. Although these figures suggest this is an exotic supercar, it’s a full-size pickup truck. It even has room for five people and a regular truck bed behind.

Of course, this is not your ordinary pickup. In fact, the Ford Raptor is the closest thing to a full Baja 1000 racing vehicle you can buy today and drive on the streets.

7. Pontiac G8

Pontiac thought that a rear-wheel-drive sedan would help them fight their European competitors. The G8 was a good idea and with Pontiac’s redesign and small-block V8 engines, it was quite an effective performance sedan, too. The base engine was an impressive solid 3.5-liter V6 with 256 HP.

But the real deal was the G8 GXP with a 6.2-liter V8 and 415 HP. Also, the G8 came with high levels of standard equipment, as well as a long list of optional extras along. And it is famous for providing a great driving performance.

6. Chrysler 300 C SRT-8

The Chrysler 300 C is an interesting car. Not only it is one of the last true American boxy-looking sedans with big V8 power and a chrome grille, but it is also a successful model that has been on the market for almost 15 years. To some viewers, it looks like a typical rental car and nothing to be excited about.

They equipped the 300 C SRT-8 with a 6.1-liter V8 Hemi engine pumping out 425 HP. It came with a glorious soundtrack, thanks to its twin tailpipes. The SRT-8 was a fast and capable car. In fact, a sprint from 0 to 60 mph takes around 4.9 seconds with top speeds over 170 mph.

5. Lincoln LS

The first of the modern Lincolns was the LS, which Lincoln introduced in 2000. Soon, it became one of the most interesting American sedans. The LS was much smaller, nimbler and modern looking than other Lincolns because it had the Jaguar S-Type chassis and engines.

However, the LS looked distinctively American and buyers loved the performance. What made it stand out was that the equipment and driving dynamics were different from all the other big, heavy sedans Lincoln produced.

4. Toyota Camry V6

The Toyota Camry was never famous as a performance car. In reality, it has always been a boring sedan for family-oriented buyers. However, just look at the stats of the 2018 model. Toyota equipped it with a 3.5-liter V6 engine.

This engine sent 301 HP to the front wheels over its intelligent eight-speed automatic. The new Camry can achieve 0 to 60 mph times in 5.7 seconds, which is significantly faster than some classic muscle cars.

3. BMW 550i

From the outside, the new 550i looks like any other executive sedan. But underneath the metal, lies the technology of a super sedan. Just look at the specs: a 4.4-liter V8 engine with 456 HP, all-wheel drivetrain and eight-speed automatic gearbox.

With the help of mighty electronic systems, the new BMW 550i can jump to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds. And that was supercar territory not too long ago.

2. Subaru Forester 2.5

Nobody would consider the 2005 Forester XT a performance machine. After all, it is a mid-size family SUV concentrated on comfort, but with a twist. The Forester 2.5 XT has a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine with 207 HP and extremely capable all-wheel drive.

And that all adds up to a surprising 0 to 60 mph time. In fact, this car can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. That makes it the Porsche Cayenne Turbo’s rival.

1. Dodge Spirit R/T

The Spirit was an economy model Dodge introduced in the late ’80s. But then Dodge presented the R/T version and things got interesting. The base engine, which was a 2.2-liter four-cylinder producing only 90 HP got a turbo upgrade. In fact, it puts out an impressive 224 HP with 218 lb-ft of torque.

For the 1991 model year, this was a hefty power level from an economy car. The new power raised the performance to a whole new level. The Spirit R/T could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than six seconds, which was Corvette territory in 1991. These are the 30 common everyday cars that are too fast for the police. Although it’s not a good idea to run from the law, all of these vehicles are capable getaway cars. Which one did you choose?