Side-by-Side Comparison: Which of These Cars Has a Higher Top Speed?

AUTO

By: Robin Tyler

7 Min Quiz

Image: By Axion23 (Koenigsegg One:1), via Wikimedia Commons / By Matti Blume from Wikimedia Commons / By Ghoster, from Wikimedia Commons

About This Quiz

There is nothing quite like that true feeling of speed! When the images on the sides of your vision begin to blur and it's just you, your car and the track ahead, you know you're going fast- yes all feats of speed should be done in total safety, like at a race day at your local track.

Since the invention of the car in the late 1800s, drivers have been obsessed with getting everything out of their engines to ensure more speed. Just think of the Prohibition era in the United States. Bootleggers modified their vehicles to outperform those of the authorities, ensuring that they could get their illegal liquor across the country without being caught. And for that, they needed to outrun the police. Hence speed was important!  

Each year, new models are released, be it a hypercar, supercar, muscle car or a family sedan. Their overall top speed always forms part of the vehicle specifications released to the public. So, for this side-by-side comparison quiz, it's all about which is the faster vehicle. We will give you two options and it is up to you to decide which has the faster top speed. Some will be easy, some more difficult and will require some thinking on your part.

Are you ready? Good luck!

Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

The Taurus offers an excellent ride, has plenty of trunk space and has an impressive infotainment system. Performance-wise, it will reach a top speed of around 111 mph. The AMC Pacer, made famous by the "Wayne's World," movie is nothing like the Taurus... and neither can it match it for top speed. The Pacer will hit around 88 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

This compact crossover SUV was launched by Range Rover in 2011. It is available in a three- and five-door version and either as a two- or four-wheel drive and is capable of 135 mph. Its spiritual cousin is not nearly as quick with the Land Rover capable of only around 75 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

Named after the founder of the company, the Opel Adam was launched in 2012. It currently competes for market share in the city car class. This three-door hatchback has three powerplant options, from 1.0 liter to 1.4 liter, with a top speed of 121 mph. A rival in the city car class, the Toyota Aygo reaches 98 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

In 1959, the Mini Mk 1 was introduced to the world. And what a popular car it proved to be. Early versions of the Mini reached around 75 mph as a top speed. A similar vehicle in terms of size, the Fiat 500 was popular in Europe with the Nuova 500 Sport clocking about 65 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

Known for their sports cars, the LM002 was a massive departure for Lamborghini. It was built between 1986 and 1993 with 328 made. It had a top speed of 130 mph, significantly more than a similar vehicle, the Hummer H3, which could only reach 94 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

A four-door saloon car with epic performance – yes, that’s the Maserati Quattroporte! The top of the range model features a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 that pushes out an astonishing 523 brake horsepower and a top speed of 192 mph. In terms of executive luxury, you do not get better than the Mercedes Benz C Class. Its AMG model is governed to 155 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

Without a doubt, the Model T from Ford is one of the most iconic cars ever built. Not only did Henry Ford make a car that was affordable to the ordinary citizens of the United States, but he was able to produce them at such a rate to be able to keep up with the demand. From 1908 to 1927, 15 million Model T's were sold in the United States. The Model T had a top speed of 45 mph. By contrast, a similar car when the Model T was introduced, the Oldsmobile Curved Dash could reach speeds of 20 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

With its ample cargo space, an incredible range of powerplants, great handling and refined luxury, the Audi A7 is a crucial part of the German manufacturer's fleet. Another impressive aspect is the plethora of features that come standard with the vehicle. It can reach 130 mph. A similar vehicle, Volkswagen's new Atlas, will reach around 113 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

The Challenger was first introduced in 1970 as a muscle car. Since reintroduction in 2008 more than 400,000 Challengers have been sold. Models with the largest powerplants can hit around 155 mph. The Chrysler Prowler, however, although it has a certain look about it, only reaches 126 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

For lovers of all things American over foreign cars, the Regal makes perfect sense. And it goes like the clappers! The regal will hit 150 mph. In contrast, the Acura RDX, although almost as fast, will only reach 135 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

A real looker, The SJ was only for the rich and famous. After all, it was produced during the depression, so the man on the street was certainly not going to get behind the wheel. These cars had a supercharged motor and were capable of traveling at more than 100 mph. A similar vehicle from that era, the Bugatti Type 57, although released around half a decade after the SJ, could not beat it for top speed, coming in at about 95 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

Another Korean offering, the K900 boasts a spacious, well-finished interior, many impressive standard features, as well as a comfortable, smooth ride at speeds topping out at 149 mph. In comparison, another passenger sedan, the Ford Taurus top-of-the-range models will reach around 145 mph, making the K900 slightly quicker.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

The Civic is one of Honda's most popular models and it's not hard to see why. Ample space, both for passengers and cargo, a smooth, quiet ride, excellent handling and brilliant gas mileage make the Civic hard to beat. It has a top speed of 131 mph, faster than the Opel Adam which reaches 121 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

Well, as you probably already know, if you want a Lamborghini, be prepared to fork out some serious cash. The Centenario, which can reach 186 mph in just 23 seconds will cost you $1.9 million. The Lotus Esprit V8, although older, could almost beat the top speed of the Centenario. It could reach 175 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

This mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car was first marketed by Alfa Romeo in 2014. It is powered by a 1.75 L turbocharged engine that produces 237 brake horsepower. The 4C's top speed is 160 mph. It's faster than a Ferrari you know well, 1982's 308 model, but only just.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

The Impala name is synonymous with Chevrolet. This iconic brand first hit the vehicle market in 1958. Now in its tenth generation, the Impala is still a brand in demand in the United States. Top-of-the-range models will reach around 155 mph. Rivals like the top-of-the-range Ford Taurus will reach 145 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

Discontinued in 2009, Pontiac, a General Motors brand, produced some iconic names in motoring and none more so than its GTO. The first models, released in 1964, were available in a convertible, hardtop and coupe. The 1969 model, affectionately called The Judge, reached around 124 mph. This was an improvement on its rival, the 1969 Ford Mustang, which clocked around 118 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

Probably least fancied by many as a luxury large-sized car, the LaCrosse will surprise some. It has an excellent safety rating, very impressive gas mileage numbers, handles very well and offers a very comfortable ride. The LaCrosse has a top speed of 141 mph. A competitor from Acura, the RDX will reach around 135 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

One of the most famous marques of the Corvette is the Mk II Stingray, produced between 1963 and 1967. This classic had either a 2-speed automatic gearbox or 3-speed manual with a range of engine options, including small and big block V8s which pushed the Stingray to 140 mph, faster than the entry level 1965 Ford Mustang at the time. Ford introduced new engines a few years later to beef up the Mustang's performance.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

Developed in conjunction with the Formula 1 team, McLaren, the SLR made its debut in 2003 and was built until 2010. With a 5.4 L supercharged M155 SLR V8 under the hood and a manual gearbox, the SLR was somewhat of a monster and generated more than 600 brake horsepower which propelled the SLR to 209 mph. The Crossfire, a sports car from Chrysler around the same period, managed a top speed of 155 mph, although this was governed.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

Great value for the money, excellent for road trips and not a bad all-rounder, the Lincoln MKZ offers fuel efficiency thanks to its hybrid engine as well as a responsive ride with excellent handling. The MKZ will do 155 mph. The BMW 1 Series, introduced in 2006, offers all the same levels of comfort but isn't as fast, clocking in at 124 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

Another Korean offering, the Azera is stylish, comfortable and filled with technology, even the base models. It is let down by a fairly boring ride and less than impressive handling. With a top speed of 155 mph, it is almost 30 mph faster than a rival from Honda, the Accord.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

$2 million will land you the futuristic Swedish Koenigsegg One:1, a hypercar capable of reaching 273 mph! This is a significant improvement on the Ferrari F50, a hypercar in its own right in the '90s. It could reach 201 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

Basically a modified Porsche, only 30 RUF CTR's were ever made. This sports car can go from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 225 mph. Should you want one, it will set you back a cool $793,000. When up against a Ferrari F40 from a similar time period, the CTR is 20 mph faster.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

One of the most iconic vehicles ever produced by Chevrolet was the Belair. Manufactured between 1955 and 1957 the Bel Air will always be remembered for its fantastic trim and those beautiful pointy tailfins. It could reach 120 mph. Ford produced the Thunderbird around the same time with a top speed of 100 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

Lamborghini makes incredibly beautiful cars and the Gallardo could be the best of all. Produced between 2003 and 2013, the second generation of the car was powered by a 5.2-liter V10 which gave it a top speed of 202 mph. Its predecessor, the Countach could reach around 186 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

The third of the Hummer models released before General Motors closed the company, the H3 was only capable of around 90 mph. It was still faster than the Jeep FC-150, a Jeep truck which could reach 65 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

The Bugatti Chiron’s 8.0-liter 16-cylinder engine produces 1,500 brake horsepower. Its $2.9 million price tag will cause heart palpitations for your bank manager! It's probably worth it to travel at 261mph though. In the 1990s, the McLaren F1 was the fastest car around. It could reach 241 mph, which although not as fast as the Chiron, was impressive at​ the time.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

The muscle car revolution of the 1960s brought about the iconic Dodge Charger. A later model released in 2008 is capable of a top speed of 173 mph. The 2010 Vauxhall Insignia does around 155 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

The Porsche 991 Carrera S was introduced in 2011. It is powered by a 350 brake horsepower 3.4-liter engine which pushed it to a top speed of 191 mph. The Lamborghini Countach LP400, a famed supercar produced from the 1970s to 2000s, reached around 170 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

The Kuga forms part of the very competitive compact crossover market. But its not only in the Europe where it is popular. Marketed under the name Escape, the vehicle is sold in the U.S. as well. The Kuga comes standard with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and is capable of a top speed of 122 mph. The Daihatsu Terios, a similarly configured SUV from Japan, in contrast, reaches around 100 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

First released in 1964, the Ford Mustang is one of the most iconic muscle cars ever built. Sales in its first year were well beyond what Ford had envisaged. Around 400,000 vehicles were shifted. The V8 version could reach 120 mph. A direct rival at the time, the Pontiac GTO could reach around 99 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

TheDodge Viper was designed by Tom Gale who helped design the famous Lamborghini Diablo. The Viper RT/10 was introduced in 1992. It is powered by an 8-liter V10 which could propel it to 197 mph. Built in the late '60s, the Ferrari Dino was able to hit 146 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

Built by Italian firm Pagani, the Zonda sports car had a very unique look when introduced in 1999. A number of models followed over the years with a range of powerplant options, including a 6.0/7.0 or 7.3-liter M120 AMG V12 motor with a top speed of 214 mph. In contrast, the Lamborghini Diablo would clock around 200 mph, making the Zonda marginally faster.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

Certainly one of the greatest cars ever built, the Beetle was capable of a top speed of around 65 mph when it was first introduced to the German public before World War II. The Fiat 500, a car introduced over 20 years later, was slower. Entry models, with only a 13 break horsepower engine, would reach around 53 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

An American classic, the Continental marque has adorned many Lincolns over the years. The 2018 model can reach 143 mph. Compared to the 2017 Nissan Almeira, the Continental is quicker, with the Japanese car reaching around 114 mph for the entry-level​ model.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

The Jaguar F type first hit the market in 2013. This sports car is available as both a 2-door roadster and fastback coupe and can reach 186 mph. In contrast, another British sports car, the Aston Martin DB5 with an automatic transmission will reach around 165 mph. It is slightly older than the F-Type, however.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

With gas mileage of around 25-30 mpg while city driving and up to 38 mpg on the highway, the Accord is one of the least thirsty cars in its class and is still capable of reaching a top speed of 127 mph. A rival in Europe, in particular, the Opel Adam reaches only 121 mph.

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Which of these cars has the higher top speed?

Fully road legal, the Lamborghini Veneno Roadster, with a top speed of 221 mph, costs a cool $4.5 million. When put up against the Jaguar F-Type, the Veneno is faster by almost 40 mph with the F-Type reaching 186 mph.

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