When it comes to the most challenging competitions featured in the mega-popular Xbox racing game Forza Horizon 5, rally car races are near the top of the list. To excel at the absolute highest level, rally cars must be able to combine top speed and handling stats with the ability to go off course and navigate bumpy terrain as smoothly as possible.
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While rally cars aren't quite off-road vehicles per se, they still must be able to handle loose gravel, rocky surfaces, and the like, while also balancing exquisite acceleration, brake, launch, and top-line speed stats across the board.
1986 MG Metro 6R4
While it lacks topline speed, the 1986 MG Metro 6R4 is a stellar S1-Class rally car that makes up for it by boasting superior acceleration (8.8), launch (8.2), and 7.5 offroad scores. All things considered, the car is an extremely worthy competitor on any road surface.
Thanks to its 24-valve naturally aspirated V6 engine capable of producing 410 horsepower, the Metro's lightweight 2271-pound chassis enables drivers to take sharp twists and turns at various speeds. If a driver goes offroad accidentally, the Metro will get back on track fairly easily due to its 5.8 braking and 5.9 handling ratings. It's versatile cars like these the make finding the best house locations in the game a bit easier.
1987 Mercedes-Benz AMG Hammer Coupe 1987
For an affordable rally car that can be improved through upgraded tuning, try driving the 1987 Mercedes-Benz AMG Hammer Coupe. While heavier than most rally cars, the Hammer Coupe will be able to compete with the best of them thanks to its massive 6.0L naturally aspirated V8 custom M119 engine.
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Additionally, its heavier frame increases its handling, making the car ideal for going off-road without losing control and falling behind the competition. The automatic transmission also reduces the time it takes for manually switching gears, freeing drivers to steer more accurately.
2013 Ariel Atom 500 V8
Asone of the fastest cars in the game, theultra-lightweight Ariel Atom 500 V8 is also one of the most versatile. Thanks to its 1433-pound body and V8 engine capable of producing 475 horsepower and a 0-100 acceleration rate in 5.7 seconds, it can get off the starting last extremely fast and remain ahead of most competitors.
To wit, the street-legal buggy-like racer has a superb 8.5 launch score and an even better 8.8 handling score, which makes it hard to get out in front of. With strong brakes and easy-to-control steering, Ariel Atom's massive tires will also help drivers handle rough terrain without much trouble.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR "Welcome Pack"
Thanks to its substantial "Welcome Pack" upgrade, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR is an absolute rally car beast. With a 9.2 acceleration score to go with an 8.1 offroad rating, the A-Class AWD car can navigate the most unforgiving terrain at top speeds. Without the Welcome Pack, the same stats fall to 5.1 and 5.7.
Although the body is on the heavier side, the compact sports car boasts a 7.1-speed rate and 5.8 handling score that allows the car to take sharp turns, and harry bends at a good clip.
1991 Hoonigan Gymkhana 10 Ford Escort Cosworth Group A
With a 2.0L turbocharged engine that can produce up to 620 horsepower, the customized 1991 Hoonigan Gymkhana 10 Ford Escort Group A is sure to win several rally car races in the game. In addition to superior acceleration (9.1) and launch (8.7) scores, the S1-Class car balances an impressive 7.8-speed rate with a 7.6 offroad score to handle any road surface.
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Moreover, the AWD layout helps the vehicle grip any kind of terrain, while its lightweight 2690-pound chassis also lends for easier steering and braking power.
2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Forza Edition
While many Porsche models are worthy of taking on rally car races in the awesome Xbox exclusive game, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS Forza Edition appears to be a driver's best bet. This is due to its unparalleled perfect 10 scores in launching and acceleration to keep drivers out in front of the competition.
Moreover, the Forza Edition of the car also boasts a staggering 8.1 offroad score to go with solid 7.0-speed, 7.0-handling, and 7.8 braking scores. Between those supremely balanced stats and the car's ultra-powerful 4.0L naturally-aspirated F6 engine capable of cranking out 514 horsepower, the S1-Class supercar is nearly unbeatable.
1999 Ford Racing Puma Forza Edition
With a whopping 8.0 offroad rating to go with a blistering 9.4 acceleration score, the 1999 Ford Racing Puma Forza Edition is clearly one of the best rally cars in the underrated racing game.The S1-class retro rally car boasts a front-wheel-drive train and advanced four-piston braking system to careen its light 2588-pound chassis around any road surface.
As such, the Ford Racing Puma has been dominating the open-world map in online gameplay. Unfortunately, the exclusive car is only attainable via the downloadable Expansion Pack and may be out of reach for some players.
1986 Hoonigan Ford Rs200 Evolution
The only S2-class rally car in the game, the 1986 Hoonigan Ford RS200 Evolution is the best dirt car to drive other than the Ford Racing Puma FE. With a lightning-quick 9.5 acceleration rate to go with a 7.6-speed score and an unfathomable 8.3 offroad rank,accept no substitutes when engaging in rally races.
With suspension upgraded with coil-over shock absorbers that keep the car in control on the bumpiest of road surfaces, the Rs200 Evolution also boasts a turbocharged engine that can produce 750 horsepower. The car's lightweight 2494-pound body makes braking and handling far easier than other rally cars as well.
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