35 Cars That Look Fast But Are Actually Slow
There is nothing worse than a car that looks like a rocket but drives like a lawnmower. A friend of mine once bought a used sports coupe with racing stripes, a massive rear wing, and a hood scoop that screamed performance.
He was convinced he had a hidden gem until he tried to merge onto the highway and got overtaken by a delivery van.
That is when he found out his so-called speed machine had less horsepower than a family sedan.
Plenty of cars out there give off the illusion of blistering speed with aggressive styling, but under the hood, they are all bark and no bite.
1. Pontiac Fiero (1984–1988)
Back in the 80s, the Pontiac Fiero caught my eye. Its futuristic look promised a speed that, sadly, wasn’t delivered. Driving it felt like owning a piece of automotive history, yet the power was underwhelming.
The Fiero, with its mid-engine layout, seemed revolutionary, like a budget Ferrari. Similar to the Toyota MR2, it was more about appearance than speed.
Despite its shortcomings, it holds a special place for enthusiasts who appreciate its unique design. An iconic car, but not for the need for speed.
2. Chevrolet Camaro Iron Duke (1982–1985)
I once rode in a Camaro Iron Duke, expecting muscle power. It was visually intimidating but felt sluggish—more bark than bite. It left me wanting more.
The Iron Duke was akin to a heavyweight boxer with a glass jaw. Its looks promised power, but it was closer to a sedan in performance, unlike the Ford Mustang.
Despite its lack of speed, its presence on the road was undeniable, a testament to style over substance.
3. DMC DeLorean (1981–1983)
The DeLorean had me dreaming of time travel. Its gull-wing doors and stainless steel body screamed speed, yet it barely moved. Driving one was surreal.
This car was a paradox, much like a sports car trapped in a commuter’s body, similar to the Lotus Esprit. It looked the part but lacked in heart.
Still, its connection to pop culture gives it legendary status, transcending its disappointing performance.
4. Mitsubishi Eclipse (2000–2005)
Cruising in an Eclipse was a dream until reality set in. It appeared ready to take flight but was grounded by its actual speed. Quite the letdown.
Eclipses are reminiscent of a cheetah with a limp, poised for action but unable to deliver, unlike the Subaru Impreza. Its design was more appealing than its drive.
However, it remains beloved for its style, often seen in films as a symbol of youthful exuberance.
5. Toyota Celica (2000–2005)
Back in the day, the Celica’s sporty look captured my imagination. The promise of speed was left unfulfilled after a drive. It was more show than go.
Like a lion with no roar, the Celica sat alongside the Honda Prelude as visually appealing, yet lacking the needed power. Its sleek design was its main allure.
Despite this, it stands as a testament to Toyota’s design prowess, often admired for its aesthetics rather than its engine output.
6. Honda CR-Z (2010–2016)
I was intrigued by the CR-Z’s hybrid promise of eco-conscious speed. It looked part of the future but felt stuck in the past on the road. Disappointing power.
The CR-Z is like an eco-warrior in sneakers, ready to sprint but more suited to a leisurely walk, unlike the Toyota Prius. It boasts style, if not speed.
Nevertheless, it appeals to those prioritizing fuel efficiency, balancing style with a greener footprint.
7. Ford Mustang II (1974–1978)
The Mustang II was a part of my youth, promising excitement but delivering mediocrity. Its flashy exterior masked an underwhelming drive. A true tease.
Like a show horse confined to a carousel, it looked powerful yet was surprisingly slow, unlike its predecessors. It was all about presence, not performance.
Despite its speed issues, it remains a nostalgic symbol of the 70s, cherished for its unique place in Mustang history.
8. Chevrolet Monza (1975–1980)
Monza’s allure was its sporty look, yet driving it was a different story. More tortoise than hare, its speed was disappointing.
The Monza, like a peacock without its feathers, offered style but lacked substance, comparable to the Buick Skyhawk. It was an aesthetic delight.
Even with this shortcoming, it remains memorable for its design, capturing the spirit of 70s innovation in a compact package.
9. Mazda RX-8 (2003–2012)
I admired the RX-8’s sleek lines, expecting a powerhouse. Reality was a rotary engine struggling for glory, a letdown in speed.
The RX-8 was like a plane grounded by technicalities, similar to the Nissan 350Z in appearance but not performance. It was all about design flair.
Still, it holds a niche appeal for rotary engine enthusiasts, celebrated for its unique mechanics despite the pace issues.
10. Pontiac GTO (2004–2006)
The GTO was a promise of muscle that didn’t flex. Its look screamed action, but the drive was more sedate than expected. Anticlimactic.
Like a heavyweight in a light bout, it seemed ready to spar but danced around instead, unlike the Dodge Charger. It flaunted its style as victory.
Nevertheless, it’s admired for its muscle car heritage, offering a stylish nod to its earlier, more powerful predecessors.
11. Chevrolet Cobalt SS (2005–2010)
The Cobalt SS appeared like a speedster but felt more like a daily driver. Expectations of thrill were met with a commuter’s pace. Disappointing shift.
The Cobalt was a sprinter without spikes, like the Ford Focus ST, when it needed more punch to match its looks. Style over speed.
Despite this, it remains a favorite for those valuing looks over outright performance, an affordable entry into the sport-compact scene.
12. Hyundai Tiburon (1996–2008)
The Tiburon caught my eye with its sharp lines, promising dynamism. Yet, it was more turtle than shark on the road. A visual trickster.
Like a ballet dancer in sneakers, its movements were less graceful than its appearance suggested, mirroring the Mitsubishi Eclipse. It wore its sporty shell proudly.
Nevertheless, it found fans among those valuing aesthetics, a testament to Hyundai’s evolving design language in its era.
13. Saturn Sky (2006–2010)
The Sky was a dream of open-road freedom, delivering less speed than hoped. Its presence was more art than adrenaline. A visual delight.
Like a cheetah on a leash, it promised more than it could achieve, unlike the Pontiac Solstice. It was about the joy of the ride, not the speed.
Despite its power limitations, it remains cherished for its design, offering convertible fun at an approachable price point.
14. Pontiac Solstice (2006–2010)
I imagined racing in the Solstice, only to find a peaceful cruise. It was more about the style than the sprint. A classic charmer.
Similar to a lion in a petting zoo, it appeared ready for action but performed leisurely, reminiscent of the Mazda Miata.
Its aesthetics were its strength. Nonetheless, it’s appreciated for its design charm, adding a touch of fun to daily drives without the rush.
15. Mitsubishi 3000GT SL (1990–2001)
The 3000GT SL was a technological marvel with looks that promised speed, but it was more of a gentle cruiser. A 90s icon with less pep.
It resembled a tech-laden spaceship grounded by gravity, unlike the Nissan Skyline. Its allure lay in its tech features, not its speed.
Yet, it’s still celebrated for innovation, offering tech enthusiasts a glimpse into the future of automotive design during its time.
16. Nissan 300ZX (1990–1996)
The 300ZX, with its sleek lines, promised a turbocharged thrill. The drive was more sedate than imagined, a 90s legend with less power.
It was akin to a greyhound on a leash, ready to sprint but held back, like the Toyota Supra. Its design remained its highlight.
Still, it’s cherished for its striking looks, a testament to 90s sports car aesthetics, capturing hearts despite the performance gap.
17. Toyota MR2 Spyder (1999–2007)
Driving the MR2 Spyder felt like a dream of agility, yet it was more leisurely than expected. A stylish roadster lacking raw speed.
It was a gymnast without the leap, much like the Honda S2000, appearing ready for action but favoring a gentle pace. Its agility was its charm.
Nevertheless, it’s loved for its nimbleness and design, offering a fun drive for those valuing flair over outright speed.
18. Volkswagen Corrado (1988–1995)
The Corrado’s design spoke of speed, yet the drive was more composed than anticipated. A European classic that was less thrilling.
It was similar to a pianist playing softly, lacking the crescendo, like the Audi TT. Its charm lay in its refined design.
However, it remains celebrated for its engineering excellence, a beloved choice among those valuing European aesthetics and build quality.
19. Chevrolet SSR (2003–2006)
The SSR’s retro appeal promised an exciting drive, yet it delivered more show than go. Its bold look exceeded its speed capability.
Like a jazz musician with restraint, it was ready to perform but chose subtlety, unlike the Ford F150. Its retro styling was its standout feature.
Nevertheless, it continues to enchant with its unique look, a collector’s favorite for those who appreciate nostalgia over speed.
20. Plymouth Prowler (1997, 1999–2002)
The Prowler, with its hot rod-inspired design, hinted at speed but was more about the spectacle. It was a head-turner lacking acceleration.
Like a peacock strutting, it dazzled visually but didn’t outrun others, unlike the Ford Thunderbird. Its design was its main allure.
Still, it’s celebrated for its audacious style, a symbol of creativity in automotive design, cherished by those valuing the extraordinary.
21. Chrysler Crossfire (2004–2008)
The Crossfire’s bold design suggested speed, yet it felt more leisurely on the road. A stylish cruiser with less power.
It was akin to a swan gliding on water, beautiful but not fast, much like the Mercedes SLK. Its design captivated more than its speed.
Nevertheless, it remains a favorite for its striking looks, offering a unique blend of American and German engineering aesthetics.
22. Fiat X1/9 (1972–1989)
The X1/9, a staple of Italian design, hinted at speed but preferred a scenic cruise. It was more about flair than fast lanes.
Like a chef’s knife used for butter, it had potential but wasn’t exercised, comparable to the Alfa Romeo Spider. Its charm was in its aesthetics.
Yet, it’s loved for its classic design, a piece of Italian automotive history, appreciated by collectors and design aficionados.
23. Alfa Romeo GTV6 (1980–1986)
Driving the GTV6 felt like handling a masterpiece of design, yet it was less energetic than its looks promised. A classic with a gentle pace.
It was akin to a vintage watch, beautiful but not the fastest, like the BMW 3 Series. Its design was its main attraction.
Nevertheless, it’s cherished for its iconic design, a favorite among those valuing the art of automotive aesthetics over speed.
24. Lancia Montecarlo (1975–1981)
The Montecarlo looked ready for racing circuits but was more suited for leisurely drives. Its speed was more whisper than roar.
Similar to a sprinter in loafers, its appearance promised action but didn’t deliver, unlike the Ferrari Dino. Its charm was in its compact design.
Yet, it’s admired for its styling, a beloved classic among enthusiasts who appreciate Italian design and character.
25. Lotus Eclat (1975–1982)
The Eclat, with its sharp lines, suggested rapid acceleration, yet it felt more like a gentle glide. A British classic with understated speed.
It was like a sleek predator waiting in shadows, similar to the Jaguar XJS, showing elegance over aggression. Its look was its main appeal.
However, it’s loved for its distinctive design, a testament to Lotus’ engineering prowess, appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts.
26. Ferrari Mondial 8 (1980–1982)
The Mondial 8 looked every bit the Ferrari, but its power was more gentle than fierce. An exotic name with understated performance.
It was akin to a thoroughbred kept at a trot, unlike the Ferrari 308. Its allure was in its brand and design, not speed.
Still, it remains a classic, cherished for its elegance and heritage, a collector’s delight for Ferrari aficionados.
27. Porsche 914 (1969–1976)
The Porsche 914, with its sporty look, promised much but delivered modestly. It was more about handling than speeding.
It resembled a sprinter in training, not yet at full potential, similar to the Triumph TR6. Its charm was in its nimble handling.
Nevertheless, it’s loved for its handling capabilities, a classic choice for those appreciating precision over raw power.
28. BMW M1 (1978–1981)
The M1’s looks promised supercar speeds, yet the reality was a more subdued pace. A rare gem with more style than sprint.
It was like a panther lounging, similar to the Lamborghini Countach, showcasing beauty over brute force. Its rarity was its allure.
Still, it’s a collector’s favorite, celebrated for its design and engineering, offering exclusivity over raw horsepower.
29. Jaguar XJ-S V12 (1975–1996)
The XJ-S V12 exuded luxury and speed, yet its performance was more relaxed than anticipated. A grand tourer with a gentle touch.
It was like a yacht on land, similar to the Bentley Continental, offering elegance over speed. Its luxury was its main draw.
Despite this, it’s appreciated for its design and comfort, offering a lavish experience for those valuing sophistication.
30. Aston Martin Lagonda (1976–1990)
The Lagonda was all about cutting-edge design and luxury, yet its speed was more leisurely than fierce. A tech marvel with a calm drive.
It was like a spaceship on wheels, similar to the Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, emphasizing innovation over speed. Its design was its star.
Still, it’s admired for its futuristic design and luxury, a favorite among those appreciating innovation in automotive history.
31. Bricklin SV-1 (1974–1975)
The SV-1’s safety features were ahead of its time, yet its speed was less thrilling. A forward-thinking design with gentle performance.
It was akin to a fortress on wheels, unlike the Chevrolet Corvette. Its innovation lay in its safety, not its acceleration.
Nonetheless, it’s celebrated for its forward-thinking approach, a symbol of innovation in automotive safety and design.
32. Vector W8 (1989–1993)
The W8’s design screamed speed and power, but it was more temperamental than thrilling. A supercar with quirks.
It was akin to a rocket with hiccups, similar to the Ferrari Testarossa, promising much but delivering unpredictability. Its design was futuristic.
Still, it’s cherished for its audacious design, a collector’s dream, for those appreciating innovation and exclusivity in supercars.
33. Cizeta-Moroder V16T (1991–1995)
The V16T was a marvel of engineering with looks that promised the world, yet its performance was more experimental. A concept realized but not refined.
It was similar to a masterpiece in progress, like the Bugatti EB110, embodying potential over polish. Its design was its luxury.
Nevertheless, it’s celebrated for its engineering and design, offering a glimpse into the realm of exotic car innovation.
34. Maserati Biturbo (1981–1994)
The Biturbo promised Italian speed and luxury, yet it was often more problematic than powerful. A beauty with a temper.
It was akin to a diva on stage, similar to the Alfa Romeo GTV6, offering allure over reliability. Its design was captivating.
Despite its issues, it’s admired for its Italian flair, a favorite for those who appreciate design, accepting the quirks along with the charm.
35. De Tomaso Pantera (1971–1992)
The Pantera’s aggressive stance promised raw power, yet its performance was more about show than actual speed. A classic with muscle car looks.
Like a lion in repose, it was awe-inspiring but not as fierce in motion, akin to the Ford GT. Its appeal lay in its exotic appearance.
Nevertheless, it’s celebrated for its design and presence, a cherished classic for those valuing style and automotive heritage.