The Most Difficult Car to Drive, Ranked

Choose the car you think is the most difficult!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:23
In the world of automobiles, not every car is designed with simplicity in mind. Some vehicles challenge even the most skilled drivers, offering complex controls, demanding handling, and advanced performance characteristics that require a finely tuned skill set. Understanding which cars are the toughest to drive can help prospective owners prepare better before getting behind the wheel or even aid in making a well-informed purchase decision. This ranking aims to collect and reflect the experiences of a wide array of drivers, providing insight into which cars have proven the most challenging across different scenarios. By voting for cars that you find difficult to manage, you contribute to a resource that helps others gauge what to expect from these demanding vehicles. Your input is valuable in shaping a comprehensive guide that can benefit drivers of all levels looking to understand more about these complex machines.

What Is the Most Difficult Car to Drive?

  1. 1
    51
    votes
    Bugatti Veyron
    M 93 · CC BY-SA 3.0 de

    Bugatti Veyron

    Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S
    With a top speed of 267 mph, this car requires exceptional driving skills to handle its power and speed. It also has a complex transmission system that can be challenging to operate.
    The Bugatti Veyron is a high-performance sports car known for its incredible speed and luxury. It is considered one of the most difficult cars to drive due to its immense power and technical complexity.
    • Engine: 8.0L quad-turbocharged W16
    • Power: 1,001 to 1,200 horsepower
    • Top Speed: 253 to 267 mph
    • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds
    • Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
    Bugatti Veyron in other rankings
  2. 2
    26
    votes
    Lamborghini Aventador
    Matti Blume · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Lamborghini Aventador

    Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
    This car has a 6.5-liter V12 engine that produces 700 horsepower, and its handling can be challenging for inexperienced drivers. Its low height also requires careful maneuvering to avoid scraping the undercarriage.
    The Lamborghini Aventador is an exquisite black car that combines stunning design with impressive performance. Its sleek and aggressive lines make it a standout on the road, while its powerful engine and advanced features elevate the driving experience. The Aventador showcases the perfect harmony between aesthetics and engineering, offering a truly remarkable vehicle for any enthusiast.
    • Engine: 6.5-liter V12
    • Power: 730 horsepower
    • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds
    • Top Speed: 217 mph
    • Transmission: 7-speed ISR automated manual
    Lamborghini Aventador in other rankings
  3. 3
    16
    votes
    McLaren P1
    Noebu · CC BY 3.0

    McLaren P1

    McLaren Automotive
    This hybrid supercar has a 3.8-liter V8 engine and an electric motor that together produce 903 horsepower. Its advanced aerodynamics and suspension system require precise driving to achieve maximum performance.
    The McLaren P1 is a high-performance hybrid sports car known for its extreme power and speed. It is a limited-production model that represents the pinnacle of McLaren's automotive engineering.
    • Engine: 3.8L V8 twin-turbo
    • Electric Motor: 176 hp
    • Total Power: 903 hp
    • Top Speed: 217 mph (350 km/h)
    • 0-60 mph: 2.8 seconds
    McLaren P1 in other rankings
  4. 4
    19
    votes
    Porsche 911 GT3 RS
    MrWalkr · CC BY-SA 4.0
    This track-focused sports car has a rear-mounted engine that can make it difficult to control at high speeds. Its manual transmission also requires skillful shifting to avoid stalling or over-revving.
    The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a breathtaking supercar that combines stunning performance with a sleek and stylish design. It is a track-focused version of the iconic Porsche 911 sports car.
    • Engine: 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six
    • Horsepower: 520 hp
    • Torque: 346 lb-ft
    • 0-60 mph: 3.0 seconds
    • Top Speed: 193 mph
    Porsche 911 GT3 RS in other rankings
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    This mid-engine supercar has a powerful V8 engine that can be challenging to control, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Its electronic stability control system can also be intrusive and limit driver control.
    The Ferrari 458 Italia is a mid-engine sports car that was produced by Ferrari from 2009 to 2015. It was designed to showcase a perfect blend of aerodynamics, performance, and elegance. With its sleek and aggressive lines, the 458 Italia is often considered one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever created.
    • Engine: 4.5L V8
    • Power: 562 hp
    • Torque: 398 lb-ft
    • Top Speed: 202 mph
    • 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds
    Ferrari 458 Italia in other rankings
  6. 6
    8
    votes
    Koenigsegg Agera RS
    Earlsimxx · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Koenigsegg Agera RS

    Koenigsegg Automotive AB
    This Swedish hypercar has a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 1,341 horsepower, making it one of the fastest cars in the world. Its advanced aerodynamics and active suspension system require skilled driving to handle its speed and power.
    The Koenigsegg Agera RS is an ultra-high-performance hypercar known for its exceptional speed, power, and aerodynamics. It is often considered one of the most difficult cars to drive due to its extreme performance capabilities.
    • Engine: 5.0-liter V8 Twin-Turbo
    • Power: 1,160 hp
    • Torque: 944 lb-ft
    • Top Speed: over 277 mph
    • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 2.5 seconds
    Koenigsegg Agera RS in other rankings
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    This American sports car has a V10 engine that produces 645 horsepower and a manual transmission that requires precise shifting. Its raw power and lack of electronic aids can make it challenging to control, even for experienced drivers.
    The Dodge Viper ACR is a powerful and high-performance sports car that is renowned for its demanding and challenging driving experience. It is designed to deliver exceptional performance on both the road and the track.
    • Engine: 8.4-liter V10
    • Horsepower: 645 hp
    • Torque: 600 lb-ft
    • Acceleration (0-60 mph): 3.3 seconds
    • Top Speed: 177 mph
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    Audi R8
    Hatsukari715 · Public domain

    Audi R8

    Audi
    This mid-engine sports car has a complex all-wheel-drive system that can be difficult to master. Its handling can also be unpredictable, especially when pushing it to its limits.
    The Audi R8 is a high-performance sports car known for its exhilarating driving experience. With its striking design, advanced technology, and powerful performance, the R8 is the epitome of driving pleasure.
    • Engine: 5.2L V10
    • Power: up to 602 horsepower
    • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds
    • Top Speed: up to 205 mph
    • Transmission: 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch
    Audi R8 in other rankings
  9. 9
    12
    votes
    Nissan GT-R
    Hatsukari715 · Public domain

    Nissan GT-R

    Nissan
    This Japanese sports car has a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine and advanced all-wheel-drive system that make it a beast on the track. However, its heavy weight and unrefined suspension can make it challenging to drive smoothly.
    The Nissan GT-R, also known as the Godzilla, is a high-performance sports car that offers thrilling driving experiences in Australia. With its aggressive design and powerful engine, it has gained a reputation as one of the most fun cars to drive.
    • Engine: Twin-turbocharged 3.8L V6
    • Power: 565 horsepower
    • Torque: 467 lb-ft
    • Acceleration (0-100 km/h): approximately 2.7 seconds
    • Top Speed: 315 km/h
    Nissan GT-R in other rankings
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    This high-performance variant of the BMW M4 has a lightweight construction and advanced suspension system that require precise driving to achieve maximum performance. Its manual transmission also requires skillful shifting to avoid stalling or over-revving.
    The BMW M4 GTS is a high-performance sports car that pushes the boundaries of handling and speed. It is the track-focused version of the BMW M4 coupe, designed for enthusiasts with a taste for adrenaline. With its aggressive looks and powerful performance, the M4 GTS is a car that demands respect on and off the track.
    • Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6
    • Horsepower: 493 hp
    • Torque: 443 lb-ft
    • 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds
    • Top Speed: 190 mph
    BMW M4 GTS in other rankings

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Ranking factors for difficult car

  1. Horsepower and torque
    Powerful cars with high horsepower and torque can be challenging to handle, especially for inexperienced drivers. High-powered engines can cause wheelspin and make the car difficult to control, especially during acceleration and cornering.
  2. Transmission type
    Manual transmissions require more skill and coordination than automatic transmissions, as the driver needs to operate the clutch pedal and shift gears manually. This can be difficult for those unfamiliar with manual transmissions or those with limited driving experience.
  3. Handling and suspension
    Cars with poor handling or stiff suspension can be more difficult to drive, as they may not respond as predictably to driver inputs. This can make cornering and maneuvering more challenging.
  4. Traction and stability control
    Vehicles without advanced traction and stability control systems may be more difficult to control, particularly on slippery or uneven surfaces. These systems help maintain grip on the road and assist the driver in maintaining control during challenging driving conditions.
  5. Visibility and blind spots
    Poor visibility can make driving a car more difficult, as it becomes harder to see the road and other vehicles. This can be due to factors like small windows, large pillars, or obstructed rear view mirrors.
  6. Brake system
    Cars with poor or outdated brake systems can be difficult to control in emergency situations, as they may not stop the vehicle as quickly or predictably as modern systems.
  7. Weight distribution and center of gravity
    Vehicles with uneven weight distribution or a high center of gravity can be more prone to body roll and may be less stable during cornering and other maneuvers. This can make them more challenging to drive.
  8. Tires and wheels
    The type and condition of a car's tires can significantly impact its handling and performance. Worn or low-quality tires can make a car more difficult to control, particularly in wet or slippery conditions.
  9. Driver position and ergonomics
    A poorly designed driver's seat or dashboard layout can make driving more difficult, as it may be harder to reach controls or see essential information, such as speed or warning lights.
  10. Vehicle size and dimensions
    Large vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, can be more difficult to maneuver and park, particularly in tight spaces or crowded urban environments. A large vehicle may also have larger blind spots, which can make it more challenging to change lanes or reverse.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult car to drive. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or car is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1971 views
  • 174 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each car once every 24 hours. The rank of each car is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most difficult car to drive

Driving a car can sometimes be a daunting task, especially when it comes to handling certain types of vehicles. While some cars may feel like a breeze to maneuver, others may require a little more skill and experience behind the wheel. The question of what is the most difficult car to drive is a common one among car enthusiasts and drivers alike. From sports cars with powerful engines to larger vehicles with challenging dimensions, there are a variety of factors that can make a car difficult to operate. In this article, we'll explore some of the top contenders for the title of most difficult car to drive and what makes them so challenging.

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