The Most Fun Cars to Modify, Ranked

Choose the cars you think is the most fun!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:15
For automotive enthusiasts, the thrill of modifying a car offers a unique blend of creativity and technical challenge. Each vehicle, with its distinct engineering and aesthetic possibilities, provides a canvas for personal expression and innovation. Determining which cars make the best projects can be subjective and widely debated, making a communal ranking especially useful. By participating in voting on which cars are the most enjoyable to modify, users contribute to a collective knowledge base that benefits fellow enthusiasts. This dynamic ranking not only reflects current trends and preferences but also aids newcomers in identifying promising models for modifications. Each vote helps to shape a resource that guides decisions and fosters a shared passion for automotive customization.

What Are the Most Fun Cars to Modify?

  1. 1
    21
    votes
    Mazda Miata
    Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Mazda Miata

    Mazda Motor Corporation
    The Miata is a popular choice for modification because of its lightweight design and responsive handling. It's also relatively affordable and has a large aftermarket support.
    The Mazda Miata, also known as the Mazda MX-5, is a lightweight two-seater sports car that has gained popularity for its fun and nimble driving experience. It is often referred to as the quintessential roadster, offering a perfect balance of performance, affordability, and reliability.
    • Manufacturer: Mazda
    • Model: Miata (MX-5)
    • Body Style: Convertible
    • Engine Options: 1.5L I4, 2.0L I4
    • Transmission Options: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
  2. 2
    30
    votes
    The WRX and STI are known for their impressive performance and all-wheel drive capabilities. They have a strong following in the car community and offer a lot of potential for upgrades.
    The Subaru WRX/STI is a high-performance compact sedan and hatchback that is known for its exhilarating driving experience and potential for modification. It is a variant of the Subaru Impreza, specifically built to offer impressive speed and agility on both the road and the track. The WRX/STI has gained a loyal and passionate following among car enthusiasts due to its rally heritage, powerful performance, and all-wheel drive capabilities.
    • Engine: 2.0L turbocharged flat-4 (WRX) / 2.5L turbocharged flat-4 (STI)
    • Power Output: 268 horsepower (WRX) / 310 horsepower (STI)
    • Torque: 258 lb-ft (WRX) / 290 lb-ft (STI)
    • Transmission: 6-speed manual or optional CVT (WRX) / 6-speed manual only (STI)
    • All-Wheel Drive: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
  3. 3
    29
    votes
    Honda Civic
    Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Honda Civic

    Honda
    The Civic is a popular choice for modification because of its affordability and versatility. It's easy to find parts for and has a lot of potential for performance upgrades.
    The Honda Civic is a compact car known for its reliability and versatility. It has become a popular choice among car enthusiasts for its potential as a fun and modifiable platform.
    • Engine: 2.0L inline-4 or 1.5L turbocharged inline-4
    • Horsepower: 158-306 hp
    • Torque: 138-295 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 6-speed manual or CVT
    • Front Suspension: MacPherson strut
    Honda Civic in other rankings
  4. 4
    11
    votes
    Ford Mustang
    W. Bulach · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Ford Mustang

    Ford Motor Company
    The Mustang has been a popular choice for modification for decades. It's an iconic American muscle car that offers a lot of potential for performance upgrades and customization.
    The Ford Mustang is a classic and iconic American sports car that has gained popularity worldwide, including in Australia. It is a two-door coupe or convertible that exudes style and power. The Mustang is known for its aggressive and muscular design, offering an exhilarating driving experience.
    • Engine: 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-4 or 5.0L V8
    • Power Output: 310 horsepower to 450 horsepower
    • Transmission: 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic
    • Acceleration (0-100 km/h): Under 5.0 seconds
    • Top Speed: Limited to 250 km/h
    Ford Mustang in other rankings
  5. 5
    23
    votes
    Nissan 240SX
    The pun stops here · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Nissan 240SX

    Nissan
    The 240SX is a popular choice for modification because of its rear-wheel drive platform and potential for drift setups.
    The Nissan 240SX, also known as the Nissan 200SX outside North America, is a compact sports car that was produced by Nissan from 1989 to 1998. It is part of the S platform family and has gained popularity among car enthusiasts for its potential for modifications.
    • Engine: 2.4L inline-4
    • Power: 155 horsepower
    • Torque: 160 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 5-speed manual
    • Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
    Nissan 240SX in other rankings
  6. 6
    10
    votes
    BMW E30
    Rudolf Stricker · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The E30 is a classic BMW that's known for its handling and potential for engine swaps. It's also relatively affordable compared to other BMW models.
    The BMW E30 is a compact executive car that was produced by BMW from 1982 to 1994. It is part of the BMW 3 Series and has gained a cult following among car enthusiasts for its timeless design and potential for modification.
    • Engine Options: Various gasoline and diesel engines, including inline-four and inline-six options
    • Power Output: Ranges from 84 to 192 horsepower
    • Transmission Options: Manual or automatic transmissions, with 4 or 5-speed options
    • Weight: Approximately 2,600 to 3,000 pounds
    • Acceleration (0-60 mph): Ranges from 5.6 to 9 seconds
    BMW E30 in other rankings
  7. 7
    9
    votes

    Toyota Supra

    Toyota
    The Supra is a legendary sports car that's known for its potential for high horsepower builds. It's also a popular choice for drift setups.
    The Toyota Supra is a high-performance sports car known for its iconic design and thrilling driving experience. It has gained a cult following in the automotive community and is widely regarded as one of the most fun cars to modify. The Supra offers a perfect balance of style, power, and agility, making it a popular choice for car enthusiasts.
    • Engine: 3.0L inline-6 cylinder
    • Power Output: 335 horsepower
    • Torque: 365 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
    • 0-60 mph Acceleration: 4.1 seconds
    Toyota Supra in other rankings
  8. 8
    10
    votes
    Volkswagen Golf GTI
    Charles01 · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Volkswagen Golf GTI

    Volkswagen
    The GTI is a popular choice for modification because of its fun-to-drive nature and potential for performance upgrades. It's also relatively affordable compared to other European cars.
    The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a compact hatchback car that blends practicality with performance. Known for its sporty character and engaging driving experience, the Golf GTI has become a favorite among automotive enthusiasts looking to modify and enhance its performance capabilities.
    • Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
    • Horsepower: 228 hp
    • Torque: 258 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic
    • Drive Type: Front-wheel drive
    Volkswagen Golf GTI in other rankings
  9. 9
    2
    votes
    Chevrolet Corvette
    Tiia Monto · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Chevrolet Corvette

    Chevrolet
    The Corvette is an American sports car icon that's known for its potential for high horsepower builds and track performance.
    The Chevrolet Corvette is a legendary American sports car known for its performance, style, and exhilarating driving experience. It is often considered one of the most fun cars to modify due to its powerful engine, aggressive styling, and a wide range of aftermarket parts available.
    • Engine: Various engine options available including V8 engines
    • Horsepower: ranging from 455 to 755 horsepower
    • Torque: ranging from 460 lb-ft to 715 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
    • Acceleration: 0-60 mph in as low as 2.8 seconds
    Chevrolet Corvette in other rankings
  10. 10
    9
    votes

    Mitsubishi Evo

    Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
    The Evo is a popular choice for modification because of its all-wheel drive capabilities and potential for high horsepower builds. It's also a popular choice for rally and track enthusiasts.
    The Mitsubishi Evo, also known as the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, is a high-performance sports sedan with a rich history in rally racing. Originally created as a high-performance variant of the Mitsubishi Lancer, the Evo quickly gained popularity among car enthusiasts and motorsport fans around the world for its agile handling, powerful engine, and advanced all-wheel drive system.
    • Engine: 2.0L or 2.3L turbocharged inline-four
    • Horsepower: varied across different generations, ranging from 276 to 311 hp
    • Torque: varied across different generations, ranging from 260 to 360 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 5-speed manual or 6-speed dual-clutch automatic
    • Drive Type: All-wheel drive

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Ranking factors for fun cars

  1. Affordability
    Consider the initial cost of the car and the availability of aftermarket parts at competitive prices. A car with a lower base price and a wide range of aftermarket support will be more fun to modify.
  2. Performance potential
    Research the car's powertrain, suspension, and other components to determine its performance potential. This will help you understand how much you can push the car's limits and what modifications will yield the best performance gains.
  3. Popularity within the car community
    Look for cars with a strong enthusiast following, as it usually means more aftermarket support, shared knowledge, and events you can participate in.
  4. Platform versatility
    Choose a car that can work in different applications, such as track days, drifting, drag racing, or autocross. A versatile platform will give you more options when it comes to selecting modifications and building your dream car.
  5. Ease of modification
    Some cars are easier to work on than others, either due to simple construction or large spaces in the engine bay. Select a car with a reputation for being easy to modify, as this will make the process more enjoyable and potentially less expensive.
  6. Reliability and durability
    When increasing a car's performance, reliability can become a concern. Choose a car with a reputation for robustness to minimize the potential for costly maintenance and repairs.
  7. Weight and handling characteristics
    A lighter car with good handling will generally be more enjoyable to modify, as it can maximize the benefits of performance upgrades.
  8. Exterior and interior styling
    Some enthusiasts prioritize aesthetics in addition to performance. Choose a car that has styling you like and can imagine enhancing through modifications.
  9. Future value
    While modifying a car can often hurt its resale value, modifying a classic or rare car may increase its value if done tastefully. Consider whether the car's potential future value is important to you.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most fun cars to modify. 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

  • 1561 views
  • 154 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 fun cars to modify

When it comes to cars, there is a certain thrill in modifying them. From customizing the exterior to upgrading the engine, car enthusiasts love to make their vehicles stand out and perform better. But what makes a car fun to modify? Some might argue that it's the availability of aftermarket parts, while others might say it's the sheer potential of the vehicle. Ultimately, the most fun cars to modify are the ones that allow for creativity and experimentation. Whether it's a classic muscle car, a sporty import, or a unique vintage ride, there's no shortage of options for those looking to turn their car into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. So, let's take a look at some of the most popular choices for car enthusiasts looking for a fun and exciting modification project.

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