As per our experience, rallying is more than just a motorsport for people. Rallying has hype in motorsport; it has become a thrill in people’s lives. We came up with the suggestion of the best rally cars for beginners to push themselves for auto rally racing. If you are a rally racer, you want to be a part of the World Rally Championship one day. As promised, here is the list of good starter rally cars that will help you initially. After that, you will get more exposure and upgrade your vehicle.
| Rally Cars |
| Ford Fiesta ST |
| BMW 3 Series (E30) |
| Volkswagen Golf (Mk3) |
| Subaru Impreza (GD8) |
| Volvo 240 |
| Dodge Neon |
| Acura Integra |
| Subaru Impreza (GC8) |
| Ford Focus |
| Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution |
We are careful to provide this information about beginner rally cars because they can crash, and we care about your life. You should prefer quality over price range and select the best car for yourself. You can participate in rally events created for beginners by purchasing a vehicle from one of them.
Selection Criteria For The Best Rally Cars For Beginners
Capital Exotic gathered some essential information for a better experience. This selection will make your life easy, and you can follow this criteria during selection. We made a small selection guide for you. Here are the key factors to consider for the best rally cars for beginners:
1. Performance and Power
- Engine: It is essential to select the best cars for rally racing with a robust and dependable engine. Many prefer turbocharged engines for their combination of power and efficiency.
- Horsepower: Higher horsepower is crucial for achieving incredible speed and acceleration, which is essential for competitive rallying.
- Torque: Opting for a car with good torque is advantageous for superior performance on various terrains and during rapid acceleration.
2. Drivetrain
- Rally car enthusiasts favor all-wheel drive for its superior traction and handling on various surfaces.
- Transmission: A reliable and quick-shifting transmission is indispensable. Many rally cars utilize sequential gearboxes for faster gear shifts.
3. Suspension and Handling
- Suspension: A sturdy suspension system capable of absorbing shocks from rough terrains is vital, and adjustable suspension can be advantageous for customizing the car to different stages.
- Steering: Precise and responsive steering is essential for maintaining control at high speeds and through tight corners.
4. Weight and Balance
- Lightweight: A lighter car will perform better in acceleration and handling.
- Weight Distribution: Optimal weight distribution, often close to 50/50 front to rear, enhances balance and control.
5. Safety Features
- Roll Cage: A certified roll cage protects the driver and co-driver in a crash.
- Harnesses and Seats: Racing seats with proper harnesses ensure safety and security for the occupants.
- Fire Suppression System: An onboard fire suppression system is critical in a fire.
6. Aerodynamics And Body Design
- Body Kit: Good cars for rally racing have aerodynamic body kits that can enhance downforce and stability.
- Protection: Underbody protection and reinforced bumpers safeguard the car from damage.
7. Regulations Compliance
- FIA Standards: Ensure that the car complies with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) regulations or the relevant governing body.
Related Topic: Want to Become a Racing Pro? Best Racing Academy in D.C.
The Ultimate List: 10 Best Rally Cars You Must Buy
Capital Exotic especially understands your feelings when you go to the auto market to purchase your first rally car. We support racing and provide proper training at our Capex Racing Academy. But you don’t need to worry; we have made your best list.
1. Ford Fiesta ST
The Ford Fiesta ST is a high-performance version of the popular Fiesta hatchback in the best rally cars for beginners. Its 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine produces around 197 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque, offering lively acceleration and dynamic driving characteristics. The vehicle comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, providing an engaging driving experience, and boasts a sporty exterior design with a striking front grille, unique bumpers, and distinct ST badging.
2. BMW 3 Series (E30)
Its range of inline-four and inline-six engines offer reliability and impressive performance. Notable engines in this model include the M20 inline-six and the high-performance S14 engine found in the M variant. The E30 M3, a high-performance version, gained fame for its motorsport success and exceptional driving dynamics. One of its most notable features is the 2.3-liter inline-four engine that produces approximately 192 horsepower.
3. Volkswagen Golf (Mk3)
The Volkswagen Golf was available in several body styles, including hatchbacks, estates, and cabriolets. Some notable engines were the 2.0-liter 8V and 16V, the VR6 2.8-liter, and the 1.9-liter TDI diesel, known for its efficiency. The VR6 variant was particularly noteworthy for its performance, featuring a unique narrow-angle V6 engine that produced around 172 horsepower and offered quick acceleration. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic.
4. Subaru Impreza (GD8)
The Subaru Impreza GD8, part of the second-generation lineup manufactured from 2000 to 2007, is renowned for its performance and rally legacy. The WRX was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, while the WRX STI boasted a more potent 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing approximately 300 horsepower. It was outfitted with a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and offered 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual (in STI variants), and 4-speed automatic transmissions.
5. Volvo 240
The Volvo 240 is versatile in different body styles, including a 4-door sedan, a 5-door station wagon, and a 2-door coupe. It has various inline-four engines, offering gasoline and diesel options. The car provides flexibility with manual and automatic transmissions, featuring 4-speed and 5-speed manuals and 3-speed and 4-speed automatics to cater to different driving preferences. Known for its longevity, many Volvo 240 vehicles have achieved high mileage with minimal issues.
6. Dodge Neon
The Dodge Neon was known for its affordability and lively performance. It featured a range of inline-four engines, from the base 2.0-liter SOHC to the more powerful 2.0-liter DOHC. The high-performance SRT-4 variant had a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing up to 230 horsepower. It offered manual and automatic transmissions, with the 5-speed manual preferred for enthusiasts. The Neon R/T and SRT-4 models were celebrated for their spirited performance, with the SRT-4 particularly praised for its impressive acceleration.
7. Acura Integra
The Acura Integra is a compact car celebrated for its sporty performance, reliability, and stylish appearance. It comes in GS-R and Type R models, with the GS-R featuring a VTEC-enabled 1.8-liter DOHC engine producing approximately 170 horsepower and the Type R variant boasting a high-revving 1.8-liter engine delivering 195 horsepower. The Integra offers 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions and is renowned for its exceptional handling, well-balanced chassis, and responsive steering.
8. Subaru Impreza (GC8)
The first-generation Subaru Impreza GC8, produced from 1992 to 2000, is known for its rally heritage and impressive performance. It offered a range of flat-four engines, with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in the WRX and WRX STI variants producing up to 276 horsepower. The Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provided excellent traction and was available with 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions.
9. Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is a versatile compact car known for its practicality, performance, and modern design. It offered a variety of inline-four engines, including naturally aspirated and turbocharged options. The lineup included efficient engines for everyday driving and high-performance models like the ST and RS. The ST had a 2.0-liter engine with around 252 horsepower, while the RS had a 2.3-liter engine with up to 350 horsepower and all-wheel drive. Both manual and automatic transmissions were available.
10. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, also known as the Evo, is a high-performance version of the Mitsubishi Lancer. It has a powerful 2.0-liter engine in earlier models and a 2.0-liter 4B11T engine in later models, providing substantial power and torque. The Evo features Mitsubishi’s advanced Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, offering excellent traction and handling. Later models had 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmissions and a dual-clutch automatic transmission (Evo X).
Wrapping Up
Be confident in your decision to kickstart your rally racing journey by choosing the best rally cars for beginners. Our carefully selected list guarantees an ideal blend of performance, handling, and safety features. Prioritize essential elements such as powerful engine performance, all-wheel drive (AWD), and top-notch safety systems to elevate your thrill and triumph on the rally circuit. With the right vehicle, you’ll be well-equipped to dominate the tracks and pursue your racing aspirations with precision and excitement.
