The Ford Mustang is synonymous with American muscle power. It is Ford's longest-running model and has been in continuous production since 1964. Throughout the decades, it has had some of the most robust powertrains, with brute power on tap when needed. However, Ford now sells the Mustang with a standard EcoBoost engine to ensure full compliance with the increasingly stringent emission standards in the U.S. and other countries worldwide.
Updated December 2022: Cars continue to get faster, so we're updating this list with new entries and the latest numbers.
The EcoBoost is a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four that makes 310 or 332 horsepower (with the High Performance Package) and 350 lb-ft of torque. With a 0-60mph sprint time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 145 mph, the powertrain is reasonably quick. But this also means that if you're considering a sleeper car as an alternative to pony cars such as the Mustang EcoBoost, there are many options out there that deliver much more serious shifts. Below, we've identified nine unassuming cars that can do 0-60 faster than the new Ford Mustang EcoBoost.
9 Audi S6 Sedan – 4.4 Seconds
If you've always wanted a performance version of the Audi A6 sedan, you won't go wrong with the 2023 S6 Sedan. This vehicle hustles with sufficient vigor, with 444 hp on tap from its twin-turbo V6 engine.
At the same time, its chassis is perfectly optimized for sporty and well-balanced handling, thanks to a finely tuned sporty suspension that delivers plenty of comfort. The hybrid V6 powertrain pushes this family sedan to 60 mph in an impressive 4.4 seconds, and a top speed limited to 155 mph.
8 Lexus IS 500 F Sport – 4.4 Seconds
Despite the 'Sport' in its name, the 2022 Lexus IS F Sport is a luxurious Japanese sedan that doesn't shout about its performance. Whether viewed from a distance or up close, it gives the idea of an innocuous vehicle incapable of serious bite.
Look beneath the skin, however, and you'll find a 472-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 under the hood. This is enough to accelerate the performance sedan from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and see it reach a top speed of 165 mph.
7 BMW M340i xDrive – 4.1 Seconds
This particular list is not even yet halfway through, and it's clear the Germans have mastered the engineering of matching unobtrusive-looking cars with serious performance better than others. The BMW M340i, for one, is plenty powerful.
It has a potent 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine paired with an eBoost 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Together, they produce 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque – enough to allow this sedan to sprint to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and achieve a top speed of 155 mph.
6 Volkswagen Golf R – 3.9 Seconds
Although it has a somewhat sporty appearance, the Golf R remains an understated hot hatch that's appropriate for daily driving. Despite the disguise, enthusiasts understand its true performance credentials.
The 2023 Golf R has a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine that generates 315 horses and 310 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain links to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The 0-60 mph run takes just 3.9 seconds.
5 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing – 3.6 Seconds
The ultra-sleek Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is the modern-day take on the Chevy SS, based on the Australian V8-powered Commodore. Like the well-liked SS, the CT5-V Blackwing delivers the ultimate in highway cruising owing to its extremely rich cabin. But it is the superior handling and power that makes it such a contemporary marvel.
The powertrain setup is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 rated at an eye-popping 668 ponies, which is a revised version of the engine offered in the CTS-V. This power plant connects to either a six-speed manual or an optional 10-speed automatic. With the standard manual transmission, the engine scoots the CT5-V Blackwing to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. Models equipped with the optional automatic transmission complete the sprint to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Its top speed is over 200 mph.
4 BMW M3 Touring – 3.6 Seconds
There's little on the exterior of the 2023 BMW M3 Touring that tells you this car can outperform a Ford Mustang EcoBoost. Underneath its deceptive packaging, though, is a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that makes 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.
The M3 Touring reaches 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and has a standard top speed of 155mph. Adding the optional M Driver's Package raises the top speed to 174 mph.
3 Tesla Model 3 Performance – 3.1 Seconds
Despite its robust output, the Tesla Model 3 Performance can play the role of a boring car quite convincingly. Its modern, minimal style gives no hint as to the abundance of its power figures, which, thanks to a 75-kWh battery pack and dual electric motors, is a whopping 580 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque.
The Model 3 Performance is also capable of 315 miles per charge and boasts a 0-60 mph time of around 3.1 seconds. Its top speed is 162 mph.
2 Audi RS 6 Avant – 3.1 Seconds
Yet another German on this list, the 2023 Audi RS6 Avant, is a station wagon armed with a performance-tuned 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.
The engine can reach 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph. Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmission are standard.
1 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon – 3.0 Seconds
Robust and dependable, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon is the fastest-accelerating sleeper car you can buy today. With 603 horsepower at the ready courtesy of a twin-turbo V8, this vehicle is superior in performance to not only the Mustang EcoBoost but every other Mustang not named Shelby GT500.
Its acceleration time is just as impressive, with the AMG E63 S Wagon reaching 60 mph in 3.0 seconds. A nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic+ all-wheel drive are part of the standard performance package.