Widely considered one of the greatest action video games ever made, Rockstar's 2004 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas provides the player with a compelling plot set in a daring open world. But, as with all GTA titles before or after it, one of the most important aspects of the game have always been all the cars the player is able to find, steal, and drive.

Updated March 2021: Whether you're still playing Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, or just taking a trip down memory lane, we've updated this article with more relevant info, so you can drive as fast as possible on the streets of San Andreas. 

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What some players might not realize is the fact that the cars featured in the game are actually based on real-life models, which also means that they will provide the player with different driving experiences. Those gamers who are still roaming the streets of San Andreas after 17 years, or perhaps you're just a long-time fan of the game, or maybe even looking for a retro-kick, let's take a closer look at the top 10 fastest cars you'll ever find in this game.

10 Buffalo

Buffalo
via GTA San Andreas

The Buffalo looks like a cross between a 1982 Chevy Camaro and an Acura Integra, but the sound emitted by the car is definitely one we recognize from the Camaro's V8. Its top speed is around 125 mph, however, it's one of the most versatile and unique sports cars in San Andreas.

Here's the thing, the Buffalo isn't just quick and agile on the street, but for a sports car, it's surprisingly good off-road as well. The Buffalo does have a heavy rear-end though, so spinning out due to a loss of traction is a very real threat.

9 ZR-350

ZR350
via GTA San Andreas

Looking at this car, any fan of Japanese sports cars will be able to tell it was based on the legendary Mazda RX-7 FD. It's eye candy like this that made many of us such huge fans of the franchise in the first place, and the fact that it offers plenty of speed and power is just an added bonus.

While it would be awesome if Rockstar had included some more modification options for the ZR-350, let's say something like the Veilside bodykit featured in Fast & Furious, we're not going to complain too much. After all, this car will hit 125 mph with ease, and while some might complain that it's lacking in the handling department, we prefer to view it as purposely drift-ready.

8 Comet

Comet
via GTA San Andreas

The Comet has been part of the GTA universe for a long time, and its design has been left largely unchanged since GTA Vice City Stories. The Comet was clearly inspired by both the 1984 Porsche Carrera 911 and the 1969 Nissan Fairlady Z, and it even has an optional Targa top available. With a pedigree like that, it only makes sense that this would be one of the fastest sports cars in GTA: San Andreas.

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Thanks to its AWD, the Comet offers very impressive grip and handling. Top speed certainly isn't bad either, maxing out at a very decent 125 mph, and thanks to power being sent to all four wheels, it accelerates quicker than the Comet, Buffalo, and Jester, which all share the same top speed.

7 Banshee

Banshee
via GTA San Andreas

There are no points for guessing that the Banshee with its stripe running down the middle of its body is GTA's version of the 1996 Dodge Viper. The Banshee is definitely one of the more beautiful and desirable cars in GTA, and this has been the case since Vice City.

We hoped the Banshee would be lightning-quick, but unfortunately, that's not the case, as it tops out at just 125 mph. Don't get us wrong, it's far from slow, but it just looks much faster than it actually is. At least the Banshee achieves this top speed faster than any other car on this list.

6 Hotring Racer

Hotring Racer
via GTA San Andreas

The Hotring Racer has drawn more than a little inspiration from NASCAR racers, and it doesn't just look cool, it sounds awesome as well. This elusive car is actually quite easy to come across once the game's 8-track side mission has been completed, so no cheats are necessary. Once the side mission is done, it will frequently pop up around the Los Santos Forum.

The game offers three different Hotring Racer versions, each representing one of the three real-world models; The 1985 Chevy Camaro, 1982 Ford Thunderbird, and 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Sounding like a NASCAR racer should, the Hotring Racer's V8 will get you to a top speed of around 136 mph.

5 SuperGT

SuperGT
via GTA San Andreas

The SuperGT was based on the Mitsubishi 3000GT, so it's no surprise that the SuperGT is one of the fastest sports cars in GTA San Andreas. While we admit that we're not impressed by its sound, it more than makes up for it visually and performance-wise.

Managing a very impressive 143 mph top speed,  few cars in the game can keep up with the SuperGT, at least in a straight line. Players will have to be careful when driving this beast though. With all the power being sent to the rear wheels, it's prone to lose traction and spinning out.

4 Bullet

Bullett
via GTA San Andreas

The Bullet is on everyone's list of the most beautiful cars in GTA: San Andreas. This sports car is an obvious recreation of the 2004 Ford GT, which was brand new when the game first came out. But, because San Andreas takes place in the early 1990s, the car is more likely to be Rockstar's version of the iconic Ford GT40.

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It may be the third-fastest car in the game in a straight line, but the Bullet possesses some of the best handling of any sports car in the game, which makes it an incredibly fun and quick car to drive around curvy roads.

3 Cheetah

Cheetah
via GTA San Andreas

Cheetah is one of those cars that immediately puts a smile on your face when you see it roaming around San Fierro. It's clearly based on the iconic Ferrari Testarossa and this mid-engine supercar comes close to the fastest car in San Andreas.

Not only will it do 143 mph on the road, but it's incredibly easy and controllable at high speeds, given it bears its engine in the back and is powered only by its rear wheels. In fact, in terms of both speed and acceleration, it seems to tie with the Bullet.

2 Turismo

Turismo
via GTA San Andreas

Do you remember this gem? Perhaps the most threatening and badass-looking cars, painting this bad boy black back in the day made you feel like Batman. However, this cool mid-engine supercar is in fact inspired by the legendary Ferrari F40.

Not only does it look cool, Rockstar also gave it one of the highest top speeds in the game. Unfortunately, sources conflict over the exact number, but according to the GTA Vehicle statistics, it's second only to one other car. This should entail a top speed of at least 143 mph in the game.

1 Infernus

infernus
via GTA San Andreas

Every San Andreas player knows Infernus as the fastest car in the game. It's a bit difficult to obtain, most often found in the lavish areas of Las Venturas, but once you do, its virtual V8 will roar you to a top speed of 150 mph.

The Infernus also happens to be one of the sleekest and most aesthetic cars in the game, visually inspired by the legendary Honda NSX - one of the most desirable JDM cars of the '90s. It is curious, though, that Rockstar chose the NSX to represent the fastest car in the game when there are many more cars inspired by much quicker mid-engine supercars such as the aforementioned Cheetah or Turismo.

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