The automotive industry is so diverse that every car enthusiast in the world can identify a favorite model. Some car enthusiasts like vehicles with exceptional performance yet fail to notice certain sleepers due to their unspectacular appearance. Sleeper cars are perfect for hiding ruthless pace, power, efficiency, and sports car capabilities under unremarkable exteriors.
Other car enthusiasts have preferences that are opposite to what sleeper cars have to offer, and they would rather drive a cop magnet that is sure to get them a ticket than drive a sleeper. Many automakers realize that certain car lovers prefer a vehicle's appearance over its performance, which explains why companies developed cars with the aesthetics of sports cars yet that are much slower than they look. Let’s take a look at five sports cars that are much slower than they look and five sleepers that'll annihilate anything that stands in their way.
10 Slow Sports Car: Smart Roadster
Launched at the 1998 Paris Motor Show, the two-seater two-door Smart Roadster sports car was intended to provide the emotion of driving an exciting sports car at an affordable cost. In comparison, this Smart model is significantly smaller than the Toyota MR2 and the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Under the hood, this Roadster has a Mercedes-Benz-engineered rear-mounted SOHC 698cc inline-three engine fitted with a turbocharger. Power is transmitted through a single-clutch automated manual transmission that allows the 2006 Roadster to sprint from 0-60 mph in 11 seconds on its way to a top speed of 109 mph.
9 Sleeper: 1992 Lotus Carlton
Lotus developed the Carlton model after upgrading a Vauxhall Saloon to equal the performance of the best modern sports cars. Lotus made a few additional exterior changes to the original model including cooling vents on the bonnet, Lotus badges on the boot lid and front wings, a body kit, rear spoiler, and considerably wider wheel arches.
Considered the fastest four-door saloon for a while, the Carlton is powered by an upgraded twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter 24v straight-six engine that generates 377 hp and 419 lb-ft of torque. The company further added a new intake and exhaust system, forged crankshaft, connecting rods, and Mahle pistons.
8 Slow Sports Car: Ferrari 208 GTB
Ferrari developed the two-seat 208 GTB when the Italian tax system had imposed a higher value-added tax on vehicle engines above 2 liters. The GTB featured a Pininfarina 308 GTB design with a wedge profile, front and rear disc brakes, and rack and pinion steering.
The 208 GTB had a 90-degree DOHC V8 that generated 155 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. Considered the slowest Ferrari ever, the 208 GTB was built with a 5-speed manual transmission that pushed it to a top speed of 133 mph.
7 Sleeper: 2003 Mercury Marauder
Mercury revived the full-size Marauder model after a 33-year hiatus, which was regarded as the four-door Grand Marquis's performance-oriented example. The Marauder featured true dual exhaust, a performance-tuned suspension, large vented brake discs, a front bumper cover, Tokico shock absorbers, a monochrome body treatment, and smoked taillight and headlight lenses.
With a 90-degree 32-valve 4.6-liter DOHC V8 engine, the Marauder packs 302 hp and 318 lb-ft of torque that pushes it to clear 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds. The Marauder's engine sends power to the rear wheels through a 4-speed automatic gearbox, an all-aluminum driveshaft, and a limited-slip differential.
6 Slow Sports Car: Toyota GT86
Toyota and Subaru partnered to develop the 2+2 Toyota GT86 fastback Coupe to make it authentic, low-cost, low-weight, and compact. The GT86 features an aerodynamic exterior design, signature front grille, LED headlamps, a lightweight construction, and a low center of gravity.
The GT86 has a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that generates 205 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque, with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Despite the underwhelming numbers, this Toyota has an excellent feel and great communication for an enjoyable driver experience.
5 Sleeper: 2010 Audi RS6
Audi Sport GmbH developed the RS6, and the first and second-generation RS came as either sedan or Avant models. The third and fourth generation were available only in the Avant station wagon trim.
The 2010 RS6 boasts a Lamborghini Gallardo 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V10 that packs 571 hp at 8,000 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque. Though the V10 features the same displacement, the recalibrated model provides low and mid-range torque at a slightly lower redline at 7,000 rpm. Audi also equipped two turbochargers that made this model the most potent Audi has sold to date.
4 Slow Sports Car: Pontiac Fiero
The mid-engine Fiero sports car, introduced in 1983, lasted five years of production with 370,168 vehicles manufactured overall. Developed to be a cheap sports car, the Fiero featured a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, ventilated disc brakes, and pop-up headlamps.
Thanks to its fuel-injected 2.5-liter four-cylinder Iron Duke engine, the Fiero churns 92 hp and 134 lb-ft of torque. Connected to a five-speed transmission, this engine managed to send the Pontiac Fiero from 0-60 mph in 10.5 seconds.
3 Sleeper: Mazdaspeed6
Produced in 2002, the four-door mid-size Mazda6 Sedan replaced the Capella 626 as the fastest-selling Mazda model. The high-performance version, known as the Mazdaspeed6 in the states, featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder capable of 274 hp.
Additionally, it could do 280 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. A six-speed transmission sent power to the Mazda's all-wheel-drive system that splits between 100 percent to the front wheels and 50/50 front to rear ratio.
2 Slow Sports Car: Chevrolet Corvette C3 ‘California’
The C3 was built between 1967 and 1982 as the third-generation Corvette. The model was available in either the Convertible or Coupe trims. The Coupe is unique with removable T-top roof panels and rear window.
The California model has a 305 cubic inch LG4 V8 engine model that generated a disappointing 180 hp. California had enforced strict emission laws that restricted the use of powerful engines with high emission rates.
1 Sleeper: Mercedes-Benz 500E
Sold between 1990 and 1995, the mid-size 500E sports sedan was the result of close cooperation between Mercedes and Porsche.
The 500E went unnoticed since it resembled the standard E-Class, with the wider fenders as the only distinguishing feature. This Mercedes model boasts a 5.0-liter V8 with a maximum capacity of 322 hp that allows it to hit 62 mph in 5.9 seconds.