Get Hotcars Premium. Start your free trial today
These cars can easily be modified to produce more horsepower than any sensible person would ever need.
Ever since the first vehicle was invented, carmakers have constantly pushed the boundaries of speed, handling, and performance. And although the need for speed has been associated with performance-focused platforms, the competitive spirit is so natural that it has found its way to the hearts and minds of common consumers.
Related: These Are The Coolest Mods For Your Ford Mustang EcoBoost
Enthusiasts and tuners have shown unwavering progress through the endless pursuit of power. The idea is to ensure every ounce plays a part in making the car as fast and reliable as possible. While almost any platform can be modified, some outstanding models have made a name for themselves for being quite affordable and relatively easy to modify. Simplified platforms and intuitive technology are the primary traits of these cars. That said, here are some of the best turner-friendly vehicles of all time.
Kick-starting the list is one of the coolest muscle cars of all time, the Ford Mustang. Most Mustang models generate impressive power. However, the models that come with Ecoboost are cheaper, and their engines have fewer cylinders. On the other hand, the top-spec V8 version comes equipped with a supercharger, and in between those two extremes are naturally aspirated V8s.
The Mustang marque guarantees an option for every driver. And although the V8 engines are superb for tuners, the smaller powertrains tend to be more tunable and customizable, thanks to the modified ECU. The larger V8 engines deliver much better performance.
The Chevrolet Camaro is another pony car that deserves a spot on this list. The car has been most gearheads' favorite since its launch in the 1960s. Every new generation comes with more refinement and more power.
One of the things Chevy Camaro owners will never tell you is that it's one of the easiest cars to own. And the process of tuning it is pretty straightforward – some parts, a few tools, and a couple of hours of work should do the trick. Leaving the factory, the Camaro SS comes powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that puts out a decent 426 horsepower and hits the quarter-mile in about 13 seconds. The supercharger adds about 300 horsepower to what's already a monster of a vehicle.
When the Golf GTI first graced the streets, it started a trend that still holds on to this day – sportiness and practicality. Of course, recent generations are much bigger and heavier, but they come with a healthy improvement in performance.
Related: These Affordable Sports Cars Shine With Power-Increasing Mods
The base model Volkswagen Golf comes equipped with a drivetrain that can milk out a few extra ponies when modified. However, tuners have found that the GTI can easily crest 450 horsepower without drastic changes to its engine.
Although modified BMWs are a little more subdued than their counterparts, it's good to note that the 3 Series is one of the most popular and tuner-friendly lineups of all time. Between 1997 and 2006, BMW produced some of the market's most impeccable sedans, convertibles, and coupes, and as a result, the 3 Series gained recognition among enthusiasts.
The trend of the well-established European model was exaggerated using aftermarket modifications. The best part is that the 3 Series models could handle all changes commissioned in the factory and tuner shops.
Launched in 1992, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was one of the most popular vehicles. It was famous for its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, and what's more, its power was transmitted to all wheels. These features, as well as its styling cues, stole the hearts and minds of gearheads all over the world.
Mitsubishi claimed the car produced a decent 276 horsepower. However, it came to be known that the manufacturer was downgrading the model's output to comply with the stated laws at the time. Not only was it more powerful than they stated, but it could also be easily tuned to produce more power than anyone would ever realistically need, which made it an instant hit among tuners.
Subaru introduced the Impreza WRX model to compete with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and in many ways, it did that. The WRX offered a variety of attractive traits, all of which were appealing to gearheads. And although it was launched in 2002 in North America, it was not until 2003 that the STI model graced the states.
The STI was simply an iteration of the previous model with a performance-based outlook. Automotive shops began to take note of all the aerodynamic packages and the improved powertrains that the Impreza offered. The STI produced between 280 and 320 horsepower in stock form, but it could give out monster figures after a few mods.
Produced by the Japanese manufacturer Mazda, the Miata has found itself among the best-selling sports cars since it was launched in 1989. Apart from its incredible performance, it was also relatively easy to modify.
Related: These Boring Commuters Look Sick With Just A Few Mods
Mazda built the Mazda on a lightweight platform and fitted it with a 1.6-liter, inline-four engine that pushed it to incredible performance levels. These traits have helped it capture and retain the attention of gearheads and racing fans across the globe. In 2015, the Miata was redesigned to offer a rigid roof, sleeker appearance, and a potent 181-horsepower engine.
When designing the Supra, Toyota wanted to make it as fast a possible. As a result, the A80 models featured a twin-turbocharged 2JZ motor that could put out more than 326 horsepower in standard form, and anywhere from 600 to 1000 hp with some quality aftermarket parts. Thus, it was popular among racing enthusiasts and tuners.
The BMW-based supra is still inspiring the same thrills among tuners one generation later. The BMW's B58 engine is easier to tune. A five-minute ECU update will boost the power output to 500 horsepower without even breaking a sweat.
It wasn't long before people realized the Ford Escort RS could be converted into a speed beast. In 1992, the car won the Group A World Rally Championship. The customer version was produced in limited numbers, making it more popular.
The Escort RS featured a suit of track-focused parts from the factory. Such features included the 224-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine and an improved suspension. Once tuning companies realized that the Escort RS could be modified through a myriad of aftermarket parts, they began building custom units, some of which could reach 1000 horsepower.
The Nissan Skyline R34-GTR is one of those cars that never leave the limelight and has even featured in the popular Fast and Furious franchise a couple of times. It's one of the most recognizable sports cars of all time. The car gained popularity due to its almost supernatural speed levels and handling.
The Skyline R34-GTR came equipped with a turbocharged 2.6-liter straight-six engine that the manufacturer claimed produced 280 horsepower. In reality, the R34-GTR gave out closer to 330 horsepower. However, once unlocked to its full potential by tuning, the car could offer more than 700 horsepower.
Sam is a professional internet researcher and writer. He is mainly interested in and fascinated by cars and motorcycles. He has been writing about the same for the past few years. Sam currently works for Valnet Inc's Hot cars as a full-time contributor. He is also a professional graphic designer, digital marketer, and sexual health consultant.