Best Handling Cars: A Guide to Choosing the Right Ride

What is Handling?

Handling is the car’s ability to respond to driver inputs effectively, including steering, braking, and acceleration. A car that handles well is more stable, comfortable, and easier to control, which makes it safer and more enjoyable to drive. Good handling also improves a car’s performance and fuel efficiency.

Handling is affected by several factors, including the car’s weight distribution, suspension system, steering mechanism, and tires and wheels. Each of these factors plays an essential role in how a car handles on the road.

Factors that Affect Handling

Weight Distribution

The weight distribution of a car affects its handling by changing its center of gravity. A car with a low center of gravity handles better than a car with a high center of gravity. This is because the car is more stable and less likely to tip over during turns. Cars with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration have a more balanced weight distribution, which improves handling.

Suspension System

The suspension system is responsible for keeping the car’s wheels in contact with the road surface. A good suspension system improves handling by reducing body roll during turns, improving stability, and providing a smoother ride. The suspension system consists of several components, including shocks, struts, and springs.

Factors that Affect Handling (Cont’d)

Steering Mechanism

The steering mechanism is responsible for controlling the direction of the car. A good steering system improves handling by providing precise, responsive, and predictable steering. The steering mechanism consists of several components, including the steering wheel, steering column, rack and pinion, and tie rods.

Cars with a variable-ratio steering system provide better handling than those with a fixed-ratio steering system. This is because the variable-ratio steering system provides a quicker response to driver inputs during high-speed maneuvers.

Tires and Wheels

Tires and wheels play a crucial role in a car’s handling. The right tires and wheels can improve a car’s grip and handling, while the wrong ones can make it unstable and difficult to control. The size, width, and type of tires affect a car’s handling, as well as the material and design of the wheels.

Cars with high-performance tires and lightweight wheels have better handling than those with standard tires and wheels. High-performance tires provide better grip and traction, while lightweight wheels reduce unsprung weight, which improves handling and ride comfort.

Top 3 Best Handling Cars

Porsche 911

The Porsche 911 is one of the best handling cars on the market. It’s a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car that provides excellent balance and stability. The 911 has a sport-tuned suspension system that provides precise, responsive handling, and it comes with high-performance tires and lightweight wheels. The downside of the 911 is its high price tag, which may be out of reach for some buyers.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a popular sports car that’s known for its excellent handling. It’s a rear-wheel-drive convertible that’s lightweight and agile, making it easy to maneuver on winding roads. The Miata has a sport-tuned suspension system that provides responsive handling, and it comes with high-performance tires and lightweight wheels. The downside of the Miata is its limited cargo space and tight interior.

Chevrolet Corvette

The Chevrolet Corvette is an American sports car that’s been around for over 60 years. It’s a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive car that provides excellent balance and stability. The Corvette has a sport-tuned suspension system that provides precise, responsive handling, and it comes with high-performance tires and lightweight wheels. The downside of the Corvette is its high price tag and limited cargo space.

When comparing the three best handling cars, the Porsche 911 offers the best handling, but it’s also the most expensive. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the most affordable but has the least amount of interior space. The Chevrolet Corvette is a good balance between the two, offering excellent handling at a more affordable price point.

Honorable Mentions

While the top three best handling cars are impressive, there are other cars on the market that have excellent handling as well. Here are a few honorable mentions:

Porsche 911: The Porsche 911 has been a benchmark for handling for decades. Its rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration provides excellent balance and handling, making it one of the best sports cars on the market.
Mazda MX-5 Miata: The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small, lightweight sports car that is known for its excellent handling. Its rear-wheel-drive configuration and balanced weight distribution make it a joy to drive on winding roads.
BMW 3 Series: The BMW 3 Series is a compact luxury car that is known for its excellent handling and performance. Its rear-wheel-drive configuration and sport-tuned suspension system make it one of the best handling cars in its class.
Honda Civic Type R: The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance hatchback that is known for its excellent handling and performance. Its front-wheel-drive configuration and sport-tuned suspension system make it a joy to drive on winding roads.

Conclusion

In conclusion, handling is an essential factor to consider when choosing a new car. A car that handles well is not only safer, but it’s also more enjoyable to drive. The top three best handling cars on the market today are the Porsche 718 Cayman, the Chevrolet Corvette, and the Toyota Supra.

If you’re in the market for a new car, we encourage you to test drive these cars and experience their handling for yourself. Each of these cars has its unique strengths and weaknesses, and the best car for you will depend on your driving preferences and needs.

At Ratingperson, we strive to provide our readers with accurate and comprehensive reviews of cars, movies, restaurants, and more. We hope that this guide has been helpful in your search for the best handling car.