What car to choose?

That is a good question, but also a bad question at the same time up to some degree. Why? Pretty simple, not all cars handle the same way, and while its a good idea to try to avoid the worst cars, simply because using cars that barely accelerate and handle properly can really hamper your experience overall, but at the same time picking the most overpowered cars just because they're the best even though your driving skills are bad, you are not really going to get any good time splits any time soon, so our personal opinion on the matter is to simply pick a car you feel comfortable with. Although it is a good idea to pick a car and grind points with just that one car, changing the car you're using is a good way to break with the eventual monotony of using the same car over and over again.

Regardless of what we said above, if you would still like to know an overall grasp of how the cars perform in this game, read the text that follows and then try to decide for yourself what car would you like to choose.

Drivetrains

The game has 4 possible drivetrains to use, and all of them make the car's behaviour in every aspect very different in comparison to other cars with different drivetrains.

Even though this game does not feature realistic handling, it's important to understand these points that we're going to showcase here since those are the ones that matter the most just for playing this game:

Front engine/Rear wheel drive (FR)

Key points:
- Control over top speed

Advantatges:
- Manageable maneuverability in corners

Disadvantatges:
- Prone to sliding outwards while cornering in wet conditions

Front engine/Front wheel drive (FF)

Key points:
- Great stability

Advantatges:
- Great acceleration after exiting corners

Disadvantatges:
- Noticeable understeer

Mid engine/Rear wheel drive (MR)

Key points:
- Countersteering is mandatory for the usage of these cars

Advantatges:
- Lightweight cars, so their overall manuevaribility is very good

Disadvantatges:
- Most oversteer-y cars in the entire game

4 wheel drive/All wheel drive (4WD/AWD)

Key points:
- Ideal for wet condition races

Advantatges:
- Most stable cars in the game
- Best acceleration stats

Disadvantatges:
- Most understeer-y cars in the entire game

Car ratings

Toyota

Sprinter Trueno 3door GT-APEX (AE86)

One of the most balanced cars in the game (except for course D since it has better top speed but worse handling in comparison to the other courses), the Trueno is surprisingly a car not suited for beginners, mostly because of its tendency to lose a lot of speed when hitting or just rubbing walls at high speeds.

Best course: Akina

Worst course: Irohazaka, wet conditioned races

Technical information

Drivetrain: FR

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 5000 - 5000 - 6000
TRD racing engine (only with the A-Tune path): 8000 - 9000 - 10500

Complete basic tune reward of each tune course:

Tune course A: TRD racing engine upgrade

Tune course B: Racing engine upgrade

Tune course C: Racing engine upgrade

Tune course D: Turbo kit upgrade

Corolla Levin GT-APEX (AE86)

(WIP)

Driver: Eskimo Fob (Turbo tuning)

The course king of Shoumaru Pass, the Levin is quite similar to the
Trueno without its AE101 high-rev power-plant. Instead, the Levin is
equipped with turbo or a supercharger (depending on the tune) and has
a very smooth and linear power band. The Levin turns very well with
controllable oversteer that unfortunately gets much worse in the rain.
Its acceleration is not bad, though not nearly the best. On Shoumaru
Pass, it seems to take on a different form as it accelerates and turns
absolutely beautifully. Still, it is ultimately the lack of high-end
acceleration that sets it apart from the top tier cars.

Driver: GrAyEeWoLf (NA tuning)

The mecha-tuned AE86 Levin (B or C-tune) gives the car better overall
balance than its turbo/supercharged incarnation. NA Tuning allows it
to run well under any conditions. When the turbo/supercharger is
equipped, the car becomes sluggish in corners and loses almost all
traction in the rain. The racing engine preserves the Levin's good
cornering response. With the right skills, this car can take corners
FASTER than that of the AE86 Trueno, but is still weaker overall as
it lacks the acceleration of the Trueno's top gear. A good benefit
of the Levin's racing engine upgrade is that it isn't a high-rev
unit like the Trueno's, meaning that upon completing basic tune, you
don't have to re-adjust your shifting style to fit the upgrade.

Best course: Shomaru Pass, Akina

Worst course: Wet conditioned races

Technical information

Drivetrain: FR

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 5000 - 5000 - 6000

Complete basic tune reward of each tune course:

Tune course A: Turbo supercharger upgrade

Tune course B: Racing engine upgrade

Tune course C: Racing engine upgrade

Tune course D: Turbo kit upgrade

Corolla Levin SR (AE85)

A car that is definitely a bad choice for beginners, the AE85 relies on strong and stable cornering ability to get by, but its poor top speed makes the Levin a below average vehicle. Be mindful that with the A-Tune upgrade, the car in wet conditions loses all of its traction and in dry conditions it tends to slide a bit more.

Best course: Akina

Worst course: Irohazaka

Technical information

Drivetrain: FR

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 5000 - 5000 - 6000

Complete basic tune reward of each tune course:

Tune course A: Turbo supercharger upgrade

MR2 G-Limited (SW20)

(WIP)

A car with an MR drivetrain, the MR2 has extremely good turning
ability and grants oversteer on almost every corner. Countersteering
is necessary when using this car, otherwise you will find yourself
face to face with guardrail. Acceleration leaves something to be
desired, however, and the car does not react well with wall contact.
Still, it is a superb car once mastered.

Best course: Akina, Happogahara, Irohazaka

Worst course: Wet conditioned races

Technical information

Drivetrain: MR

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 5500 - 5500 - 6000

MR-S S-Edition (ZZW30)

(WIP)

This car is easier for a beginner to learn with than the MR2, as the
oversteer is more stable, although still present. To counteract the
better handling, the MR-S suffers horrible 4th and 5th gear
acceleration as a stock car. Basically, the MR-S is good off the line,
tops out early speed-wise, but turns beautifully. If you want to drive
a Cappuccino but can't quite control one, give the MR-S a try and see
if you like it.

Best course: Akina, Happogahara, Irohazaka

Worst course: Myogi, Wet conditioned races

Technical information

Drivetrain: MR

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 5500 - 5500 - 6000 - 6500

Altezza RS200 Z Edition (SXE10)

(WIP)

The Altezza is one of the odder cars in the game. While it is vastly
overlooked, it offers its driver enough technical prowess to be a
competitive vehicle. While it only does about above average on most
courses, this car runs superbly on either direction of Shoumaru's
tricky pass. The SXE 10 has smooth cornering ability and decent
acceleration. Its only downside is its weak handling under Wet
conditions. This lightweight FR sedan is an intermediate level car,
at best.

Best course: Shomaru Pass

Worst course: Happogahara

Technical information

Drivetrain: FR

Transmission: 6-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6000 - 6500 - 7000 - 7500

Celica GT-Four (ST205)

(WIP)

One of the most drifty 4WD cars in the game, the Celica has decent
turning ability, decent acceleration, and is pretty much 'okay' on
every course. It does, however, dominate one course, and that is
Akina UH. On this course, its turning ability is greatly upgraded, as
well as overall acceleration. It also has a great start dash for a
5-Gear car. Recommended for those who want a combination of 4WD and
FR-type handling.

Best course: Akina (Uphill)

Worst course: -

Technical information

Drivetrain: 4WD

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6000 - 6500 - 7000

Nissan

Skyline GT-R V-Spec II (BNR32)

(WIP)

Driven by the Night Kid's team leader, it's a tough car to drive. It
has amazing stability and acceleration, but greatly lacks in turning
ability. Try to avoid courses with many turns, as the R32 will
understeer dramatically during turn-in and acceleration. More braking
is necessary with the R32 than almost any other car. However, when
you take it to its home course Shin Myogi, no other car in the game
can match its handling or speed.

Best course: Myogi, Real Myogi

Worst course: Akina, Irohazaka

Technical information

Drivetrain: 4WD

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6500 - 7500 - 8000

Skyline GT-R V-Spec II (BNR34)

(WIP)

While the BNR34 does share some of the same characteristics of the
BNR32, including the incredibly heavy understeer on the game's
curvier tracks, this newer version of the Skyline outdoes it in
almost every way possible. Its greatest strength is superb
acceleration in EVERY gear. Not only does it have good acceleration
off the starting line, but it also has a strong top gear AND its
middle gears allow you to make up for any speed lost during cornering
on pure power alone. However, the R34's best attribute is its
stability in Wet conditions, making it rather formidable as a mid
tier car.

Best course: Myogi, Real Myogi, Momiji Line

Worst course: Akina, Irohazaka

Technical information

Drivetrain: 4WD

Transmission: 6-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6500 - 7000 - 7500 - 8000

Skyline 25GT Turbo (ER34)

(WIP)

Being an FR instead of AWD, the ER34 is the best cornering machine of
the three Skyline's in Special Stage. It shares a similar
understeering problem that the other GT-R's have, but is not quite as
grippy, which affords it better maneuverability (though not much) on
some of the twistier courses. Like the other Skylines, Wet conditions
are optimal where it handles its best. Coupled with strong
acceleration and good top speed, this car can be above average in the
hands of an experienced player.

Best course: Myogi, Usui, Momiji Line

Worst course: Irohazaka

Technical information

Drivetrain: FR

Transmission: 6-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6500 - 7000 - 7500 - 8000

Silvia K's (S13)

(WIP)

Driver: Jin4576

This car is somewhat average on most courses, but excels on Usui the
most. It's also pretty good on Wet for most courses and having C-Tune
with the GT Wing helps with that. It does suffer from understeering on
most parts except for the Bomex spoiler, which will make the car
oversteer. The best tune would probably be a mix of A and C depending
on your preference on Wet or Dry courses.

Driver: GrAyEeWoLf

Between the S13 Silvia, the 180sx, and the SilEighty, the K's Silvia
is the best of the lot. While it still has a predictable understeer,
the S13K has the best turning radius of the three S13 models in this
game. Its advantage over the other two models is its adaptability.
While it is great on Arcade/Shin Usui, this car can also run pretty
well outside of its home course. While one may not have expected it,
the S13 Silvia can actually achieve decent times on Akina. Good top
end and off the line acceleration, steady under Wet conditions, and
very controllable, the S13 is a good car in the hands of an
intermediate player.

Best course: Usui, Akina, Real Myogi, Real Usui, Wet conditioned races

Worst course: Happogahara

Technical information

Drivetrain: FR

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6500 - 6500 - 7000

Silvia Q's (S14)

(WIP)

The S14Q is not an ideal choice for anyone other than an experienced
player. It has slow acceleration off the starting line and doesn't
pick up speed well on a straight dash. Its cornering is not very good
on any of the twisty courses in the game, save for two tracks: it can
achieve decent times on Akagi and Shin Myogi. You'd be hard pressed to
take this car anywhere but those tracks or Arcade Usui (where I would
say it fares best).

Best course: Usui, Akagi, Real Myogi

Worst course: Happogahara, Irohazaka

Technical information

Drivetrain: FR

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6000 - 6500 - 7000

Silvia K's Aero (S14)

(WIP)

The S14 K's AERO Silvia is undoubtedly one of the most overlooked and
underrated cars in the game. It has good off the line acceleration,
decent handling, average top speed, and is stable under Wet
conditions. In terms of Time Attacks, this car will do no more than
average. The reason for that is the S14 K's limited power band (its
rev limit is 8,000 RPM). Because of that, this car will top out very
early, but is still a very formidable car for anyone looking to
experiment with a non character-driven car.

Best course: Myogi, Usui, Real Myogi, Real Usui

Worst course: Akina

Technical information

Drivetrain: FR

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6000 - 6500 - 7000

Silvia Spec-R (S15)

(WIP)

In Arcade Stage Version 2, this is one the lowest ranked cars of the
entire game. In Special Stage, it's simple to see why: out of all the
cars in the game with 6-speed transmission, this is the worst overall.
The S15 is not very stable on any track that isn't Arcade Usui. Put it
on a Wet course, and you're doomed to lose unless you have great
skill. Its cornering ability is sluggish, and its top end speed isn't
that high. The only thing this car has going for it is the excellent
acceleration at the start dash. If you are really looking to make this
game a challenge, drive this car.

Best course: Myogi, Usui, Real Myogi

Worst course: Wet conditioned races

Technical information

Drivetrain: FR

Transmission: 6-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6000 - 6200 - 6700 - 7000

180SX Type X (RPS13)

(WIP)
Nissan's 180sx (which goes by the name of 240sx in the US, for those
of you that don't know) is a bonafide drift machine. Unfortunately,
due to Initial D Special Stage's unrealistic car behavior, it won't
perform anything more than about average. The 180sx's handling is the
direct opposite of the S13 Silvia; it feels like more of a grip car
and is much more stable, overall. It understeers on anything that
isn't Arcade/Shin Usui, but still runs exceptionally well. Run a clean
enough line and this car's decent acceleration will make up for any
speed you've lost during cornering.

Best course: Myogi, Usui, Real Myogi, Real Usui

Worst course: Irohazaka

Technical information

Drivetrain: FR

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6000 - 6500 - 7000

SilEighty (RPS13)

(WIP)

Driven by none other than the infamous 'Angels of Usui', Impact Blue,
otherwise known as Mako and Sayuki. The car itself is a hybrid of the
S13 family, taking the body styling of the 180sx and putting on the
front end of the S13. While the look itself is one combination, the
mixture of handling from the S13 and 180sx is another. The S13 Silvia
is more drifty while the 180sx is bit grippy. The S13KAI (or simply
put, SilEighty) has attributes of both cars, giving it great balance.
But, because it handles in both grip and drift styles, there are
times when the car just won't respond and completely lock up. However,
harness its abilities, and it's the best S13 of the game.

Best course: Usui, Real Usui

Worst course: Irohazaka

Technical information

Drivetrain: FR

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6000 - 6500 - 7000

Honda

Civic Type R (EK9)

(WIP)

Like the EG6, the Civic Type R has slow acceleration off the starting
line and it understeers, although not as heavily, on Dry Weather
outside of its home courses of Enna and Happogahara. What sets the
EK9 apart from its older sibling is that it actually fares well
overall with its better acceleration once in top gear; something the
EG6 lacks. Most importantly, the EK9's greatest ally is Wet weather,
where it handles well with high stability in and out of corners. That
alone gives it an advantage if you plan on utilizing this car outside
of its home courses.

Best course: Happogahara, Enna Skyline

Worst course: Akina

Technical information

Drivetrain: FF

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6500 - 7000 - 7500

Civic SiR-II (EG6)

(WIP)

The Honda Civic SiR-II definitely caters toward people that prefer
driving under Wet Conditions, as the car controls steadily and
corners strong on just about every course. But, when it comes to Dry
Weather, it's sluggish and understeers anywhere away from Arcade/
Shin Myogi, with the exception of Happogahara where it's one of the
better cars suited for the course. To round out the package, the
EG6's acceleration abilities are merely average, making this car an
intermediate driver's choice, at best.

Best course: Happogahara, Wet conditioned races

Worst course: Dry conditioned races

Technical information

Drivetrain: FF

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6000 - 7000 - 7500

Integra Type R (DC2)

(WIP)

It's likely the best overall car in the game. Very stable, great on
Wet, and easy for a beginner to get used to. Turning ability is
superb, but is slightly compromised when braking during turning.
Remember to brake before cornering and lay off the accelerator during
turn in. When compared to Arcade Stage Version 2, the DC2 has been
toned down to a good extent as this car completely owned every course.
In Special Stage it doesn't have the same top speed as its arcade
counterpart, but its acceleration is still decent, overall. Note that
on A-tune, you will get a turbo upgrade. This is very useful on
straightaways, but your overall handling is weaker (you are advised
to not use it in the rain).

Best course: Akina (Wet), Happogahara (Wet), Enna Skyline (Wet)

Worst course: Usui (Downhill), Akagi (Downhill)

Technical information

Drivetrain: FF

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6500 - 7000 - 7500

Complete basic tune reward of each tune course:

Tune course A: Turbocharger upgrade

S2000 (AP1)

(WIP)

The S2000 is one of the more interesting cars in the game. This FR
Honda has poor off-the-line acceleration but compensates with decent
top end speed. Because of its 6-speed gear box, driving it is tricky;
like the AE86 Trueno, you must be mindful of your RPMs or the car
will stall if you aren't hitting the right shift points. In addition,
this car exhibits some understeer when cornering, so early turn-in
is necessary in order to take better advantage of acceleration in
the higher gears. While not a difficult car to get used to, I would
not recommend this car to a beginner.

Best course: Myogi, Happogahara

Worst course: Irohazaka

Technical information

Drivetrain: FR

Transmission: 6-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6500 - 7200 - 7500 - 8000

Mitsubishi

Lancer Evolution III GSR (CE9A)

(WIP)

Although the Evo III is king of Irohazaka, it is most well known for
its 'Misfiring system' (or as some know it, the anti-lag system).
Although it sounds and looks damn cool, it really does nothing to
affect the car's performance. Getting that out of the way, the Evo
III is quite a weak car away from Irohazaka. It understeers badly on
most tracks and its acceleration leaves something to be desired.
Still, it has good stability and predictable understeer common in
almost all 4WD cars.

Best course: Irohazaka

Worst course: Akina

Technical information

Drivetrain: 4WD

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 5500 - 6500 - 7000

Complete basic tune reward of each tune course:

Tune course A: Misfiring system

Lancer Evolution IV RS (CN9A)

(WIP)

Don't be fooled. Although this car may seem like a twin to the Evo
III at first, its performance is vastly superior, overall. It is also
the king of Irohazaka, along with the Evo III, but performs well on
other courses, too. In both cornering ability and acceleration, the
Evo IV beats out its brother. The Evo IV also has a peculiar way of
turning. It will understeer slightly at turn-in, so it might seem like
the car is headed for the wall, but its turning radius gets smaller
midway through the turn and it exits the corner well. Therefore, keep
in mind with an Evo IV you will have to turn a little earlier to get
close to the apex than you would with most cars.

Best course: Irohazaka

Worst course: Akina

Technical information

Drivetrain: 4WD

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6000 - 6500 - 7000

Lancer Evolution VII GSR (CT9A)

(WIP)

When I started this car, I fell in love with it when I took it to
Irohazaka... but then totally hated it when I went to Akagi (which is
my favorite track). I did a pure B-Tune and I think I chose the right
tune to start with, at least. It handled pretty nicely and was pretty
fast. One thing that might be bad about the tune is the muffler; it
started out bad in 1st and 2nd gear, but 3rd to 5th gear was good,
although that might be me not knowing the shift times. I would call
this car the 'Jekyll and Hyde' car. By that, I mean on Irohazaka it
had awesome speed, and great handling. On Happo it was fast and
still turned great in 5th gear. When I went to Akagi, the speed was
okay, but the handling was horrible... fear the V-turn with this car.
On Akina it was worse; any tight turn gave me problems and I ended up
getting horrible times.

Best course: Happogahara, Irohazaka

Worst course: Akagi, Akina

Technical information

Drivetrain: 4WD

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6000 - 6500 - 7000

Mazda

ɛ̃fini RX-7 Type R (FD3S)

(WIP)

Driver: Eskimo Fob

The FD Type R is a strong overall car. Due to its strong acceleration,
good stability, and decent cornering ability, it is one of the most
balanced cars of the game as it excels on just about every course.
Because it's so stable, it is also a strong car under Wet conditions.
However, take this car to Akina or Irohazaka, and you'll feel
understeer. Note that under B-tune (Kyoko Iwase's tune) the final
basic tuning upgrade is the replacement of the FD's twin turbo system
with one large turbine. This gives you better top end acceleration at
the expense of your cornering speed (in and out of corners). While it
won't affect your time attacks, the difference in acceleration is
apparent.

Driver: GrAyEeWoLf (Keisuke's new FD)

As an experiment, I decided to full tune a brand new FD in the body
stylings of Keisuke's newer FD. To get this look, your base tune
should be C-tune (REamemiya) and you need to unlock the Bronze
MAZDA SPEED Rims as well as the D-tune MAZDA SPEED spoiler and
B-tune's side mirrors. With this body styling combination, you'll
notice that this version of the FD is granted a little oversteer,
something that the other tunes lack. This can be felt the most on
Akagi's S-curve section. While not an official character tune in
the game, it is in the manga and is an open option for anyone to
try.

Best course: Akagi

Worst course: Akina

Technical information

Drivetrain: FR

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6000 - 6500 - 7000

Complete basic tune reward of each tune course:

Tune course B: Single turbine

RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD3S)

(WIP)

The RX-7 Spirit R and the RX-7 Type R share similar overall
attributes, right down to the fact that they run similar times across
all courses. The difference between the FD3SI and the FD3SV is in
their turning ability; the Spirit R exhibits a little more drift when
cornering, so it's more a matter of preference of which feels better.
With its good stability, strong acceleration, and steady turning
ability no matter the weather conditions, it's highly recommended if
you're just starting out.

Best course: Akagi

Worst course: Akina

Technical information

Drivetrain: FR

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6000 - 6500 - 7000

SAVANNA RX-7 ∞ III (FC3S)

(WIP)

The FC is just as good a car as its younger brother, the FD. They have
similar times on most tracks, although their characteristics could not
be more different. While the FD depends on stability, predictable
understeer, and acceleration, the FC relies on oversteer and cornering
ability but lacks slightly in brute power. Nevertheless, its oversteer
is quite controllable and its cornering potential is well worth giving
this car a try.

Best course: Akagi

Worst course: Myogi, Momiji Line

Technical information

Drivetrain: FR

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 5000 - 5500 - 6000

Eunos Roadster (NA6CE)

(WIP)

It's a safe bet to call this the weakest overall car in the game.
Similar to the NB8C, this car has incredible turning ability on
almost every course as you can come out of any corner with high
stability on Dry weather. However, under Wet Conditions it loses all
traction as the rear of the vehicle slides outward once you take on a
corner full force, unless you're on its home course of Momiji Line
where it's best suited for the downhill. This car's major flaw is
that it has TERRIBLE acceleration once in top gear. Because of that,
most of your Time Attack results will be below average despite using
ideal driving lines. If you want to make the game the most
challenging it can by limiting your overall speed (and not with
overly difficult handling like some of the other cars) this is your
car.

Best course: Happogahara, Momiji Line

Worst course: Myogi, Real Myogi, Wet conditioned races

Technical information

Drivetrain: FR

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 5000 - 5500 - 6000 - 6500

Complete basic tune reward of each tune course:

Tune course A: Increased cylinder bore

Roadster RS (NB8C)

A pretty underrated car in the game, the Roadster RS is a fantastic car if you want to tackle the most popular tracks like Akagi, Akina and Irohazaka, and it excels on Momiji Line (Downhill). Regardless of your skills, this car will satisfy your needs, although it is important to know that the car's acceleration is just decent.

Best course: Momiji Line

Worst course: Myogi, Wet conditioned races

Technical information

Drivetrain: FR

Transmission: 6-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6000 - 6500 - 6500 - 7000

Subaru

Impreza WRX STi Sedan Type R Version VI (GC8G)

Here's a car that has overall above average capabilities. Why so? Because its acceleration uphill and downhill is amazing and it is pretty stable. Though, it has to be mentioned that it has a tedency to understeer, but this can be remedied by using the Out-In-Out technique when attacking the corners and hairpins. Under wet conditions, instead of braking like somebody would do under dry conditions, it is preferable to just let the go the gas pedal and then start accelerating once the car is facing the corner exit.

Best course: Akagi, Akina, Irohazaka

Worst course: -

Technical information

Drivetrain: 4WD

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6000 - 6500 - 7000

Impreza WRX STi (GDBA)

A really easy 6-gear car to drive, it's a car that does not have any serious weakness at all. Its decent top speed and great stability and its bad traction under wet conditions make this car a decent choice.

Best course: Akina, Happogahara, Irohazaka

Worst course: Wet conditioned races

Technical information

Drivetrain: 4WD

Transmission: 6-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6000 - 6000 - 6500 - 7000

Impreza WRX STi Coupe Type R Version V (GC8F)

Good stability, powerful acceleration and good turning abilities make this car an amazing choice for any expert driver. Regardless of that, this is a great beginner car (although being locked away until you finish the Story mode makes it kinda pointless). It doesn't have a best track, but it is an above average choice on almost all of them.

Best course: Akagi, Akina, Irohazaka

Worst course: Myogi

Technical information

Drivetrain: 4WD

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 6000 - 6500 - 7000

Suzuki

Cappuccino (EA11R)

Likely the toughest car to drive in the game, the Cappuccino has incredible turning ability on almost every course, but at the cost of being really oversteer-y and having tricky shift points, since early shift points will make the engine stall. The acceleration at lower gears is pretty poor, but managing to keep a high speed will be rewarded with an even higher acceleration.

Best course: Akagi, Akina, Shomaru Pass

Worst course: Wet conditioned races

Technical information

Drivetrain: FR

Transmission: 5-speed

Recommended shift points (in rpm):

Normal engine: 8000 - 9500 - 10500