Turbo Cars : As the popularity of high-performance vehicles grows, can they compete with the power of the American V8? Check out these ten cars that we believe are ready to take on the challenge.
Turbo Cars: Within the realm of forced induction, two youngsters have long been engaged in a dispute over the superiority of turbocharging versus supercharging. One is now associated with America, while the other is a common feature in European vehicles. Despite not all American V8s being supercharged, naturally aspirated engines face an uphill battle against their faster competitors. Modern turbochargers offer reliable power without the traditional lag and unpredictable power surges, making them a more efficient alternative to older naturally aspirated engines. The question remains: which contenders are prepared to challenge the iconic American muscle cars? It’s time to discover the answer.
9: 2019 BMW M340i Turbo Cars
2019 Bmw M340I
BMW M340i VS Dodge Charger Scat Pack Comparison
| Manufacturer | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | M340i | Charger Scat Pack |
| Body Style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Configuration | TT I6 | N/A V8 HEMI |
| Displacement | 3.0 | 6.2 |
| Horsepower | 382 hp | 485 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 3.8s | 4.5s |
| Price | $57,600 | $51,300 |
The B58 engine from BMW is a solid choice, and the M340i is well-equipped to take on Dodge’s Charger Scat Pack. With a single twin-scroll turbocharger and a three-liter straight six, the M340i delivers 380 hp and impressive acceleration. Despite its power, the M340i remains agile and lightweight compared to its competitors, making it a strong performer.
8: Porsche 911 GT2RS MR Turbo Cars
Porsche 911 Gt2Rs Mr
Porsche 911 GT2RS MR VS Dodge Viper ACR Extreme Comparison
| Manufacturer | Porsche | Dodge |
| Model | 911 GT2RS | Viper ACR-E |
| Body Style | Track-Coupe | Track-Coupe |
| Engine Configuration | TT F6 | N/A V8 |
| Displacement | 3.8 | 8.0 |
| Horsepower | 612 hp | 645 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 2.6s | 3.0s |
| Price | $360,000 | $264,000 |
In the standard GT2RS, the wing is already very tall, almost as tall as an NBA basketball hoop. However, with Manthey’s aero kit, the fight against Dodge’s Viper ACR Extreme is taken to a whole new level. In the GT2RS MR, the airfoil itself doesn’t sit much higher on its bracketing, but the end plates are significantly larger. This design traps more free-flowing air between the top and bottom of the wing, creating a more efficient stream of air to generate significant downforce. It’s like a jet fighter on wheels with enough control over the surrounding air that it smashed the standard GT2RS’s Nürburgring production lap record by an incredible 7 seconds. The ACR has more power, more torque, and a similar determination to conquer road surfaces but still can’t break the 7:00-minute mark.
7: 2020 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Turbo Cars
2020 Cadillac Ct4-V Blackwing
Cadillac CT4V Blackwing VS Cadillac CT5-V Comparison
| Manufacturer | Cadillac | Cadillac |
| Model | CT4-V Blackwing | CT5-V Blackwing |
| Body Style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Configuration | TT V6 | S V8 |
| Displacement | 3.6 | 6.2 |
| Horsepower | 472 hp | 670 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 4.0s | 4.5s |
| Price | $59,900 | $51,300 |
While the latest Blackwing knighthood brings honor to another American sedan, the CT4-V Blackwing is distinctly different from a muscle car. The CT4 and CT5 V models embody Cadillac’s refined athletic offerings, with the supercharged V8 in the CT-5 V representing the muscle car’s legacy, while the turbo six in the CT4-V Blackwing points towards its future direction. Equipped with a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6, which is larger than the standard CT5-V’s engine, this car serves as a flagship with around 470 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque, delivering impressive performance across its rev range. Choosing this over its supercharged V8 counterpart reflects a preference for balance and refinement in a family sedan. The CT4-V Blackwing exemplifies finding the perfect balance.
6: 2021 Audi TT-RS Turbo Cars
2021 Audi Tt-Rs
Audi TT-RS VS Dodge Challenger Hellcat Comparison
| Manufacturer | Audi | Dodge |
| Model | TTRS | Challenger Hellcat |
| Body Style | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Configuration | TT I5 | S V8 |
| Displacement | 2.5 | 6.2 |
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 717 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 3.6s | 3.7s |
| Price | $73,200 | $68,600 |
The Hellcat’s high-pitched shtick became tiresome quickly, much like Madonna did during her fifth comeback tour. At $70,000, the Audi TT-RS provides better value than a flimsy plastic boat that’s easy to steal and weighs a ton. It shares the muscular appearance of the Challenger, adding widebody fender flares to emphasize its rounded shape. Following Audi’s acquisition of Lamborghini, their performance Quattro models have gained a sharper edge, and the TT-RS is no exception. The front end is more striking than the rear, featuring sharp lines and large air intakes. However, what truly matters is what lies beneath the TT-RS’s exterior. Under the hood sits a spirited five-cylinder engine producing 397 horsepower and nearly identical torque figures.
5: 2018 BMW M2 Competition Turbo Cars
2018 Bmw M2 Competition
BMW M2 VS Ford Performance Shelby Mustang GT350 Comparison
| Manufacturer | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M2 Competition | Shelby GT350 |
| Body Style | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Configuration | TT I6 | N/A V8 |
| Displacement | 3.0 | 5.2 |
| Horsepower | 405 hp | 526 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 4.0s | 4.2s |
| Price | $63,000 | $61,000 |
When the ‘Competition’ badge is applied to the M2’s rear end, the engine isn’t simply upgraded; it represents what the youngest M platform should have been from the start. The S55 engine builds upon the N55 blueprint with a focus on maximum performance. Its closed deck design reinforces the coolant passages around the cylinders, providing added structural rigidity to handle more power. With an additional turbo and strengthened internal components, the S55 engine delivers 405 hp and an equal amount of torque. For optimal enjoyment of this enhanced power, BMW’s soon-to-be-discontinued DCT transmission is recommended. While any car that still offers a manual transmission deserves praise for its traditional appeal, recent M shifters have been lacking in precision and firmness. Therefore, using paddles to shift gears is preferable in this vehicle if you want to fully experience its pent-up aggression.
4: 2020 Porsche 911 GTS Turbo Cars
2020 Porsche 911 Gts
Porsche 911 GTS VS Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Comparison
| Manufacturer | Porsche | Chevrolet |
| Model | 911 GTS | Corvette Z06 |
| Body Style | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Configuration | TT F6 | N/A V8 |
| Displacement | 3.0 | 5.5 |
| Horsepower | 473 hp | 670 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 2.8s | 2.6s |
| Price | $63,000 | $61,000 |
The 992 quickly became a standout in Porsche’s long line of iconic models. With the entire 911 Carrera series now featuring turbocharged engines for the first time, the anticipation for this beloved sports car has reached new heights. While the classic 911 silhouette remains unmistakable, subtle changes are present, such as the addition of a sweeping LED bar at the rear. The 911 GTS is equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine paired with an updated 8-speed PDK transmission. Unlike some other sports cars, it doesn’t boast loudly or rely on flashy design elements, but it still delivers impressive performance and practicality, making it one of the best options for daily driving outside of the GT3 model.
3: 2023 Alfa Quadrofoglio Turbo Cars
2023 Alfa Quadrofoglio
Alfa Quadrofoglio VS Chrysler 300 S V8 Comparison
| Manufacturer | Alfa Romeo | Chrysler |
| Model | Giulia QV | 300 S V8 |
| Body Style | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Configuration | TT V6 | N/A V8 |
| Displacement | 2.9 | 5.7 HEMI |
| Horsepower | 505 hp | 363 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 4.0s | 4.2s |
| Price | $81,855 | $45,500 |
Perhaps it would be more appropriate to refer to it as the Alfa Giulia QV right from the start, given that the acronym is nearly impossible to pronounce unless you are named Francesco or are familiar with the Italian hand gesture. This car can be likened to an Italian version of the M3, boasting stunning aesthetics, a twin-turbocharged V6 engine derived from Ferrari, and exceptional handling that leaves most sports cars bewildered. Similar to other Italian cars, long-term users acknowledge that the electrical system is prone to displaying various warnings and occasional malfunctions. Despite the challenges associated with Alfa Romeo’s modern-day revival, it still surpasses Chrysler’s V8-powered 300 by a significant margin.
2: 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman S Turbo Cars
2018 Porsche 718 Cayman S
Porsche 718 Cayman S VS Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE Comparison
| Manufacturer | Porsche | Chevrolet |
| Model | 718 Cayman S | Camaro SS 1LE |
| Body Style | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Configuration | Turbocharged I4 | N/A V8 |
| Displacement | 3.0 | 6.2 |
| Horsepower | 405 hp | 455 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 4.4s | 4.0s |
| Price | $68,300 | $45,000 |
The mid-engined, agile, and turbocharged. A lively combination that initially faced resistance upon its debut. Understandably so, as the raucous high-revving flat six was replaced by a rather unexciting turbocharged four-cylinder. With 2.5 liters and 350 horsepower, performance has improved along with operational efficiency. The reduced weight of the engine enhances the car’s mid-engine balance, making it even more playful, and the consistent surge of turbo boost is readily accessible. This is pure sporting bliss distilled into a tactile experience involving hands and feet rather than ears and heart. While the SS 1LE impresses with its deep V8 sound and precise handling, it pales in comparison to the Cayman’s effortless elegance.
1: 2020 Mercedes AMG GTR Turbo Cars
2020 Mercedes Amg Gtr
Mercedes-AMG GTR VS Shelby GT500 Comparison
| Manufacturer | Mercedes | Ford |
| Model | AMG GTR | Shelby GT500 |
| Body Style | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Configuration | TT V8 | Supercharged V8 |
| Displacement | 4.0 | 5.2 |
| Horsepower | 585 hp | 760 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 3.6s | 3.3s |
| Price | $162,900 | $80,795 |
The GTR’s central pipe emits a distinctive, grumbling orchestra of sound, reminiscent of the traditional American V8 but with a deeper, more muscular bass tone. Unlike the average American V8, this sound is not just for show – it signifies the car’s true purpose: to outperform Porsche on the challenging Nürburgring track. The 4.0-liter BiTurbo front mid-engined V8 engine is a powerful force to be reckoned with, exceeding expectations even beyond its 585-hp output. While the GT500 may excel in straight-line speed and handling, it struggles to match the GTR’s performance on demanding tracks like the Nürburgring and falls short in terms of luxury compared to what Mercedes has achieved with the GTR.
