These 5 Exotic Cars Offer The Worst Driving Experience According to Experts
When you think of exotic cars you likely think of the vehicles like the Lamborghini Huracán or a McLaren 765LT. These cars are usually associated with speed, luxury, and performance. Unfortunately, not every rare car to hit the market delivers the thrills you’re looking for. In fact, some of them are downright awful to drive. Here are five exotic cars that don’t live up to the hype.
1. Vector M12 (1995)
Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson once called the Vector M12 “the worst car in the entire world.” It was an ambitious attempt to create an American supercar, but it fell far short of expectations. Built with a Lamborghini Diablo V12 engine, it suffered from an awkward chassis that couldn’t handle the power. The car’s interior was cluttered with confusing buttons, making it feel more like a fighter jet than a road-going vehicle. Due to its excessive weight and poor aerodynamics, the M12 struggled with stability at high speeds and the few models they made were wildly unreliable.
2. Caparo T1 (2007)
As a Formula 1 fan, the Caparo T1 was something that interested me. Who wouldn’t love to bring the power of an F1 car to the streets? It proved to be extremely dangerous though. The T1 had an ultra-lightweight design that made it fragile. This led to a number of incidents and structural failures. Additionally, the car’s aerodynamics caused instability over basically any uneven surface. God forbid if you hit a bump in the road! The T1 also has no driver aids. When the pedal was to the metal, even the most experienced drivers had difficulty keeping it under control. Worst of all, the heat from the engine would flood the cockpit. So, if you were driving the car a longer distance it was absolutely miserable.
3. Panther 6 (1977)
The Panther 6 was a bizarre attempt to revolutionize exotic car design with six wheels instead of four. While the concept was intriguing, it introduced countless handling and reliability issues. Its steering response was unpredictable, making cornering a nerve-wracking experience. The twin-turbo V8 engine had massive power, but the weight distribution of the car made it nearly impossible to drive smoothly. On top of that, poor build quality led to frequent mechanical failures, making maintenance a nightmare.
4. Aston Martin Virage (1989)
Aston Martin is known for producing stylish and refined grand tourers, but the Virage was a rare misstep. It had a hefty V8 engine, yet its acceleration felt sluggish due to excessive weight and a dated automatic transmission. The handling was uninspiring, with vague steering that failed to deliver confidence at high speeds. Its outdated suspension made for a harsh ride, negating any sense of luxury. The interior, while elegant, lacked the modern refinements expected from a high-end sports car.
5. Mitsuoka Orochi (2005)
The Mitsuoka Orochi is one of the most strikingly designed exotic cars, but its beauty is only skin-deep. Under the hood, it housed a modest Toyota V6 engine that lacked the power expected from a supercar. The handling was dull, with soft suspension and slow steering response that made spirited driving unenjoyable. Despite its aggressive styling, it lacked aerodynamics to support high-speed stability. The build quality was questionable, with cheap materials that felt unworthy of an exotic price tag.
Looks Aren’t Everything in the Exotic Car World
Exotic cars often have a lot of excitement around them. Unfortunately, they don’t all deliver on what’s promised. These five vehicles are proof that even the most beautiful-looking supercars can be wildly difficult to drive, unreliable, and just don’t live up to expectations. So, if you ever find yourself in a position where you can purchase an exotic car, steer clear of these. Prioritize drivability over everything else.
Read More
6 Cars That Were Banned for Being Too Dangerous
The 5 Most Reliable Sedans On The Market as Rated By Consumer Reports
Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.