Even if numbers on a car’s spec sheet might not necessarily translate to real world performance and feel, there’s no denying the lure of comparing acceleration figures. Which is why the automotive world has seen a shift in perception the moment performance EVs entered the fray. It’s crazy to think that the Tesla Model 3 Performance can match sprint times of Ferrari’s V12-powered 812 Superfast successor, but perhaps this “new normal” will persist until we find a way to make EVs lighter and even faster.

While we may embrace advancements in technology that promise greater speed and efficiency, the reality is that speed limits have stayed constant. Speed-restricted school zones still exist alongside pedestrian crossings and highways are still littered with speed cameras. Well, unless we eagerly anticipate Singapore’s first-ever permanent driving-focused track facility, we are unable to utilise even a sliver of performance from some of the fastest cars on sale in Singapore today.

But for those (with deep pockets) that find regular cars too mainstream, these petrol powered cars supply the raw energy and sound to feed speed. There’s a certain swagger in a way these cars deploy speed, making the process more thrilling than the final destination.

2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S (991.2)

Imagine a car that did 0-100km/h in 2.9 seconds nearly a decade ago with only 6 cylinders and 2 turbos. That’s the same car owners that can rock up comfortably for a red carpet event.

The 991.2 Porsche 911 Turbo S wasn’t quite an iron fist in velvet glove, but understated enough to ruffle the feathers of bigger guns twice its price. And for purists, it does have actual fire-breathing turbos slapped just under its badge.

2008 Nissan GT-R (R35)

While the spotlight has been on the R34 GT-R these couple of years (primarily due to it now being legal to import to the States), there’s no denying the presence and engineering feat of its successor. Production of the R35 GT-R started in 2007, and will reportedly sign off in 2025 with a limited run of 1,500.

We have here one of the earliest spec GT-Rs - the variant that famously lapped Nurburgring faster than a 911 Turbo. Imagine when Tesla released the Model S Plaid - that’s the same effect we felt when Nissan dropped the bomb in the late noughties.

2021 BMW M4 Competition

How times have changed - we would never have thought that a low slung M-badged BMW would be equipped with xDrive (power to all four wheels). Considering the fact that it did not slap on a xDrive badge meant that all-round usability was etched on their mind. But that also brought about massive performance right from the get-go.

3.5 seconds to 100km/h for the BMW M4 Competition was supercar-rivalling territory not too long ago. Even with higher riding, dual motor performance EVs here to spoil the party, trust M division to still deliver proper thrills for keen drivers.

2019 McLaren 600LT

LT to McLaren is like the RS-equivalent to Porsche - lighter, sharper and more track-focused. But that doesn’t mean the McLaren 600LT lacked the brute strength off the mark. It’s based on the 570S, houses a twin turbo 3.8-litre V8 and shoots to 100km/h in 2.9 seconds.

Buy this particular unit and receive 2 other exhaust setups. In a world filled with hushed EVs, this will make sure that you’ll never suffer in silence.

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