Cult Classics

Best Cult Classics by Handling in Forza Horizon 5

Cult Classics is one of the most popular car categories in FH5. These five post the highest Handling ratings in the category.

Updated February 2025 Ranked by Handling · 24 cars analyzed
4.8
Best Handling
Cult Classics
Type
RWD, FWD
Drivetrain
15K CR
Cheapest
24
Cars in Group
#3
Rank
1989 Nissan Pao D228

1989 Nissan Pao

RARE CULT CLASSICS FWD
20,000 CR
1989 Nissan Pao

Pairs high Handling with competitive all-around performance — a rare combination. An excellent all-rounder that doesn't force trade-offs.

Speed
3.0
Handling
4.7
Accel
1.9
Launch
1.2
Braking
3.1
Offroad
6.6
Power 51 HP
Torque 55 lb-ft
Weight 1,676 lbs
Displacement 0.99L
Front % 62%
Drivetrain FWD
View full 1989 Nissan Pao details →
#4
Rank
1987 Nissan Be-1 D257

1987 Nissan Be-1

RARE CULT CLASSICS FWD
15,000 CR
1987 Nissan Be-1

A great mid-price option with Handling that punches above its weight. Lower PI leaves significant tuning headroom.

Speed
3.0
Handling
4.3
Accel
2.1
Launch
1.5
Braking
3.2
Offroad
6.1
Power 51 HP
Torque 55 lb-ft
Weight 1,543 lbs
Displacement 0.99L
Front % 62%
Drivetrain FWD
View full 1987 Nissan Be-1 details →
#5
Rank
1989 Nissan S-Cargo D222

1989 Nissan S-Cargo

RARE CULT CLASSICS FWD
20,000 CR
1989 Nissan S-Cargo

The most accessible car on this list with Handling that holds its own against pricier competition. Ideal for budget builds.

Speed
3.1
Handling
4.1
Accel
2.0
Launch
1.2
Braking
2.8
Offroad
6.0
Power 72 HP
Torque 85 lb-ft
Weight 2,094 lbs
Displacement 1.49L
Front % 62%
Drivetrain FWD
View full 1989 Nissan S-Cargo details →
Our Methodology

How We Ranked These Cars

The rankings above are based on stock performance data — every car shown is completely untuned, straight from the Autoshow. If a car ranks #1 for Handling in stock form, it has a natural advantage that's hard to overcome.

At ForzaLabs, we built an automated system that collects every upgrade and tuning option for every car in Forza Horizon 5 — thousands of parts across hundreds of vehicles.

Beyond Stock

Stock Rankings Are Only the Starting Line

In competitive online racing, nobody runs stock. The right combination of upgrades can transform a mid-tier car into a class leader. The question isn't "which car is best stock" — it's "which car is best after the optimal tune for my race?"

That's exactly what our full database answers. Enter your race restrictions — class limit, drivetrain rules, weather conditions — and we'll show you the optimal car and build.

ForzaLabs Pro

Find the Best Tuned Car for Any Race

Stop guessing which car to bring. Search our complete upgrade database to find the highest-performing build for any class, any restriction, any event.

  • Every upgrade path mapped for 800+ cars
  • Filter by class, drivetrain, and race type
  • Tuned stats — not just stock baselines
  • Updated with every game patch
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Explore More Cult Classics

Browse all Cult Classics cars, filter by any stat or price — or check out our other rankings.

Why Handling Matters

In Forza Horizon 5, the Handling stat reflects cornering grip, braking stability, and overall control. Most tracks reward carrying speed through corners.

Budget vs. Premium Picks

If you're just starting out, the 1989 Nissan S-Cargo at 20,000 CR is a strong entry point. The 1981 Universal Studios Back To The Future Time Machine 1 leads at 4.8 Handling, but costs 1,000,000 CR.