Retro Rally

Best Retro Rally by Launch in Forza Horizon 5

Retro Rally is one of the most popular car categories in FH5. These five post the highest Launch ratings in the category.

Updated February 2025 Ranked by Launch · 18 cars analyzed
5.5
Best Launch
Retro Rally
Type
AWD, RWD
Drivetrain
20K CR
Cheapest
18
Cars in Group
#1
Rank
1986 Lancia Delta S4 B682

1986 Lancia Delta S4

RARE RETRO RALLY AWD
1,000,000 CR
1986 Lancia Delta S4

The undisputed Launch champion in this group. A natural advantage that's hard to overcome, even with a perfect tune on a weaker platform.

Speed
5.0
Handling
4.9
Accel
5.5
Launch
5.5
Braking
3.7
Offroad
7.6
Power 247 HP
Torque 214 lb-ft
Weight 2,646 lbs
Displacement 1.76L
Front % 45%
Drivetrain AWD
View full 1986 Lancia Delta S4 details →
#5
Rank
1980 Renault 5 Turbo C521

1980 Renault 5 Turbo

RARE RETRO RALLY RWD
120,000 CR
1980 Renault 5 Turbo

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

Speed
4.6
Handling
4.0
Accel
4.6
Launch
3.4
Braking
2.9
Offroad
6.3
Power 157 HP
Torque 163 lb-ft
Weight 2,138 lbs
Displacement 1.4L
Front % 40%
Drivetrain RWD
View full 1980 Renault 5 Turbo 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 Launch 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 Retro Rally

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

Why Launch Matters

In Forza Horizon 5, the Launch stat reflects off-the-line acceleration from a standstill. Sprint races and drag events are won or lost in the first few seconds.

Budget vs. Premium Picks

If you're just starting out, the 1980 Renault 5 Turbo at 120,000 CR is a strong entry point. The 1986 Lancia Delta S4 leads at 5.5 Launch, but costs 1,000,000 CR.