Retro Saloons

Best Retro Saloons by Launch in Forza Horizon 5

Retro Saloons 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 · 24 cars analyzed
5.3
Best Launch
Retro Saloons
Type
AWD, RWD
Drivetrain
30K CR
Cheapest
24
Cars in Group
#1
Rank
1995 Audi Avant Rs2 B601

1995 Audi Avant Rs2

COMMON RETRO SALOONS AWD
60,000 CR
1995 Audi Avant Rs2

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
6.0
Handling
4.6
Accel
5.0
Launch
5.3
Braking
3.2
Offroad
5.6
Power 311 HP
Torque 302 lb-ft
Weight 3,517 lbs
Displacement 2.23L
Front % 58%
Drivetrain AWD
View full 1995 Audi Avant Rs2 details →
#2
Rank
1997 Bmw M3 B665

1997 Bmw M3

COMMON RETRO SALOONS RWD
35,000 CR
1997 Bmw M3

A strong Launch contender that's remarkably close to the top. Balanced and versatile across multiple track types.

Speed
6.5
Handling
4.5
Accel
4.9
Launch
5.2
Braking
3.6
Offroad
5.6
Power 321 HP
Torque 268 lb-ft
Weight 3,219 lbs
Displacement 3.2L
Front % 50%
Drivetrain RWD
View full 1997 Bmw M3 details →
#3
Rank
2003 Bmw M5 B694

2003 Bmw M5

COMMON RETRO SALOONS RWD
30,000 CR
2003 Bmw M5

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

Speed
7.1
Handling
5.0
Accel
5.0
Launch
5.2
Braking
3.8
Offroad
5.5
Power 394 HP
Torque 368 lb-ft
Weight 3,990 lbs
Displacement 4.94L
Front % 53%
Drivetrain RWD
View full 2003 Bmw M5 details →
#4
Rank
2003 Audi Rs 6 B677

2003 Audi Rs 6

RARE RETRO SALOONS AWD
105,000 CR
2003 Audi Rs 6

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

Speed
6.8
Handling
5.2
Accel
5.1
Launch
5.0
Braking
4.1
Offroad
5.8
Power 450 HP
Torque 415 lb-ft
Weight 4,024 lbs
Displacement 4.17L
Front % 59%
Drivetrain AWD
View full 2003 Audi Rs 6 details →
#5
Rank
2005 Bmw M3 B675

2005 Bmw M3

COMMON RETRO SALOONS RWD
35,000 CR
2005 Bmw M3

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

Speed
6.4
Handling
4.7
Accel
5.0
Launch
5.0
Braking
3.8
Offroad
5.5
Power 333 HP
Torque 202 lb-ft
Weight 3,415 lbs
Displacement 3.25L
Front % 50%
Drivetrain RWD
View full 2005 Bmw M3 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
Explore Pro Features

Free tier available · No credit card required to start

Explore More Retro Saloons

Browse all Retro Saloons 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 2005 Bmw M3 at 35,000 CR is a strong entry point. The 1995 Audi Avant Rs2 leads at 5.3 Launch, but costs 60,000 CR.