When Slow Cars Go Flat Out on the Nordschleife

The Nordschleife is famous for punishing even the fastest supercars, but it becomes something else entirely when slow cars are driven flat out. With momentum as the only weapon, these underpowered machines turn the world’s toughest track into a lesson in commitment, skill, and fearless driving.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Small, light, just hanging onto the corners like it belongs there. Still, the engine sounds busier than it really is. Around thirty grand maybe, worth it for what it does at full tilt.

Honda Civic

Old or new, doesn’t matter much once it’s on that track. Because everything it has shows up honestly. Twenty-something thousand, the kind that feels simple when you’re flat out.

Toyota GR86

Quick through the bends, maybe not powerful enough to scare anyone. However, the balance makes the lap feel longer in a good way. Roughly thirty-two thousand, give or take.

Volkswagen Golf

Driven to work all week and somehow still fits here. Also, it moves differently when pushed, like it wakes up. Near thirty thousand, probably less for older ones.

Ford Fiesta ST

Nervous steering, jumpy rear, the kind of tension that makes you grin. Still, every bump feels alive, as if the car’s pretending it’s faster. Around twenty-four grand when new, depending who sold it.

Mini Cooper S

Short wheelbase, tight smile, exhaust popping where trees close in. Because some cars just carry that kind of spirit, no matter the power. Close to thirty, sometimes higher with options.

Suzuki Swift Sport

Feels thin, light in the hands, but eager everywhere. Meanwhile, the sound of tires echoing off guardrails lingers a bit. Somewhere in the low twenties, maybe less outside Europe.

Renault Clio RS

Quick in sprints but gentle at the limit, still manages to surprise. However, when it lifts slightly on curbs, it looks fearless. Around twenty-eight thousand once, now hard to say.

Fiat 500 Abarth

Small and loud, almost ridiculous in the best way. Because you can feel everything it does, every shift, every lean. Mid-twenties maybe, though value doesn’t fit it well.

Hyundai i20 N

Fresh asphalt, redline held too long, no one judging. Still, it carries itself proud, even among the quicker cars. Around twenty-seven thousand when it first showed up.