GTA 5 Fastest Car: Which Speed King Rules Los Santos?

Picture this: you’re racing down the highway in Los Santos, the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean, and your rivals eating your dust. Sounds amazing, right? But here’s the thing—not all cars in GTA 5 are created equal. Some are built for show, while others are built for pure, heart-pounding speed.

If you’ve ever wondered which car can truly claim the title of GTA 5 the fastest car in the game, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a street racer, a heist planner, or just someone who loves the thrill of maximum velocity, knowing which car tops the speed charts can change your entire gameplay experience.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the fastest vehicles in GTA 5, how they compare, where to find them, and which one deserves a spot in your garage. Let’s hit the gas!

What Makes a Car “Fast” in GTA 5?

Before we crown the speed champion, let’s talk about what “fast” actually means in the world of Grand Theft Auto 5.

Speed in GTA 5 isn’t just about one number. It’s a combination of several factors:

Top Speed: The maximum velocity a car can reach on a straight road
Acceleration: How quickly the car reaches its top speed
Handling: How well it turns and controls at high speeds
Traction: The grip on different road surfaces

A car might have an incredible top speed but terrible acceleration, making it slow off the line. Another might accelerate like a rocket but lose control around corners. The truly best cars balance all these elements, giving you both speed and control when you need it most.

GTA 5 The Fastest Car in the Game: The Winner Revealed

After countless tests, races, and updates, the Ocelot Pariah holds the crown as GTA 5 the fastest car in the game when it comes to pure top speed. This beast can reach an incredible 136 mph (218.87 km/h) in the standard game mode.

The Pariah isn’t just fast—it’s a complete package. With excellent acceleration, responsive handling, and a sleek design inspired by real-world supercars like the Ferrari F12 and Aston Martin V12 Zagato, it’s the dream car for speed lovers.

But wait—there’s more to the story. The world of GTA 5 is constantly evolving, and several other cars deserve recognition in the speed department.

Top 5 Fastest Cars in GTA 5

Let’s look at the complete speed hierarchy in Los Santos. These cars have been tested on the longest straightaways, with fully upgraded engines and turbo modifications.

Ocelot Pariah – The Undisputed Champion

Top Speed: 136 mph (218.87 km/h)
Class: Sports Car
Price: $1,420,000
Where to Find: Available at Legendary Motorsport

The Pariah reigns supreme for a simple reason: nothing beats it on a straight road. Whether you’re escaping cops, racing friends, or just showing off, this car delivers. Its all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, and the acceleration feels instant and powerful.

What makes it even better? Unlike some supercars that cost millions, the Pariah is relatively affordable. For serious racers, it’s an investment that pays off in wins.

Grotti Itali RSX – The Close Contender

Top Speed: 135.30 mph (217.74 km/h)
Class: Sports Car
Price: $3,465,000
Where to Find: Legendary Motorsport

Coming in just a hair behind the Pariah, the Itali RSX is a gorgeous Italian machine that combines speed with stunning looks. Based on the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, this car turns heads wherever it goes.

The Itali RSX excels in acceleration and corners beautifully, making it perfect for races with lots of turns. If you have the budget and want something that’s both fast and flashy, this is your ride.

Pfister 811 – The Classic Speed Demon

Top Speed: 132.50 mph (213.24 km/h)
Class: Super
Price: $1,135,000
Where to Find: Legendary Motorsport

The 811 has been a favorite among speed enthusiasts since it was released. Inspired by the Porsche 918 Spyder, this supercar offers incredible straight-line speed and one of the best acceleration rates in the game.

However, there’s a catch—the 811 can be tricky to handle at top speed, especially around sharp corners. It’s a car that rewards skilled drivers but punishes mistakes.

Principe Deveste Eight – The Expensive Rocket

Top Speed: 131.75 mph (212 km/h)
Class: Super
Price: $1,795,000
Where to Find: Legendary Motorsport

The Deveste Eight is pure automotive art. With its futuristic design inspired by the Devel Sixteen concept car, it looks like it came from a sci-fi movie. And it drives like one too.

This car offers exceptional top speed and smooth handling. It’s slightly more forgiving than the 811, making it a good choice for players who want speed without the steep learning curve.

Bravado Banshee 900R – The Affordable Speedster

Top Speed: 131 mph (210.82 km/h)
Class: Super
Price: Around $565,000 (requires base Banshee at $126,000 plus $565,000 upgrade at Benny’s)
Where to Find: Buy base Banshee, then upgrade at Benny’s Original Motor Works

If you’re on a budget but still want serious speed, the Banshee 900R is your best friend. This American muscle car transformed into a supercar offers incredible value for money.

The 900R accelerates quickly and handles surprisingly well for its price point. It’s the perfect starter car for new players who want to compete in races without breaking the bank.

How to Get Maximum Speed from Your Car

Owning a fast car is just the first step. To unlock its true potential, you need to upgrade it properly. Here’s how to squeeze every bit of speed from your vehicle:

Essential Upgrades

Engine Upgrade (Level 4): Always max out the engine first
Turbo Tuning: This gives a significant acceleration boost
Transmission (Level 3): Improves overall speed and gear shifting
Body Armor: Don’t skip this—it doesn’t slow you down and protects during crashes

Optional Performance Upgrades

Brakes: Better brakes help you maintain control at high speeds
Suspension: Lowered suspension can improve handling
Tires: Bulletproof tires are essential for getaways

A fully upgraded Pariah will significantly outperform a stock one. The difference between stock and fully modified can be 10-15 mph, which is huge in competitive races.

Best Cars for Different Situations

While the Pariah might be the fastest overall, different situations call for different vehicles. Let’s break down the best choices for various scenarios:

Best for Street Races

Winner: Ocelot Pariah

Street races typically feature long straightaways mixed with turns. The Pariah’s combination of top speed and stable handling makes it perfect for these events.

Best for Technical Races

Winner: Grotti Itali RSX

When the race track has lots of tight corners and elevation changes, the Itali RSX shines. Its superior cornering ability helps you maintain speed through turns.

Best for Getaways

Winner: Pfister 811

When you need to escape cops or angry players, acceleration matters more than top speed. The 811 reaches high speeds incredibly quickly, helping you create distance fast.

Best Value for Money

Winner: Bravado Banshee 900R

New players shouldn’t sleep on the Banshee 900R. It offers 90% of the performance at 40% of the price of premium supercars.

Where to Find and Buy Fast Cars

Getting your hands on these speed machines requires knowing where to shop. Here’s your shopping guide:

Legendary Motorsport

This is the premium dealership in GTA Online where you’ll find most supercars and sports cars. Access it through your in-game phone’s internet browser. The Pariah, Itali RSX, 811, and Deveste Eight are all available here.

Benny’s Original Motor Works

Located in Strawberry, Los Santos, Benny’s specializes in custom upgrades. You’ll need to bring your base Banshee here to transform it into the 900R variant.

Southern San Andreas Super Autos

For some standard sports cars, this dealership offers good options, though not the absolute fastest vehicles.

Stealing vs. Buying

In GTA 5’s story mode, you can steal many fast cars off the street or from specific locations. However, in GTA Online, you’ll need to purchase these vehicles to keep them permanently in your garage.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Fast Cars

Many players make these errors when hunting for speed:

Mistake 1: Focusing Only on Top Speed

A car with 130 mph top speed but terrible acceleration might lose to a 125 mph car with instant acceleration in actual races.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Handling

What good is speed if you crash on every corner? Balance is key.

Mistake 3: Not Upgrading Immediately

Buying a supercar but leaving it stock is like buying a racecar and leaving it in the garage. Always upgrade first.

Mistake 4: Choosing Based on Looks Alone

Yes, GTA 5 has beautiful cars, but if you want to win races, performance must come first.

Story Mode vs. GTA Online: Speed Differences

It’s important to note that car performance can vary slightly between GTA 5’s story mode and GTA Online. Online receives regular updates that sometimes adjust vehicle stats or introduce new speed kings.

In story mode, you’re limited to the cars available in that version. GTA Online, however, constantly adds new vehicles through DLC updates. The Pariah, for example, was added in the “Doomsday Heist” update.

Always check recent rankings if you’re playing Online, as new cars might challenge the current speed champions.

Tips for Racing with Fast Cars

Having the fastest car means nothing if you don’t know how to drive it properly. Here are expert racing tips:

Master the Launch

At the race start, hold the accelerator right when the countdown hits “Go!” to get a perfect launch. This can give you an early lead.

Learn the Racing Line

The fastest path around a track isn’t always the shortest. Learn to hit the apex of corners for maximum speed.

Use Slipstreaming

When driving behind another racer, you’ll enter their slipstream, giving you a speed boost. Use this to overtake strategically.

Brake Smart

Sometimes slowing down slightly before a sharp turn helps you maintain better speed overall than sliding out of control.

Avoid Traffic and Obstacles

In non-contact races, hitting NPCs or obstacles kills your momentum. Stay focused and anticipate road hazards.

Conclusion

So, what is GTA 5 the fastest car in the game? The answer is clear: the Ocelot Pariah takes the crown with its impressive 136 mph top speed, excellent handling, and reasonable price tag. Whether you’re a competitive racer or casual player who loves speed, the Pariah delivers an unmatched experience.

However, the beauty of GTA 5 is that you have options. The Itali RSX offers nearly identical speed with better cornering. The 811 provides incredible acceleration. The Banshee 900R gives budget-conscious players a path to victory. Each car has its strengths, and the “best” choice depends on your racing style, budget, and personal preferences. Remember, speed is only part of the equation—upgrades, driving skill, and knowing when to use each car’s strengths will make you a true racing champion in Los Santos. Now get out there, find your perfect ride, and leave everyone else in your rearview mirror!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the absolute fastest car in GTA 5?

A: The Ocelot Pariah is the fastest car in GTA 5 with a top speed of 136 mph (218.87 km/h) when fully upgraded. It’s available at Legendary Motorsport for $1,420,000 and combines excellent top speed with great handling.

Q: Is the Pariah faster than all supercars in GTA 5?

A: Yes, despite being classified as a Sports Car, the Pariah actually beats every supercar in the game for straight-line top speed. However, some supercars might have slightly better acceleration or handling in specific situations.

Q: How much does it cost to fully upgrade the fastest car?

A: Fully upgrading the Ocelot Pariah costs approximately $200,000-$300,000 on top of the $1,420,000 purchase price. Essential upgrades include engine, turbo, transmission, and armor, which together unlock the car’s maximum potential.

Q: Can you steal the fastest cars in GTA 5, or do you have to buy them?

A: In story mode, you can steal and temporarily use fast cars, but you can’t permanently store most high-end vehicles unless you purchase them. In GTA Online, you must buy these cars from dealerships to keep them in your garage permanently.

Q: Are there faster cars than the Pariah in special game modes?

A: In special modes like “Stunt Races” or with power-ups, some cars might temporarily exceed the Pariah’s speed. However, in standard free roam and regular races with stock game settings, the Pariah remains the fastest overall car available.