Top 5 sleeper cars
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Crazy Bimmer (08-23-2013)
08-22-2013, 08:45 AM
#2
'08 MX5 GT 6spd.
The Gene sedan is the definition of a sleeper. Unless you're up on your imports, you have no idea what lurks inside.
It reminds me of the first time I saw a 2001ish GS400 with exhaust on it. The sound and look don't match, but damn was it bad ass.
It reminds me of the first time I saw a 2001ish GS400 with exhaust on it. The sound and look don't match, but damn was it bad ass.
08-22-2013, 09:15 AM
#3
Senior Moderator
Nice.
I think i would replace the Taurus with the Flex in that list. Its every bit as fast and is a larger sleeper
(not to mention a filter, exhaust and 400 buck tune and your running high 12s)
I think i would replace the Taurus with the Flex in that list. Its every bit as fast and is a larger sleeper
(not to mention a filter, exhaust and 400 buck tune and your running high 12s)
08-22-2013, 12:32 PM
#7
I
Let's take my coworkers for example, they think Benzes, BMWs, Lexuses, etc are slow and only offer a soft ride and I wouldn't be surprised if 99% of the population thinks the same. They think unless it LOOKS fast, it's not fast.
Line up an S65 AMG or S8 next to a Corvette or Mustang and ask a random person which one they would think is faster.
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08-22-2013, 01:33 PM
#8
Senior Moderator
Hell yeah CTS-V wagon! I can't count how many people I've startled on the freeway by downshifting from 6th to 4th and taking off like a bat out of hell. Heehee!
The Genesis R-Spec definitely belongs on that list. I looked at that before I bought the V wagon. I could definitely live with an R-Spec.....and its better gas mileage compare to the CTS-V.
The Genesis R-Spec definitely belongs on that list. I looked at that before I bought the V wagon. I could definitely live with an R-Spec.....and its better gas mileage compare to the CTS-V.
08-22-2013, 01:36 PM
#9
Senior Moderator
Luxury cars are usually known for luxurious features and not performance. Of course car guys know that luxury automakers have cars that produce a lot of horsepower. But if you're a car guy then you can't really consider the cars in that article sleepers since we all know they are quick.
Let's take my coworkers for example, they think Benzes, BMWs, Lexuses, etc are slow and only offer a soft ride and I wouldn't be surprised if 99% of the population thinks the same. They think unless it LOOKS fast, it's not fast.
Line up an S65 AMG or S8 next to a Corvette or Mustang and ask a random person which one they would think is faster.
Let's take my coworkers for example, they think Benzes, BMWs, Lexuses, etc are slow and only offer a soft ride and I wouldn't be surprised if 99% of the population thinks the same. They think unless it LOOKS fast, it's not fast.
Line up an S65 AMG or S8 next to a Corvette or Mustang and ask a random person which one they would think is faster.
08-22-2013, 01:50 PM
#11
Engineer
Nothing like a great sleeper.
To the average person mine just looks like another 3-series with some rims, especially with the darker color. To any car aficionado, it's a different story.
To the average person mine just looks like another 3-series with some rims, especially with the darker color. To any car aficionado, it's a different story.
08-22-2013, 02:28 PM
#13
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
No 300C SRT8? It's a completely subjective list. I agree that they all are sleepers, besides the CTS-V. Anyone that doesn't know about the Vagon lives under a rock.
08-22-2013, 06:48 PM
#15
08-22-2013, 09:05 PM
#17
Senior Moderator
08-22-2013, 09:10 PM
#18
08-22-2013, 09:11 PM
#19
Senior Moderator
Last edited by fsttyms1; 08-22-2013 at 09:14 PM.
08-22-2013, 09:15 PM
#20
Senior Moderator
08-22-2013, 09:18 PM
#21
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
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Join Date: May 2000
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1. sleeper
Often reffering to what appears to be an ordinary looking stock commuter car that is anything but stock under the hood. Pretty much the exact opposite of your every day riced up civic.
I would include the Pontiac G8 GT in this list too
Neon SRT-4 too
Technically a sleeper is one where you take a stock car that is
and stuff a big block V8 or FI high hp motor in it.
Like the modded Dodge Caravan that we've all seen vids of at the drag strip.
Often reffering to what appears to be an ordinary looking stock commuter car that is anything but stock under the hood. Pretty much the exact opposite of your every day riced up civic.
I would include the Pontiac G8 GT in this list too
Neon SRT-4 too
Technically a sleeper is one where you take a stock car that is
and stuff a big block V8 or FI high hp motor in it. Like the modded Dodge Caravan that we've all seen vids of at the drag strip.
Last edited by NSXNEXT; 08-22-2013 at 09:22 PM.
08-22-2013, 10:35 PM
#22
Like said above, the list is very subjective, and it depends on whos looking at it. First thing i look at is the wheels/tires. They are usually the big give away to what it is. You can spot a V6 stang a mile away (which isnt a sleeper) And compared to the A8, the S8 isnt anywhere boring looking.
Last edited by Rick_TL-S; 08-22-2013 at 10:47 PM.
08-22-2013, 10:52 PM
#23
Evil Mazda Driver
It's not fast by today's supercar standards but my 2010 Santa Fe could really hustle with that 3.5 liter V6 although putting 276 horsepower through the front wheels lead to some fairly catastrophic torque steer. 
It would really shock people who would try to cut around me in the ending lane and all I would have to do is breathe on the accelerator and I'd gain 25-30 MPH in no time at all. I think the 0-60 time was right about 7 seconds which isn't bad for a 2-ton SUV with the aerodynamics of a masonry brick.
The rest of the car was a pile of shit but damn do I still miss how powerful that thing was. The Elantra is not fast....not by anybody's standards.
It would really shock people who would try to cut around me in the ending lane and all I would have to do is breathe on the accelerator and I'd gain 25-30 MPH in no time at all. I think the 0-60 time was right about 7 seconds which isn't bad for a 2-ton SUV with the aerodynamics of a masonry brick.The rest of the car was a pile of shit but damn do I still miss how powerful that thing was. The Elantra is not fast....not by anybody's standards.
08-23-2013, 01:48 PM
#24
Senior Moderator
The price of the car has zero bearing on the term sleeper.
But, that doesn't always ring true. I can order a V6 Mustang straight from Ford with the Performance package, 19" machine-polished wheels, exterior accessories, & all of the sudden, it looks a lot like a 5.0 from a distance, esp. when you can configure a 5.0 in a pretty similar outfit.
But, that doesn't always ring true. I can order a V6 Mustang straight from Ford with the Performance package, 19" machine-polished wheels, exterior accessories, & all of the sudden, it looks a lot like a 5.0 from a distance, esp. when you can configure a 5.0 in a pretty similar outfit.
08-23-2013, 02:05 PM
#25
Senior Moderator
It's not fast by today's supercar standards but my 2010 Santa Fe could really hustle with that 3.5 liter V6 although putting 276 horsepower through the front wheels lead to some fairly catastrophic torque steer. It would really shock people who would try to cut around me in the ending lane and all I would have to do is breathe on the accelerator and I'd gain 25-30 MPH in no time at all. I think the 0-60 time was right about 7 seconds which isn't bad for a 2-ton SUV with the aerodynamics of a masonry brick.
The rest of the car was a pile of shit but damn do I still miss how powerful that thing was. The Elantra is not fast....not by anybody's standards.
It would really shock people who would try to cut around me in the ending lane and all I would have to do is breathe on the accelerator and I'd gain 25-30 MPH in no time at all. I think the 0-60 time was right about 7 seconds which isn't bad for a 2-ton SUV with the aerodynamics of a masonry brick.The rest of the car was a pile of shit but damn do I still miss how powerful that thing was. The Elantra is not fast....not by anybody's standards.
I would keep the SHO there considering a simple tune can pull out 445 HP and its still a V6. If the Flex can still keep up, then they both deserve to be on the list.
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SuperTrooper169 (08-23-2013)
08-23-2013, 02:07 PM
#26
I
The price of the car has zero bearing on the term sleeper.
But, that doesn't always ring true. I can order a V6 Mustang straight from Ford with the Performance package, 19" machine-polished wheels, exterior accessories, & all of the sudden, it looks a lot like a 5.0 from a distance, esp. when you can configure a 5.0 in a pretty similar outfit.
But, that doesn't always ring true. I can order a V6 Mustang straight from Ford with the Performance package, 19" machine-polished wheels, exterior accessories, & all of the sudden, it looks a lot like a 5.0 from a distance, esp. when you can configure a 5.0 in a pretty similar outfit.
Big wheels does not mean fast car. If you don't know much about cars then you wouldn't think of an S class as a fast (quick) car, just a big luxury sedan.
If you do know a lot about cars, then there is no such thing as a sleeper. You know what the car is capable of.
IMO there is no such thing as a "sleeper" in stock form. A 11 civic with stock wheels is a sleeper.
08-23-2013, 02:11 PM
#27
I
That's because you already know a lot about cars. Unless it's a heavily modified car that looks stock, you should know what most cars are capable off. Genesis or CTS-V should not be considered "sleepers" if you don't consider an S8 a sleeper. You know what all those cars are capable of so the term "sleeper" doesn't apply here.
08-23-2013, 02:30 PM
#28
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
08-23-2013, 04:24 PM
#29
There's a POS little Colt here in Dallas that at first glance looks like a red car with the paint peeling. But, someone like you could drive next to it for a mile, see big, thick drag-esque tires on the front, hear the exhaust, & eventually, hear the blow off valve of the turbo.
It's the first glance that helps a sleeper stay a sleeper & the Audi fits that bill until you purposely start looking for the bigger brakes & exhaust.
08-23-2013, 05:42 PM
#30
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
^ I personally expect all Audi sedans to be fast besides a base A4 1.8.
08-23-2013, 05:43 PM
#31
Rooting for Acura
iTrader: (1)
1. Any car that is red and comes with an R badge is not a sleeper.
2. Anybody who know anything knows that SHO means, not a sleeper.
3. See #2, but replace SHO with SRT.
4. Really?! V. Sleeper?!
5. See #4 but replace V with R Spec.
This guy does not know what a sleeper is.
2. Anybody who know anything knows that SHO means, not a sleeper.
3. See #2, but replace SHO with SRT.
4. Really?! V. Sleeper?!
5. See #4 but replace V with R Spec.
This guy does not know what a sleeper is.
08-23-2013, 06:56 PM
#32
Senior Moderator
Once you start looking for details though, nothing is a sleeper because serious power requires some serious modifications viewable from outside.
There's a POS little Colt here in Dallas that at first glance looks like a red car with the paint peeling. But, someone like you could drive next to it for a mile, see big, thick drag-esque tires on the front, hear the exhaust, & eventually, hear the blow off valve of the turbo.
It's the first glance that helps a sleeper stay a sleeper & the Audi fits that bill until you purposely start looking for the bigger brakes & exhaust.
There's a POS little Colt here in Dallas that at first glance looks like a red car with the paint peeling. But, someone like you could drive next to it for a mile, see big, thick drag-esque tires on the front, hear the exhaust, & eventually, hear the blow off valve of the turbo.
It's the first glance that helps a sleeper stay a sleeper & the Audi fits that bill until you purposely start looking for the bigger brakes & exhaust.
Some make their car look like the hot version, some dont. I know of many cars locally that you could stare at all the details you want until you are blue in the face and you would never know they would blow your doors off. Unsuspecting models that dont have all sorts of special bling are sleepers. The R-spec is one of them, especially if you take off the badge on the back. I wouldnt have to start looking or waste time looking for the details to see if the audi was a sleeper. It stands out at first glance. So no it doesnt fit the bill.
08-23-2013, 07:49 PM
#33
In my experience, the CTS-V is the ultimate sleeper.
American Car? Check.
Cadillac? Check.
Pretty unassuming exterior in order of Wagon>Sedan>Coupe.
I can't tell you the number of time I have been asked why I bought a Caddie....then they learned about the V.
American Car? Check.
Cadillac? Check.
Pretty unassuming exterior in order of Wagon>Sedan>Coupe.
I can't tell you the number of time I have been asked why I bought a Caddie....then they learned about the V.
08-23-2013, 08:10 PM
#34
I
1. Any car that is red and comes with an R badge is not a sleeper.
2. Anybody who know anything knows that SHO means, not a sleeper.
3. See #2, but replace SHO with SRT.
4. Really?! V. Sleeper?!
5. See #4 but replace V with R Spec.
This guy does not know what a sleeper is.
2. Anybody who know anything knows that SHO means, not a sleeper.
3. See #2, but replace SHO with SRT.
4. Really?! V. Sleeper?!
5. See #4 but replace V with R Spec.
This guy does not know what a sleeper is.
08-23-2013, 08:25 PM
#35
Rooting for Acura
iTrader: (1)
To follow up on my earlier post, here are three sleepers I can think of.
BMW 335 sedan
Very unassuming, especially the four door variant. It doesn't look fast. Hell, it doesn't even look like anything that would pack a twin turbo (or twin scroll single turbo, depending on the year). But, at a 1:1 HP to torque ratio @ 300 it can hang with the best of em'. It's quick.
Rolls Royce Ghost
Just because Mortimer is sitting in the back eating a gourmet sandwich with Grey Poupon doesn't mean that you should try this behemoth at the traffic light. With its 6.6L V12 it's supercar fast. Zero to 60 in 4.2 seconds. Sure, Mortimer will spill his Dom, but he'll be laughing and pointing when you finally arrive at the next traffic light.
Tesla Model S
Sure, it looks sporty enough to be fast, but you wouldn't think it is actually fast. It is. Taking 5.4 seconds 0 to 60, no engine noise, smoking the rear tires. That's respectably quick, especially considering the misconception about electric vehicles.
BMW 335 sedan
Very unassuming, especially the four door variant. It doesn't look fast. Hell, it doesn't even look like anything that would pack a twin turbo (or twin scroll single turbo, depending on the year). But, at a 1:1 HP to torque ratio @ 300 it can hang with the best of em'. It's quick.
Rolls Royce Ghost
Just because Mortimer is sitting in the back eating a gourmet sandwich with Grey Poupon doesn't mean that you should try this behemoth at the traffic light. With its 6.6L V12 it's supercar fast. Zero to 60 in 4.2 seconds. Sure, Mortimer will spill his Dom, but he'll be laughing and pointing when you finally arrive at the next traffic light.
Tesla Model S
Sure, it looks sporty enough to be fast, but you wouldn't think it is actually fast. It is. Taking 5.4 seconds 0 to 60, no engine noise, smoking the rear tires. That's respectably quick, especially considering the misconception about electric vehicles.
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00TL-P3.2 (08-26-2013)
08-23-2013, 08:37 PM
#36
ah, semantics.
Sleeper is a much more restricted term these days. Pretty much everyone that drives has the internet and thus knows more about which cars are fast and which ones aren't.
There'll always be enthusiasts that know better, but you must consider the average driver out there...
But the best kinds of sleepers are the shitty looking cars or something like a turbocharged minivan/SUV. I remember seeing youtube videos of '80s turbo Chrysler minivans which run 11s or 12s. That's a sleeper
Sleeper is a much more restricted term these days. Pretty much everyone that drives has the internet and thus knows more about which cars are fast and which ones aren't.
There'll always be enthusiasts that know better, but you must consider the average driver out there...
But the best kinds of sleepers are the shitty looking cars or something like a turbocharged minivan/SUV. I remember seeing youtube videos of '80s turbo Chrysler minivans which run 11s or 12s. That's a sleeper
