Retro Saloons

Best Retro Saloons by Handling in Forza Horizon 5

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

Updated February 2025 Ranked by Handling · 24 cars analyzed
5.3
Best Handling
Retro Saloons
Type
AWD, RWD
Drivetrain
30K CR
Cheapest
24
Cars in Group
#1
Rank
2001 Audi Rs 4 Avant B663

2001 Audi Rs 4 Avant

COMMON RETRO SALOONS AWD
94,000 CR
2001 Audi Rs 4 Avant

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

Speed
6.4
Handling
5.3
Accel
5.5
Launch
4.7
Braking
3.6
Offroad
5.7
Power 375 HP
Torque 324 lb-ft
Weight 3,571 lbs
Displacement 2.67L
Front % 58%
Drivetrain AWD
View full 2001 Audi Rs 4 Avant details →
#2
Rank
2003 Audi Rs 6 B677

2003 Audi Rs 6

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

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

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 →
#3
Rank
2003 Bmw M5 B694

2003 Bmw M5

COMMON RETRO SALOONS RWD
30,000 CR
2003 Bmw M5

Pairs high Handling 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 →
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 Handling 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.

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  • Tuned stats — not just stock baselines
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Explore More Retro Saloons

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

Why Handling Matters

In Forza Horizon 5, the Handling stat reflects cornering grip, braking stability, and overall control. Most tracks reward carrying speed through corners.

Budget vs. Premium Picks

If you're just starting out, the 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 55 Amg Wagon at 250,000 CR is a strong entry point. The 2001 Audi Rs 4 Avant leads at 5.3 Handling, but costs 94,000 CR.