6 Hyundai Models That Are Faster Than A Nissan 350Z

The Nissan 350Z set a benchmark for affordable performance sports cars at the turn of the century. Upon its release, it was praised for its powerful engine as well as being a faithful adaptation of Nissan Z lineage. 20 years on, it is an affordable entry point for many first-time enthusiast car buyers. For under $15,000, buyers can have a rear-wheel-drive, manual sports coupe that still looks the part. Despite its age, the 350Z is still quick with its 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower in models made between 2003 and 2005, and 306 horsepower in models made from 2007 onward. The 350Z is capable of achieving a 0 to 60 time of just 5.7 seconds, making the 350Z a very compelling overall package for first-time as well as seasoned car enthusiasts.

Read Also 14 hour ago The One-Of-One Pontiac Ute GM Built From The Parts Bin And Buried 4 autotech Engine	Power	Torque	Read Also 1 day ago HRC Formula R: MotorsportsGrade Full Synthetic Protection for Today’s Honda and Acura Engines Availa 3 autotech Price Range	0-60 mph
N/A 3.5L V6	287 hp	274 lb-ft	$7,000 – $20,000	5.7 Seconds

Hyundai, on the other hand, is a brand typically not as associated with performance, with the brand more commonly known for its affordable economy cars and family car offerings. However, the brand’s N-line performance models have become some of the most underrated affordable performance cars to buy both brand new and on the used market. Hyundai’s approach to making performance cars is a tried and tested one, taking an ordinary economy model and adding on a big turbo, striking paint and some outlandish aero to create something special. The result is a combination of style and performance that is well worth considering, with this list highlighting six Hyundai models that can outpace the Nissan 350Z.

6

Hyundai Veloster N

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The Hyundai Veloster was the brand’s slightly oddly styled economy car produced from 2011 until 2022. Most Veloster models were rather unexceptional, featuring naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines that produced power figures in the mid-100-horsepower range. At the tail-end of the Veloster’s life, Hyundai introduced a hot N version. Initially, when it was released in 2019, the Veloster N produced 247 hp, a figure which could be increased to 275 hp with the optional performance package.

This package was eventually made standard in 2021, with a 0-60 time of just 5.6 seconds for models equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission. Manual models were also available, but had slower claimed acceleration figures. Hyundai also gave it the classic N treatment, adding sky blue paint, flared wheel arches, and some aero to give the Veloster N the complete hot hatch look. It’s an excellent hot hatch that has gone under the radar, but combines the thrill and practicality associated with the regular Veloster. The Veloster N is also relatively affordable, with second-hand prices for the Veloster N range between $15,000 and $25,000, putting it roughly in the same price range as a used 350Z.

5

Hyundai Kona N

Hyundai

The Hyundai Kona is a largely forgettable subcompact crossover that surprisingly also received the N treatment at the tail-end of the first generation’s production. The Kona N was produced from 2021 to 2023, featuring the same turbocharged 2.0-liter engine fitted in the Veloster N. In the Kona N, it was slightly upgraded, now producing 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, a big figure for the subcompact crossover category which typically doesn’t receive much love from performance divisions.

Unfortunately, the only transmission option was an eight-speed dual clutch automatic, which was still capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, not bad for a practical subcompact crossover. It also receives the same visual treatment as other N models with sky blue paint and red visual accents. Prices for the Kona N started at around $35,000 when it was new, but have since depreciated to around $20,000 to $25,000, making these a practical performance bargain.

4

Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec

Hyundai

Luxury mid-size sedans are not typically associated with being performance cars, especially true for the Hyundai Genesis, which largely has been forgotten and ignored by enthusiasts, as it’s widely considered a dull mid-size sedan. However, there is one specific variant of the Hyundai Genesis worth considering, the 5.0 R-Spec. As the name suggests, power comes from a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine producing 429 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque.

Hyundai also tuned the chassis to be stiffer, giving the large, cushy sedan the ability to take a corner with some confidence. The Genesis 5.0 R-Spec is also quick, capable of accelerating from 0-60 in just 5.1 seconds according to Car and Driver. The Hyundai Genesis has remained rather underrated, and as a result, prices have also remained relatively low, with R-Spec models typically being listed for under $15,000, but are difficult to find.

3

Hyundai Elantra N

Hyundai 

The Hyundai Elantra N is the first new model to make the list. Much like other N models on the list, it features a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing the same 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, now capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. This is impressive speed for a car with a starting price of around $35,000, significantly cheaper than the Elantra N’s brand-new competition. Drivers can take advantage of the fact that the Elantra N is still available with a six-speed manual, as well as a dual-clutch option. It also looks the part, having a sharp, angular design with the well-recognizable light blue paint scheme. Considering the Elantra N has been on sale for a few years now, early secondhand models can be picked up at a bargain at around $20,000, which is a lot of performance for the money.

2

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Jared Solomon / HotCars

It’s not news to anyone nowadays that electric cars are faster than gasoline cars, especially when it comes to acceleration, as the instant torque means an electric car can launch instantly. However, Hyundai didn’t just prioritize acceleration with the Ioniq 5 N, but emphasized making it an enjoyable driver’s car for enthusiasts as well by incorporating features like a drift mode as well as simulated gear shifting. The result is an EV that enthusiasts can actually get behind, not to mention the draw of producing 641 hp that can be boosted to 641 hp for short durations.

This makes the Ioniq 5 N capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds, rivalling some of the world’s best supercars. The Ioniq 5 is one of the more modern vehicles on the list and thus utilizes Hyundai’s boxy, retro-inspired design, making it look very distinct from other traffic. The best part is that prices for the Ioniq 5 N start at around $67,000, with used models selling for as low as $40,000.

1

Ioniq 6 N

Hyundai

In first place comes the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N, sharing its platform with the Ioniq 5 N. As a result, the powertrain remains unchanged, boasting 641 hp. Despite this, the Ioniq 6 N is rated at a slightly faster 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds, easily rivaling the Nissan 350Z, as well as many much faster sports cars. The Ioniq 6 N is also similarly priced to its sister car, with prices starting at a slightly higher $70,000, making it the fastest Hyundai to date. It is an excellent option for those who want a more subtle vehicle, with the Ioniq 6 N having the more classic sedan shape rather than the boxy hotrod that the Ioniq 5 is.

Sources: Autotrader, Hyundai, Car and Driver, Nissan.