Summary
- Need for Speed Payback stands out for its extensive and diverse car selection, complemented by highly flexible vehicle customization options.
- The game offers several top-tier Drag cars that are well worth investing in and upgrading to achieve exceptional top speeds.
- The most notable cars for Drag racing in NFS Payback include Koenigsegg Regera, Lamborghini Aventador, McLaren 570S, and Porsche 911 GT3.
Many hardcore gamers consider Gran Trak 10 the first "true" racing game to be released, while others consider Space Race as the original inspiration of all modern racing games. But, whether Gran Trak 10 or Space Race were the first racing games, one thing is sure: racing games have come a long way from rudimentary lines and dots. Today, racing games are more than just tracks. Many feature open-world mechanics, allowing players to explore their environment to the fullest.
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One game series that remains in the hearts of gamers (especially during the Playstation 2 era) is the Need for Speed franchise. These games allow players to customize their vehicles while speeding down busy streets. Need for Speed Payback is often regarded as one of the best NFS in recent years. It has hundreds of cars to pick from, ranging from Drag to off-road cars. With so many Drag cars to choose from, players will want to know which ones are worth the investment.
Updated January 24, 2025 by Vlad Mazanko: The Need for Speed franchise remains one of the apex predators when it comes to delivering thrilling arcade racing in expansive, detailed open worlds. Although Need for Speed Payback received a lukewarm reception at launch, subsequent updates and tweaks have significantly improved its reputation over the years. The game now stands as an action-packed entry in the series, featuring an intense story filled with cinematic set-pieces, a unique Las Vegas-inspired setting, and one of the most generous car rosters in franchise history.
Throughout the game, players can discover their ideal ride to compete in a variety of events, including police chases, drifting, off-road races, and, of course, Drag racing. Drag racing in Payback is the ultimate test of speed and acceleration, demanding the perfect car paired with an equally perfect tune to crush the competition. The list has been updated to spotlight some of the best Drag cars in Need for Speed Payback that are worth adding to every player's garage.
13 Chevrolet Bel Air
Stock Performance Level: 100
- Cost: $44,450
- Top Speed: 106 mph
- 1/4 mile: 17.30 sec
Chevy is one of the kings of mechanical engineering when it comes to top of the line vehicles. For fans of motorsports and car enthusiasts, the golden age of cars was the best age. During its time, the Chevy Bel Air was a king on the road among big names such as Cadillac and Ford.
In Need For Speed Pay Back, the Chevy Bel Air is a classic that can dominate the road with the right setup. For a little over $44,000, players can take to the street with more class than anyone else on the finish line with 140 horsepower in stock variant.
12 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Stock Performance Level: 109
- Cost: $78,350
- Top Speed: 131 mph
- 1/4 mile: 15.43 sec
At first glance, the Ford Mustang Boss 302 seems like the ideal offroad car since it has 5.0 Airtime and 4.4 Landing. However, this American muscle car can also compete well in Drag races. That's because the Ford Mustang Boss 302 has over 200 hp and a top speed of 131 mph.
But, the real reason players should consider this car one of the best Drag cars in Need for Speed Payback is its cheap price tag ($78,350). So, while other Drag cars outperform the Ford Mustang Boss 302, its low price and decent stats will aid players in early Drag races, allowing them to save money for better cars.
11 BMW M3 E46
Stock Performance Level: 167
- Cost: $93,850
- Top Speed: 176 mph
- 1/4 mile: 13.47 sec
The BMW M3 E46 made its debut on the small screen on Need for Speed: Most Wanted, but to NFS fans' shock, it wasn't a drivable car. Fortunately, players could drive the BMW M3 with the release of Need for Speed: Prostreet, which showed the gaming community its potential as a Grip and Drift car (even though it lost its thunder as a Drift car in Need for Speed: Heat). It wouldn't be until Payback that players would test out the BMW M3 as a Drag race car.
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The BMW M3 E46 has a top speed of 176 and can reach 0-60 in 4.20 seconds. While players could purchase the BMW M3 E92 since it has slightly better stats, it isn't necessary to spend the extra $12,000, as the BMW M3 E46 can get the job done. It would be better for players to use that extra cash to purchase Outlaw Performance cards to enhance the BMW's speed and nitrous rating.
10 Ford GT
Stock Performance Level: 325
- Cost: $453,150
- Top Speed: 216 mph
- 1/4 mile: 10.43 sec
In its day, the Ford GT stood at the apex of the racing world after the cutthroat battle between the car mega companies Ferrari and Ford. The original Ford GT is still thought of as the crown jewel of the Ford Motor Company and the most recent design can leave the new school of vehicles in the dust.
In Need for Speed Payback, the 2017 model of the Ford GT has a top speed of 200 miles per hour, and can go from 0 to 60 in under three seconds. While this speed demon is pricey, it is a top of the line car for straightaways.
9 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Stock Performance Level: 209
- Cost: $115,450
- Top Speed: 177 mph
- 1/4 mile: 12.23 sec
This fifth-generation Camaro model from Chevrolet is relatively new to the NFS franchise and has only appeared in four games (Need for Speed: No Limits, Need for Speed (2015), Need for Speed Payback, and Need for Speed: Edge). The version that players can drive in Need for Speed Payback is by far the best.
While the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 excels as a Runner (a car specializing in losing the cops), it can still be considered a powerful Drag race-type car. For starters, it can reach 0-60 in under four seconds, while having a top speed of 177 mph. Players should use Nextech Performance Cars on their Chevrolet Camaro Z28 to increase its top speed further.
8 SRT Viper
Stock Performance Level: 289
- Cost: $138,700
- Top Speed: 206 mph
- 1/4 mile: 11.33 sec
The SRT Viper might blur the line between exotic and muscle cars, but make no mistake — this is 100% raw American modern muscle. As such, it's an exceptional choice for any Drag event, standing proudly alongside iconic rides like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang GT.
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While the car's stock stats might not fully reflect its real-life straight-line potential, placing it slightly behind the Corvette Z06 in top speed and quarter-mile performance, the SRT Viper shines when the stakes are high. Throw some Outlaw upgrade parts on it, and this beast won't disappoint, delivering thrilling results during the most intense city Drag events.
7 Volkswagen Beetle
Stock Performance Level: 100
- Cost: $30,300
- Top Speed: 101 mph
- 1/4 mile: 16.40 sec
There are five Derelicts cars players can obtain in Need for Speed Payback, each specializing in a specific type of race. To unlock a Derelict vehicle, players must obtain five parts found across Fortune Valley that belong to the Derelict they wish to build. The Volkswagen Beetle specializes in Drag races, so players who want to improve their Drag racing skills will want to unlock it first.
The Volkswagen Beetle may only have a hundred horsepower and a top speed of just 101 mph, but with the correct Performance Cards (preferably Chidori), players can boost its hp and top speed to the max. On top of that, Derelict cars have an additional stat that increases their overall speed (SpeedX), making them an absolute demon at any type of racing.
6 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Stock Performance Level: 258
- Cost: $168,100
- Top Speed: 193 mph
- 1/4 mile: 10.90 sec
The Porsche line of vehicles is synonymous with speed, and have been with nearly every iteration of the vehicles since the line started. With a sleek but small chassis, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS is built for the track. It can outperform almost any competitor when properly tuned and built for the occasion.
Reaching a top speed of nearly 200 miles per hour with stock parts, the right setup can have the Porsche GT3 reaching top speed in two seconds flat when outfitted with top of the line gear. With its excellent balance of price and performance, the 911 GT3 RS ranks among the best Drag cars available in Need for Speed: Payback.
5 McLaren 570S Coupe
Stock Performance Level: 293
- Cost: $180,550
- Top Speed: 204 mph
- 1/4 mile: 10.83 sec
The McLaren 570S Coupe stands out as a top-tier Drag racing option in Need for Speed Payback, delivering exceptional performance for its relatively moderate price. This car boasts well-rounded stats, including a solid top speed of over 200 mph, impressive acceleration, and sharp responsiveness. Its quarter-mile time outpaces many pricier stock cars in the game, making it a highly efficient choice.
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With minimal adjustments, the McLaren 570S Coupe can easily reach a Drag rating of over 300. It's worth noting that players won't need much beyond this to dominate the game's Drag events — provided they master gear shifting and nitrous timing during races.
4 Lamborghini Aventador
Stock Performance Level: 348
- Cost: $563,800
- Top Speed: 218 mph
- 1/4 mile: 9.87 sec
In Drag racing, acceleration is king, and there is no greater acceleration than that of high-end exotic cars that take engineering to another level. One of the top names in racing is that of the Lamborghini line of vehicles, which have risen to the top of luxury cars. They also possess professional levels of speed.
The Lamborghini Aventador is a nearly unrivaled vehicle in Payback, with a top speed of almost 220 miles per hour and a 0 to 60 of two seconds. With the right setup, the Aventador will be at the finish line by the time the competition switches gears in Drag races.