If you’re new to Forza Horizon 6 and you’re looking to dive into Rival Runs, you’re probably wondering what the best cars are to get you started. Rival Runs can be an exciting part of the game, where you compete against the times set by other players. But not all cars are equal when it comes to these events. Some are easier to handle, while others are more suited to advanced drivers who want to push the limits.
In this article, I’ll help you make sense of the car choices for Rival Runs and break down which vehicles work best for beginners. I’ll also share practical tips based on my own experience and common player behavior.
What are Rival Runs in Forza Horizon 6?
Before we talk about the cars, let’s quickly go over what Rival Runs are in Forza Horizon 6. Rival Runs are time trial events where you race against the best times set by other players. The idea is to set your best time on a particular circuit or against a certain challenge, and then see how you compare with others around the world.
These events can be tough, especially for beginners. The key to success is finding a car that suits your skill level and handling preferences.
How do you pick the right car for a Rival Run?
In Forza Horizon 6, the right car can make or break your performance in Rival Runs. The goal for a beginner should be to find a car that is forgiving yet still fast enough to let you compete with others. A car that is too difficult to handle will make it frustrating to complete even the simplest runs. A car that is too fast can lead to mistakes that result in slower lap times.
When picking a car, you’ll want to think about a few key aspects:
Handling: Does the car feel stable on the road, especially at high speeds?
Acceleration: Does the car have a quick enough start to set a competitive time?
Top Speed: While handling is more important for beginners, top speed matters on longer tracks.
Braking: A good braking system can help you maintain control on tight corners.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a car that offers a balance between speed and control. Let’s break down a few vehicles that fit that description.
What are the best cars for beginner Rival Runs?
Ford Mustang GT (2018)
The Ford Mustang GT is a solid choice for beginners. It’s powerful but not overly difficult to control, and it has decent acceleration and top speed. The Mustang’s handling is not as precise as some lighter sports cars, but it’s forgiving enough to make quick adjustments when needed.
For beginners, this car is a great option because it can take a bit of a beating. If you miss an apex or mess up a turn, the Mustang is unlikely to send you spinning out. Plus, with its rear-wheel drive, you get a great balance of speed and stability, especially in slower corners.
Pro Tip: Focus on getting the braking down with the Mustang. It’s not the best at decelerating quickly, so anticipate the need to brake earlier on certain turns.
Chevrolet Camaro SS (2016)
The Chevrolet Camaro SS is another muscle car that feels approachable for newer players. It’s got a bit more weight compared to the Mustang but still offers a great mix of speed and stability. Its V8 engine delivers a lot of power without being overly aggressive, which helps when you’re learning the tracks and getting used to the competition in Rival Runs.
The Camaro also has relatively smooth handling, especially on straightaways, so it’s a good choice for beginner Rival Runs where you want to build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your cornering. The Camaro tends to understeer if you push too hard in tight turns, so try to maintain a steady throttle.
Porsche 718 Cayman (2020)
If you’re looking for something with a little more finesse but still beginner-friendly, the Porsche 718 Cayman is an excellent option. It’s a lighter car than the muscle cars mentioned earlier, and it offers a better balance of handling and speed. The mid-engine layout gives it exceptional cornering ability, which is key for beating the clock in Rival Runs.
The Cayman is much more forgiving when it comes to making sharp turns, and its rear-wheel drive layout allows for smoother transitions between acceleration and braking.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of the Porsche’s superior cornering. Focus on late braking and getting as close to the apex as possible, and you’ll see big improvements in your lap times.
Mazda MX-5 Miata (2019)
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is an underdog choice but is well-loved by players who prefer a lighter, more nimble car. The Miata’s handling is excellent, and it’s small enough to squeeze through tight corners with ease. However, the trade-off is that its acceleration and top speed are not the highest, so you’ll need to make up for that in the corners.
For beginners, the Miata teaches you the fundamentals of smooth driving. You’ll learn how to brake late, accelerate early, and master the art of maintaining momentum around corners.
Pro Tip: Because of its slower top speed, the Miata excels on technical tracks. Focus on mastering the corners, and you’ll be able to keep up with the competition despite a lack of raw power.
BMW M2 (2021)
The BMW M2 is another excellent choice for newcomers, offering a good balance of power, control, and style. Its responsive steering and rear-wheel drive make it a joy to drive, and the car feels very stable at higher speeds. While it’s not as powerful as some of the other options, it’s a lot of fun to handle on tight circuits, and it will allow you to feel competitive in Rival Runs.
The M2’s handling is sharp but not overly twitchy, so you can confidently push the limits without worrying too much about losing control.
Pro Tip: Use the M2’s agility to your advantage on tighter, more technical tracks. Don’t rush; focus on perfecting your racing line.
What other factors should beginners consider?
Apart from choosing the right car, there are other factors that can affect your Rival Run performance, especially as a beginner:
Upgrades: Make sure you’ve upgraded your car. In Forza Horizon 6, you’ll want to tune your car for better handling, braking, and top speed. Start with basic upgrades and avoid going too extreme. You don’t need a super high-performance car to start.
Car Tuning: After upgrading, you might want to fine-tune the car's setup. Even slight adjustments to the tire pressure, suspension, and gears can make a huge difference, especially if you feel your car isn’t responding well during the race.
Track Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with the track layouts before you jump into a Rival Run. Knowing where to brake, where the tight corners are, and which areas you can push your car to the limit can make a significant difference in your times.
Practice: Rival Runs are about precision and consistency, not just speed. Practice makes perfect, so keep honing your skills and improving your times.
Where can you find a great car deal?
If you’re looking for some extra savings to get your dream car for these Rival Runs, check out a Forza Horizon 6 Account cheap deal. This can be a great way to jump-start your experience without having to grind for credits to unlock a car. With a little research, you can find some amazing deals to help you compete right from the start.
To sum up, the best cars for beginners in Forza Horizon 6’s Rival Runs are those that offer a good mix of handling, acceleration, and top speed without being overly difficult to control. Vehicles like the Ford Mustang GT, Chevrolet Camaro SS, Porsche 718 Cayman, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and BMW M2 are all excellent starting points.
