Need for Speed Most Wanted is a cult racing series where the choice of the first car determines the entire further gameplay. Novice players are often confused: should they take a fast but fragile sports car or a reliable but slow sedan? In this article we will analyze optimal starting machines for versions 2005 and 2012 years, their technical features, as well as tactics that will help you beat your opponents with minimal investment of time and money.
It is important to understand that in Most Wanted There is no universal “best” car - it all depends on the playing style. Some people prefer drift around corners, is important to someone maximum straight line speed, and still others want universal balance for police chases. We will analyze the top options taking them into account controllability, acceleration, strength and cost of upgrades, and also reveal hidden game mechanicsthat influence the choice of transport.
Version 2005 vs 2012: key differences in starting cars
The two most popular parts of the series are NFS Most Wanted (2005) from Black Box and remake 2012 from Criterion Games — radically different in gameplay. In the original version, the choice of the first car is limited three basic models, whereas in the remake the player immediately has access to full fleet of cars, but with level restrictions.
B 2005 starting machines are Volkswagen Golf GTI, Mitsubishi Eclipse and BMW M3 GTR (in some versions). The key here is balance between speed and controllability, since police chases begin from the first races. B 2012 the mechanics are different: cars are divided into classes (D, C, B, A, S), and you have to start with the weakest representatives of the class D.
- 🔧 2005: limited choice, but the ability to quickly switch to more powerful cars through a blacklist.
- 📊 2012: a large fleet of cars, but progress is tied to improving reputation and opening new classes.
- 💰 General rule: in both versions starting cars must be cheap to upgrade and universal for different types of races.
Top 3 starting cars in NFS Most Wanted 2005
In the original game, the choices are limited, but each option has unique advantages. Let us consider them in detail, taking into account tuning cost, behavior on the road and effectiveness in police chases.
Volkswagen Golf GTI - the most balanced option for beginners. Its advantages: low cost of upgrades, good cornering control and ram resistance police. The downside is the low maximum speed, which makes racing on long tracks more difficult. However, for the first missions and saving money, this is an ideal choice.
Mitsubishi Eclipse - a faster alternative, but with worse handling. Suitable for players who prefer aggressive driving style and are ready to put up with frequent drifts. The main advantage is best overclocking among the starting cars, which helps in sprint races.
BMW M3 GTR (if available) - the most powerful option, but requires precise control. Its high speed is offset by weak resistance to damage, so it is not recommended for beginners.
| Model | Max. speed (stock) | Handling (1-10) | Cost of full tuning | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Golf GTI | 220 km/h | 8 | $12,000 | Best for Beginners |
| Mitsubishi Eclipse | 240 km/h | 6 | $15,000 | For experienced players |
| BMW M3 GTR | 260 km/h | 5 | $18,000 | Only for pros |
⚠️ Attention: In the 2005 version BMW M3 GTR may be blocked in some regions due to licensing restrictions. Before choosing, check the available models in your version of the game.
The best starting cars in NFS Most Wanted 2012
In the 2012 remake, the starting choice is wider, but limited by class D. The key here is body type and machine specialization (speed, drift, strength). Let's look at the top options:
Ford Focus ST — the best balance between speed and controllability. His low center of gravity makes the car stable when cornering, and the low cost of upgrades allows you to quickly move up to class C. Ideal for racing "Sprint" and "Circle".
Subaru Impreza WRX STI — a choice for drift lovers. His four-wheel drive and rigid suspension make it easy to enter drifts, but require control skills. Suitable for racing "Drift" and "The Chase".
Scion FR-S — the lightest and most maneuverable car in its class D. It performs well on city roads with frequent turns, but loses on the straights. Recommended for players who prefer precision driving.
- 🚗 Ford Focus ST: All-rounder for all types of racing, best choice for beginners.
- 🔄 Subaru Impreza: a drift car that requires skills, but gives an advantage in specific races.
- ⚡ Scion FR-S: for experienced players who love high speeds on turns.
Check your car's specialization (speed/drift/toughness)|
Estimate the cost of upgrading to class C|
Consider the style of racing you like (sprint, lap, chase)|
Do not take cars with low durability - the police are more aggressive in 2012-->
Passage tactics with different starting cars
Choosing a car is only half the battle. No less important passing strategy, which depends on the type of car. For example, on Volkswagen Golf GTI (2005) better focus on racing with the police, since its strength allows it to retain heat longer. But on Mitsubishi Eclipse worth choosing sprint races, where maximum speed is important.
In the 2012 version, the tactics are different. On Ford Focus ST It is recommended to bleed first acceleration and brakesto win short races and then move on to improve maximum speed. For Subaru Impreza priority - Improved grip and drift, as this gives an advantage in races with turns.
General rule for both versions: don't waste money on external tuning at the start. Investments in engine, suspension and brakes give a much greater increase in victories than beautiful stickers.
In NFS Most Wanted 2012, after winning a class D race, immediately take the reward in the form of a new car - this will speed up your progress. Don't sell starter cars: Some of them (like the Scion FR-S) perform well even after upgrading to the C class.
Hidden car parameters: what influences the choice
Few people know, but Most Wanted yes hidden options, which are not displayed in the characteristics, but greatly affect the gameplay. For example, in the 2005 version, each car has road friction coefficient, which determines how easily the car will skid. U BMW M3 GTR this ratio is lower than that of Golf GTI, making it more difficult to control on wet asphalt.
In 2012, the hidden parameter is car weight. Heavier machines (eg. Dodge Challenger) accelerate worse, but are more difficult for the police to shoot down. Light cars (like Scion FR-S) pick up speed faster, but are blown away by the slightest blow.
One more nuance - police behavior. In 2005, cops are more active in chasing fast cars, so Mitsubishi Eclipse harder to hide than Golf GTI. In 2012, the algorithm is different: the police focus on cars with a high wanted level, regardless of the model.
How to check hidden parameters in 2012?
In the game files (folder DATA\HANDLING) the configurations of each car are stored, where the actual values of grip, weight and acceleration are indicated. To view it, you will need any text editor, but changing the files is not recommended - this can lead to online bans.
What not to do when choosing your first car
Many players make mistakes that complicate the passage. That's it can't do at the start of the game:
- Buy a car just for its looks. A beautiful car is not always efficient. For example, Lamborghini Gallardo looks cool in 2012 but in class
Dloses in terms of characteristics Ford Focus ST. - Spend all your money on one upgrade. It is better to pump evenly
engine,suspensionandbrakesthan investing only in speed. - Ignore police chases. In 2005 they give a lot of money, and in 2012 they increase their reputation. You need to learn to avoid persecution from the very beginning.
⚠️ Attention: In NFS Most Wanted 2012, never take class cars at the beginning Muscle (for example, Ford Mustang). They seem powerful, but due to their high weight they lose in acceleration and handling to lighter cars.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about starter cars
Is it possible to change the starting car in 2005 after the game starts?
No, in the original version Most Wanted 2005 The starting car is selected once. However, you can buy other cars from dealers as you progress through the blacklist. The first car will remain in the garage and may be useful for specific races (for example, for missions with class restrictions).
Which car is best for farming money in 2012?
To make quick money in NFS Most Wanted 2012 choose optimally Ford Focus ST and pump it up to class C. After that you should focus on racing "Speed Run" and "The Chase" - they give the maximum increase in reputation and money. Alternative: Subaru Impreza for drift racing, where the prize money is above average.
Should I get the 2005 BMW M3 GTR if I'm a newbie?
No, BMW M3 GTR - the worst choice for beginners. Its high speed is compensated by extremely low stability: the car easily skids, brakes poorly and quickly breaks from impacts. Start with Volkswagen Golf GTI, and to M3 GTR go after completing at least 5-7 blacklist missions.
How to quickly move from class D to class C in 2012?
To unlock a class C, you need to dial 20,000 reputation points. Fastest way:
- Select Ford Focus ST and improve it
accelerationandbrakes. - Pass the races
"Sprint"and"Circle"- they give more points than drifting. - Participate in police chases: each successful chase gives +1,000–1,500 reputation.
- Don't spend money on external tuning - only on performance upgrades.
With this strategy the class C opens after 1.5–2 hours of play.
In NFS Most Wanted 2005 Volkswagen Golf GTI - Objectively the best starting choice for 90% of players due to its balance of characteristics and low cost of upgrades. In 2012, priority is given to Ford Focus ST as the most versatile class D car.