The more realistic racing model of Need for Speed: Shift can be harsh on new players. Picking the right car, however, can make learning the game much easier. Some cars are simply more forgiving than others, and such cars are the best choice for beginners.
Getting the Speed On
Need for Speed: Shift is the most realistic Need for Speed title ever released. This makes getting to grips with the handling of the various cars a difficult process, particularly for those who have not played racing games in the past.
The learning process can be made easier, however, by picking the correct cars - and likewise, it can be made harder by picking the wrong ones. Some cars are simply more skittish and unpredictable than others. This list of the the top five cars for beginning drivers focuses on vehicles which are predictable and forgiving, but still competitive in races.
Best Cheap Tier 1 Car: Mazda MX-5
So, you've been through the tutorial - and you didn't do so well. Now your cash is limited and so are your options for a first car. What do you pick?
Miata, baby. Er, I'm sorry - MX-5.
The MX-5 is one of the most well respected sports cars in recent history. There is good reason for that. By remaining small and light in a world of ever-ballooning sports cars, the Mazda MX-5 has telepathic handling. There is no weight or bulk to fight with, and so it goes exactly where the driver wants it. That makes it a perfect car for a beginner. Granted, its a bit down on horsepower compared to some other contenders. But don't worry. You'll make it back in the corners.
Best Expensive Tier 1 Car: Nissan 350Z
While the Mazda MX-5 is a wonderful car, its lack of horsepower can make it difficult to use in races which feature many long straights. In addition, it in a way handles too well. The Mazda MX-5 doesn't pack the bite of sudden oversteer which is found in some higher-tier cars, so at some point it will be wise to graduate to something that has enough power to spin you around if you really mess up.
Enter the Nissan 350Z. The 350Z is a big, heavy car with huge power and huge torque for a tier 1 car. If you go around a corner and give it too much gas, it will spin. But it doesn't spin without giving you plenty of feedback before it does, and that makes it predictable, and a perfect car for making the leap between tier 1's basic sports cars and the more aggressive cars found in tier 2.