The 5 Slowest Cars In The World: A Deep Dive
Source: Pixabay
When it comes to cars, people prefer the very best model, and by best, we mean the fastest. It’s almost a discussion about speed and driving dynamics. Most car enthusiasts want to get the most power and performance from their vehicles in order to shave a second or two from their personal best lap times.
But what about cars at the complete opposite of the spectrum? What about the slowest car in the world?
That’s right; there are specific car models that are considered the slowest of the bunch. While they’re not practical, many of the world’s slowest cars have an undeniable charm to them. Plus, these slow vehicles are generally microcars, so they’re more suitable for city and suburban driving – plus, you don’t have to worry about fitting into parking lots.
Today, we highlight some of the slowest cars in the world and what makes them different and unique. Let’s get to it.
1. Peel P50 (Top Speed: 38 mph)
One look at the Peel P50 and one would think it’s a production model, but only for kids. Forget about its 0-60 mph speeds; the P50 can’t even reach a top speed that high. At 38 mph top speed, the Peel 50 is the slowest car in the world, but it also holds the Guinness World Record as the smallest production vehicle ever made at 54 inches long and 39 inches wide.
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The Peel P50 is a three-wheeled microcar that was first produced in 1962 by the Peel Engineering Company and was sold through 1965. However, in 2011, Peel Engineering started making the P50 again and has been in production ever since. It was designed as a city car and can only sit “one adult and a shopping bag.” Meanwhile, the Peel P50 can also claim the title of the most popular microcar, famously driven by Jeremy Clarkson in an episode of Top Gear.
Amazingly, the Peel P50 is 100% street legal in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
2. Renault Twizy 45 (Top Speed: 28 mph)
The French sure do love their quadricycles, which is the category our next slowest car in the world belongs to. The Renault Twizy 45 is an electric microcar that Renault has advertised as a light quadricycle. This pint-sized electric two-seater car boasts a grand total of 5.4 horsepower and a top speed of 28 mph. However, it’s worth mentioning that Twizy’s top speed is electronically limited.
As you can see, the Renault Twizy 45 is a charming little unit, but it’s definitely not the most practical electric vehicle out there – especially with its 62-mile total range. For example, it offers the most basic and barebones features that you might as well be riding a bike. In fact, some drivers had to use a plug-in electric blanket just to be able to drive during the colder months. However, the Twizy should be an excellent tool for young drivers to learn the rules of the road. Thankfully, this electric microcar is quite affordable at 10,300 euros.
3. Aixam Coupe (Top Speed: 28 mph)
Once again, France brought another light ‘quadricycle’ to the table. But at least this time, it looks like an actual car, not a toy. The Aixam Coupe is a two-seater quadricycle that’s so slow that you don’t even need a license to drive one. That’s right, the only requirement for driving the Aixam Coupe is that you should be at least 16 years of age and have passed the moped test.
The Aixam Coupe packs a 400 cc two-cylinder diesel engine and, like many vehicles on this list, has an electronically-limited top speed at 30 mph with a grand total of 5.6 horsepower. Also, like many vehicles featured here, the Aixam Coupe can be a practical pick for young drivers practicing on the road or those who live in areas with narrow streets since you don’t have to worry about parking. Overall, the Aixam Coupe is an excellent alternative to the Twizy but is also more expensive.
4. Tata Nano (Top Speed: 55 mph)
The Tata Nano has the title of the cheapest car in the world. To nobody’s surprise, the cheapest car in the world also happens to be one of the slowest. Discontinued in 2018, the Tata Nano was a compact car engineered to the teeth for extreme value. The very first version of the Tata Nano only costs $1,400, and it can seat up to four passengers, has a simple basic dashboard, and has top-notch fuel economy.
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In addition, the Tata Nano comes with a 0.624-liter two-cylinder engine that offers 37 hp and 38 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 55 mph. While it’s one of the faster cars on this list, it’s still pretty slow because it will take 29.4 seconds from 0-60 mph. Unfortunately, India didn’t want a car with such extreme affordability, and the fact that the Tata Nano tends to catch fire didn’t do it any favors.
5. Smart Fortwo CDI (Top Speed: 84 mph)
Smart cars were never popular, but they clearly have a dedicated following. With that said, the Smart Fortwo CDI is probably the only car many people have actually seen on this list. Although the Smart Fortwo CDI is the fastest car featured today, it’s still worthy of being called the slowest car in the world. Although this car did sell quite a bit in Europe, it never really caught on in the States – but you can find many communities dedicated to this smart car.
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As for its specs, the Smart Fortwo is equipped with a turbocharged inline-3 diesel engine with 45 horsepower and a top speed of 84 mph. With a zero to 60 mph of 19.5 seconds, it’s really a worthy addition to this list. Unfortunately, many drivers commented about the Smart Fortwo’s firm ride and small and cramped interior.
Overall, the Smart Fortwo CDI may not provide the thrills of most modern vehicles, but it does make up with its charm, practicality, and driver appeal.
Honorable Mentions
Still craving for more of the slowest cars of all time, here are some noteworthy additions:
Renault Twizy Urban 80 (Top Speed: 50 mph)
The Renault Twizy Urban 80, a more powerful version of the Twizy 45 mentioned earlier, is a modern electric microcar designed for urban commuting. Despite its upgraded 17 horsepower electric motor, the Twizy Urban 80 still only reaches a top speed of 50 mph. Its compact size and unique tandem seating arrangement make it a practical choice for navigating busy city streets.
Bajaj Qute (Top Speed: 43 mph)
The Bajaj Qute, a quadricycle manufactured by the Indian company Bajaj Auto since 2015, is designed as an affordable and fuel-efficient alternative to traditional cars. Powered by a 216 cc single-cylinder engine, the Qute produces 13 horsepower and has a top speed of just 43 mph. While it may be slow, the Qute’s low price and high fuel efficiency make it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers in developing markets.
Ligier JS50 (Top Speed: 28 mph)
The Ligier JS50, a French microcar produced since 2014, is classified as a light quadricycle and can be driven without a full driver’s license in some European countries. Equipped with a 480 cc diesel engine, the JS50 generates a modest 5.4 horsepower and has a top speed of only 28 mph. Despite its slow speed, the JS50’s modern design and practicality make it a popular choice for young drivers and those seeking an affordable, low-maintenance vehicle.
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