Choosing the best first car in Gran Turismo 1 can significantly impact your early game experience. Selecting the right vehicle sets you up for success in races, helps you earn credits faster, and makes the game more enjoyable from the start. This guide will walk you through some of the top starter cars in Gran Turismo 1, providing insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and how to maximize their potential on the track. So, let's dive in and find the perfect ride to kickstart your racing career!

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your First Car

Before we jump into specific car recommendations, let's discuss the key factors to consider when selecting your first car in Gran Turismo 1. These factors will help you make an informed decision based on your personal preferences and racing style.

1. Price: In the early game, credits are scarce. You'll want a car that offers good performance without breaking the bank. Look for vehicles that provide a balance between affordability and competitive stats.
2. Handling: A car's handling characteristics are crucial, especially for beginners. Opt for a car that is easy to control and forgiving, allowing you to learn the tracks and improve your driving skills without constantly spinning out.
3. Performance Stats: Pay attention to the car's horsepower (HP), weight, and drivetrain (FWD, RWD, or 4WD). These stats will influence its acceleration, top speed, and overall performance on different types of tracks.
4. Upgradability: Some cars have more upgrade options available than others. Choosing a car with good upgrade potential allows you to improve its performance over time as you earn more credits.
5. Race Eligibility: Consider the types of races you want to participate in. Some races have specific car restrictions, such as engine displacement or manufacturer. Select a car that is eligible for a variety of early-game races.

Top Starter Cars in Gran Turismo 1

Now that we've covered the essential factors, let's explore some of the best first cars in Gran Turismo 1. These cars offer a great balance of affordability, handling, and performance, making them ideal for beginners.

1. Mazda Demio

The Mazda Demio is an excellent choice for your first car in Gran Turismo 1. It's affordable, easy to handle, and surprisingly competitive in early races. Here’s why the Demio stands out:

• Affordability: The Mazda Demio is one of the cheapest cars available at the beginning of the game. This allows you to save credits for upgrades or other vehicles.
• Handling: The Demio's front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout makes it very forgiving and easy to control. It's perfect for learning the basics of racing and mastering cornering techniques.
• Upgradability: While not the most upgradable car, the Demio still offers enough options to improve its performance significantly. Upgrades like suspension, tires, and engine tuning can make it even more competitive.
• Race Eligibility: The Demio is eligible for many early-game races, giving you plenty of opportunities to earn credits and progress through the game.

To maximize the Mazda Demio's potential, focus on upgrading its suspension and tires first. This will improve its handling and grip, allowing you to carry more speed through corners. Later, you can invest in engine upgrades to increase its horsepower and acceleration.

2. Honda CR-X del Sol

The Honda CR-X del Sol is another fantastic option for beginners in Gran Turismo 1. It offers a sporty driving experience, good handling, and decent performance for its price range. Here’s what makes the CR-X del Sol a great starter car:

• Sporty Handling: The CR-X del Sol's lightweight design and responsive steering make it a joy to drive. It's nimble and easy to maneuver, allowing you to tackle tight corners with confidence.
• Performance: The CR-X del Sol offers a good balance of acceleration and top speed, making it competitive in a variety of races. Its VTEC engine provides a noticeable boost in power at higher RPMs.
• Upgradability: The CR-X del Sol has a wide range of upgrade options available, allowing you to improve its performance significantly. You can upgrade its engine, suspension, brakes, and tires to create a formidable racing machine.
• Aesthetics: The CR-X del Sol is a stylish car that looks great on the track. Its sleek design and sporty appearance add to the overall driving experience.

When upgrading the Honda CR-X del Sol, prioritize suspension and tire upgrades to improve its handling. Then, focus on engine upgrades to increase its power output. With the right upgrades, the CR-X del Sol can be a competitive force in early and mid-game races.

3. Toyota Starlet Glanza V

The Toyota Starlet Glanza V is a hidden gem in Gran Turismo 1. It's a small, lightweight hatchback with a turbocharged engine that packs a serious punch. Here’s why the Starlet Glanza V is a top choice for beginners:

• Turbocharged Power: The Starlet Glanza V's turbocharged engine provides impressive acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. It's surprisingly quick for its size and price range.
• Handling: Despite being front-wheel-drive, the Starlet Glanza V handles well and is easy to control. Its lightweight design and responsive steering make it fun to drive on twisty tracks.
• Upgradability: The Starlet Glanza V has good upgrade potential, allowing you to improve its performance even further. Upgrades like a larger turbocharger, intercooler, and exhaust system can significantly increase its power output.
• Unique Driving Experience: The Starlet Glanza V offers a unique driving experience that sets it apart from other starter cars. Its turbocharged engine and nimble handling make it a blast to drive.

To maximize the Toyota Starlet Glanza V's potential, focus on upgrading its turbocharger and intercooler first. This will increase its power output and reduce turbo lag. Then, upgrade its suspension and tires to improve its handling and grip. With the right upgrades, the Starlet Glanza V can be a serious contender in early and mid-game races.

4. Nissan Silvia Q's (S13)

The Nissan Silvia Q's (S13) is a classic rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports car that offers a rewarding driving experience in Gran Turismo 1. While it may be a bit more challenging to handle than FWD cars, the Silvia Q's is a great choice for learning the fundamentals of RWD driving. Here’s why the Silvia Q's is a solid starter car:

• RWD Driving Experience: The Silvia Q's provides an authentic RWD driving experience that is both challenging and rewarding. It's a great car for learning how to drift and control oversteer.
• Handling: With proper tuning and upgrades, the Silvia Q's can handle very well. Upgrading its suspension and tires is crucial for improving its grip and stability.
• Upgradability: The Silvia Q's has a wide range of upgrade options available, allowing you to transform it into a competitive racing machine. You can upgrade its engine, suspension, brakes, and drivetrain to suit your driving style.
• Drifting Potential: The Silvia Q's is a popular choice for drifting due to its RWD layout and tunable suspension. It's a great car for practicing your drifting skills and competing in drift events.

When upgrading the Nissan Silvia Q's, start with suspension and tire upgrades to improve its handling and grip. Then, focus on engine upgrades to increase its power output. If you're interested in drifting, consider installing a limited-slip differential (LSD) to improve its drifting capabilities. Guys, remember that mastering RWD cars takes time and practice, but the Silvia Q's is a great starting point.

5. Honda Civic SiR II (EG6)

The Honda Civic SiR II (EG6) is a legendary front-wheel-drive (FWD) hot hatchback known for its excellent handling and high-revving engine in Gran Turismo 1. It’s a popular choice among players for its affordability and performance. Here’s why the Civic SiR II is a great starter car:

• Excellent Handling: The Civic SiR II is renowned for its superb handling characteristics. Its lightweight chassis and well-tuned suspension make it incredibly nimble and responsive.
• High-Revving Engine: The Civic SiR II's B16A engine is a masterpiece of engineering. It loves to rev and delivers a thrilling surge of power as you approach the redline.
• Upgradability: The Civic SiR II has a plethora of upgrade options available, allowing you to fine-tune its performance to your liking. You can upgrade its engine, suspension, brakes, and tires to create a truly competitive racing machine.
• Affordability: The Civic SiR II is relatively affordable, making it accessible to beginners who are just starting their Gran Turismo 1 journey.

To maximize the Honda Civic SiR II's potential, prioritize upgrading its suspension and tires to further enhance its handling. Then, focus on engine upgrades to unlock even more power from its already impressive B16A engine. With the right upgrades, the Civic SiR II can be a dominant force in FWD races.

Tips for Maximizing Your Starter Car's Performance

No matter which starter car you choose in Gran Turismo 1, there are several tips you can follow to maximize its performance and get the most out of your early game experience:

1. Tune Your Car: Experiment with different tuning settings to find what works best for your driving style and the track you're racing on. Adjusting the suspension, ride height, and gear ratios can make a significant difference in your car's performance.
2. Upgrade Wisely: Prioritize upgrades that will have the biggest impact on your car's performance. Suspension and tire upgrades are generally the most effective early on, followed by engine upgrades.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you drive your car, the better you'll become at handling it. Practice on different tracks and in different conditions to improve your driving skills and learn the nuances of your car.
4. Learn the Tracks: Knowing the tracks inside and out is essential for success in Gran Turismo 1. Memorize the corners, braking points, and optimal racing lines to gain a competitive edge.
5. Take Advantage of Tuning: Guys, don't underestimate the power of a good tune! Even with a basic car, the right adjustments can make a huge difference.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best first car in Gran Turismo 1 is a crucial decision that can impact your early game experience. By considering factors like price, handling, performance stats, and upgradability, you can select a car that suits your driving style and helps you progress through the game. The Mazda Demio, Honda CR-X del Sol, Toyota Starlet Glanza V, Nissan Silvia Q's (S13), and Honda Civic SiR II (EG6) are all excellent choices for beginners, offering a great balance of affordability, handling, and performance.

Remember to tune your car, upgrade wisely, and practice regularly to maximize its potential. With the right car and a bit of dedication, you'll be dominating races and earning credits in no time. So, grab your controller, hit the track, and start your journey to becoming a Gran Turismo champion! Happy racing!