The Griffin Marauder is widely regarded as the overall best racing vehicle in Mafia III, boasting a maximum handling stat of 100 and an acceleration rating of 99 in the Exotic class. For tracks with long straightaways where pure top speed matters, the De'Leo Traviata and De'Leo Stiletto take the lead with a category-high 145 mph. In the restricted Sports class, the Shubert Frigate stands as the top performer, offering an unmatched combination of 84 speed, 78 handling, and a 135 mph top speed.
Fully Upgraded Racing Vehicle Statistics
In New Bordeaux Racing, events are restricted to either the Sports class or the Exotic class. While vehicle upgrades provided via underboss favors or the Arms Dealer enhance performance, cosmetic customizations at Big Rick’s Custom Auto do not alter stats—with the single exception of adjustable gear ratios.
The following data reflects vehicle delivery stats when fully upgraded with default gearing:
Exotic Class Vehicles
| Vehicle Name | Class | Speed | Acceleration | Handling | Durability | Top Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Griffin Marauder | Exotic | 88 | 99 | 100 | 19 | 142 |
| De'Leo Traviata | Exotic | 90 | 86 | 90 | 48 | 145 |
| De'Leo Stiletto | Exotic | 91 | 82 | 80 | 45 | 145 |
| Samson Harrier | Exotic | 88 | 92 | 77 | 49 | 139 |
| Smith Moray MX100 | Exotic | 80 | 81 | 86 | 56 | 130 |
| Samson Duke | Exotic | 79 | 88 | 79 | 49 | 130 |
| Lassiter Nightcrawler | Exotic | 80 | 83 | 74 | 79 | 130 |
Sports Class Vehicles
| Vehicle Name | Class | Speed | Acceleration | Handling | Durability | Top Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shubert Frigate | Sports | 84 | 77 | 78 | 53 | 135 |
| Bulworth Harrow | Sports | 83 | 75 | 64 | 75 | 132 |
| Berkley Stallion | Sports | 78 | 80 | 71 | 56 | 127 |
| Berkley Freerider | Sports | 73 | 83 | 74 | 40 | 121 |
Best Exotic Class Racing Vehicles
Griffin Marauder
The Griffin Marauder is the ultimate reward for mastering New Bordeaux Racing. Unlocked only after placing first in all 12 race events across the map, it features unmatched cornering ability.
Because Mafia III race tracks often incorporate tight 90-degree corners and sudden chicanes, the Marauder’s 100 handling and 99 acceleration allow you to carry momentum through corners where other cars slide or spin out. Its sole drawback is an exceptionally low durability stat of 19, meaning collisions with cross-traffic or track obstacles will quickly disable the car.
De'Leo Traviata
Before unlocking the Griffin Marauder, the De'Leo Traviata is the strongest Exotic option available. It combines a 145 mph top speed with a high 90 handling rating, making it the most balanced choice for point-to-point endurance sprints like The Big Easy.
Players can access the Traviata early during the main campaign in Tickfaw Harbor during the mission to eliminate Frank Pagani, who drives the vehicle. It is also available via the Vehicle Delivery service once unlocked.
Best Sports Class Racing Vehicles
Shubert Frigate
For events limited to the Sports class, such as Bayou Figure 8, Downtown Underground, and Pointe Verdun Narrows, the Shubert Frigate is the statistical champion. It hits a top speed of 135 mph, outpacing the Berkley Stallion and Freerider by a wide margin on straight stretches. Its 78 handling keeps the chassis stable across uneven pavement and dirt-road shortcuts.
Berkley Freerider
While the Freerider has a lower top speed of 121 mph, its 83 acceleration is the highest in the Sports category. On short, technical circuit tracks with frequent low-speed corners, the Freerider helps recover lost speed faster upon exiting tight turns.
How to Unlock Races and Vehicle Upgrades
New Bordeaux Racing becomes accessible once Lincoln Clay captures the first three home districts (Delray Hollow, River Row, and Pointe Verdun) and conducts the first sit-down meeting with his underbosses.
To maximize racing performance, focus on these progression steps:
- Assign Rackets for Upgrades: Underboss favors unlock vehicle performance enhancements, including suspension kits, drivetrain upgrades, body kits, and superchargers. Upgrades not gained directly through favors can be purchased from the mobile Arms Dealer.
- Tune Gear Ratios: Visit Big Rick's Custom Auto. While paint, decals, exhaust tips, and spoilers are cosmetic, changing the gear ratio toggles vehicle balance toward higher top speed or faster acceleration.
- Earn Track Record Bonuses: Beating the target track record time awards exclusive cosmetic parts (such as superchargers, exhaust packages, and spoilers) or a $2,000 cash bonus. Placing first in a race simultaneously pays out the first-, second-, and third-place purses.
Essential Racing and Track Record Tips
Races in Mafia III feature specific rules and mechanics that differ from standard open-world driving:
- Use the Ram Technique for Speed and Cornering: In race events, ramming opposing vehicles deals minimal damage. However, players have demonstrated that pressing the Ram button (A on Xbox controllers) acts as an unintended speed boost on straightaways. Tapping Ram while initiating a drift also forces the car into sharp, high-speed turns without losing forward drive.
- Opponent Speed Scaling: AI opponents scale to match the level and speed of the vehicle you enter with. Upgrading a car will not create an effortless straight-line lead, making clean cornering the primary way to gain separation.
- Rearview Mirror Blocking: The AI is programmed to attempt overtaking maneuvers along straight road segments. By watching your rearview mirror and shifting lanes to cut off an approaching car, the trailing vehicle will brake and drop back.
- Slo-Mo Driving is Disabled: Unlike free-roam driving and specific story pursuits, the Slo-Mo driving focus feature cannot be activated inside official New Bordeaux Racing events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the absolute fastest car in Mafia III?
In terms of pure top speed, the De'Leo Stiletto and De'Leo Traviata lead all fully upgraded delivery vehicles at 145 mph. For overall lap times, the Griffin Marauder is faster across full circuits due to its 99 acceleration and 100 handling.
How do I get the Griffin Marauder?
The Griffin Marauder cannot be stolen off the street or purchased initially. It is unlocked through Lincoln's Vehicle Delivery service after finishing in first place across all 12 New Bordeaux Racing tracks.
Do spoilers and body kits make cars faster at Big Rick's Custom Auto?
No. Body kits, exhaust modifications, spoilers, and rims unlocked through races are purely visual customizations. The only modification at the custom shop that alters vehicle performance is the gear ratio setting.
