You Know What They Say: A Small Car Means A Small...

Make: Mini

Model: Cooper

Lowdown: The Mini Cooper is one of the most influential cars that made engineers stop focusing on more power and start focusing on less weight. With an anemic 118 HP engine, it would seem like the cooper would be lacking in speed, but it's not. Coming in at around 2500 lbs, the little packet of energy has plenty of kick. The base model will get you to 60 in 8.5 seconds, whereas the S model will take you there in 6.5 -- not bad for a 172 HP engine. And, considering the base model comes in under $19k, it's not a bad bang for the buck. The only problem is when that Hummer in the lane next to you on the freeway decides it wants to come over and join you...

Verdict: Fast!

Scaffolding never went this fast.

Make: Ariel

Model: Atom

Lowdown: Originally conceived as part of a design project by a Coventry University student, this machine is a great piece of engineering. Powered by a 300 hp supercharged Honda engine, the ultralight Atom surges from a standstill to sixty in 2.7 seconds. That's almost as fast as a Bugatti Veyron, which will do so in 2.5 seconds. The Atom may look like a bunch of scaffolding with two seats and an engine strapped on the back -- which won't win much points from the ladies -- but that simplicity is what makes this little monster so good on the road. Also, a base price of $65k for the US version makes face-ripping acceleration and cornering affordable to us all. If you need help convincing the spouse, the second seat can be used to carry groceries, so running errands will become something you'll be begging to do.

Verdict: Fast!