Many car manufacturers compete not only for the distinct title of "fastest car in the world", but also for the "fastest-accelerating" record. To get that distinction, the car must speed up from 0 to 60 mph (miles per hour) in the shortest time possible. The cars listed here are fastest-accelerating “street-legal” cars in the world, or cars that are allowed to run in public places. The performance and style these cars feature will definitely make anyone riding them into an instant celebrity.

10. Hennessey Viper Venom 1000 TT (2008) – 2.9 seconds

Number ten on our list – and the latest one, produced in 2008 – is the Hennessey Viper Venom 1000 TT (twin turbo). This car is an improved version of the Dodge Viper, offered by Hennessey Performance Engineering either as a full car or as an upgrade. It can come as a coupe or a convertible. Zero to 60 mph of this animal can be attained in only 2.9 seconds.

A Hennessey Viper Venom car

9. Ferrari F50 GT (1996) - 2.9 seconds

The Ferrari franchise includes some of the most popular sports cars around, well known for their style and speed. The Ferrari F50 GT, for example, was made in 1996, but is still considered one of the best-performing cars today. The Ferrari F50 GT is derived from the popular F50 series in commemoration of the company’s 50th anniversary, but only three cars were released to the public. It can accelerate 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds, and 0 to 100 in 6.7 seconds.

A black Ferrari F50 GT

8. Ariel Atom 2 300 (2006) - 2.8 seconds

This high-performance automobile is made by the England-based Ariel Motor Company. The car is a little unusual in design, as it is exoskeletal, meaning that the chassis also serves as the main body of the car, making it resemble a buggy more than a sports car. But appearances can be deceiving, as this car is one of the fastest-accelerating cars around, reaching 60 mph within 2.8 seconds.

An Ariel Atom 2 300 car

7. Ascari A10 (2007) - 2.8 seconds

The Ascari A10 is a sports car made by the British Ascari Cars. It is based from the Ascari KZ1-R GT3 racing car currently seeing action in Spanish races. It is the third car manufactured by Ascari cars, after the Ascari Ecosse and the KZ1. The car was drawn by former Formula One designer Paul Brown. It is capable of a top speed of 215 mph and an acceleration time of 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. The company plans to price 50 A10’s at US$695,000 per unit.

An Ascari A10 sportsg car

6. Saleen S7 Twin Turbo (2006) - 2.8 seconds

The Saleen S7 is a combined effort of four companies: Saleen, Phil Frank Design, Hidden Creek Industries, and Ray Mallock Ltd. The car is a limited, hand-built car, meaning it is not intended for mass production and only a selected few will be able to ride in one. The design of the Saleen S7 is all original, not based on any existing car design, and the first car by Saleen to be completely designed using digital methods.

A gray Saleen S7 TT sports car

The S7 (2006 version) can speed from 0-60mph in approximately 3.4 seconds, and to 100mph in about 8.1 seconds.

5. SSC Ultimate Aero TT (2006) - 2.78 seconds

The SSC Ultimate Aero TT sports car

The SSC Aero is an American-made sports car assembled by Shelby Super Cars. The limited Ultimate Aero edition is the fastest production car in the world, with a top speed of 257mph. It is also one of the fastest-accelerating, reaching 60 mph from zero in 2.78 seconds.

The car was created by Jacob Shelby, who considers this project his brainchild. He spent seven years designing the car, from the aerodynamics to the engine and wheel design. The SSC Aero is street-legal, but only 25 Ultimate Aeros will be produced, making it one of the rarest sports cars around. The basic cost of an Aero is US$240,000 while the Ultimate Aero can reach up to US$650,000.

4. Porsche Dauer 962 LeMans (1995) - 2.6 seconds

This car has been in production for more than a decade now, but it still boasts to be one of the fastest street-legal racing cars in terms of acceleration time. The 1995 edition of the Porsche Dauer 962 LeMans is capable of reaching 60 mph in approximately 2.6 seconds. The only other car on this list coming from the 1990’s is the Ferrari F50 GT, which was made in 1996.

A red Porsche Dauer 962 LeMans sports car

The Porsche Dauer 962 LeMans is based on the Porsche 962 racing car. The car was built by a German carmaker, Jochen Dauer, with support from Porsche.

3. Ultima GTR (2006) - 2.6 seconds

Ultima Sports Ltd, an English car manufacturing company, is responsible for this speed brute. The Ultima GTR is described as a supercar. It is available either as a “kit” car (meaning you can assemble it yourself, perfect for hobbyists and car enthusiasts) or as an assembly-line vehicle. A convertible version is also offered.

The Ultima GTR

The Ultima GTR is known for focusing its marketing strategy on making and breaking automobile records. Like the Porsche Dauer 962 LeMans, its record for acceleration time is 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds, enough to take the third spot on this list. It is also one of the leading cars in the record for 1 to 100 mph (5.3 seconds) and fastest cars over a quarter-mile (9.4 seconds)

2. Caparo T1 (2007) - 2.5 seconds

The Caparo T1 is manufactured by Caparo Vehicle Technologies, a British firm. The car is a two-seater, mid-engine, two-rear drive vehicle inspired by Formula One cars. The difference is that this car is intended by Caparo Vehicle Technologies to be street-legal. The car is so low, however, that it has trouble getting over speed bumps, though its manufacturing company assures critics that the models will have adjustable ride heights.

A Caparo T1 sports car

The car is also known for its very fast acceleration time. Tests indicated that the car is capable of 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds. Its price tag is approximately a whopping US$500,000.

1. Bugatti Veyron (2006) – 2.46 seconds

In this race to be the "fastest accelerating car," the battle for the number one spot ended in a photo-finish. Edging out the Caparo T1 by a hairline is the Bugatti Veyron. Its 2006 version’s record acceleration time is 2.46 seconds – some four hundredths of a second faster than our number two. The car also is the second-fastest car in production, next to only the SSC Ultimate Aero TT.

A Bugatti Veyron sports car

This freak of speed is made by Bugatti Automobiles SAS, a subsidiary of Volkswagen. Its engine is equal to two V8 engines and possesses a force of about 1001 horsepower. The car is named after Pierre Veyron, a legendary French racer, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 for Bugatti.

As these expensive cars indicate, speed also comes at a very hefty price. Most of us may only dream about riding these cars, but it’s amazing to think about the ingenuity and engineering required for them to run as fast as they do. The continuing search for the fastest car continues, proof of man’s insatiable need for speed. After learning the fastest accelerating cars, why don’t you try drifting these cars by learning how to drift.

(Some of you may enjoy your cars with pure muscle like these Fastest Cars in the World, but for those who want to see the ultimate combination of class, price and impeccable track records that have led to the creation of legends check out these Unforgettable Classic Cars and the Top Ten Priciest Supercars.)