The Cheetah Classic and the LSCM Cheetah Classic in GTA Online are in a weird but fascinating position. On the surface, they seem almost the same. They share the same vehicle class, the same type of drivetrain, and the same basic engine behavior. But in reality, Rockstar has given them very different roles when it comes to how they handle, how much they cost, and what they are meant to be.
If you are trying to choose which one truly deserves a spot in your garage, here is a comparison of how the Cheetah Classic stacks up against the LSCM Cheetah Classic in GTA Online.
Cheetah Classic vs LSCM Cheetah Classic in GTA Online: Price, Design, Performance and more
Price and availability
The first and most clear difference is the price tag. The Cheetah Classic is priced at $865,000. This price has not changed since the car was first added to the game in 2017. It is one of the more reasonably priced cars in the Sports Classics category. You can also sometimes find it through the Exotic Exports or Auto Shop Service deliveries, which means you might be able to get one just by playing the game normally.
The LSCM Cheetah Classic in GTA Online, however, costs $1,950,500. That is over twice the price for a car that is built on what is essentially the same foundation. This huge increase in price is mostly because of its exclusive status, its unique visual style, and its connection to the Car Meet brand, not because it is vastly better in terms of pure performance.
Design and style
When it comes to looks, these two cars are made for very different kinds of players. The Cheetah Classic stays true to a clean, retro style inspired by classic Ferraris. It mixes design elements from cars like the Testarossa and the 328 series, and it keeps its appearance tasteful and controlled. It looks authentic, subtle, and true to its time period, which is why it still looks good many years after its release.
The LSCM Cheetah Classic in GTA Online takes that same basic shape and pushes it toward modern car tuning culture. It is inspired by a Ferrari Testarossa that has been fitted with a Liberty Walk-style body kit, featuring wider wheel arches and a more aggressive, lowered stance.
Your options for customizing it are purposely limited, because Rockstar designed it to feel like a pre-made showcase vehicle you would see at a car meet, not a blank canvas for you to modify heavily.
Performance comparison
Even though they share the same engine layout and drivetrain, the two cars do not perform in the same way. The following stats are tested by YouTuber Broughy1322.
The Cheetah Classic actually has a very small top speed advantage, but that difference is too tiny to matter in most real races. The LSCM Cheetah Classic makes up for this with a noticeably faster lap time. This is mainly because it is lighter and has a much better handling profile.
Rockstar’s handling statistics
The most important difference is in the handling. The LSCM Cheetah Classic has a perfect 100% handling stat, while the standard Cheetah Classic is listed at 80.30%. You will feel this gap immediately when taking corners at high speed. The LSCM version feels more stable, more predictable, and is much easier to drive aggressively without losing control of the rear tires.
On tight tracks or in technical Sports Classics races, the LSCM version has a definite advantage.
Racing and combat practicality
Both cars are allowed in official races and can be used in Sports Classics races. Neither one offers any bullet protection, and they both have the same level of resistance to explosions, meaning they are not designed for PvP fights or general freemode combat.
However, the LSCM Cheetah Classic in GTA Online is simply easier to drive smoothly and quickly. The standard Cheetah Classic requires more careful control of the throttle and will punish your mistakes more harshly, especially when you are accelerating out of a corner.
Resale value and long-term ownership
The rules for selling either car are the same, but the amounts of money you get back are different.
- Cheetah Classic resale value: $519,000 (can go up to $693,400 if you sell it with upgrades)
- LSCM Cheetah Classic resale value: $1,170,300
So, even though the LSCM Cheetah Classic in GTA Online costs a lot more to buy initially, you also get more money back if you decide to sell it later. That said, neither should be bought with resale in mind.
Conclusion
Looking purely at performance for the price, the original Cheetah Classic is the more sensible purchase. From the perspective of how it feels to drive and the quality of its handling, the LSCM Cheetah Classic in GTA Online is objectively better, it’s just not better enough to justify paying more than twice the price.
If you already own the original, the upgrade is optional rather than necessary. If you are buying one for the first time and you want the version that drives the best, the LSCM Cheetah Classic in GTA Online is the one that feels more polished and refined when you are behind the wheel.
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Edited by Rishi Pallav
