A century and a half a go the word roadster denoted a horse fit for travel; today, it evokes the image of an automotive monster on the verge of running rampant, only held back by its master’s firm grip.

We give you five of the most sought-after among these beasts.

Porsche 911 Turbo S

The turbo has a wider chassis than even the Carrera S, and adjustable aerodynamics that manage down-force by changing the air flow around the car, granting better stability or speed, depending on the mode you choose. Inside there is the standard Porsche gear (which is to say entirely classy) with sports seats, centrally placed PCM infotainment system and rear camera, to name a few.

The engine is a twin-turbocharged 3.8 liter flat-six engine with 540 hp and 526lb-ft of torque, and hits 0-100 kph in 3 seconds flat. It has a 7 speed PDK transmission system with and electro-hydraulically controlled four wheel drive system that shifts power between the axles, based on the conditions on the road, improving handling, useful for less experienced drivers.

Ferrari 488 GTB

To build the 488 GTB, a successor to the 458 Italia, Ferrari have elected to use aluminium, as opposed to the carbonfibre that most of their competitors use. They have also made it more aerodynamic, with a wider rear to better utilize the air flow. Both of these help to make the car faster than its predecessor, and in line with their policy of increasing power for every new model.

This logic carries over to the engine, which is now a twin-turbocharged 3.9 liter V8 with 661 hp and 561lb-ft of torque and gets from 0-100 kph in 3.2 seconds. It has a 7 speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with manual shifting mode. It is among the best turbocharged petrol engines in production today.

Maserati GranCabrio Sport

The GranCabrio Sport is a four seater, so it follows that it has one of the longer bodies in its class, at almost 5 meters long. It is both sporty and stylish inside, with leather seats (which could offer more support and grip) and carbonfibre details on the dash. Another important feature is the sports button, which will significantly improve the car’s performances, like speeding up the transmission time by 50% and improving damping, for better visceral driving enjoyment.

It has a 4.7 liter V8 engine with 444 hp and 376lb-ft of torque, and will get from 0-100 kph in 5.2 seconds. It has a six speed automatic transmission with manual shifting mode. It also has the Maserati Skyhook damping system, which greatly smooths the ride out.

Lamborghini Aventador

The futuristic-looking Aventador is the epitome of a supercar. It looks stunning by any standard, and has a deployable spoiler to increase down-force. The seats are as low as they can be, but it still offers good visibility, even despite its noticeable width.

It is also powerful, with a 6.5 liter V12 engine with 690 hp and 508lb-ft of torque, capable of getting from 0-100 kph in mere 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of an impressive 354 kph. It has an automated 7 speed manual gearbox with excellent response time.

Bentley Continental GT Speed

Classy looking and comfortable, it is a joy to both behold and sit in. Most surfaces are lined with hand-crafted leather, designed in a distinct diamond pattern, the dash is clear and intuitive. It is a four seater, and feels more spacious in the back than the previous four cars.

Bentleys are known for their sophistication, but with a twin-turbocharged 6.0 liter W-12 engine with 633 hp and 607lb-ft of torque, the Continental GT Speed is aptly named, and goes from 0-100 kph in 4.1 seconds, which is a feat for a car of its weight. It has a ZF 8 speed automatic gearbox, which shifts effortlessly, and its acceleration is simply staggering.