Buzz
Thrill-seekers often turn to roller coasters for an adrenaline rush, with each rider having their own criteria for evaluating these rides—be it the number of loops, the height of the steepest drop, or sheer speed. Ranking them can be challenging, which is why I've chosen speed as the defining factor. Here's a compilation of the ten fastest roller coasters as of September 2007.
10. Phantom’s Revenge – Kennywood, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, USA
Top Speed: 82 mph / 131.9 km/h
In 2001, Phantom’s Revenge was constructed to take the place of Steel Phantom, a ride that had frequently been listed among the world's top five roller coasters. Featuring a 228-foot drop, an underground tunnel, and a top speed of 82 mph, it retains some elements of its predecessor, such as the steel track. Instead of loops and corkscrews, it now boasts a series of thrilling hills and descents.
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9. Goliath – Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California, USA
Top Speed: 85 mph / 136.7 km/h
Goliath not only ranks as the 9th fastest roller coaster but also boasts the third highest drop and stands as the seventh tallest, towering over 20 stories. With a 255-foot drop at 85 mph, riders are thrust into a smoke-filled tunnel. The ride features camel-like humps and an exhilarating bunny hop that lifts riders off their seats due to the intense forces. It is celebrated as one of the most thrilling roller coasters globally.
8. Titan – Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, Texas, USA
Top Speed:
Titan, designed by the same Swiss creators behind Goliath, incorporates additional twists and turns. Its 5,280 feet of track allow for more drops, loops, and corkscrews. After a 255-foot plunge, riders are propelled into a dark tunnel at 85 mph. The ride also includes a spiral generating forces of up to 4.5gs.
7. Millennium Force – Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio, USA
Top Speed: 93 mph / 149.7 km/h
Launched in May 2000, Millennium Force stands as one of the tallest roller coasters globally, holding 10 world records. It ascends to 310 feet, weaving through Cedar Point Park and onto an island. Riders encounter corkscrew turns in dark tunnels, 300-foot drops, and an 80-degree plunge from its peak. The 2-minute, 20-second journey spans 13 acres of track.
6. Steel Dragon 2000 – Nagashima Spa Land, Mie Prefecture, Japan
Top Speed: 95 mph / 152.9 km/h
Steel Dragon 2000 is the tallest roller coaster to employ a traditional chain lift system. Due to the lift hill's length, two chains are utilized—one for the lower section and another for the upper. A single chain would have been impractically long and heavy, weighing at least twice as much as one train. This design allows two trains to safely occupy the lift simultaneously. Debuted shortly after Millennium Force, it surpassed the Cedar Point coaster as the world's tallest complete-circuit coaster and set a record for the longest track at 8,133 feet, 2 inches (2,479 meters).
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5. Superman: The Escape – Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California, USA
Top Speed: 100 mph / 161 km/h
Superman: The Escape stands out as one of the most exhilarating coasters on this list. Unlike traditional looping rides, it features a straight track that rockets up 41 stories in seconds, pauses briefly, and then plummets back down. The L-shaped ride accelerates to 100 mph in just 7 seconds, making it the first roller coaster to achieve this speed. The descent includes 6.5 seconds of weightlessness, and riders experience the drop backwards.
4. Tower of Terror – Dreamworld, Coomera, Queensland, Australia
Top Speed: 100 mph / 161 km/h
Tower of Terror is a steel reverse freefall coaster. Its six-ton passenger vehicle, powered by electromagnetic propulsion, accelerates riders to 100 mph (160.9 km/h) in just seven seconds. The track then ascends skyward, subjecting passengers to 4.5 G’s as it climbs nearly 38 stories high. After the ascent, riders experience a 6.5-second free-fall before the vehicle executes a 90-degree reverse turn. It then speeds back into the station, coming to an abrupt halt.
3. Dodonpa – Fuji-Q Highland, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan
Top Speed: 106.9 mph / 172 km/h
Dodonpa, launched in 2001, is a steel sit-down roller coaster featuring a compressed air launch system. Standing at 52 meters (170 feet) tall, it accelerates to 172 km/h (107 mph) in under 2 seconds. After the launch, riders experience a sweeping overbanked curve, offering a brief moment to recover before encountering the 170-foot top hat, known for its intense negative G-forces. The name 'Dodonpa' is inspired by the musical sound played for guests waiting to board.
2. Top Thrill Dragster – Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio, USA
Top Speed: 120 mph / 193 km/h
Top Thrill Dragster pioneered the concept of the 'Strata Coaster,' defined as a complete-circuit coaster standing between 400 and 499 feet tall. It was the final coaster to use lapbars instead of over-the-shoulder restraints due to mechanical issues. After reaching top speed in under four seconds, the train ascends a 90-degree incline with a 90-degree counter-clockwise twist, sending riders over the 420-foot peak with significant airtime (zero G-forces). The descent includes a 270-degree clockwise twist, leading into a magnetic braking system that ensures a smooth yet rapid stop.
1. Kingda Ka – Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Township, New Jersey, USA
Top Speed: 128 mph / 206 km/h
Kingda Ka holds the title of the world's fastest and tallest roller coaster. A hydraulic launch system propels the train from 0 to 128 mph (206 km/h) in just seconds, generating approximately 1.67 g’s. After the launch, the train ascends the main tower, twisting 90 degrees to the right before reaching a peak height of 456 feet (139.5 meters). It then plunges 418 feet (127 meters) straight down through a 270-degree spiral. The ride concludes with a climb up a second hill, 129 feet tall, offering a moment of weightlessness before magnetic brakes bring the train to a smooth stop. Due to its high speed and open design, the ride cannot operate in light rain, as raindrops can cause discomfort to riders.
Sources: Askmen, Wikipedia
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