In a comparison, which of the following animals is typically considered faster?

The choice of the cheetah as the fastest animal is based on well-documented characteristics of various species. Cheetahs are renowned for their incredible speed and are capable of reaching up to 60 to 70 miles per hour in short bursts covering distances up to 1,500 feet. Their body is designed for high-speed pursuits, featuring a lightweight frame and long, powerful legs that help them accelerate quickly.

In contrast, other animals listed, such as turtles, horses, and sloths, do not possess the same capacity for speed. Turtles are generally much slower, primarily due to their heavy shells and walking mechanics. Horses can run fast, usually around 30 to 40 miles per hour, but they still fall short of the cheetah's sprinting capabilities. Sloths, meanwhile, are among the slowest-moving animals due to their energy conservation strategies and low metabolism, moving at an average speed of about 0.03 miles per hour.

Thus, the cheetah stands out distinctly as the fastest among the options provided, making it the correct answer to the question regarding which animal is typically considered faster in a comparison.