Sports cars have always held a special place in the automotive world, representing the pinnacle of driving pleasure and performance. Evolving significantly since their inception, modern sports cars from various sports car brands offer unparalleled reliability, exhilarating speed, and an unmatched fun factor. Almost every car manufacturer boasts at least one sports car model, each designed to deliver thrilling experiences on both public roads and race tracks. The unique sensation of driving a sports car is something few other vehicles can replicate.
It’s important to distinguish sports cars from supercars. While both categories offer high performance, sports cars are generally more accessible to a wider range of drivers. Supercars, on the other hand, often come with exorbitant price tags, extreme power outputs, and limited production runs, making them exclusive to a select few. Sports cars strike a balance, often being practical enough for daily use while still providing that exhilarating sports car experience.
2025 Toyota Supra (1)-1
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General vehicle information and data have been sourced from various automakers. This list is organized by top speed, starting from the slowest to the fastest.
Mazda: MX-5 Miata Grand Touring – The Essence of Driving Fun
Top Speed: 139 MPH
Red 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mazda, a Japanese brand synonymous with its “zoom-zoom” driving philosophy, offers the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring as its flagship sports car. This trim represents the pinnacle of the Miata range, which is currently Mazda’s sole sports car offering. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is celebrated for its exceptional balance and embodies the pure joy of driving that the brand is known for.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 181 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft |
| Driveline | RWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 26/34 mpg, 26/35 mpg |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 139 MPH (drag ltd) |
The Miata is an ideal choice for those seeking a compact, two-seater roadster reminiscent of classic sports cars. Its handling is impeccable, making it incredibly agile and fun to drive on any type of road. Mazda has prioritized driving enjoyment above all else with the MX-5 Miata.
Pros
- Incredibly fun and engaging driving experience
- Iconic and timeless open-top design
- Still offered with a traditional manual transmission
Cons
- Cabin space can feel restrictive
- Limited practicality for everyday commuting
- Can be challenging to drive in heavy highway traffic
Subaru: BRZ tS – Precision and Performance Focus
Top Speed: 140 MPH
2024 Subaru BRZ tS Exterior Front
Subaru, a brand known for its rally-inspired all-wheel-drive vehicles, presents a unique offering with the BRZ. This sports car stands out as the only Subaru model without standard AWD. The BRZ tS trim, the top-tier variant, elevates the driving experience with a distinct performance-oriented feel, perfectly aligning with Subaru’s engineering ethos when you crave an engaging and dynamic drive.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 2.4-liter flat 4-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 228 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft |
| Driveline | RWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 20/27 mpg |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 140 MPH |
The BRZ tS distinguishes itself with dark gray metallic 18-inch wheels and unique badging and grille. While not boasting more power than other BRZ trims, it includes enhancements that significantly sharpen its performance focus, making it a compelling choice within the Subaru sports car lineage.
Pros
- Sharp and responsive handling and steering
- Straightforward and driver-centric control layout
- Surprisingly comfortable ride quality for a sports car
Cons
- Rear seats are cramped, and storage is limited
- Noticeable road noise at highway speeds
- Audio system and tech interface are underwhelming
BMW: Z4 M40i – Playful Roadster with German Engineering
Top Speed: 152 MPH
2024 BMW Z4 in green with roof down posing in front of mountain range
BMW, a German luxury and performance brand, offers the Z4 M40i as a premium two-seat convertible roadster, a compelling alternative to the Mazda Miata for those seeking a more upscale experience. Among BMW’s extensive lineup, the Z4 is unique as the only model exclusively designed and built as a sports car. While it might not be BMW’s most powerful or fastest vehicle overall, the Z4 M40i arguably delivers the most pure driving enjoyment within the brand’s portfolio.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 382 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft |
| Driveline | RWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 23/31 mpg |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 152 MPH (gov ltd) |
Interestingly, the BMW Z4 shares development with the Toyota Supra. However, where the Supra adopts a serious performance demeanor, the Z4 embraces a more playful and fun-loving character. This distinction makes the Z4, especially in its convertible form, a true driver’s car, embodying BMW’s heritage of sporty roadsters.
Pros
- Potent turbocharged engine
- Refined and quiet cabin with the top raised
- Open-top driving experience perfect for summer
Cons
- Not as sharply focused on driving dynamics as some sports cars
- All-wheel-drive is not an option
- Manual transmission is not available
Gray 2024 BMW M2 front-quarter
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Toyota: GR Supra 3.0 – The Icon Reborn
Top Speed: 161 MPH
Toyota, another leading Japanese automotive brand, revived a legend with the return of the Supra. The Toyota GR Supra 3.0 is undoubtedly the brand’s premier sports car, a testament to Toyota’s commitment to performance and driving excitement. While the 3.0-liter engine’s potential is somewhat limited by factory settings, enthusiasts still celebrate it as a true sports car icon.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 382 hp |
| Torque | 368 lb-ft |
| Driveline | RWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 19/27 mpg, 23/31 mpg |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 161 MPH (gov ltd) |
The Toyota Supra’s legacy as a celebrated performance car is well-earned. It delivers exceptional agility and driving dynamics, making it a formidable performer on any race track. This car is built for pure driving pleasure, fulfilling the expectations that come with the legendary Supra name.
Pros
- High-quality interior materials
- Engaging and fun driving character
- The combination of turbo six engine and manual gearbox is exceptional
Cons
- Significant blind spots hinder visibility
- Getting in and out of the car can be cumbersome
- Noticeable use of BMW components
Nissan: Z NISMO – Heritage Meets Modern Performance
Top Speed: 165 MPH
White Nissan Z Nismo, In Parking Lot
Nissan, a Japanese brand with a rich sports car heritage dating back to the Datsun 240Z, continues to deliver performance and excitement with the Nissan Z NISMO. This model is a fast, responsive, and incredibly fun car to drive, solidifying Nissan’s position among the top sports car brands and making driving a truly exhilarating experience.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 420 hp |
| Torque | 384 lb-ft |
| Driveline | RWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 17/24 mpg |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 165 MPH |
The Nissan Z cleverly blends styling cues from the iconic 240Z with modern elements like LED taillights reminiscent of the 300ZX. This design approach ensures that Nissan honors its storied past while delivering a thoroughly modern sports car with track-ready performance and captivating style.
Pros
- Abundant horsepower for thrilling performance
- Strikingly attractive and distinctive design
- Pleasing blend of retro aesthetics and contemporary features
Cons
- Manual transmission is not offered on the NISMO trim
- Heavier than previous Z car generations
- Some intrusion of road noise into the cabin
Ford: Mustang Dark Horse – American Muscle Refined
Top Speed: 166 MPH
2024 blue Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Ford, an iconic American brand, presents the Mustang Dark Horse, painted in Vapor Blue Metallic, which subtly enhances the black design elements on the hood. This model captures the raw spirit of a hardcore, manual-transmission Ford Mustang, appealing to enthusiasts who value traditional muscle car characteristics with modern enhancements.
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| Engine | 5.0-liter V8 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 500 hp |
| Torque | 418 lb-ft |
| Driveline | RWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 14/22 mpg |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 166 MPH |
The Dark Horse evolves from the Mustang Mach 1, delivering both speed and driving pleasure on roads and tracks alike. The interior is focused and driver-oriented, creating an ideal environment to appreciate the powerful V8 engine and its signature sound, hallmarks of Ford’s performance lineage.
Pros
- Advanced and user-friendly high-tech interior displays
- Strong acceleration from all available engine options
- Rear seats and a larger trunk offer more practicality than many rivals
Cons
- Performance gains over previous models are not dramatic
- Interior materials and finish can feel somewhat basic
- Desirable optional features significantly increase the overall price
2008 Lexus GS460 Profile Parked
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Lexus: RC F – Understated Luxury with Potent Performance
Top Speed: 168 MPH
Black Lexus RC F rear-quarter
Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, presents the RC F for drivers seeking a high-performance sports car with refined, understated luxury. The Lexus RC F is a remarkable performance machine, blending power and premium features to deliver an engaging and enjoyable driving experience on both everyday roads and demanding race circuits.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 5.0-liter V8 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 472 hp |
| Torque | 395 lb-ft |
| Driveline | RWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 16/24 mpg |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 168 MPH |
The Lexus RC F is equipped with performance-enhancing components designed for cornering prowess. These include an adaptive suspension system, a limited-slip rear differential, and high-performance Brembo brakes. This combination of features allows drivers to confidently push the RC F to its limits in the turns, showcasing Lexus’s capability in performance engineering.
Pros
- Comfortable, quiet, and luxurious interior
- Classic and powerful V8 engine
- Relatively affordable pricing within its segment
Cons
- Rear seats and trunk space are very small
- Weight can negatively impact handling and acceleration feel
- Infotainment system feels outdated compared to rivals
Jaguar: F-Type R75 – A British Icon’s Farewell
Top Speed: 186 MPH
2024 Jaguar F-Type R75 Front Three Quarter Shot.-1
Jaguar, the esteemed British luxury and sports car brand, offers the F-Type R75, a standout model in this list for numerous compelling reasons. This car is not only powerful, fast, and fun to drive but also serves as a celebration of Jaguar’s 75-year legacy in sports car manufacturing. Significantly, this F-Type marks the end of an era, as it is expected to be the last Jaguar sports car powered by an internal combustion engine, making it a poignant and collectible model for enthusiasts of the brand.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 5.0-liter supercharged V8 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 575 hp |
| Torque | 516 lb-ft |
| Driveline | AWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 16/24 mpg |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 186 MPH |
This Jaguar sports car is presented as both a special edition and a limited edition model, adding to its exclusivity and appeal. The formidable power of its supercharged V8 engine makes the F-Type a thrilling driving machine, while the convertible option allows for an even more engaging experience, perfect for showcasing this loud and proud performance vehicle.
Pros
- Exhilarating and thrilling performance
- Striking and seductive styling in both coupe and convertible versions
- Premium and luxurious interior materials
Cons
- Infotainment system is known to be buggy and not user-friendly
- Ride quality can be overly firm
- Considerable road and tire noise on uneven road surfaces
Chevrolet: Corvette Z06 – American Performance Redefined
Top Speed: 189 MPH
Chevrolet, an American automotive giant, presents the Corvette Z06, a high-performance sports car that redefines American muscle with pure speed and power. This latest iteration of the C8 Corvette is groundbreaking as the first model to feature a mid-engine layout, a significant shift for this iconic nameplate. The Corvette Z06 represents Chevrolet’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance in the sports car segment.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 5.5-liter V8 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 670 hp |
| Torque | 460 lb-ft |
| Driveline | RWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 12/21 mpg |
| 0-60 MPH | 2.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 189 MPH |
The driver-centric cockpit of the Corvette Z06 is characterized by a prominent wall of buttons angled towards the driver, enhancing accessibility and control. Currently, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 holds the title of the most powerful Corvette ever produced, until the anticipated ZR1 model arrives. It stands as Chevrolet’s ultimate sports car, embodying decades of performance engineering.
Pros
- High-revving flat-plane crank V8 engine
- Offers a race car-like experience for road use
- Priced significantly lower than many supercar competitors
Cons
- Notably poor fuel economy
- Cup 2 track tires can be challenging in cold or wet conditions
- Interior design with the central button array may be divisive
Yellow 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost With Black Stripes Parked Front 3/4 View
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Mercedes-AMG: SL 63 S E Performance – Hybrid Power and Luxury
Top Speed: 196 MPH
2024 Mercedes-AMG SL63-1
Mercedes-AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz, presents the SL 63 S E Performance. While it blurs the lines between sports car and supercar, it leans more towards the former, offering a unique blend of luxury and hybrid performance. This model represents a pinnacle of driving excellence, positioning Mercedes-AMG at the forefront of hybrid sports car technology.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 805 hp |
| Torque | 1047 lb-ft |
| Driveline | AWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 13/20 mpg (7-mile EV driving range) |
| 0-60 MPH | 2.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 196 MPH |
The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance is available as a convertible, enhancing the joy of driving with an open top. It’s designed for both relaxed cruising and high-performance track days, showcasing the versatility and engineering prowess of Mercedes-AMG in the sports car arena.
Pros
- Exceptional levels of ride comfort
- Abundant standard technology features
- Relaxing and refined open-top driving experience
Cons
- Some touchscreen controls can be overly complex to use
- Rear seats are extremely small and barely functional
- Limited cargo capacity for luggage or gear
Dodge: Challenger SRT Demon 170 – American Muscle at its Extreme
Top Speed: 215 MPH
Dodge, known for its bold and powerful muscle cars, concludes an era with the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170. This model embodies incredible power, performance, and driving excitement, representing the zenith of American muscle car engineering. The Challenger SRT Demon 170 is not only the most powerful Challenger ever created but also a fitting tribute to the end of the V8 engine era at Dodge, making it a significant and highly sought-after vehicle for collectors and performance enthusiasts.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 6.2-liter supercharged V8 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 1,025 hp |
| Torque | 945 lb-ft |
| Driveline | RWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 13/21 mpg |
| 0-60 MPH | 1.66 seconds |
| Top Speed | 215 mph |
The Demon 170 surpasses even its predecessor Demon model in straight-line speed and quarter-mile performance, setting a new benchmark for muscle cars. In terms of raw power and drag strip dominance, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 stands unchallenged, overshadowing competitors from Ford and Chevrolet in the muscle car segment.
Pros
- Part of the exclusive “Last Call” series, marking an end of an era
- Unprecedented 1,025 horsepower output
- Mind-blowing acceleration capabilities
Cons
- Extremely poor fuel economy
- Impractical for everyday driving on public roads
- The most expensive Challenger model to date
