For those who love sports cars, it is not just the car that gets the heart thumping. It’s the feel, the freedom, the speed, and the awareness that you are driving around in a machine that is not only fast but also fun to drive. Sports cars can also be luxurious, but regardless, they will always turn heads. When you first sit behind the wheel in your favorite sports car and start pushing it to the limit for a while, it is one of the biggest thrills you can get. However, once the initial buzz subsides, there is usually something that you feel could need improvement.
Also bear in mind, sports cars in general are expensive, including some of the models on this list, but for good reason. Having said that, there are sports cars out there which are so good out of the box, that bolting any aftermarket parts or upgrades to them should be definitively outlawed. With that, we have chosen the following sports cars for their beautiful style, charisma, face-melting speed, and handling prowess, just as their respective automakers intended them to be.
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In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds, Car and Driver, and Top Gear. The cars on this list have been arranged based on price, starting from the cheapest sports car to the most expensive model.
10 2015 Jaguar F-TYPE
Average Used Price: $41,598
Inspired by the legendary E-TYPE, that Jaguar built in the 1960s, the 2015 Jaguar F-TYPE amalgamates beautiful lines, luscious style, a seriously good engine, and near-perfect handling on most roads. Featuring a very low stance, long nose, sleek curves, and tiny trunk, the F-TYPE is the epitome of what a sports car should look like. Inspiration taken from a timeless car that has been ranked one of the most beautiful cars in the world is the perfect mix of fun, beauty, and precision.
2015 Jaguar F-TYPE Performance Specifications
Engine |
5.0-Liter Supercharged V-8 |
Transmission |
Eight-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
550 HP |
Torque |
502 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 MPH |
3.5 Seconds |
Top Speed |
188 MPH |
(Data was collected from Edmunds, and Car & Driver)
Driving in an F-TYPE is bound to make you feel sophisticated thanks to the driver-centric cockpit and plush interior. But, if you decide you want to shake the suave, sophisticated look and drive like a hooligan, you also can. Featuring changeable driving modes, ranging from comfort to sport, you can turn off the traction control, which means endless fun. Big back-end slides! The F-TYPE strikes a great balance for the driver; drive like you are driving on rails or drive like you can only go sideways.
Pros
- Impeccable style
- Great thumping V-8 engine that delivers awesome sound and speed
- Top-class handling
Cons
- Slow infotainment system
- Small trunk
- It doesn’t have the same appeal as some of its rivals
9 2010 Dodge Viper
Average Used Price: $54,995
The Dodge Viper has had its ups and downs throughout its different generations. But if you are looking for a sports car that is effectively a race car that you can use on the road, the 2010 Dodge Viper is the car for you. With an insane amount of power being produced from its massive 8.4-liter V-10, as soon as you put your foot on the gas, you are gone! Luckily, drivers who want to drive the Viper to its full capacity, can, because this beauty features anti-lock brakes with 14-inch (yes 14-inch) rotors and Brembo dual-opposing calipers.
2010 Dodge Viper Performance Specifications
Engine |
8.4-Liter V-10 |
Transmission |
Six-Speed Manual |
Horsepower |
600 HP |
Torque |
560 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 MPH |
3.4 Seconds |
Top Speed |
185 MPH |
(Data was collected from Car & Driver, Edmunds, and Dodge)
Boasting a very aggressive style and stance on the road, the 2010 Viper is going to get you looks as you rumble up to the lights and then lose most other cars in your dust. Also, perfect for lighting up country roads, the racing-inspired handling should come alive in such scenarios. However, due to the lack of electronic aids, in the wrong hands, the Viper can be violent and twitchy like a, well, like a viper! The Viper is the car for an exhilarating drive that lives up to its namesake and will leave a huge venomous grin on your face.
Pros
- Hair-raising acceleration
- Torquey V-10 engine
- Race-car-like style and handling
Cons
- Cramped cabin
- Minimal electronic driver-aids
- Not brilliant for daily use
8 2018 BMW M3
Average Used Price: $63,697
The 2018 BMW M3 is a beast wrapped up in a sophisticated shell. Driving this on any twisty roads, you won’t even break into a sweat. The handling on the M3 is precise and easy to steer, meaning that you will look like an expert on country roads after only a short time driving this compact sports sedan. Featuring a domed hood, wide fenders, carbon-fiber roof, quad-exhaust, four doors, and four seats; it is the kind of car that looks sporty but means you can take the family out on long trips whilst still having endless fun.
2018 BMW M3 Performance Specifications
Engine |
Twin-Turbo, 3.0-Liter Inline-Six |
Transmission |
Six-Speed Manual or Seven-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
425 HP |
Torque |
406 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 MPH |
4.0 Seconds |
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
(Data was collected from BMW, and Car & Driver)
The 2018 M3’s driver-focused interior is a nice place to put the driver in the spotlight with a comfortable steering wheel and all the gadgets and toys you need within easy-reaching distance. The infotainment system is a breeze to use with a rotary knob in the center, making changing modes and anything you or your passengers want to do very easy! The only downside to the M3 is that all the goodies you’d expect from the price, things like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning are not standard, unless, of course, you look at newer, more expensive M3 Models.
Pros
- Sophisticated look and feel
- Fantastic handling on tricky roads
- High-Quality German engineering
Cons
- You will need to pay more for aspects that are standard in rival cars
- Slower to 60 miles per hour than competitors
- Harsh ride-quality
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7 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Average Used Price: $69,531
Ah, the great American sports car! You are probably as excited to see this entry here in a segment dominated by European and Japanese cars, and the 2020 C8 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is something else! There will be no swaying in the stingray as you are pinned to the asphalt in this remarkable sports car. With an impressive dash to 60 miles per hour in as little as 2.9 seconds, you’ll have to be on the ball on the brakes but can feel confident with near-perfect handling on twisty roads and a track.
2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Performance Specifications
Engine |
6.2-Liter V-8 |
Transmission |
Eight-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
495 HP |
Torque |
470 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 MPH |
2.9 Seconds |
Top Speed |
194 MPH |
(Data was collected from Chevrolet)
Unlike previous Corvettes, the 2020 Stingray features a mid-engine layout which has only improved weight distribution, something that most of the automotive world didn’t think was possible. The latest Corvette has been compared to exotic cars for its style, top-class handling, and electrifying speed, so not bad at all really for a car with a used price of just under $70,000.
Pros
- Insane rate of acceleration
- Race-car like handling
- Incredible top speed
Cons
- No manual transmission option
- Poor rearview visibility
- Passengers may feel like they are sitting on their own due to cabin design (you decide if that is a con)
6 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT-R
Average Used Price: $75,500
Featuring an aggressive front grille, unmistakable three-pointed star ‘Merc’ badge, road-hugging stance, rear spoiler, and ferocious-looking lines, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT-R is an absolute dream to stare at. It screams ‘Here I come’ and if you are driving it, people will know you are coming a mile off due to its grunting V-8 that orchestrates an ominous throaty symphony that’ll get any rival sports car driver looking around in all the mirrors and quaking.
Performance Specifications
Engine |
4.0-Liter V-8 |
Transmission |
Seven-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
456 HP |
Torque |
443 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 MPH |
3.5 Seconds |
Top Speed |
198 MPH |
(Data was collected from Mercedes-Benz and Edmunds)
Boasting a wider chassis than its predecessor and featuring an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, the AMG GT-R can be driven at speed without any lift, slips, or wobbles. Handling like a sports car should. Along with high-performance stats, the interior is beautifully crafted with a wrap-around dash, clear heads-up display, chrome inlays, and leather seats. You will feel justified spending the money on it for the interior alone!
Pros
- Stunning interior
- Fantastic handling
- The engine produces a huge amount of power and performs very well
Cons
- Potentially confusing infotainment system
- Not comfortable over long distances
- Not a great field of vision
5 2011 Porsche Carrera 911 GTS
Average Used Price: $79,000
Yeah, another German sports car. An older one at that, but the 2011 Porsche Carrera 911 GTS is part of a long line of great Porsches that still deserve to be on this list. If anything, the average used price of $79,000 is a testament to that. Besides the 911 GTS’ immense steering setup and luxury interior, it features a variable intake system that helps to improve power output and torque.
2011 Porsche Carrera 911 GTS Performance Specifications
Engine |
3.8-Liter, Flat-Six |
Transmission |
Six-Speed Manual |
Horsepower |
408 HP |
Torque |
310 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD or Optional AWD |
0-60 MPH |
4.2 Seconds |
Top Speed |
188 MPH |
(Data was collected from Edmunds)
Six vacuum-powered flaps are used to switch between torque and power-optimized geometry. This creates a resonance charge in the cylinders for cylinder charging at certain engine speed ranges, producing more power. The Porsche Sports exhaust that comes as standard makes the most of the flat-six and belts one crisp tune that is unmistakably Porsche.
Pros
- Pinpoint accurate steering
- Great handling
- An all-wheel drive option is available
Cons
- Optional add-ons can add up in price
- Slower acceleration than competitors
- May be seen as a little dated by some
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4 2020 Lotus Evora
Average Used Price: $99,150
The 2020 Lotus Evora is a car that doesn’t need anything added to it. It should be left as it is. It is sleek, fast, has the hardware to handle like a dream, is aggressively looking on the road, and is exclusive due to low sales. What else could you ask for in a sports car? Featuring some clever engineering from Lotus, a downward force is created in the bucket-load by a front lip that is mounted beneath the mesh grille which helps to reduce under-car airflow.
2020 Lotus Evora Performance Specifications
Engine |
3.5-Liter V-6 |
Transmission |
Six-Speed Manual |
Horsepower |
416 HP |
Torque |
317 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 MPH |
3.8 Seconds |
Top Speed |
188 MPH |
(Data was collected from Lotus)
That, paired with ducts that take high-pressure air away from the wheel arches and racing lines, makes it one of the most aerodynamic lotuses ever produced. If there was one gripe, it would be that the rearview window is small, but we like to take that as Lotus telling you that it doesn’t matter what is behind you because you have already screamed past it! A light, aerodynamic, quick two-seat sports car that would leave you feeling glad that Lotus went over the top in their engineering to perfect a sports car.
Pros
- It has a manual transmission
- Brilliant handling capability
- An exclusive car
Cons
- Nearly non-existent rear passenger seat and trunk
- Poor rearview visibility
- The infotainment system leaves something to be desired
3 2018 Audi R8
Average Used Price: $113,000
Another mid-engine sports car that can light up any track or road that you drive it on. The 2018 Audi R8 needs little introduction as it is such a popular and well-known sports car. Featuring a high-revving V-10 that produces a ridiculous 602 horsepower at 8,250 RPM! You won’t be disappointed with the pull that the R8 can produce as you are probably gentle at first, and then recklessly plant your foot on the floor and accelerate to 60 miles per hour in around 3.5 seconds. If you are brave enough, and do it somewhere you are allowed to, of course, speeds of 199 miles per hour can be reached. That is some serious power!
2018 Audi R8 Performance Specifications
Engine |
5.2-Liter V-10 |
Transmission |
Seven-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
602 HP |
Torque |
413 LB-FT |
Driveline |
AWD |
0-60 MPH |
3.5 Seconds |
Top Speed |
199 MPH |
(Data was collected from Car & Driver and Edmunds)
Along with some sticky tires that leave you confident on winding roads, the 2018 R8 is very comfortable and plush inside. This is a sports car that is great for long distances thanks to its lush and comfortable interior, is capable of providing you with endless fun, and boasts oodles of power from an awesome, high-revving V-10 engine. Once again, Audi should take a bow for creating a sports car that seems to deliver everything that a sports car should.
Pros
- High revving V-10
- Plush interior
- Handles brilliantly
Cons
- Lots of Audi’s 2018 safety aids are not available
- Limited cargo space
- Limited field of vision in coupe
2 2023 Lexus LC 500
MSRP: $94,600
Now here comes an entry that you may not have been expecting. The 2023 Lexus LC 500. Though it doesn’t have the historic pomp compared to models from manufacturers like Ferrari, Porsche, and Jaguar, it is still one that competes in the major league. Featuring a stylish and eye-catching exterior, the 2023 Lexus LC 500 is a real contender for the best-looking sports car of 2023. With a low, wide stance, a massive windshield that stretches above the driver’s head, a long nose, a plush interior, and aggressive body lines, it looks like a sports car should.
2023 Lexus LC 500 Performance Specifications
Engine |
5.0-Liter V-8 |
Transmission |
Ten-Speed Automated Manual |
Horsepower |
417 HP |
Torque |
398 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 MPH |
4.4 Seconds |
Top Speed |
168 MPH |
(Data was collected from Lexus, Edmunds, and Car & Driver)
Featuring a wide all-over profile, the LC 500 offers a great field of vision for you as you make the most of the 417 horsepower 5.0 Liter V-8 engine. In it, you can reach 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds. Not as quick as some competitors, but still a respectable time. The major reason that the LC 500 is one of the most brilliant sports cars around is that it boasts a V-8 and a balanced suspension that strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness. Great for curvy roads and sharp corners, or for spending a long time driving. It will give you a great excuse to go for a drive at any time.
Pros
- Amazing cabin design and interior
- Sporty and comfortable
- Good list of standard equipment
Cons
- No all-wheel drive option
- Lacks the prestigious heritage of rivals
- Minimal cargo space
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1 2021 Aston Martin Vantage
Average Used Price: $147,694
The 2020 Aston Martin Vantage. Unlike the newer Valour, the Vantage is a truly fantastic British sports car, which not only looks incredibly sleek but delivers in a big way. Boasting a 4.0-liter quad overhead-cam twin-turbo V-8 engine that can kick out more than a few farm’s worth of horses all over the road, it is a car that you can drive fast, aggressively and through the canyons all with the style and charisma of a wannabe James Bond. The Vantage is the best-selling nameplate in Aston Martin’s history. From the 2021 models, either choose from the coupe or the convertible and hit the canyons quickly with lively but predictable steering.
2021 Aston Martin Vantage Performance Specifications
Engine |
4.0-Liter V-8 |
Transmission |
Eight-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
503 HP |
Torque |
505 LB-FT |
Driveline |
RWD |
0-60 MPH |
3.6 Seconds |
Top Speed |
195 MPH |
(Data was collected from Aston Martin)
Boasting a double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, the 2021 Vantage sticks to the road at most speeds. The main advantage of the suspension setup is that even at speeds, like a guided missile, the way you steer the car is the way it will go, even with a little twitch, which we think makes for more fun.
Pros
- A very exclusive car
- Powerful V-8
- Looks extremely elegant and stylish
Cons
- The ride can be a little loud
- The Interior is not as refined as some of its rivals
- The infotainment system is a little dated
A near-perfect sports car comes at a price and, considering that the Vantage is only a couple of years old, it comes with a big price tag. Boasting a drop-dead gorgeous desi, fun driving characteristics, historical allure, and exclusivity, this is a sports car that delivers in all the ways it should. A definite no-no to aftermarket parts on this one.
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