Whether it’s an open-topped roadster or a low-slung coupe, many buyers want a car that will deliver driving thrills on a winding road or even a race track. Here are CarAdvice’s top five picks for a segment where great vehicle dynamics and impressive performance count:
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Willing, free-revving 2.0-litre engine; Brilliant manual shift action; Agility and stability through corners; Quality ride; Good pricing
Some major ergonomics issues in the cabin; Lots of hard plastics; Engine doesn't sound very sporty; No standard reverse-view camera on any variant
The new engine note is the way it should always have been – angry; Cabin additions and trim are much better and feel more premium; Performance is brilliant for the money
Rear three-quarter blind spot is an issue with the roof up; The automatic tends to hunt and search for higher gears too much; Convertible being auto-only isn't a great decision
Great rear-drive dynamics; Looks premium; Keeping the coupe tradition alive
Small infotainment screen; Firm urban ride; Tight rear seat
Chassis still beautifully balanced; Long overdue new infotainment system; Dynamically adept; Beautifully tactile
Still suffers from mid-range torque drain; More power... More power!; Needs its neck wrung to extract its best; Lack of modern active safety tech
Engaging, enjoyable handling; Excellent ergonomics; Low running costs; Rear-drive in a sea of front-drive performance cars at this price
It's expensive compared to the GT; Practicality isn't its forte; Engine still suffers a pronounced torque dip
Styling is bang on for the intended buyer roof up or down; Engine and gearbox are a sublime pairing on any road; Chassis, ride quality and handling are all brilliant
Roof is fussy and not the most intuitive thing to use; We'd prefer the open exhaust setting to be the standard volume; Wireless charge pad just a tiny bit too small for large smartphones
More performance from the new twin-turbo six; Better dynamics from a stiffened chassis and tweaked suspension tune; Precise handling; Sounds glorious at full noise; Plenty of standard kit
Ride on the firm side for around town; Cramped back row; Warranty
Excellent cabin quality; great dynamic ability for its class; very refined; great infotainment system; comfortable ride
Still needs a few option packages to make it ideal; S5 lacking steering feedback; big weight disadvantage over coupe
Updated cabin is slick and refreshing; Soft and compliant ride quality; Dignified cruising capabilities
Unrefined powertrain; Ride and handling balance lacks resolve; Gets pricey once you start loading in nice equipment
Savagery of engine is matched by the exhaust note; Feels properly premium and different, and garners attention everywhere; Beautiful cabin is finished properly
Infotainment can't match current segment leaders; Boot is near useless with a space-saver spare tyre optioned; You won't ever go anywhere unnoticed again
Engine is an epic example of naturally aspirated power; Cabin execution and understated styling are as good as it gets; Around-town ride is way more comfortable than you would ever expect
Can't escape the amount of 911 variants you're competing with for appeal; Some buyers might find the seats too sporty; Pricing puts it close enough to Turbo money to consider the alternative
The best sound on the planet; Unrivalled levels of presence; UFO on the road; absolute uniqueness; personalisation opportunity
Infotainment system a hit and miss; Not a very refined transmission; fuel usage laughably awesome;
Extraordinarily capable; Able to carry big speeds in the bends; Flawless handling; Dual-clutch gearbox is refined and fast; First-class materials and build quality; Huge stopping power; Ride comfort
Exhaust note still lacking; Infotainment screen difficult to read in sunlight
An actual race car for the racetrack; Purpose-built and cheap to run; Intimidating from the outside, easy on the inside; Perfect for the regular track-day junkie or more
Can’t drive it on the road; All your friends will be jealous
Insanely quick, the 6.5-litre V12 is a work of art in terms of power output; Sounds like an F1 car at full noise; Easy to drive, world's fastest shift, ride and handling is peerless in class; Throttle control and steering borders on telepathic; Comfort and craftsmanship; Huge stopping power;
If you find one, let us know
