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
Braking has more power, durability and precision; Handling is more lively and responsive; Cabin feels more upmarket
No gain in outputs for the struggling engine; No improvement in grip to match suspension updates; Solar Orange will polarise buyers and 86 fans alike
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
Good boost to outputs; More noise from both ends; Cheaper alternative to the naturally-aspirated V8
Ticking all available Tickford boxes quickly gets expensive; Tuning ‘dead holes’ are disappointing and frustrating; Modifications can feel a touch Fast and Furious-spec
The blackout 'GTS' highlights make for sinister appearances; A hike in power really suits the Boxster/Cayman chassis; Pure driving focus without the 911 excess and premium price
Regardless of hi-po GTS upgrades, they still cop the 'poor man's Porsche' stigma; Limited practicality of the small sports car format; Cabin design still a bit old school
Simply sublime handling; Jekyll/Hyde characteristics, a proper daily; Crisp and aurally satisfying six-pot; Looks to make a BMW fan cry (happily)
Sneaky price hikes with LCI; M240i is still better bang-for-buck; BMW made me give the key back
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
Turns heads like a car twice the price; feels special to sit in, after you've finished just looking at it; loads of standard kit
C300 badge needs more performance to support its six-cylinder provenance; ride not consistent, suspension feels overworked; tiny back seats
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
Faster, more dynamically capable than a Carrera S for a little more $; exterior look; uprated exhaust note; GTS badge appeal
Not as emotionally appealing as its predecessor; Targa variant too quiet; interior arguably showing its age;
The sound; Road presence; Exterior and interior design; Hero status; Enormous public admiration; The ultimate playboy's (or playgirl's) car
Over a million dollars on road; Typical Italian 'features'
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
Glorious twin-turbo V8; Sumptuous interior feels quality; Improved steering precision; Road presence; Suspension tune has done the trick
Infotainment a little lacklustre; no Apple CarPlay!; Engine note could be more theatrical; Road noise
