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:
Jump to: Sports Cars Under $80k Sports Cars Between $80k-$200k Sports Cars Over $200k
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
It looks special and pays homage to the original movie car; Loads of good tech; Exhaust note is trance-inducing; Adept handling and even better ride; No Ford or Mustang badges; Recaro seats a must; High-speed composure; Manual transmission is a treat
19-inch alloys look like cheap knock-offs of the original Torque Thrust wheels from American Racing; No blind-spot warning; No driver's seat memory; Luggage and rear-seat space is compromised
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
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
Handling and dynamics unparalleled in this segment; Usable and functional interior and cabin storage; Blistering performance with all the good performance parts standard
At a little over $200,000 with a few options, it's close to 911 money; Some don't like the engine and exhaust note; Sound system could be much better
Big increase in power and torque delivers more go and thrills higher up the rev range; More precise handling; More noise, better noise; Same fun factor, bigger brakes if you want to pay; Loads of kit and great new M Sports seats; Still the best M-Car under $150K
Throttle response off the line could be a tad sharper; Rear-end can still step out if you're untidy on-track
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
Outstanding active safety tech; No MBUX, but new infotainment still slick; electrified C200 drivetrain adds smoothness, cuts fuel use
Expect some price increases; digital dash less info-rich than Audi Virtual Cockpit; C200 greener, more advanced, but also slower to 100km/h
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
Phenomenal performance from the twin-turbo flat-six; Eight-speed PDK is damn-near perfect; Chassis balance and control are sublime; Nice nostalgic styling touches, inside and out
It's hard to fault but here goes... wind noise; That gear selector; The seats are on the firm side of comfortable
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
Intoxicating engine and exhaust note throughout the rev band; Look at it!; Usable interior with functional storage and enough to be a daily driver
Centre console can be difficult to open; Pricing is not too far away from the Aston Martin DB11 V8
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
