Best sports cars to buy 2024
Fun and thrills by the bucketload! These are the best sports cars for your money
The traditional sports car market may be shrinking, but these highly entertaining models still have a place alongside other performance-oriented cars, like hot hatchbacks or fast SUVs. While the sports car genre incorporates a wide range of sizes, layouts and power outputs, the bottom line is that the best sports cars are all designed with driving fun and engagement as the top priority.
There’s a sports car for almost every budget, too. For under £30,000, the Mazda MX-5 is a pure, traditional roadster with a low-powered, rear-wheel drive recipe. Alternatively, those with a little more cash could secure some German executive car muscle in the shape of a BMW M4, which takes a very different approach.
Machines like the Porsche 718 Cayman and Alpine A110 occupy the sports car sweet spot - offering plenty of power and thrilling handling to rival the fun factor of much more expensive supercars. The higher end of the sports car spectrum includes cars which are devastatingly fast, hugely exciting but also blend some genuine day-to-day usability - the Porsche 911 being a particularly great example.
The best sports cars to buy
We’ve thoroughly tested every sports car you can buy in the UK and picked out the very best. Read on below to find our favourite sports cars, listed in reverse order.
10. MG Cyberster
- Prices from £54,500
- Best for efficiency
Even though its last sports car, the TF, was axed in 2011, mentioning MG to just about anyone will immediately evoke memories of Britain’s four-wheeled sporting greats. After more than a decade focusing on low-cost family cars and EVs, MG has finally introduced an all-new sports car to its line-up.
There’s a difference this time round, though, as the MG Cyberster is fully-electric, but elsewhere you’ll still find the proper drop-top, rear-wheel drive recipe. Step inside via the incredibly unsubtle scissor doors and you’ll be presented with a driver-focussed cabin that’s adorned with plenty of fancy materials, and these set the Cyberster firmly at the top of the modern MG range. Talking of range, the 77kWh battery claims up to 323 miles between charges.
It certainly looks the part and thankfully it also provides the driving experience to match. Although it weighs nearly two tonnes, the MG Cyberster feels surprisingly agile from behind the wheel. It’s easy and predictable to plant on the road and there’s a pleasing amount of steering feedback, too. The 335bhp motor means there’s also a healthy amount of performance on offer, with the landmark 0-62mph sprint taking just 4.6 seconds.
9. Lotus Emira
- Prices from £81,500
It was pretty much inevitable that a Lotus would appear on this list, and the Emira is a notable car for Lotus as it’s the last combustion-powered model to wear this esteemed badge. Don’t be too upset, though, as the Evija has already proved Lotus’s ability to build an exciting EV.
The Lotus Emira isn’t much of a game-changer in terms of tech and performance, but it still offers the lightweight agility that Lotus has become renowned for. Power is provided by either a 2-litre four-cylinder or 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine, and both will launch the Lotus from 0-62mph in well under five seconds. When it’s time to move from the straights into the corners, there are very few cars that can exceed the Emira’s handling, balance and grip.
8. McLaren 750S
- Prices from £244,000
- Best for acceleration
The McLaren 750S is almost identical to the 720S that it replaced, as it’s an evolution rather than a revolution. Fortunately, the older model was already an excellent car so this isn’t really an issue. McLaren’s abundance of technological expertise and long-standing motorsport pedigree have shaped the 750S into a truly fearsome machine.
Power is plentiful, with a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 producing a huge 740bhp (the 750PS from which the car gets its name). This will launch you from 0-62mph in an alarmingly short 2.8 seconds, and then on to an equally astonishing top speed of 206mph.
Things get even better when the road gets twisty. Electro-hydraulic power steering provides plenty of satisfying feedback, while a selection of drive modes allow the 750S to be easily optimised for just about any bit of tarmac that you point it towards. There’s even a Variable Drift Control system that allows you to have fun while the Electronic Stability Control works towards preventing any unfortunate (and very expensive) mishaps.
7. BMW M4
- Prices from £86,000
The current generation of BMW M4 coupe may have a controversial design, but the German manufacturer continues its tradition of mastering driver appeal on the road and track, all while creating a package that’s easy to use as an everyday car, should you choose to.
The latest models are fitted with four-wheel drive and a six-cylinder twin-turbocharged ‘S58’ engine, significant upgrades compared to the previous generation cars.
Competition variants pump out a notable 523bhp, and the eight-speed automatic transmission that is optimised to get the most out of BMW’s xDrive system. Don’t let the lack of a manual gearbox fool you, though, as these cars live up to the highly coveted M bloodline and are definitely worthy of a place on this list.
6. Porsche 911
- Prices from £100,000
The 992-generation Porsche 911 is the most complete and rounded to date; it’s fast, sophisticated and entirely usable in everyday life, thanks to its high quality cabin. The current crop of Carrera S and 4S models are just as fast as the Carrera GTS from the previous generation, such is the pace of the 911’s continued evolution.
There are a number of Coupe, Cabriolet and Targa versions of the 992 generation to choose from. At the top of the tree is the savage 641bhp Turbo S variant, which can manage the 0-62mph sprint in just 2.7 seconds and then go on to a 205mph top speed. Regardless of which version you choose, though, all versions of the 992 911 offer plenty of performance across the board.
The 911’s breadth of ability is what impresses most. It performs as an engaging sports car, a long-legged tourer and a comfortable companion, all regardless of road conditions and with a surprising amount of ease - there’s also a surprising amount of luggage and cubby space, too.
5. Mazda MX-5
- Prices from £28,000
- Best value for money
The Mazda MX-5 is one of the very best enthusiast’s cars on the market, regardless of its relatively low price. There aren’t many small, fun, rear-wheel-drive sports cars available on sale now, so the bulk of the MX-5’s rivals are front wheel drive hot hatchbacks.
The MX-5 may not have the everyday practicality as some of its rivals, but the level of involvement behind the wheel puts this small Japanese sports car in another league. Power comes from a fizzy 2.0-litre petrol engine, but the car is less about outright performance and focused more on sharp handling and enjoyment.
One of the very best manual gearboxes provides a welcome dose of engagement, while light, direct steering gives feedback by the bucketload. Speaking of buckets, the MX-5’s seats are supportive rather than incredibly figure-hugging, however, the cabin is incredibly snug, so taller drivers may struggle to fit.
Despite the lack of electric assistance, getting the fabric roof opened and closed can all be done from the driver's seat – perfect for making the most of Britain’s sporadic sunshine at a moment’s notice.
4. Alpine A110
- Prices from £54,500
Alpine has a rich history of focussed rear-engined sports and racing cars, and has styled its A110 to look and feel much more like the French brand’s iconic sixties offering of the same name. With a mid-mounted turbocharged four-cylinder engine, dual-clutch gearbox and a perfectly balanced chassis, the modern A110 is far more modern than its retro-styled bodywork may have you believe.
The standard A110 develops 249bhp from its 1.8-litre Renault engine. That might not sound like much, but it’s more than plenty in a car which weighs in a smidge over 1,000kg. The Alpine is just over 300kg lighter than an Audi TTS, and it’s this low weight that defines the driving experience.
Unlike its German rivals, the A110 offers a stripped-back, purer drive. It flows down the road with a delicacy that can only be found in such a light car, while perfect balance, sweet steering and just a hint of roll through the suspension help inspire confidence. The Alpine is refreshingly compact, too, and thanks to a great view forwards, it’s very easy to place and not at all intimidating to drive.
3. Porsche 718 Cayman
- Prices from £52,000
The Porsche 718 Cayman may be the German manufacturer’s entry-level coupe model, however, it offers a blend of performance and handling that has seen the Cayman remain among our favourite sports machines. Even seven years after we first saw the 718 Cayman, it is still worthy of its praise.
Unlike its big brother, the 911, most versions of the 718 make do with a four-cylinder engine. Standard and T models get 296bhp, while S models receive a boost to 345bhp, and the GTS ups this even further to 400bhp from its six-cylinder engine. All versions of this four-cylinder unit are effective rather than emotive, so you’ll have to look elsewhere for an exciting soundtrack.
The six-speed manual and seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearboxes are great to use, and you’ll quickly forget about the lack of a great noise once you come to a set of corners. Beautiful steering, huge grip and a brilliantly damped ride all combine to make the 718 one of the very best sports cars from a driver’s perspective. It’s more expensive than some rivals, but Porsche’s expertise should prove to be worth the extra pennies.
2. BMW M2
- Prices from £66,000
The BMW M2 is an absolute triumph. Fully assuming the original M3’s brief by offering supercar-beating cross-country performance and pin-sharp handling in a compact package that feels well suited to our roads. There’s no wonder the M2 took the prize for Performance Car of the Year at our 2023 New Car Awards.
The zingy six-cylinder ‘S58’ 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged motor produces 453bhp and 550Nm of torque, roughly 50bhp more than the previous M2 Competition’s benchmark, taking the current car from 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds for the six-speed manual or 4.1 seconds with the eight-speed automatic.
The M2 sounds good, too. It provides an exhilarating soundtrack when you push the pedal all the way down, but remains polite enough when you’re on part throttle. It’s the sharpness and balance of the chassis where the BMW excels and priced around £66,000, the M2 is great value for a sports car of such talent.
1. Toyota GR86
- Prices from £32,600
Over a decade ago in 2012, Toyota ended its sports car hiatus with the launch of the GT86. This affordable, lightweight and rear-wheel-drive model proved fun to drive, but many drivers yearned for more power from the 2.0-litre flat-four ‘Boxer’ engine.
Now, the GR86 has taken over the baton from the GT86 and with a huge number of improvements to the original car’s platform, it’s one of the most entertaining cars on the current market.
Toyota has listened to drivers who wanted more power by boring out the engine to 2.4 litres, resulting in an increased output of 231bhp. Although this still may not sound like much, the whole car weighs only 1,276kg and the engine is keen to rev, so it’s more than capable of delivering those all-important thrills.
This straight-line performance is then combined with a beautifully balanced chassis, highly responsive steering and even upgraded tyres, all of which make the GR86 a truly exciting car to drive on both road and track. Toyota only offers the GR86 in one spec but it includes all the creature comforts a driver could need, allowing your focus to rest on its sublime chassis balance, sharp steering and compliant ride.
The best sports cars on sale
- Toyota GR86
- BMW M2
- Porsche 718 Cayman
- Alpine A110
- Mazda MX-5
- Porsche 911
- BMW M3/M4
- McLaren 750S
- Lotus Emira
- MG Cyberster
Best sports cars: buying advice
It’s common sense, but it pays to have a very good idea of your needs before setting foot in a showroom or beginning your online hunt. Most sports cars will make some compromises on practicality, while limited load space and room for just two adults may not quite match your lifestyle. Similarly, larger performance machines will be more expensive to run, so there’s a balance to be found if you plan to use your sports car as your sole transport.
At the cheaper end of the market, it makes sense to decide whether or not you want a convertible. Modern soft-tops are far more sophisticated than ever before – with the roof up or down – but at high speeds one with a cheaper fabric top will be less refined than the equivalent coupe. Again, a compromise may be required if you want the option of wind-in-the-hair motoring.
Once you’ve decided on your requirements and budget, the next step should always be a test drive. Make sure you take the car to a proper twisty road and get a feel for its responses. Pay attention to the steering, gearshift, pedal box, suspension and performance through the gears; it’s likely you’ll be buying a sports car to have fun, so make sure you feel able to enjoy yourself. Also check that you can fit behind the steering wheel; many sports cars can feel a little cramped inside if you’re more than six feet tall.
The sports-car market is filled with models from prestigious brands. Picking one of these is a good idea if you can afford it, because their residual values will be relatively high. That’s a good thing if you’re buying on a PCP deal, too; high residuals usually equal relatively low monthly payments. Just don’t get too carried away with expensive options.
Now check out our list of the best rear-wheel drive cars...
