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Hot hatches and performance SUVs are hot property, but traditional sports cars still have their place in the market. While they incorporate a range of vehicles of varying sizes, layouts and power, the bottom line is that sports cars are all created with driving fun near the top of their priority list.
There’s a sports car for just about every budget. For around £20k-£30k the Mazda MX-5 is ready to thrill with its traditional low-powered, rear-drive recipe. A little more will secure Ford's best-selling sports car - the Mustang, while other sports coupes such as the Toyota Supra and BMW M2 Competition also impress. Mid-rangers such as the Porsche 718 Boxster and the Alpine A110 occupy a sports car sweet spot, with plenty of power and fun to give a drive that easily matches that of much more expensive supercars.
The higher end of the spectrum includes cars that are devastatingly fast and hugely exciting to drive – just like a full-fat supercar – but our favourites also blend in some genuine practicality and day-to-day ability. The Porsche 911, Nissan GT-R and McLaren 570S are all great examples. And despite the current renewed focus on environmental issues, the V8-engined Mercedes-AMG C 63 S remains an exceptional choice.
Click the links below for more information on each of our top 10 sports cars…
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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The Mazda MX-5 is one of the very best enthusiast’s cars on sale, regardless of price. There aren’t very many small, fun, rear-wheel-drive sports cars available on the modern market; most of the MX-5’s rivals are front-drive hot hatchbacks.
The Mazda might not be as practical an everyday proposition, but involvement behind the wheel is simply in another league. Powered by a choice of a fizzy 1.5 or 2.0-litre petrol engines, it’s less about outright performance and focused more on sharp handling and enjoyment.
One of the very best manual gearboxes available provides a welcome dose of engagement, while light, direct steering (now adjustable for reach) gives feedback by the bucketload. Speaking of buckets, the MX-5’s seats are supportive rather than incredibly figure-hugging, and the cabin is very snug. Tall occupants may struggle to get comfortable.
The fabric roof can be easily opened and closed from the driver’s seat despite its lack of electronic assistance – perfect for making the most of Britain’s sporadic sunshine at a moment’s notice.
Click here for our in-depth Mazda MX-5 review
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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Porsche’s latest 911 is the most complete yet; it’s fast, sophisticated and entirely usable in everyday life. The current crop of Carrera S and 4S models is just as fast as the Carrera GTS from the previous generation and not far off the Turbo from a decade ago, such is the pace of the 911’s continued evolution.
There's now Coupé, Cabriolet and Targa versions of the 992-generation to choose from, with rear- and four-wheel drive-configurations. of the Carrera S and Carrera 4S make up the entirety of the 992-generation 911 range for now, but the obligatory GTS, GT3 and Turbo models will arrive in due course. At the top of the tree is the savage 641bhp Turbo S variant, which manages the 0-62mph sprint in just 2.7 seconds and a 205mph maximum.
Our pick of the latest range is the standard, two-wheel-drive Carrera S coupé. With 444bhp on tap, it covers 0-62mph in only 3.7 seconds; the car’s trademark flat-six remains characterful, despite its brace of turbochargers, while the standard PDK dual-clutch gearbox delivers lightning-fast shifts.
The 911’s breadth of ability is what impresses most. It’s simultaneously an engaging sports car, a long-legged tourer and a comfortable companion around town if required, all regardless of road conditions.
Click here for our in-depth Porsche 911 review
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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Drawing from a rich history of rear-engined sports and racing cars, the latest Alpine A110 is styled to look and feel much like the French brand’s iconic sixties offering of the same name. It’s as modern as they come, though; a mid-mounted turbocharged four-cylinder, dual-clutch gearbox and perfectly judged chassis all sit beneath the A110’s pretty, retro-styled bodywork. Rivals are more practical, but the Alpine stands as the best choice for keen drivers who want to stand out.
The A110 makes 249bhp from its 1.8-litre Renault engine. That might not sound like much in this company, but it’s more than enough when the car itself weighs in at a mere 1,098kg. 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 pared-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.
Click here for our in-depth Alpine A110 review
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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The Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman are the German manufacturer’s entry-level convertible and hard-topped sports cars respectively, with each offering a similar blend of performance and handling that has seen them remain among our favourite sports machines for years.
Unlike its 911 big brother, the 718 makes do with a four-cylinder engine that’s something of a weak point in an otherwise excellent package. The standard car gets 296bhp, but S models receive a boost to 345bhp. Both versions of this engine are effective rather than emotive; you’ll have to look elsewhere for an exciting engine note.
The six-speed manual and seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearboxes are great to use, and you’ll forget all about the lack of a good 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 you won’t regret paying for Porsche’s sports car expertise. Residuals should be strong, too.
Click here for our in-depth Porsche 718 Boxster review
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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The most popular McLaren model is a direct rival to the Porsche 911, Audi R8 and Mercedes-AMG GT. As such, the 570S offers supercar performance with a nod towards everyday usability – if you’ve got around £150,000 to spend on a runaround.
A turbocharged 3.8-litre V8 producing 562bhp means performance is impressive, with 0-62mph dispatched in only 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 204mph. It’s connected to a great seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and while it doesn’t sound fantastic, the engine is devastatingly effective.
The 570S does without the sophisticated chassis-control system of its 720S big brother, but it’s not held back by its conventional adaptive dampers and anti-roll bars. Pin-sharp steering, huge reserves of grip and beautiful suspension action make it one of the very best sports cars available.
Click here for our in-depth McLaren 570S review
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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In common with so many AMG products, the C 63 S offers up a muscular take on a popular formula. It has no shortage of competition, but its character is what sets it apart. A twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 pushes out 503bhp, with 700Nm of torque available to provide brutish off-the-line performance. Both cars get a slick nine-speed automatic gearbox.
There’s poise to go with that muscle, too. AMG has transformed the standard C-Class into a sports saloon (plus estate, coupé and cabriolet) that proves more composed than an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and just as much fun as a BMW M3 or M4. Unlike the C 43, there’s no four-wheel drive; a revised nine-stage traction-control system and a clever electronically controlled limited-slip diff help get power to the road, while a range of driving modes allows the car to be set up for the conditions at hand.
Elsewhere, the usual Mercedes kit and build quality are present, with a focus on luxury tech. The C 63 S is expensive but represents a lot of car for the money: if you can afford the associated running costs, few come close to matching its range of ability.
Click here for our in-depth Mercedes-AMG C 63 review
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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The original M2 had all the ingredients of an M car, a 365bhp 3.0-litre turbo straight six, rear-wheel drive and an involving six-speed manual gearbox. The normal M2 has now been taken off sale as the new M2 Competition essentially renders it obsolete.
The main story with the M2 Comp is under the bonnet, where you’ll find a ballistic 404bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo from the M4. The engine has dramatically changed the car’s character. The old car felt punchy in the mid-range, but the additional turbo in the Comp helps accelerate the car harder to the redline. Despite the two turbos, the engine is responsive and feels more connected to your right foot than other recent M cars - this sensation is probably enhanced by the more natural-sounding exhaust note.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper M car without grin-inducing handling. The old M2 handled brilliantly, but the new Comp’s bodyshell has been stiffened with carbon-fibre and the suspension has been strengthened but otherwise left untouched. The ride isn’t as relaxed as Audi RS3’s, but given the responsive chassis and incredible performance on tap, it’s a small price to pay. There’s ample amounts of grip, but turn the electronic aids off and the Comp will happily go sideways thanks to the short wheelbase and wide track. There’s also beefier brakes so you can have more fun for longer, too.
Click here for our in-depth BMW M2 Competition
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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Famous for its supercar-baiting performance, the GT-R is a unique proposition in the sports car market. It’s engineered to use its 1,754kg heft to its advantage; off-the-line acceleration is remarkable, as is outright speed. Powered by a hand-built 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 developing 562bhp, and with an array of driver-assist systems, it’s perhaps the most effortlessly quick sports car on sale. Light, fast steering and a dialled-in chassis give great agility; wider tyres and quick-witted 4WD come together to provide huge reserves of grip.
Previous GT-R iterations were criticised for their lack of refinement, but the latest car focuses more on comfort. Smoother low-speed shifts, improved sound deadening and a more luxurious cabin help take the edge off without diluting the GT-R’s character. It’s more usable everyday – but can still do 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds.
Click here for our in-depth Nissan GT-R review
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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The Toyota Supra’s return has been a controversial one. 17 years after the much-loved Mk4 Supra ended production, Toyota finally brought back the Supra name. While the internet may be in uproar over the amount of input BMW had during development, no one can deny the new Supra is an exquisite driver’s car.
The BMW-sourced 3.0-litre, turbocharged six-cylinder produces a healthy 335bhp and 500Nm of torque. While this is quite a way off the BMW M2 Competition’s 404bhp, the Supra holds its own in the handling department against the Alpine A110 and Porsche 718 Cayman. 0-62mph is dealt with in just 4.3 seconds - suggesting serious performance, but as with the old car, there will surely be heaps of aftermarket performance modifications available.
The interior relies heavily on BMW parts and this brings advantages in terms of quality and infotainment technology compared to Toyota’s own recent efforts. The driving experience was clearly, and rightfully, prioritised in the Supra’s development and for sheer driving thrills there’s little better.
Click here for our in-depth Toyota Supra
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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In terms of value, the Ford is miles ahead of its rivals here. The Mustang GT has the same output as Porsche’s latest 911 Carrera S – 444bhp – but starts at just over £50,000 less.
Your £44,000 gets a BMW M4 competitor powered by a 5.0-litre V8; 0-62mph takes 4.3 seconds and top speed is limited to 155mph. It’s not as refined, polished, well built or composed as its more costly rivals, yet little can detract from its wealth of character. Enthusiasts will certainly never tire of the noise from its quad tailpipes.
While muscle cars aren’t known for being at home on a twisty road, the latest Mustang copes admirably. It’s not the last word in delicacy, but its recently revised chassis is more controlled than ever – especially with adaptive dampers. The heavy yet accurate steering is good, while the six-speed manual box is much better in use than the slightly lethargic 10-speed auto. Bonus points go to the Mustang for being the only car on this list with a ‘Drag’ mode.
Click here for our in-depth Ford Mustang review
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 compromise on practicality, and limited load space and room for two 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 coupé. Again, a compromise may be required if you want the option of wind-in-the-hair motoring.
• Best fast family cars
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, pedalbox, suspension and its 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. Check too that you 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 prestigious badges. 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 take a look at the fastest accelerating cars in the world, best small sports cars or read more of our best car recommendations...
Continue reading...
There’s a sports car for just about every budget. For around £20k-£30k the Mazda MX-5 is ready to thrill with its traditional low-powered, rear-drive recipe. A little more will secure Ford's best-selling sports car - the Mustang, while other sports coupes such as the Toyota Supra and BMW M2 Competition also impress. Mid-rangers such as the Porsche 718 Boxster and the Alpine A110 occupy a sports car sweet spot, with plenty of power and fun to give a drive that easily matches that of much more expensive supercars.
- SEE MORE Best hot hatchbacks 2020/2021
The higher end of the spectrum includes cars that are devastatingly fast and hugely exciting to drive – just like a full-fat supercar – but our favourites also blend in some genuine practicality and day-to-day ability. The Porsche 911, Nissan GT-R and McLaren 570S are all great examples. And despite the current renewed focus on environmental issues, the V8-engined Mercedes-AMG C 63 S remains an exceptional choice.
Click the links below for more information on each of our top 10 sports cars…
Top 10 best sports cars
- Mazda MX-5
- Porsche 911
- Alpine A110
- Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman
- McLaren 570S
- Mercedes-AMG C 63 S
- BMW M2 Competition
- Nissan GT-R
- Toyota GR Supra
- Ford Mustang
1. Mazda MX-5
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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The Mazda MX-5 is one of the very best enthusiast’s cars on sale, regardless of price. There aren’t very many small, fun, rear-wheel-drive sports cars available on the modern market; most of the MX-5’s rivals are front-drive hot hatchbacks.
The Mazda might not be as practical an everyday proposition, but involvement behind the wheel is simply in another league. Powered by a choice of a fizzy 1.5 or 2.0-litre petrol engines, it’s less about outright performance and focused more on sharp handling and enjoyment.
One of the very best manual gearboxes available provides a welcome dose of engagement, while light, direct steering (now adjustable for reach) gives feedback by the bucketload. Speaking of buckets, the MX-5’s seats are supportive rather than incredibly figure-hugging, and the cabin is very snug. Tall occupants may struggle to get comfortable.
The fabric roof can be easily opened and closed from the driver’s seat despite its lack of electronic assistance – perfect for making the most of Britain’s sporadic sunshine at a moment’s notice.
Click here for our in-depth Mazda MX-5 review
2. Porsche 911
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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Porsche’s latest 911 is the most complete yet; it’s fast, sophisticated and entirely usable in everyday life. The current crop of Carrera S and 4S models is just as fast as the Carrera GTS from the previous generation and not far off the Turbo from a decade ago, such is the pace of the 911’s continued evolution.
There's now Coupé, Cabriolet and Targa versions of the 992-generation to choose from, with rear- and four-wheel drive-configurations. of the Carrera S and Carrera 4S make up the entirety of the 992-generation 911 range for now, but the obligatory GTS, GT3 and Turbo models will arrive in due course. At the top of the tree is the savage 641bhp Turbo S variant, which manages the 0-62mph sprint in just 2.7 seconds and a 205mph maximum.
Our pick of the latest range is the standard, two-wheel-drive Carrera S coupé. With 444bhp on tap, it covers 0-62mph in only 3.7 seconds; the car’s trademark flat-six remains characterful, despite its brace of turbochargers, while the standard PDK dual-clutch gearbox delivers lightning-fast shifts.
The 911’s breadth of ability is what impresses most. It’s simultaneously an engaging sports car, a long-legged tourer and a comfortable companion around town if required, all regardless of road conditions.
Click here for our in-depth Porsche 911 review
3. Alpine A110
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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Drawing from a rich history of rear-engined sports and racing cars, the latest Alpine A110 is styled to look and feel much like the French brand’s iconic sixties offering of the same name. It’s as modern as they come, though; a mid-mounted turbocharged four-cylinder, dual-clutch gearbox and perfectly judged chassis all sit beneath the A110’s pretty, retro-styled bodywork. Rivals are more practical, but the Alpine stands as the best choice for keen drivers who want to stand out.
The A110 makes 249bhp from its 1.8-litre Renault engine. That might not sound like much in this company, but it’s more than enough when the car itself weighs in at a mere 1,098kg. 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 pared-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.
Click here for our in-depth Alpine A110 review
4. Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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The Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman are the German manufacturer’s entry-level convertible and hard-topped sports cars respectively, with each offering a similar blend of performance and handling that has seen them remain among our favourite sports machines for years.
Unlike its 911 big brother, the 718 makes do with a four-cylinder engine that’s something of a weak point in an otherwise excellent package. The standard car gets 296bhp, but S models receive a boost to 345bhp. Both versions of this engine are effective rather than emotive; you’ll have to look elsewhere for an exciting engine note.
The six-speed manual and seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearboxes are great to use, and you’ll forget all about the lack of a good 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 you won’t regret paying for Porsche’s sports car expertise. Residuals should be strong, too.
Click here for our in-depth Porsche 718 Boxster review
5. McLaren 570S
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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The most popular McLaren model is a direct rival to the Porsche 911, Audi R8 and Mercedes-AMG GT. As such, the 570S offers supercar performance with a nod towards everyday usability – if you’ve got around £150,000 to spend on a runaround.
A turbocharged 3.8-litre V8 producing 562bhp means performance is impressive, with 0-62mph dispatched in only 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 204mph. It’s connected to a great seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and while it doesn’t sound fantastic, the engine is devastatingly effective.
The 570S does without the sophisticated chassis-control system of its 720S big brother, but it’s not held back by its conventional adaptive dampers and anti-roll bars. Pin-sharp steering, huge reserves of grip and beautiful suspension action make it one of the very best sports cars available.
Click here for our in-depth McLaren 570S review
6. Mercedes-AMG C 63 S
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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In common with so many AMG products, the C 63 S offers up a muscular take on a popular formula. It has no shortage of competition, but its character is what sets it apart. A twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 pushes out 503bhp, with 700Nm of torque available to provide brutish off-the-line performance. Both cars get a slick nine-speed automatic gearbox.
There’s poise to go with that muscle, too. AMG has transformed the standard C-Class into a sports saloon (plus estate, coupé and cabriolet) that proves more composed than an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and just as much fun as a BMW M3 or M4. Unlike the C 43, there’s no four-wheel drive; a revised nine-stage traction-control system and a clever electronically controlled limited-slip diff help get power to the road, while a range of driving modes allows the car to be set up for the conditions at hand.
Elsewhere, the usual Mercedes kit and build quality are present, with a focus on luxury tech. The C 63 S is expensive but represents a lot of car for the money: if you can afford the associated running costs, few come close to matching its range of ability.
Click here for our in-depth Mercedes-AMG C 63 review
7. BMW M2 Competition
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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The original M2 had all the ingredients of an M car, a 365bhp 3.0-litre turbo straight six, rear-wheel drive and an involving six-speed manual gearbox. The normal M2 has now been taken off sale as the new M2 Competition essentially renders it obsolete.
The main story with the M2 Comp is under the bonnet, where you’ll find a ballistic 404bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo from the M4. The engine has dramatically changed the car’s character. The old car felt punchy in the mid-range, but the additional turbo in the Comp helps accelerate the car harder to the redline. Despite the two turbos, the engine is responsive and feels more connected to your right foot than other recent M cars - this sensation is probably enhanced by the more natural-sounding exhaust note.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper M car without grin-inducing handling. The old M2 handled brilliantly, but the new Comp’s bodyshell has been stiffened with carbon-fibre and the suspension has been strengthened but otherwise left untouched. The ride isn’t as relaxed as Audi RS3’s, but given the responsive chassis and incredible performance on tap, it’s a small price to pay. There’s ample amounts of grip, but turn the electronic aids off and the Comp will happily go sideways thanks to the short wheelbase and wide track. There’s also beefier brakes so you can have more fun for longer, too.
Click here for our in-depth BMW M2 Competition
8. Nissan GT-R
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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Famous for its supercar-baiting performance, the GT-R is a unique proposition in the sports car market. It’s engineered to use its 1,754kg heft to its advantage; off-the-line acceleration is remarkable, as is outright speed. Powered by a hand-built 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 developing 562bhp, and with an array of driver-assist systems, it’s perhaps the most effortlessly quick sports car on sale. Light, fast steering and a dialled-in chassis give great agility; wider tyres and quick-witted 4WD come together to provide huge reserves of grip.
Previous GT-R iterations were criticised for their lack of refinement, but the latest car focuses more on comfort. Smoother low-speed shifts, improved sound deadening and a more luxurious cabin help take the edge off without diluting the GT-R’s character. It’s more usable everyday – but can still do 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds.
Click here for our in-depth Nissan GT-R review
9. Toyota GR Supra
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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The Toyota Supra’s return has been a controversial one. 17 years after the much-loved Mk4 Supra ended production, Toyota finally brought back the Supra name. While the internet may be in uproar over the amount of input BMW had during development, no one can deny the new Supra is an exquisite driver’s car.
The BMW-sourced 3.0-litre, turbocharged six-cylinder produces a healthy 335bhp and 500Nm of torque. While this is quite a way off the BMW M2 Competition’s 404bhp, the Supra holds its own in the handling department against the Alpine A110 and Porsche 718 Cayman. 0-62mph is dealt with in just 4.3 seconds - suggesting serious performance, but as with the old car, there will surely be heaps of aftermarket performance modifications available.
The interior relies heavily on BMW parts and this brings advantages in terms of quality and infotainment technology compared to Toyota’s own recent efforts. The driving experience was clearly, and rightfully, prioritised in the Supra’s development and for sheer driving thrills there’s little better.
Click here for our in-depth Toyota Supra
10. Ford Mustang
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09 Toyota Supra - front
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Alpine A110 - front tracking
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07 BMW M2 Competition - front
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In terms of value, the Ford is miles ahead of its rivals here. The Mustang GT has the same output as Porsche’s latest 911 Carrera S – 444bhp – but starts at just over £50,000 less.
Your £44,000 gets a BMW M4 competitor powered by a 5.0-litre V8; 0-62mph takes 4.3 seconds and top speed is limited to 155mph. It’s not as refined, polished, well built or composed as its more costly rivals, yet little can detract from its wealth of character. Enthusiasts will certainly never tire of the noise from its quad tailpipes.
While muscle cars aren’t known for being at home on a twisty road, the latest Mustang copes admirably. It’s not the last word in delicacy, but its recently revised chassis is more controlled than ever – especially with adaptive dampers. The heavy yet accurate steering is good, while the six-speed manual box is much better in use than the slightly lethargic 10-speed auto. Bonus points go to the Mustang for being the only car on this list with a ‘Drag’ mode.
Click here for our in-depth Ford Mustang review
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 compromise on practicality, and limited load space and room for two 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 coupé. Again, a compromise may be required if you want the option of wind-in-the-hair motoring.
• Best fast family cars
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, pedalbox, suspension and its 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. Check too that you 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 prestigious badges. 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 take a look at the fastest accelerating cars in the world, best small sports cars or read more of our best car recommendations...
Continue reading...