There’s no doubt that sports cars have a magnetic appeal. With so many brands producing models for every taste and need, it’s easy to see why drivers love them. From the latest high-performance cars to budget-friendly and luxury options, we have explored a range of sports vehicles to help you find the one that suits you best.
What Makes a Great Sports Car?
There are many criteria by which you can judge a car, but to understand what makes a great sports car, you must consider how performance, design, technology and features work together to create an outstanding driving experience.
Performance Factors
Both acceleration and speed are defining characteristics of a sports car. The more power a sports car has, the higher speed and faster acceleration it can reach.
Handling is an equally important factor. Good handling makes the car feel agile and quick on the road, ensuring stability and high speeds. Acceleration, on the other hand, measures how fast a vehicle can achieve high speeds. Fast acceleration adds excitement to the driving experience, allowing for quick starts and overtakes.
Design and Aesthetics
The design and aesthetics of a car not only elevate its visual appeal and reflect the brand’s identity. A sports car with a great design uses aerodynamic principles to boost stability, handling and speed. For example, sleek lines and low profiles minimize wind resistance, improving fuel efficiency and overall performance.
Technology and Features
Advanced systems such as adaptive suspension, dynamic traction control and innovative braking mechanisms are designed to ensure optimal handling and stability at high speeds. The latest infotainment systems, connectivity features and driver-assist technologies make a sports car not only fast but also smarter, safer and more enjoyable to drive.
Top Sports Cars to Consider in 2025
Here’s a look at the best sports cars to consider this year.
2025 Chevrolet Corvette
With its twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 engine producing 1,064 horsepower, the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette, particularly the ZR1 model, is a dominant force in the sports car market. With a 0-60 mph time under 2.5 seconds, this raw power translates into lightning-fast acceleration, making it one of the fastest production cars available. Its reputation as a potential supercar is further solidified by rumors that its top speed could surpass 215 Mph.
The wide, sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, advanced magnetic ride suspension and mid-engine layout offer exceptional handling and razor-sharp cornering at high speeds.
2025 Porsche 718 Cayman
The top GTS and GT4 RS models of the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman produce around 400 horsepower and are expected to feature either a hybrid or an updated flat-four powertrain. With adjustable dampers and a low center of gravity, the mid-engine layout ensures agile handling and impressive precision in turns.
The top speed of a Porsche 718 Cayman ranges from 180 to 190 mph, depending on the model. While less raw than the Corvette, the Cayman excels in handling thanks to its lightweight construction and perfect weight distribution, making it great for winding roads and track days.
2025 Toyota GR Supra
The 2025 Toyota GR Supra, developed through its partnership with BMW, features a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 382 horsepower in its top trim. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in around 3.9 seconds, with a top speed limited to 155 mph. Handling is sharp and communicative due to its rear-wheel-drive layout, adaptive suspension and balanced weight distribution. However, it’s less focused on outright track performance than its rivals.
The Supra is a versatile sports car but is outpaced by the Corvette and Cayman in terms of raw speed and acceleration.
Best Used Sports Cars
Looking for a great sports car at a more accessible price? Here are some of the best used options.
Ford Mustang
Price: Starts at $23,800 with variations depending on the model year and trim options.
With up to 526 horsepower in the Shelby trim, the Ford Mustang, especially the GT or Shelby GT350 models from 2015 to 2020, deliver an impressive performance. It provides a top speed of 180–190 mph and accelerates from 0–60 mph in approximately 3.5–4.0 seconds. While perfect for straight-line speed and casual driving, the Ford Mustang offers crisp handling for a rear-wheel-drive coupe. It is one of the best-rated used sports cars.
Honda Civic Type R
Average Price: Starts at $26,200 with variations depending on the model year and trim options.
The Honda Civic Type R’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 306 horsepower. It can reach a top speed of around 170 mph and sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.0 seconds. With a front-wheel-drive system, adjustable dampers and a track-tuned chassis handling is its specialty. This combination provides excellent stability and quick turning, making it ideal for those who prefer agility on curvy roads.
BMW 4 Series
Average Price: $29,598 with variations depending on the model year and trim options.
BMW’s 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine produces 425–444 horsepower in the 2014–2020 M4 models. It can reach a top speed of 155–174 mph and accelerate from 0–60 mph in 4.1–4.5 seconds. Rear-wheel drive, adjustable suspension and a low center of gravity enable precise, balanced handling, making this high-performance coupe suitable for both street and track use.
Budget-Friendly Sports Cars
For those seeking a car that won’t break the bank, here are some of the best budget sports cars.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Average Price: $24,305 with variations depending on the model year and trim options.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the Mazda MX-5 Miata, particularly the 2016–2023 models produce 181 horsepower. It reaches a top speed of 135 mph and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 6.5 seconds. Best of all, it’s easy on the wallet - perfect for anyone wanting fun without going over budget.
Honda Civic Si
Average Price: $19,529 with variations depending on the model year and trim options.
The Honda Civic Si, spanning from 2017 to 2023, features a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 200 horsepower. It reaches a top speed of 145 mph and accelerates to 60 mph in about 6.0 seconds. Its dynamic suspension, adjustable dampers and front-wheel drive enable it to handle tight turns like a pro and offer an exciting driving experience.
The Honda Civic Si is a great option for sports car lovers on a tight budget, making it one of the best sports cars under 30K.
Subaru BRZ
Average price: $20,959 with variations depending on the model year and trim options.
With 228 horsepower from its 2.4-liter engine, the 2023 Subaru BRZ can reach 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 140 mph. This outpaces the 200 horsepower of the Honda Civic Si and the 181 horsepower of the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
While it may seem less agile than the Miata’s lightweight, rear-drive handling, its rear-wheel-drive system and 2,800-pound weight provide sharper handling than the Civic Si’s front-wheel precision.
The 2025 Subaru BRZ, starting at $31,095, is slightly more expensive than the 2025 Honda Civic Si ($31,045) and Mazda MX-5 Miata ($30,515) but offers greater power than the Miata and a balanced blend of fun and performance for buyers seeking an affordable sports car.
Luxury and High-Performance Sports Car Brands
Luxury sports cars that combine exquisite design with high performance are perfect for those with a taste for both power and prestige. Here are our top picks for luxury sports car brands.
Porsche
- Why It’s the Best: Excels as a luxury sports car brand for its perfect mix of performance and practicality.
- Luxury: Known for engineering, iconic styling and reliability. Prices start around $120,000.
Aston Martin
- Why It’s the Best: Stands out for its classic British elegance and powerful performance, appealing to luxury enthusiasts.
- Luxury: Features handcrafted interiors. Prices start at $150,000.
Ferrari
- Why It’s the Best: The ultimate luxury sports car icon that fuses Italian design with top-tier performance.
- Luxury: Known for exclusivity, racing heritage and elegant design. Prices start around $300,000.
Maserati
- Why It’s the Best: Famous for its Italian flair and dynamic performance.
- Luxury: Offers sleek design and racing legacy. Prices start from $200,000.
Most Powerful Sports Cars on the Market
If power is what you are after, check out our list of some of the most powerful sports cars.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The ultimate performance Corvette.
- Power: 1,064 horsepower from a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8.
- Performance: 0-60 mph in under 2.5 seconds, over 215 mph top speed, sharp mid-
- engine handling.
- Availability: Series production, $150,000-$200,000.
Porsche Taycan Turbo GT
One of the best 4-door sports cars available.
- Power: 1,019 horsepower from dual electric motors.
- Performance: 0-60 mph in 2.1 seconds, 180 mph top speed, precise handling.
- Availability: Series production, $230,000.
Rimac Nevera
A groundbreaking all-electric hypercar.
- Power: 1,914 horsepower from quad electric motors.
- Performance: 0-60 mph in 1.85 seconds, 258 mph top speed, agile handling.
- Availability: 150 units, over $2 million.
Ferrari F80
Ferrari’s next-generation supercar.
- Power: 1,184 horsepower from hybrid V6 and electric motors.
- Performance: 0-62 mph in 2.15 seconds, 211 mph top speed, sharp handling.
- Availability: 799 units, $3 million, deliveries late 2025.
Choosing the Right Sports Car for You
From your personal driving preferences and style to your budget and desired performance, there are key factors to take into account when choosing the right sports car.
Here are some steps to take before making a decision:
- Set a budget, including maintenance and insurance costs.
- Choose a performance level that fits your driving style.
- Decide between a new model or a used one.
- Consider practicality, like storage and daily usability.
- Research resale value to avoid rapid depreciation.
- Look for key technology and safety features.
- Factor in fuel efficiency and long-term costs.
- Compare insurance rates, as premiums are higher.
Maintenance and Insurance Costs
A bigger maintenance budget may be necessary for luxury and high-performance cars like the Ferrari 296 GTB or Porsche 911 Turbo, as these vehicles typically require more expensive repairs and maintenance due to the need for specific parts.
Less expensive sports cars like the Ford Mustang or Toyota GR86 usually have lower long-term costs. Insurance rates can also vary greatly depending on the car's value, performance and safety features, with higher-end vehicles generally having higher rates. Therefore, it is important to find a balance between the initial and ongoing financial costs.
Resale Value and Long-Term Investment
When considering sports cars as a long-term investment, resale value is key. It is common for luxury brands such as Ferrari, Aston Martin and Porsche to have strong resale values due to their exclusivity and high demand, which often contributes to appreciation over time, especially in the case of limited edition models.
Non-luxury sports cars such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang offer great value and tend to depreciate less than most vehicles due to their reliability.
Take the time to explore your options and decide on a sports car that offers not only a fun driving experience but also long-term value.
Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
There is something for every driving enthusiast in the 2025 selection of performance cars, featuring everything from good sports cars that offer great value to the best cheap sports cars and high-end luxury models.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable option or a top-tier vehicle, the best choice will depend on your preferences, including maintenance and insurance costs. Take your time to explore your alternatives and find the sports car that fits your budget and delivers the performance or luxury you desire.