Last updated May 29, 2024 by
Darren Cassey
Top sports cars of 2024
Heavy traffic and the daily pothole slalom can easily make you forget that driving can be fun. But there are loads of excellent sports cars on sale that will put a smile on your face once you escape the rat race and find a twisty road.
All of the cars below have one thing in common – their primary purpose is to offer excitement. Most are not particularly practical, some aren’t the most comfortable companions for a long stint on the motorway, but all are brilliantly capable in their own unique way.
Carwow's expert reviews team has put together this list of the best sports cars you can buy in 2024, covering a wide range of budgets, performance and body styles.
2024
Desirability Award
S/T version
What's good
What’s not so good
Think fizzy drinks and you think Coca-Cola, vacuum cleaners are Hoovers, and sports cars are Porsche 911s – that’s just how good this car is. Despite its engine being in the ‘wrong’ place out back, the 911 has built a reputation as the best all-round sports car, and there’s a huge variety of versions that range from comfy commuter-friendly to hardcore track weapon. An update for 2024 has introduced a new hybrid engine that reduces emissions and boosts performance.
It’s a shame that affordable, rear-wheel drive sports cars like the Toyota GR86 are so rare, because it’s a fantastic recipe for fun. The GR86 has suitably sporty looks and while it won’t keep up with the fastest cars in this list, it’s incredibly capable in corners and feels like you can make the most of its abilities more of the time. Sadly Toyota didn’t bring many to the UK, so you can’t get one new, but you can find some good deals on the used market. Its predecessor, the GT86, is getting temptingly cheap now and offers the same approachable performance.
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What’s not so good
In the age of lowering emissions and electrification, it’s perhaps no surprise that the Audi R8 has been discontinued. However, there are still a few new models to be found, and plenty of used examples that have already taken a big depreciation hit so represent decent value. They’re still mighty expensive, of course, but find the cash and you get to enjoy one of the great engines of our time. The R8’s V10 engine positively sings when you’re driving it hard, while the interior is surprisingly spacious and as posh as you’d hope for a six-figure sports car.
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2024
Driving Pleasure Award
Highly Commended
What's good
What’s not so good
The BMW M2 might have styling that won't be for everyone, with its boxy, squared-off lines, but the wide stance and huge intakes make it look suitably aggressive. Its 460hp, 3.0-litre engine has all the power you need, and it has more grip than the bigger M3 and feels less intimidating on tight country roads, meaning you can enjoy it more of the time. It's relatively practical for a sports car, but it is rather expensive for its size.
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What’s not so good
The Cayman is quick, well-built and brilliant to drive. You may want the range topping six-cylinder models for their amazing sound, but even the base models are fast and handle superbly. Unfortunately, many desirable options are rather pricey, though this tends to be the way with Porsche, and if you're happy without such addenda, even a bare bones Cayman is, quite simply, brilliant.
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The MX-5 is affordable to buy and run while still being seriously fun to drive. This rare formula makes it stand out among alternatives, although most are quicker in a straight line. Very few are as rewarding to drive, though, while Mazda has a strong reputation for reliability. Some sports cars come and go, but the MX-5 has been a success over four generations and more than three decades, which should give some indication of its talents.
Battery range up to 360 miles
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What’s not so good
The very first all-electric Porsche drives and handles just like a Porsche should, meaning it's great around corners and quick off the line. It’s comfortable too, with space for four, but some alternatives have more interior and luggage space while its electric range is not quite class-leading either. There is an estate version called Sport Turismo if you want a bit more luggage capacity, and a Cross Turismo that has a bit more ground clearance should you want to tackle a dirt track or two.
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The M3 arguably stretches the term sports car to its limit, but it deserves its place in this list because it's great to drive and would keep up with most of the cars here on a twisty road. All while also being ideal for a family as it has plenty of space inside and a decent-sized boot. Its hard, uncomfortable suspension leaves you in no doubt that this is a performance car first and family car second, though. It's available as a 'Touring' estate model too, for extra cool points, or the M4 Coupe if you like the idea of the M2 but would prefer something a bit bigger.
2024
Driving Pleasure Award
Highly Commended
What's good
What’s not so good
Not only is the Emira a massive improvement in terms of cabin quality compared with what has come from Lotus before, but its engine also sounds great and it's a car that's equally adept on road and track. Practicality isn't its strongest suit compared to other sports cars here, but it's a superbly fun two-seater.
What's good
What’s not so good
It’s not quite as affordable as the Mazda and Toyota, but by sports car standards the Alpine A110 is fantastic value. Its interior isn’t as posh as some alternatives and it doesn’t have the badge appeal, but see past that and you have one of the best drivers’ cars on sale today. It’s almost old school, because it’s not unnecessarily comfortable (if you avoid the S and R models) and doesn’t have so much power you’ll fear for your licence every time you breath near the accelerator pedal. It’s just a properly sorted, fun sports car.
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