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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.

Porsche 911
2024
Desirability Award
S/T version

1. Porsche 911

9/10
Porsche 911 review
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.
Toyota GR86
2024
Pleasure Of Driving Award

2. Toyota GR86

9/10
Toyota GR86 review
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.
Audi R8

3. Audi R8

Black Friday deal
9/10
Audi R8 review
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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BMW M2
2024
Driving Pleasure Award
Highly Commended

4. BMW M2

Black Friday deal
9/10
BMW M2 review
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.
Porsche 718 Cayman

5. Porsche 718 Cayman

9/10
Porsche 718 Cayman review
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.
Mazda MX-5

6. Mazda MX-5

Black Friday deal
9/10
Mazda MX-5 review
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.
Porsche Taycan

7. Porsche Taycan

9/10
Porsche Taycan review
Battery range up to 360 miles
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.
BMW M3

8. BMW M3

Black Friday deal
9/10
BMW M3 review
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.
Lotus Emira
2024
Driving Pleasure Award
Highly Commended

9. Lotus Emira

8/10
Lotus Emira review
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.
Alpine A110

10. Alpine A110

7/10
Alpine A110 review
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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More advice about sporty cars

Sports cars FAQs

The term ‘sports car’ generally refers to a car that has been designed to offer above-average performance in both acceleration and handling. Common traits found in sports cars include a low-slung two-door body style, two-seater layout and powerful engines. 

Sports cars can, however, be just about any configuration and there are many popular sports saloons that can take a family of four and their luggage while still offering pulverising performance.

The word ‘coupe’ refers to a two-door body style, so a coupe can definitely be a sports car. However, this body style is used in everything from budget cars to ultra-luxurious grand tourers, so not every coupe is automatically classified as a sports car.

If you enjoy driving and don’t mind a bit of a compromise in practicality or ride comfort, then a sports car is a great choice. Some sports cars like the BMW M5 manage to combine both luxury and sportiness into one very usable package, while other cars like the Porsche 718 Cayman are purely designed for driving enjoyment and don’t offer much in the way of practicality.

If you are on a tight budget then a Mazda MX-5 is a great choice. It isn’t the quickest sports car but it handles superbly and is affordable to run.

Judging from recent reliability surveys, the Audi TT, BMW 2 Series and Mazda MX-5 all scored highly in this regard. The Porsche 911 has also proven to be reliable in recent years while Lexus's reputation for building solid and reliable cars should see the LC Convertible perform well in this regard.

With such a broad range of sports cars on sale right now, prices vary greatly. A Mazda MX-5 is one of the most affordable sports cars, while a Porsche Taycan Turbo S sits at the other end of the scale, comfortable into six figures.

For something like an entry-level Porsche 718 Cayman or Jaguar F-Type, pricing starts from arounf £50,000 to £60,000, depending on the version.

While the exact pricing will be influenced by an individual’s risk profile, vehicle-specific factors that can push up insurance costs include cars with very powerful engines, expensive price tags and expensive repairs.

Seeing as most sports cars tick a lot of these boxes, they tend to be more expensive to insure than less sporty vehicles.

Sports cars can come in both automatic and manual transmissions. Traditionally, many sports cars were only offered with manual transmissions because they were believed to provide a more engaging and connected driving experience. However, with advancements in technology, many sports car manufacturers now offer automatic transmissions with paddle shifters or dual-clutch systems that provide faster and more precise shifting. Ultimately, the choice between manual or automatic transmission for a sports car depends on personal preference and driving style.

Not all sports cars are rear-wheel drive, but many are. Rear-wheel drive is a popular drivetrain configuration for sports cars because it often provides better handling, balance, and weight distribution. With rear-wheel drive, the front wheels are free from the job of propelling the car forward, allowing for a more precise and responsive handling experience. However, there are also sports cars with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Ultimately, the choice of drivetrain configuration for a sports car depends on various factors such as the intended use, performance goals, and driving preferences.