Wind the clock back a couple of decades and you’ll find sports cars from almost every major carmaker. Alfa Romeo, Honda, Nissan, even brands like Hyundai and Vauxhall had something low, sleek and thrilling to draw in punters at dealerships.
Nowadays, though, the new sports car market isn’t what it was. Some argue that modern safety, noise and emissions standards makes it harder than ever to build a bespoke two-door model, others argue that buyers were wooed by hot hatchbacks instead long before that.
Whatever the reasons, there are still buyers out there for the traditional two-door coupe or roadster, and just enough brands willing to satisfy that need. While hot hatchbacks tick boxes with practicality and comfort, and supercars wow with dramatic looks and amazing tech, the best sports cars must put fun at the top of the priority list.
Dazzling power outputs and bonkers lap times aren’t necessarily the name of the game here. What matters more is how these cars make you feel. Whether it’s wringing an exciting engine out, scything through your favourite B-road or simply enjoying the sensation of driving whatever the speed – the best sports cars in this list nail the brief.
Practicality takes a back seat here, but our list of the top 10 best sports cars on sale includes models that can take a bit of luggage and a passenger for a weekend away. They shouldn’t be a chore on the motorway, either.
Best Sports Cars 2025: the shortlist
1. Mazda MX-5
Price: from £28,285 0-62mph: 8.7 – 6.5 seconds Best version: 2.0L Exclusive-Line
No list of the best sports cars in the last few decades is complete without a Mazda MX-5 of some sort. In fact, we reckon that – pound-for-pound – it’s the closest thing to a traditional British sports car on sale today.
Obviously, if you have a big budget than the Porsche 911 will undoubtedly appeal more. But considering this is a lightweight, purpose-built roadster that starts for less than £30,000 the appeal of the humble MX-5 is undeniable.
All versions are engaging, entertaining and special-feeling, but we reckon the faster and sharper 2.0-litre delivers what modern sports car buyers want. It’s even relatively easy to live with, with low running costs and decent comfort.
2. Porsche 911
Price: from £103,700 0-62mph: 4.5 – 3.0 secs Best version: Carrera T
While its modern-day pricing might stray towards supercar money, the Porsche 911 is arguably the most complete car on this list. Combining storming performance with fantastic handling and surprising practicality, there’s a reason why it’s still popular after over 60 years and eight generations.
Even the cheapest 911 is plenty fast enough for UK roads, but we reckon the Carrera T – one step up from the base model – is the best choice, chiefly because it brings an engaging six-speed manual gearbox not available on any other 911. What’s more, these less racy 911s are comfortable and easy to live with, with plenty of luggage space and room for two kids in the back.
3. Toyota GR86
Price: from £30,000 0-62mph: 6.3 secs Best version: Any
If you’re in the market for an affordable sports car and you don’t want a Mazda MX-5, chances are you’ve considered the brilliant Toyota GR86. While you don’t get the wind-in-the-hair bonus of the convertible MX-5, both cars are similarly affordable and both take a back-to-basics, old-school approach to sports car thrills.
The GR86 is the successor to the GT86, sticking closely to the original formula but improving it in almost every area. The 2.4-litre Boxer engine is greatly improved, as is the interior, but the entertaining rear-wheel drive chassis and feeling of engagement remain. The only sticking point is that’s it’s currently tricky to get hold of new due to limited numbers, so you might be ferreting around on the used market.
4. Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman
Price: from £53,900 0-62mph: 4.7- 3.4 secs Best version: GTS 4.0
If your budget can’t quite stretch to a 911, then the 718 range is certainly no poor relation. We’d prefer the Boxster as its drop-top roof adds another dimension of fun, but the Cayman is more practical, and both are superb drivers cars.
Today’s Boxster and Cayman models are arguably the best yet, blending decent everyday usability with an impressively sharp and thrilling driving experience. The base 2.0-litre flat-four is an acquired taste, but Porsche has managed to keep its outstanding 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat six going in the GTS, making it our choice of the range
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5. Alpine A110
Price: from £55,160 0-62mph: 4.5 – 3.9 secs Best version: A110
Alpine’s rebirth of the A110 sports car of the sixties was a masterstroke. Just at a time where traditional sports car options were dwindling, the little-known French brand was revived by Renault with a lightweight, exciting and surprisingly comfortable mid-engined delight.
The Alpine A110’s lack of mass (it’s more than 600kg lighter than the next car in this list) benefits the whole driving experience. It’s super agile, with great steering and plenty of balance, while the dinky turbocharged four-cylinder engine gives it a strong turn of speed. Combine that with a smooth ride and decent fuel economy and it’s easy to see the appeal – even if the interior isn’t exactly lavish.
6. BMW M2
Price: from £68,705 0-62mph: 4.2 -3.8 secs Best version: M2 manual
The BMW M2 is the polar opposite to the Alpine A110 – light and delicate it isn’t. Instead the BMW’s chunky, brawny approach has its own appeal, bringing muscle car vibes with a sprinkle of sophistication.
The latest M2 combines a potent, 473bhp turbocharged straight-six with rear-wheel drive and either a slick eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox. The latter would be our choice, unlocking a brutish charm from the M2. You’ll have fun driving it, but it also cruises comfortably and quietly, with space for four adults and a classy interior.
7. Lotus Emira
Price: from £79,500 0-62mph: 4.2-4.6 secs Best version: 3.5 V6
Celebrated British sports car brand Lotus now has a range of super powerful (and super heavy) electric cars, but it isn’t abandoning its roots. The Lotus Emira is a car with real visual showroom appeal alongside the traditional sports car traits to whet the appetite of enthusiasts.
These include a sonorous supercharged V6 engine, the option of a six-speed manual gearbox and a great blend of ride comfort and sharp handling. That’s what you’d expect from Lotus, but you might not expect the level of interior quality the Emira offers, which is leagues ahead of the old Evora.
8. Ford Mustang
Price: from £58,470 0-62mph: 5.3-4.4 secs Best version: Dark Horse
The big, heavy Ford Mustang wouldn’t usually make it onto a list of the best sports cars, but with so few other options on the UK market, it’s earned a place. It also feels delightfully old-school in an era of hybrid and electric propulsion.
With a thumping great 5.0-litre V8 rumbling under the bonnet, combined with the option of a brawny manual gearbox, the hairy-chested Mustang also handles a lot better than it used to in its latest iteration - particularly in sharper Dark Horse spec. Combine that with four seats, loads of kit and good cruising manners and, while it isn’t the bargain it once was, it’s still a lot of car for the money.
9. BMW Z4
Price: from £46,600 0-62mph: 6.6-4.5 secs Best version: M40i manual
With rivals like the Audi TT and Mercedes-Benz SLC no longer around, the Z4 is a bit of an outlier in BMW’s lineup. Yet we’re grateful it still exists, offering a good blend of quality, comfort, performance and driver appeal.
Granted, it isn’t as sharp and agile as the best sports cars in this list, but there’s still fun to be had – particularly with the top-rung M40i version with its potent turbo straight six and suspension tweaks. The most involving is the manual gearbox version, which is sharpened further in order to feel more laser focused on driver engagement.
10: Mercedes-AMG SL
Price: from £109,910 0-62mph: 4.9-2.9 secs Best version: SL 55
An SL in a list of sports cars? Yes, you read it right: ‘SL’ does stand for “Sport-Light” after all. While Mercedes-Benz SLs of the last few decades have been more about cruising to the South of France than hitting corner apexes, this latest version has been developed solely under Mercedes-AMG, and the brand claims it’s regained its sporting mojo.
Ditching the heavy folding metal roof for a cloth one, this new SL feels sportier and more agile than before, thanks in part to standard-fit four-wheel steering. We reckon the SL55 V8 is the best option because it avoids the supercar-like pricetag of the more powerful versions, while still feeling quick and sounding great. Oh, and this new SL also has rear seats for the first time in decades.
Best sports cars FAQs
What is the best sports car to buy?
We reckon some of the best sports cars you can buy new are the Mazda MX-5, Porsche 911 and 718 Boxster, Toyota GR86 and Alpine A110.
What is the most popular sports car?
The Mazda MX-5 lays claim as the world’s best-selling two-seat convertible sports car, with 1.2 million sold since the original arrived in 1989. However, the Ford Mustang is the best-selling overall sports car with over 10 million examples produced since 1964.
Do sports cars hold their value?
Generally, yes, sports cars reportedly hold their value well compared to other types of modern car. A combination of relative rarity and desirability mean models like the Toyota GR86 and Porsche Boxster seem to depreciate relatively slowly.
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