Many car enthusiasts assume that motoring nirvana is directly proportionate to the power under a car’s hood. By that logic, a supercar with a 650-hp V12 will be vastly more fun to drive than a small sporting car with less than 200 hp.
Well, that just isn’t true. The joy that can be extracted from a car with terrific chassis balance, agile handling, and great feedback through the steering wheel is at least equal to and often superior to the pleasure on offer from, say, a Lamborghini Aventador.
Updated March 2022: High-performance versions of cars have been around since the dawn of the automobile. On the other hand, supercars really got their start in the 1970s and have since then exceeded the capabilities thought possible. Despite some significant innovations, some low-key performance cars are still more fun to drive. In fact, we've updated this list to include some new players in the fun performance variant club!
Sure, driving a supercar can be a thrilling experience, but it also comes with a long list of not-so-exciting features. First, the tremendous power that a Lamborghini generates can be intimidating, even for an experienced driver – in the wrong circumstances; it can be downright scary. Also, supercars tend to be very low to the ground, and outward visibility can often be compromised. Then there is the considerable cost of any given supercar. No matter how wealthy a driver is, the fear of accidental damage is a constant worry.
Contrast that with a lightweight, low-key performance car. A driver can usually use nearly all the horsepower on offer without the fear of being overtaken by it. Ironically, it’s also possible to make very rapid progress without attracting unwanted attention – try that in a Ferrari, and the whole world will notice, including the local constabulary. Here, we’ll take a look at 28 contenders guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
28 2021 Honda Civic Type-R
The Honda Civic Type-R is a beast. It held the record for some time at the Nürburgring, and the 2023 model is on the hunt to reclaim the title. This FWD hot hatch holds a special place in Civic fans worldwide for the more than 300 horsepower, sport-tuned suspension, and a six-speed manual-only gearbox.
While not AWD like Subaru, the Type-R definitely gives the STI a run for its money. Starting at $38,000, the Type-R doesn't have to break the bank either. Plus, with a decently comfortable ride, the Civic Type-R is a perfect daily driver, unlike many supercars out there. And, it's the ideal modification platform, so personality has room to shine.
27 2022 Hyundai Veloster N
Another great sports car from Asia is the Veloster N. It rivals the Civic Si, Subaru WRX, and the VW GTI, and with solid specs, it makes a pretty good case for making the switch. For example, the 2.0L four-cylinder can push out 275 horsepower, while not much more than its rivals, enough to make it count.
Starting at $33,000, the Veloster N isn't just fast; it's practical. While fans of the manual transmission still have the opportunity to row gears, a dual-clutch automatic is available for greater precision and faster 0-60 times, which comes in only 4.8 seconds. While not as refined as the Civic or GTI, the Veloster N gives Hyundai a position in the big leagues and is more fun to drive than a supercar.
26 2022 Cadillac CTS-V Blackwing
While it may seem like the CTS-V Blackwing is a supercar, considering its 668 horsepower 6.2L supercharged V8, but for well under $100,000, the Blackwing fits more in with the typical Mercedes than with the Porsches and Ferraris.
The CTS-V Blackwing is more than just insane horsepower numbers. It's also a Cadillac, which means luxury. This luxury includes high-performance sports seats upholstered in leather, dual heated and vented seats, and a 15-speaker AKG sound system to thump your favorite tunes down the road.
25 1992 Ford Sierra Cosworth
In the early 1990s, it seemed as though virtually every mid-level executive in the UK was driving a Ford Sierra sedan, Britain’s equivalent of a Crown Victoria. But amongst the plain-wrapper 1.6 and 1.8-liter versions, there lurked the Sierra Cosworth. The car was the result of Ford Racing’s desire to homologate a car to compete in the Group A racing series, where the race-prepped Cosworth had great success.
What a car. The road-going Sierra Cosworth had 220 hp and a superbly tuned all-wheel drive chassis. In the UK, the criminal class soon realized that police patrol cars couldn’t catch a well-driven Sierra Cosworth, so they became frequent targets. As a result, Cosworths also became virtually uninsurable.
24 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF GT
The Mazda MX-5 holds the distinction of being the most-raced production car in the world. Every weekend at hundreds of tracks, MX-5s are going wheel to wheel and providing their drivers with colossal fun. Its combination of lightweight construction, superb feedback through the steering wheel, and near-perfect balance make it just as much fun on a favorite back road.
With just 155-hp from its 2.0-litre ‘four, you can use every ounce of the car’s power without endangering your license. The RF is also a gorgeous little car. Another benefit is near 50mpg on a long run.
23 1986 Dodge Omni GLHS
It might take a second glance to realize that the Dodge Omni GLHS isn’t just another tiny shopping cart hatchback. The Omni GLHS followed the GLH, which amusingly means ‘Goes Like Hell.’ With more power, the GLHS ‘Goes Like Hell Some more.’ Who says car companies don’t have a sense of humor.
Breathed on by Carroll Shelby, the front-drive GLHS was a deceptively fast car, with 175 hp courtesy of its 2.2-liter turbocharged engine. It was also a hoot to drive, with agility and a thoroughly well-developed chassis. Over the quarter-mile, the GLHS was actually quicker than contemporary Camaro and Mustang V8s.
22 1991 Lotus Elan
The 1991 Lotus Elan was the company’s first-ever front-wheel-drive model. The car received rave reviews from the motoring press and was lauded by many as the best handling front-drive production car in the world. The turbocharged 1.6-liter engine made the little Elan a genuinely fast car, with the 0-60 mph sprint coming up in 6.7 seconds. The top speed was a respectable 137 mph.
With the backing of then-parent company GM, Lotus spent more on the Elan’s development than any car in its history. It featured a fiberglass shell over a rigid steel backbone, giving the chassis remarkable stiffness, which helped provide such stellar handling. It was also true to founder Colin Chapman’s mantra of performance through lightweight.
21 2018 Mustang EcoBoost
A Mustang with a four-cylinder engine? Many Blue Oval fans reckon that nothing short of a full-fat V8 belongs under the hood of Ford’s sporting pony. They’d be wrong – a quick perusal of the Mustang EcoBoost’s turbocharged 2.3-liter ‘four reveals numbers that previous generation V8 Mustangs would struggle to match. Namely, 310 hp and a fat 350 lb-ft of torque.
The Mustang’s ten-speed automatic transmission means that you are always in the right gear for hard-charging acceleration. It’ll get to 60 mph in a shade over 5.0 seconds, too. And with less weight over the front wheels, the ‘Stang has fluid and balanced handling.
20 1984 Toyota Corolla SR5
In 1984, the Corolla sedan featured a transverse-mounted engine driving the front wheels. The Corolla SR5, however, mounted the same engine inline, and drive went to the rear wheels. Some observers called the result ‘son of Supra’ – the Supra was Toyota’s powerful top-of-the-line sportscar.
The SR5’s 1.6-liter engine developed just 70 hp, but that rear-drive layout delivered genuinely engaging handling. With the right amount of revs, you could even get a low-speed drift on. It also had dramatic styling that belied its econocar roots.
19 2019 Subaru BRZ
Subaru offers up an enthusiast specification with its BRZ featuring a front-engine, rear-drive setup, and a sweet-shifting six-speed manual. The BRZ’s low center of gravity, courtesy of its flat-four engine, gives it an agile and playful attitude on a challenging road. It also means you can drift the BRZ in a way you can’t with a front-drive layout, and its 205 hp helps here too. Of course, only on a closed circuit.
The BRZ will hit 60 mph in about 7.4 seconds and storm on to 140 mph. But, as with all great sports cars, it isn’t how fast it will go, but rather how it goes fast.
18 2000 Toyota MR2
The Toyota MR2’s mid-engine, rear-drive layout prompted a magazine subhead that simply said: “Toyota Boxster?” That was basically a nod to the fact that the MR2 was looking to appeal to an enthusiast audience for whom a Porsche Boxster would be the dream purchase. But for a pointy chassis and mid-engine dynamics in an affordable package, the MR2 made for a good starter car.
It’s a hugely entertaining car to take to a favorite back road, and with a low curb weight of 2200lbs, the MR2’s 138-hp four-cylinder packs enough punch to keep things on the boil – the mid-engine layout means the little Toyota is supremely agile.
17 1991 Suzuki Cappuccino
Like the Honda Beat, the Suzuki Cappuccino is a tax-efficient Japanese market car, built to tiny regulation size and powered by a 657cc three-cylinder engine generating 64 hp. Unlike the Beat, the Suzuki has a front-mounted engine, and like the Beat, it is rear-wheel drive. Its tiny engine is turbocharged and loves to rev. With a folding roof, the Cappuccino feels like a classic British roadster, and with perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the little Suzuki handles brilliantly.
In fact, so taken with the Cappuccino were the British Suzuki distributors that they brought the car into the country as an official import. To this day, there is still an active Cappuccino owners club in Britain.
16 1996 Lotus Elise
The Lotus Elise is just about the best example of lightweight construction, simplicity of design, and a fun-to-drive ethos. Just over 12 feet long, early models had just 120 hp. With such a low curb weight, this was enough power to make the Elise very entertaining on track days. Out on a favorite country road with the Targa roof stowed, the Elise is at least as much fun as a supercar with five times the power.
15 2009 Honda S2000
The Honda S2000 is just about the purest roadster experience you’ll find. It offers a two-seat cockpit that wraps cozily around the occupants, a six-speed manual gearbox with rifle-bolt action, and a 2.2-liter engine that loves to rev – it also generates a very useful 237 hp at a heady 7800rpm.
A combination of razor-sharp steering, flat handling, and terrific agility through corners gives the tiny Honda top marks.
14 2003 Mazda RX-8
At first glance, the RX-8 looks like a conventional two-door sports coupe, but look closer, and you’ll see a couple of extra doors. The idea was to offer a practical four-seater that, when you’re in the mood, goes like absolute stink. It has a classic sports coupe layout, with a front engine and rear-wheel drive. Even the engine is unique – it’s a 1.3-liter Wankel rotary powerplant that generates 247 hp.
13 1994 Honda Beat
Think of a mid-engine rear-drive Honda, and the supercar-slaying NSX will almost certainly come to mind. But another Honda uses the same layout in a slightly smaller form. OK, a lot smaller – the Beat was a domestic market roadster built to satisfy Japanese city car rules. That meant diminutive dimensions and a tiny 656cc engine.
It’s probably the best example here of a madly fun-to-drive car where you can use all of the power, all of the time. The last car to be signed off by founder Soichiro Honda before he died, the Beat was styled by famed Italian design house Pininfarina. Weighing just 760kgs, the Beat was also reasonably quick.
12 2020 Fiat Abarth 124 Spider
Essentially, the Fiat Abarth is a Mazda Miata with a hefty dose of Italian style. Instead of Mazda’s ‘four, the Abarth uses Fiat’s turbocharged 164 hp 1.4-liter four. With its fully independent suspension, mechanical limited-slip differential, and beautifully precise steering, the little Abarth is a blast to drive.
How good? Well, when Motor Trend magazine conducted a six-way sports car comparison test, the Fiat Spider Abarth topped the BMW M2, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Focus RS, Porsche Boxster S, and the Toyota 86. The magazine said it was the most fun car to drive in the group.
11 2012 Mini Roadster
Arguably a much better-looking iteration of its stylish Mini coupe, the Roadster had a folding fabric roof, two seats, and a ton of attitude.
It was, indeed, an extremely engaging playmate, with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivering 184 hp. With a 6.7 second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of 140 mph, the Roadster could stay with much more powerful cars.
10 2007 Caterham 7
We are absolutely sure that no car with just 125 hp is anywhere near as fun to drive as a Caterham 7. With a super-snug cockpit, the world’s most quick and persnickety six-speed gearbox, and the snarling side-exit exhaust just inches away from your ears, the Caterham 7 makes every journey a heroic adventure.
Power is courtesy of a Ford 1.6-liter engine, and suspension is fully independent. The 7’s handling is peerless, with vast amounts of grip, and when the car does break traction, it does so predictably. There’s a little treat if you drive an example with cycle fenders – you can actually watch the suspension doing its work.
9 1985 Honda CRX Si
In the early years of CRX, it was a little tricky to categorize. With comfortable space for two, ludicrously low fuel consumption, and affordable pricing, it was an excellent commuter car. But with a sporting two-seat design, strong performance, and super-agile handling, it also made for a cheap sports car.
The Si model cemented the latter description and became a classic in the making. Power had been increased from 64 to 91 hp from its 1.5-liter ‘four. 0-60 mph came up in 9.1 seconds, which was a solid performance 33 years ago.