While it is true that sports cars prioritize dynamic performance, different carmakers build their models to reflect performance in different ways. The driver-assist tech offered in sports cars and how they balance handling, driving fun, acceleration, and top speed lies solely at the manufacturer's discretion. Ultimately, this will determine whether a particular sports car is ideal for beginners or experienced drivers.Since driving is meant to be fun and safe, beginner-friendly cars should have responsive steering, good traction, and driver-assist/safety tech features. Above all, they should have power output and speeds that inexperienced drivers would be able to tame easily on the road. On the other end of the spectrum, some cars were intentionally or unintentionally built to misbehave. Read on for a list of five new sports cars that are ideal for beginners and five they should avoid at all costs.
10 Beginner Friendly: 2020 Toyota 86
The Toyota 86, a 2+2 RWD sports car, debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in December 2011, while sales began in February 2012. Under the hood, a 2-liter four-cylinder boxer engine produces a beginner-friendly 205 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque when mated to the standard six-speed manual transmission.
Thanks to a limited-slip differential, first-timers will appreciate the terrific balance that helps it carve corners with minimum body roll. Although it has responsive steering and handles superbly already, an optional TRD Handling package takes engagement to a new level.
9 Beginner Friendly: 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Currently in its fourth generation, which was unveiled in 2014, the award-winning best-selling Mazda MX-5 Miata made its debut in 1989. The MX-5 Miata is powered by a 2-liter I-4 engine that delivers 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels.
Ideal for beginners, it is affordable, has highly responsive steering, strong brakes, sport-tuned suspension, and is incredibly fun to drive. To help beginners make the most of their new car, it comes with features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.
8 Beginner Friendly: 2021 Audi TT Coupe
Unveiled in 2014 at the Geneva Motor Show, the current generation of the Audi TT is based on the Volkswagen Group MQB platform. What makes the Audi TT Coupe an excellent choice for beginners is how it balances great all-round performance with a touch of practicality.
With the all-wheel-drive system providing excellent grip for cornering and strong brakes inspiring confidence, the agile handling makes the coupe easy to drive. Thanks to a small turning circle and a light and responsive steering, maneuvering in tight areas is a piece of cake.
7 Beginner Friendly: 2021 Toyota Supra
Styled after the Toyota Celica and previously known as the Celica Supra, the two-seater Toyota, now in the fifth generation, started life in 1978. Feeding the rear wheels through a snappy eight-speed transmission are two turbocharged engines, a standard 2-liter I-4 and an optional 3-liter I-6.
Beginners can easily handle the 255 hp and 295 lb-ft twists delivered by the base engine, while the weighted and accurate steering ensures driving fun. The Supra tackles hard corners with ease while strong brakes and driver-assist tech features inspire confidence.
6 Only Pros Can Handle: 2021 Dodge Challenger Hellcat
Introduced for the third generation simultaneously in Chicago and Philadelphia in 2008, the Challenger is a five-seater high-performance sports car. Power is drawn from a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 tuned to deliver 717 hp, 797, or 807 hp, depending on the trim level.
Keeping all that power in check is not an easy task as it could land an inexperienced driver in a lot of grief. Maneuvering the 4,449 pounds Challenger in tight spaces is a fearsome task, especially since handling is sacrificed for performance.
5 Beginner Friendly: 2020 Fiat 124 Spider
Unveiled at the 2015 LA Auto Show, the Fiat 124 Spider is a two-seater rear-wheel-drive roadster built by Mazda on the Mazda NE/NF platform. The affordable, lightweight sports car is powered by a fuel-efficient powertrain that makes a decent yet manageable 164 hp in the Abarth trim.
A stiff set of Bilstein shock absorbers keep things smooth and relaxing, while a set of Brembo brakes provide superior stopping power. The 124 Spider has agile handling, responsive steering and remains stable in tight turns courtesy of a limited-slip differential.
4 Only Pros Can Handle: 2021 Lotus Evora GT
Designed by Russell Carr and built by Lotus Cars in Hethel, Norfolk, the Lotus Evora debuted at the 2008 British International Motor Show. Power is sent to the rear wheels by a 3.5-liter Toyota supercharged V6 engine with a power output of 416 hp.
Mated either to a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, it takes the Evora to 60 mph in 4s. The Evora is quite demanding on the driver and could be very difficult to tame because of a heavy clutch and poor ride quality.
3 Only Pros Can Handle: 2021 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang, available in continuous production since 1964, is currently in its sixth generation, which was unveiled in December 2013. Engine options available for the 2021 Mustang include two 2.3-liter four-cylinder, two 5-liter V8s, and a 760 hp 5.2-liter supercharged V8.
The monster of the 2021 lineup is the Shelby GT-500, which is one of the most powerful Mustangs ever built. It is capable of hitting 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and the quarter-mile in 10.7 seconds. Well, that’s enough performance to terrorize the fainthearted and leave experienced drivers struggling for control.
2 Only Pros Can Handle: 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat
For the 2021 model year, the five-seater Charger Hellcat wears an intimidating widebody design and is offered in two trims. While the standard Hellcat makes 717 hp and hits 60 mph in 3.6s, the Redeye variant makes 797 hp and hits 60 mph in 3.5s.
With the suspension stiffened to handle the outrageous power outputs, ride quality is compromised, and you could lose traction easily. The steering is not as responsive as it should be; hence, this monster is not for greenhorns.
1 Only Pros Can Handle: 2021 Acura NSX
The Acura NSX, a two-seat sports car first shown in 1989, is currently in its second generation displayed in 2015 for the 2016 model year. Powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 supported by three electric motors, delivering a combined 573 hp, the 2021 NSX is lightning fast.
Although it can't be accused of poor handling, hitting 60 mph in 2.9 seconds could be too much speed for most drivers. While driving in quiet, sport, and sport+ modes, the steering feels numb, but the NSX ceases to be an everyday sports car once you change to track mode.