Different types of automobiles come with distinct features that set them apart and fulfill their purpose. While large pickups are usually high-powered four-wheelers with cargo beds, the sports car breed carries the same abundance of power but without the extra weight. These qualities, paired with excellent handling, stellar acceleration, high top speed, and ludicrous prices are vital for a sports car to be classified as one.
But even if a sports car does tick all these boxes, there will always be the top-tier models that are better and faster than the others. For 2020, almost every manufacturer prepared something for the market.
From Japanese to European brands, today's auto market has a wide selection for every taste and budget. If your car shopping list doesn't include "slow," you might want to stay away from these sports cars currently on the market.
10 2020 Honda Civic Type R (0-60 MPH In 5.4 Seconds)
The first vehicle in Honda's lineup to carry the Type R nameplate is the Integra from 1995. And though it's no longer around, Honda still managed to save the nameplate by latching it onto one of their plainest yet most sought-after commuter cars—the Honda Civic.
After they made the 1997 Honda Civic Type R, it didn't immediately get traction in the market. Today, it's one of the most reliable cars that anyone can drive. But for a $36,995 base price, it's best not to expect too much speed and acceleration from this hot hatch.
9 2020 Chevy Camaro (0-60 MPH In 5.4 Seconds)
There are many things about the Camaro that people don't know. But what enthusiasts are sure of is that this modern muscle car will cost a fortune one day.
If you're willing to make that investment right now, the 2020 Chevy Camaro starts at a base price of $25,000. But if you don't want to finish last in your next friendly race, it's better to take that money someplace else. The 2020 Camaro has a top speed of 198 mph and 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 5.4 seconds.
8 2020 Hyundai Veloster N (0-60 MPH In 5.5 Seconds)
Hyundai first released the Veloster in 2011. But after viewing the charts, the South Korean automotive manufacturer finally decided to discontinue the car in Korea in mid-2020 due to low sales. The rest of the world, however, will continue to enjoy this sports car and possibly, its future updates.
While many are proud of one of the fastest cars to come from SoKor, it still lies at the bottom 10 when pitted against its competitors. However, it isn't entirely a bad car. It still comes with really cool features with the 2021 update even available with a manual transmission.
7 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata (0-60 MPH In 5.7 Seconds)
If there's one country you can count on for reliable cars, it's Japan. Though we already know just how sturdy Toyota's cars are, Consumer Reports picks the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata as the most reliable car of the year.
In terms of speed, the Miata ticks in at 135 mph and can take up to 5.7 seconds to reach 60 mph. It's definitely slow compared to European competitors, but it's still one of the greatest sports cars of 2020.
6 2020 Subaru WRX STI (0-60 MPH In 6 Seconds)
Every vehicle manufacturer has the one car that best represents who they are and what they can offer. For Subaru, it's the WRX STI. This plump sports car was first introduced in 1994, but the US had to wait until 2004 before it reached its stores.
While the WRX STI is the fastest car to come from Subaru, it's not very impressive as the company doesn't make a lot of sports cars. But if buyers are happy with its 6-second sprint from 0 to 60 mph and 160 mph top speed, the base price starts at $27, 495.
5 2020 Hyundai Veloster (0-60 MPH In 6.2 Seconds)
The 2020 Hyundai Veloster didn't have any major upgrade from the previous year's model. But it did have some minor changes like the slight increase in price, better cargo space, and more variants to choose from.
The updated model comes in two engine options namely a 1.6-liter four-cylinder power mill and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder one. The former provides the Veloster with 147 hp while the latter can provide up to 201 hp. That, however, isn't enough to get the Veloster out of this list with its 6.2-second acceleration from 0 to 60 mph.
4 2020 Subaru BRZ tS (0-60 MPH In 6.3 Seconds)
The Subaru BRZ is arguably the best-looking sports car from the Japanese brand. It first made its appearance in 2012 before finally becoming available for North American residents. After three generations, the BRZ is one of the most affordable Japanese sports cars out there.
Though the 2020 model is far from being the quickest or the fastest in its class, it does come with plenty of features that are more than satisfactory. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, for example, come as standard features but a performance package is also available.
3 2020 Toyota 86 (0-60 MPH In 6.4 Seconds)
Toyota makes some of the toughest cars on the block. But if you're looking for an all-stock Toyota to outrun the entire sports car class, we're afraid the brand will disappoint.
The Toyota 86, for example, is a great car nonetheless, but it's still far off the top spot in the swiftness competition. It comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder power mill that's capable of 200 hp. But even with that, the 86's top speed ticks in at only 140 mph with a 6.4-second time of zipping from 0 to 60 mph.
2 2020 Fiat 124 Spider (0-60 MPH In 6.4 Seconds)
With the aesthetics of a beautiful European roadster, who would have thought that this sexy convertible would take so much time to hit the 60 mph mark? Based on the curvy and similar-looking Mazda Miata, the Fiat 124 Spider decided to take on a contrasting look that's sportier and more exciting.
All 2020 Fiat 124 Spider models come with a turbocharged four-cylinder power mill that produces 160 hp. This is except for the Lusso and Classica models that can produce 164 hp. Although it is definitely pretty, a 136 mph top speed is the best it can do.
1 2020 Mini Cooper (0-60 MPH In 7.4 Seconds)
Mini cars are famous for many things like their small size, distinctive turtle-like styling, and quirky details. If there's something that it's not known for, it's high power and speed.
For 2020, the Mini Cooper is made available in two body styles: a hardtop and a convertible. There's also a plethora of engine options with the base 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 hp. Although US News and World Report say that the 2020 Cooper definitely comes with high-reliability ratings, it's still too pricey for what it offers.