Car design and styling is one of those areas that can make or break a car. We all unconsciously stereotype cars and the potential performance on offer based purely on the way they look. We have long come to associate sleek and curvy cars with power, while boxier models are dismissed as being slow but practical.
In reality, the opposite can actually be the case. The high-performance wagons of today offer supercar rivaling performance, despite being packaged in relatively unassuming packaging. The Audi RS6 is a good example of this, with its wagon form factor giving almost no indication of the biturbo V8 power plant hiding under the hood.
Conversely, there are many sports cars which exude a sporty and powerful aura, but simply don’t have the performance to back it up. In many ways, they could be considered a wolf in sheep’s clothing, looking fast and drawing admirers in. Let’s explore this further, looking at 10 fast-looking sports cars everyone falls for.
10 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The fourth generation of the Mazda MX-5 was released back in 2016. The model remains in production to this day, and has aged very kindly. The angular headlights and compact form factor still look fresh, and you could be forgiven for thinking the car has only recently been unveiled.
The MX-5 is widely regarded as one of the best affordable sports cars that money can buy. In the engine bay, you will find a powerful 181 hp four-cylinder engine. The car doesn’t just look fast, it is fast, with the 0-60 mph sprint taking just 5.8 seconds. Buyers can pick up an early example of the fourth generation model for around $20,000.
9 Toyota GT86
Toyota released the GT86 back in 2012. The first generation model enjoyed a long production run, which lasted until 2021. The car was designed around the driver, and consisted of a front-engined, rear-wheel drive configuration.
Under the hood, the car was kitted out with a powerful 2.0-liter boxer engine. As a result, 0-60 mph took just 6.2 seconds. A 2017 example, with low mileage, can be picked up for just under $28,000.
8 Jaguar F-Type
British brand Jaguar needs no introduction when it comes to producing great two-seater sports cars. Spiritual successor of the iconic E-Type, the slick F-Type created waves when it was released in 2014. While the car received a fairly significant facelift in 2021, the original version arguably sports a more distinctive look.
Numerous examples of the rapid V8 F-Type S are currently available at relatively accessible price points. With a 0-60 mph time of just 4.2 seconds, it is surely one of the fastest cars you can buy for under $40,000.
7 Chevrolet Camaro
Originally launched in the 1960s, the Chevrolet Camaro has been part of muscle car culture ever since. The latest model is arguably one of the best handling muscle cars on the market, with almost all the capability of a sports car.
There is a range of engine options to choose from. The base model is equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder, which puts out an enviable 275 hp. Continue up the range, and power levels increase dramatically. Opt for the V8, and your right foot will have over 450 hp at its disposal.
6 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang needs absolutely no introduction, being one of the most celebrated American muscle car legends. The sixth and current generation was released back in 2014. While a refresh is imminent, for now, you can pick up a bargain early example and still look the part.
This 2015 model is kitted out with Ford’s turbocharged, 2.3-liter EcoBoost unit and can be yours for just $16,788. Despite being a far smaller engine than the iconic 5.0 V8, the EcoBoost is almost as fast with 0-60 mph taking 5.1 seconds, while the V8 completes the same sprint in just 4.3 seconds. The top speeds do vary, however, with the EcoBoost running out of steam at only 121 mph, while the V8 will blast all the way to 155 mph.
5 Chevrolet Corvette
The second Chevrolet, on our list, is the legendary Corvette. Famed for its insane power and imposing styling, the Corvette is known the world over. In 2020 Chevrolet tweaked the formula, and for the first time in the car’s history used a mid-engined setup.
Pleasingly, the eighth-generation car, the C8, retained a V8 power plant, with 490 hp churned out from its 6.2-liter engine. The car is seriously fast, with a 194 mph top speed, and 0-60 mph taking just 2.9 seconds.
4 Subaru BRZ
A close relative of the Toyota GT86, the Subaru BRZ shares not only its exterior styling, but its mechanicals. Just like the GT86, the BRZ sports a front-engined, rear-wheel drive configuration. The car is a great option for gearheads looking for an engaging drive.
The car is powered by a 2.4-liter, 228 hp, four-cylinder engine. The BRZ can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, providing almost all the real-world performance you could ever need.
3 Toyota GR Supra
The Supra is arguably Toyota’s most well-known sports car. The original version was released in 1978 and known as the Celica Supra. Now in its fifth incarnation, and co-developed with BMW, the Supra is available for just over $43,000.
Engines range in size from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, up to a 3.0-liter six-cylinder, ensuring there is an option for everyone. The former is capable of producing 254-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the latter can churn out an enviable 382 hp and 360 lb-ft.
2 Porsche 718 Cayman
The Porsche 718 Cayman has to be on the shortlist for anyone looking for a fast driver’s car. Despite being an entry-level option within the Porsche line-up, it offers a compelling package. Porsche DNA is clear to see, and from the shrunken 911 styling, to the well-crafted interiors, these cars make a lot of sense.
A new base model 718 can be picked up for just $65,000, which is a price tag that is hard to ignore. Used examples can be picked up for almost half this money.
1 Alpine A110
Heavily inspired by the 1960s original, the Alpine A110 is a great alternative option. Many people will be unfamiliar with the brand. Established in 1955, the company has a rich motorsport heritage. Today, the company is owned by Renault, following its purchase in 1973.
The current A110 was released in 2017, and comprises a rear mid-engined, rear-wheel drive configuration. The car is powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter, four-cylinder unit that generates a generous 249 hp.
Sources: Alpine, Porsche, Toyota, Subaru, Chevrolet, Jaguar, Mazda, Hagerty