The perfect car for a daily driver is comfortable, fuel-efficient, and reliable. Due to this, things like speed aren’t considered as much of a priority, especially with speed and the latter characteristics rarely going hand in hand. However, more recently, manufacturers have started to search for the ideal balance between what would be considered a daily driver and a sports car, leading to some great, yet affordable sports cars that don’t sacrifice practically at the expense of performance.
UPDATE: 2024/03/30
With astonishing and affordable sports cars hitting the market at a rapid rate, it’s difficult to keep up. Here is an updated list of sporty cars that you can use as daily drivers to take the kids to school, get some groceries, or just have a blast around some tight B-roads.
With daily drivers, spending tons of money on the car also isn’t something that buyers want to do, with the high-end, faster sports cars typically falling into this category. Luckily there are quite a few affordable sports cars that make great daily drivers by managing to deliver the same thrill of all-out sports cars today while providing all the comfort and other necessities daily drivers need to have. These 10 sporty cars make for great daily drivers.
This article about sporty cars that make great daily drivers was compiled using data from their respective manufacturers, along with other authoritative sources such as EVO, and CAR Magazine, to provide the latest, most accurate information. The models on this list were ranked from the slowest to the fastest.
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14 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Top Speed: 137 MPH
Since the beginning of time, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been a fan favorite among sports car fanatics. Not only does it have a rev-happy naturally aspirated engine, but it’s surprisingly practical too. Although it only has two seats, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata costs just $28,985, which might make you bat an eye to only having one passenger seat.
Specifications And Performance
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Inline-Four |
|
Horsepower |
181 HP |
|
Torque |
151 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-speed Manual, 6-speed Automatic |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Economy |
30 MPG (combined) |
|
0-60 MPH |
5.7 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
137 MPH Limited |
But it gets even better. The Miata is the most fuel-efficient gasoline-only sports car money can buy in 2024 on top of being the cheapest rear-wheel-drive, naturally aspirated sports car of 2024.
13 2024 Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86
Top Speed: 140 MPH
A car designed with both the road and track in mind, the Subaru BRZ once again follows the standard two-door coupe philosophy of a sports car. Sharing the same blood as the Toyota GR86 both sports cars may not be as powerful as other 2-door coupes, but are much more budget-friendly alternatives with an MSRP of around $30,000 for both models.
Specifications And Performance
|
Engine |
2.4-Liter Boxer-Four |
|
Horsepower |
228 HP |
|
Torque |
184 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-speed Manual, 6-speed Automatic |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Economy |
22 MPG (combined) |
|
0-60 MPH |
5.9 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
140 MPH |
Complementing its 2.4-liter flat-four engine is a light chassis and a choice of either a standard transmission or automatic transmission. Although both the Subaru and the Toyota have borderline useless rear seats, trunk space is adequate, and both are surprisingly light on gas.
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12 2024 Toyota GR Corolla
Top Speed: 143 MPH
One model from the iconic Japanese automaker that’s recently been making tremendous strides for the company is the Toyota GR Corolla. Although it sports a bland nameplate, the GR Corolla’s performance figures match its more aggressive, stripped-back, and beefy exterior design.
Specifications And Performance
|
Engine |
1.6-Liter Inline-Three Turbo |
|
Horsepower |
300 HP |
|
Torque |
273 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-speed Manual |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
|
Fuel Economy |
24 MPG (combined) |
|
0-60 MPH |
5 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
143 MPH |
With its all-wheel-drive GR-Four driveline maximizing grip, the GR Corolla should be viable in all weather conditions. Starting at $36,500 for the base model, the 2024 Corolla GR is also available in two higher-spec versions named the Premium, priced at $40,320, and the Circuit Edition at $45,140 – no more Morizo Edition.
11 2024 Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop
Top Speed: 153 MPH
Often considered one of the very first hot hatches, the Mini Cooper is more powerful, and larger than ever before. Sporting a turbo-four and front-wheel-drive layout, the latest John Cooper Works Mini pays homage to its roots by adding forced induction to a traditional formula. And don’t forget, Mini still offers the JCW with a six-speed manual transmission.
Specifications And Performance
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Inline-Four Turbo |
|
Horsepower |
228 HP |
|
Torque |
235 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-speed Manual, 8-speed Automatic |
|
Driveline |
FWD |
|
Fuel Economy |
29 MPG (combined) |
|
0-60 MPH |
5.9 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
153 MPH |
One thing is certain though, the modern-day hot hatch market is evolving with compact hatches gaining more power, but also weight. Fortunately, its increased size leads to a cabin space that’s big enough to fit four occupants and a cargo space that can fit more than a chihuahua.
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10 2024 BMW Z4
Top Speed: 155 MPH
One of the most underappreciated roadsters, the BMW Z4, unfortunately, gets overshadowed by heavy hitters like the M3. Recently, BMW facelifted the Z4, and has increased the luxury elements both inside and outside, justifying the $54,050 starting MSRP.
Specifications And Performance
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Inline-Four Turbo |
|
Horsepower |
255 HP |
|
Torque |
295 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
8-speed Automatic |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Economy |
38 MPG (combined) |
|
0-60 MPH |
5.1 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
Albeit not the Z4 M40i, even the base model Z4 sDrive 30i packs potent performance figures. The Z4 combines luxury and fuel efficiency with good power, which in turn makes for a wonderful grand tourer at a fraction of the price of the big names in the category.
9 2024 Lexus LC 500h
Top Speed: 155 MPH
While the mighty V-8-powered Lexus LC 500 exists, its more fuel-efficient hybrid-assisted V-6-powered version shouldn’t be overlooked. The 2024 Lexus LC, no matter the engine configuration, provides an opulent cabin and dashing looks only comparable with that of a much more expensive exotic car.
Specifications And Performance
|
Engine |
3.5-Liter V-6 + 2 Electric Motors |
|
Horsepower |
354 HP |
|
Torque |
369 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
CVT |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Economy |
29 MPG (combined) |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.7 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
155 MPH Limited |
Being nearly as fuel efficient as the Miata, but much faster with more than 350 horsepower on tap, and a larger cargo space, the LC 500h makes a compelling argument. The only downside to this wonderful piece of modern Japanese engineering is its $103,100 base MSRP.
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8 2024 Audi S5 Coupe
Top Speed: 155 MPH
With other tremendous European sports coupes like the BMW M4, the Audi A5 often gets overlooked, especially the S5 Coupe. That said, the S5 is one of the best value-for-money sports cars money can buy as it combines performance, reliability, and practicality to an extent very few two-door cars can compete with.
Specifications And Performance
|
Engine |
3.0-Liter V-6 Turbo |
|
Horsepower |
349 HP |
|
Torque |
369 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
8-speed Automatic |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
|
Fuel Economy |
24 MPG (combined) |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.4 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
155 MPH Limited |
With Audi’s Wuattto all-wheel-drive system, the S5 can put power down in all weather conditions, and in ideal conditions, can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in less than four and a half seconds. At $57,500, the S5 isn’t cheap per se, but more affordable than say an M440i that costs nearly $10,000 more.
7 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe
Top Speed: 155 MPH
The recently released Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe replaces the C-Class Coupe and the E-Class Coupe, and combines each model’s highlights into one stylish two-door sports car. Although the base model CLE still comes with a four-cylinder engine, the AMG-tuned 53 model gives you a six-cylinder engine with an added electric motor.
Specifications And Performance
|
Engine |
3.0-Liter Inline-Six Turbo + Hybrid-Assistance |
|
Horsepower |
443 HP |
|
Torque |
413 LB-FT, 433 LB-FT with overboost |
|
Transmission |
9-speed Automatic |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
|
Fuel Economy |
20 MPG (combined) |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.0 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
155 MPH Limited |
Not only is the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 a work of art as far as its design, but it also sports Mercedes’ latest bag of goodies, including the refreshed MBUX infotainment system, rear-wheel steering, and adaptive dampers. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 will carry a starting MSRP of about $70,000.
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6 2024 Volkswagen Golf R
Top Speed: 168 MPH
While the Golf GTI models have continued to compete at the top of the hatchback scene, Volkswagen’s Golf R takes the standout model to new heights. Visually, the Golf R is one of the more understated cars featured in this list, with the exterior design being aggressive and understated at the same time. This can also be said for the performance of the 2024 Golf R, featuring VW’s superb AWD system that allows blistering speeds for a hatchback.
Specifications And Performance
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder Turbo |
|
Horsepower |
315 HP |
|
Torque |
295 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
7-speed Automatic DSG |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
|
Fuel Economy |
23 MPG (combined) |
|
0-60 MPH |
3.9 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
168 MPH |
What sets the R model apart is the performance produced by its 2.0-liter four-cylinder TSI engine and all-new AWD driveline. With a 0-60 MPH time of just 4.7 seconds, the R even features a drift mode for the moments you can let it loose.
5 2024 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S
Top Speed: 168 MPH
Another Hatchback that sets the category on fire is the 2024 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S. The A 45 shares the same engine as the new AMG GT 43, and produces a whopping 421 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline engine.
Specifications And Performance
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder Turbo |
|
Horsepower |
421 HP |
|
Torque |
369 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
8-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
|
Fuel Economy |
30.7 MPG (combined) |
|
0-60 MPH |
3.7 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
168 MPH |
The performance-focused 2024 model should also provide you with a sense of comfort due to the adaptive dampers. In other words, suspension stiffness can switch from extremely rigid to slightly less rigid when switching through modes or adjusting the suspension setup through the MBUX system.
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4 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster
Top Speed: 170 MPH
In recent years when manufacturing sporty cars, Porsche always found a way to create some of the most desirable cars – just look at the hype surrounding the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Whether it’s a road-focused model or a raw, stripped-back track-focused car, the German outfit always manages to produce incredible machines.
Specifications And Performance
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Flat-Four Turbo |
|
Horsepower |
300 HP |
|
Torque |
280 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-speed Manual or 7-speed Automatic |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Economy |
24 MPG (combined) |
|
0-60 MPH |
5 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
170 MPH |
The 718 Boxster comes in at a cheaper price than most new entries into Porsches’ lineup at $70,400 starting MSRP. Without a shadow of a doubt, the 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster is the best value-for-money Porsche sports car on sale at the moment.
3 2024 Honda Civic Type R
Top Speed: 170 MPH
Returning to the high-performance hatchbacks, one car that has always been a favorite among buyers is the Honda Civic Type R. The 2024 model keeps Honda competing at the highest level, managing to even compete with some of the two-door coupes featured in this list. As well as for its performance, the 2024 Type R has received endless praise for its practicality as a daily driver, with plenty of room for luggage and passengers.
Specifications And Performance
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Inline-Four Turbo |
|
Horsepower |
315 HP |
|
Torque |
310 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
|
Driveline |
FWD |
|
Fuel Economy |
34 MPG (combined) |
|
0-60 MPH |
5.8 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
170 MPH |
Although the Type R’s acceleration might not be as fast as the likes of the Golf R, with the Civic’s 0-60 MPH speed being just below six seconds, the Type R competes against other front-wheel-drive hatches – not all-wheel-drive monsters. The only problem that buyers could mainly have with the 2024 model is the price, starting at $44,795.
2 2024 Audi RS3
Top Speed: 175 MPH
In recent years, Audi has taken their RS range to new heights both inside and outside the car. Whether you’re looking for a smaller compact or a large family SUV, Audi provides unmatched luxury and performance across all of their models. Regarding the smaller RS cars, the Audi RS3 still manages to compete with the larger models like the RS4 due to its tiny, lightweight chassis, but still large enough to remain practical.
Specifications And Performance
|
Engine |
2.5-Liter Five-Cylinder Turbo |
|
Horsepower |
401 HP |
|
Torque |
369 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
|
Fuel Economy |
33 MPG (combined) |
|
0-60 MPH |
3.3 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
175 MPH |
Featuring Audi’s Quattro AWD system, the 2024 RS3 can handle just about any condition you might find yourself in. Despite having impressive performance, the car’s practicality is not sacrificed in any way, with the super smooth ride being present even at the lowest of speeds.
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1 2024 BMW M2
Top Speed: 177 MPH
Similar to the Audi RS3, the BMW M2 finds a brilliant balance between performance and practicality. With an engine shared by the new G80 M3, the M2 is more powerful than its predecessor, which also made big strides for the German car brand.
Specifications And Performance
|
Engine |
3.0-Liter Inline-Six Twin-Turbo |
|
Horsepower |
453 HP |
|
Torque |
406 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-speed Manual, 8-speed Automatic |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Economy |
20 MPG (combined) |
|
0-60 MPH |
3.6 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
155 MPH Limited, 177 MPH with M Package |
Apart from being a proper performance weapon, the BMW M2 is one of the very few high-performance cars that still come with a manual transmission in 2024, adding to its desirability. Despite the M2 only being on the market for less than a year now, it’s already making strides in the auto world, and proves once again, that daily drivers don’t have to be boring commuters.
