Sports cars

Sports cars are cars that prioritize sharp handling and responsive acceleration. Some rely on large, powerful engines for blistering acceleration, while others shave excess weight for nimble handling. No single trait defines all sports cars beyond the idea that they should be exciting and engaging to drive.

The term sports cars most commonly refers to coupes that are built for performance. There are also sedans and hatchbacks that have been built with more power, more aggressive suspension and braking, and often with sporty design elements. Common types of sports cars include performance coupes and sedans, muscle cars, and hot hatches.

In recent years, the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang, both muscle cars, have outsold other sports cars in the United States. Since its introduction way back in 1989, the Mazda Miata has earned the crown of the best-selling sports car of all time. If you’re shopping for late-model used sports cars, these are likely to be the most common options

Different sports cars prioritize different kinds of fun. Some, like the Chevrolet Corvette, offer big engines and quick acceleration. Others, such as the Toyota 86, focus on lightness and agility. Depending on your preferences, either can be entertaining. With a higher budget, you can find cars that are engineered to excel at both acceleration and handling, with high performance engines and exotic materials that keep down their overall weight.

Generally speaking, sports cars aren’t well known for being able to haul a lot of cargo. Older Chevrolet Corvettes with a hatchback offer good cargo space, but if cargo is a priority you might be better served by a performance sedan or hot hatch. Cars like the Dodge Challenger or Volkswagen GTI will give you more cargo flexibility than most coupes. A shooting-brake style car, like the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, can also offer a lot of handy space.