These Sports Cars Double As Great Daily Drivers
Every car freak loves sports cars. They are fast, beautiful, loud, and cool in every imaginable way. While sports cars look and sound amazing on the race track or in pictures, the majority of them can turn out to be tiring to drive in real-life conditions.
Sports cars are often made with exceptional performance in mind, rather than everyday comfort and practicality. However, there are some great high-performance cars that can do both. Keep reading to see cars that you can take on a school run, as well as a track day.
Porsche 911
Porsche's flagship model is perhaps the most iconic German sports car in the world. When the 911 was first unveiled in 1963, it was quickly dubbed the ideal daily driver. The car had an impressive performance at the time, thanks to its legendary air-cooled boxer engine mounted in the rear of the vehicle. The 911 was fast while maintaining a high level of comfort for longer trips.
60 years later, the Porsche 911 lives on. The latest eighth generation, the 992, pays tribute to Porsche's heritage. It may not be powered by an air-cooled motor anymore, though it's versatile enough to lap around the race track and go on a grocery run afterward.
McLaren GT
McLaren completely revolutionized the grand tourer with the release of the McLaren GT. The supercar is praised for its exceptional performance paired with plenty of luggage space and various comfort features. It's less spartan than other models in McLaren's lineup. The GT is fitted with eccentric dihedral doors, of course.
The McLaren GT is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 that produces up to 612 horsepower. The engine is mounted in the middle of the vehicle, allowing for spacious luggage compartments in both the front and rear of the car. So far, the GT is only offered as a coupe. The supercar starts at $215 500.
Ferrari Roma
The Roma is a brand new supercar launched by Ferrari in 2019. The coupe is a celebration of the carefree lifestyle of the 1950s and 1960s in Rome, hence the name of the model. The all-new Roma is considered to be the best Ferraris for daily driving, here's why.
Despite a relatively low (for a Ferrari, at least) starting price of $222 630, the Roma comes with plenty of power. Its 3.9L twin-turbo V8 engine produces a whopping 611 horsepower. The car is able to pass 60 miles per hour in just 2.3 seconds! It could very well be the ultimate everyday Ferrari.
Chevrolet Camaro
Chevrolet's lovable Camaro muscle car has evolved drastically over the years. It is no longer a spartan, overpowered machine that can't corner very well. Instead, the latest Camaro is comfortable for everyday use while still being powered by a roaring naturally-aspirated V8. Cornering isn't a challenge anymore either.
The 2020 Camaro SS comes with a front-mounted 6.2L V8 that peaks at 455 horsepower. The 2-door muscle car can fit up to four passengers, though the legroom in the rear is less than ideal. What's the biggest downside of driving a Camaro every day, you ask? The limited visibility.
BMW M2
The BMW M2 may only be the entry-level M car, though it is one of the most fun to drive sports cars within its price range. The car's powerful engine developed by BMW M paired with a rear-wheel-drive drivetrain makes the M2 an absolute joy to drive. Yet, the car still comes with all the high-tech comfort features of a modern BMW.
The BMW M2 was replaced by the M2 Competition. The Competition features a more powerful 410-horsepower engine, the same one that's found in the M3 and M4 models. Potential buyers can opt for the top-of-the-line M2 CS, its souped-up engine makes 450 horsepower!
Maserati GranTurismo
The GranTurismo was produced by Maserati between 2007 and 2019. The elegant 2-door grand tourer was available in both coupe and convertible body styles. The car is more sporty than its 4-door sibling, the Quattroporte, though it can still comfortably accommodate up to 4 people in its roomy cabin.
The base GranTurismo is powered by a 400-horsepower 4.2L V8 engine developed by Maserati and Ferrari. The more powerful variants, such as the GranTurismo S, feature a 4.7L V8 that makes between 434hp and 454hp depending on the variant. The most hardcore variant of the GranTurismo, the GranTurismo MC Stradale, can accelerate to 60 miles per hour in just 4.5 seconds.
BMW Z4
Though the Z4 has been around since 2002, the latest generation (G29) was unveiled just two years ago. The sleek roadster is equipped with a retractable soft-top that takes 10 seconds to open or close. No hardtop variant is available.
Potential buyers can choose from a 2.0L inline-four that makes up to 255 horsepower, or a more powerful 3.0L inline-six fitted in the Z4 M40i variant. The M40i made for the American market peaks at 382 horsepower, while the European version only makes 335hp. You won't have to worry about driving your friends anywhere, as the new Z4 only comes with 2 seats.
Toyota Supra Mk5
Toyota revived the legendary Supra sports car after a break that's lasted nearly two decades. The previous generation, MK4, was dubbed one of the best Japanese sports cars to date. Toyota unveiled the successor to the Mk4 Supra, the MK5, in 2019.
Toyota paired up with BMW to create the new Supra, the car is largely based on the BMW Z4. It shares the same engines, the platform, and many more components throughout the car. Although this collaboration disappointed some die-hard Supra fans, it's essentially the best of both worlds! You get all of the comfort and power of a BMW combined with excellent styling by Toyota.
Toyota GT86/ Subaru BRZ/Scion FRS
The Toyota GT86 is the ideal entry-level sports car that you can own for a very reasonable price. This sporty 2-door coupe is equipped with a rear-wheel-drive drivetrain that makes it very tail happy after minor modifications. The car is powered by a 2.0L flat-four that peaks at 205 horsepower.
You could become the owner of one for as low as $17 000. The Toyota GT86 is the exact same car as the Subaru BRZ and the Scion FRS, it just has different badges.
Porsche 718 Cayman
Porsche unveiled the 982-generation of the Cayman and Boxster back in 2016. It was the first-ever Cayman to be powered by a turbocharged inline-four, rather than the naturally-aspirated inline-six found in its predecessor. Despite losing two cylinders, the 718 Cayman was capable of sprinting to 60mph in just 3.9 seconds.
The 718 Cayman, much like the Porsche 911, is practical enough to be used for casual everyday driving. It may not be as practical as some of the other cars in this lineup, as it only has two seats. Those planning to spend more time at the race track should consider going for the souped-up GT4 (pictured above).
Ferrari 812 Superfast
The Ferrari 812 Superfast is not as comfortable as the recently-unveiled Roma, though it is still a powerful grand tourer that could be used daily. You can store up to 11.3 cubic feet of cargo space in its boot, which is one of the largest in its class.
The 812 Superfast features a 789-horsepower 6.5L V12 engine under the hood, enabling the car to reach 60mph in just 2.7 seconds! The supercar also has a top speed of 211 miles per hour. Prices start at $336,000 in the US.
Jaguar F-Type
The F-Type is a stylish 2-door sports car that has been on the market since 2013. The F-Type is built as a convertible and a hardtop coupe. The car is equipped with a high-end infotainment system, comfortable seats, and can accommodate two people including the driver. There is extra luggage space behind the seats, too.
The Jaguar F-Type comes with lots of different engine variants, ranging from an economical 2.0L flat-four to a 5.0L supercharged V8. The most powerful variant, the F-Type SVR, peaks at 567 horsepower. The base F-Type is a lot more fuel-efficient, though its 2.0L only makes around 300 horsepower.
Mercedes-AMG GT
Practicality is certainly not the first thought associated with the Mercedes-AMG GT. Afterall, the AMG GTR Pro (pictured above) is pretty much a hardcore 577-horsepower street-legal race car made to beat world records. In the long run, it would certainly not make a comfortable daily driver.
The base model AMG GT, however, is a whole different story. The car still has plenty of power (469hp), though its suspension is tweaked to provide a much smoother ride. Add in the luxury features found in any new Mercedes-Benz, and you are left with a high-performance sports car that doubles as a daily driver.
Ford Mustang
The new Ford Mustang has nearly everything you could expect from a fun daily driver. The ride is smooth and comfy, yet the car is powerful enough to take to a track day on the weekend.
Similarly to the Chevrolet Camaro, the Ford Mustang comes with three different engine options. The powerful 5.0L V8 is fitted in the GT variant, while a fuel-efficient 2.3L 310-horsepower Ecoboost can be found in the more affordable base model. The Shelby GT500 is the most powerful variant of the new Mustang, it's powered by a 760-horsepower 5.2L V8.
Acura NSX
The second-generation Acura NSX, or Honda NSX outside of the US, has been in production since 2016. The high-tech hybrid supercar made by the Japanese manufacturer comes powered by a 3.5L V6 together with three electric motors, providing a total power output of around 600 horsepower. Inside, the highly customizable interior is sporty and comfortable enough for daily driving.
The Acura NSX starts at just above $150,000, which is a great deal compared to exotic supercars available on the market. However, additional options can quickly bring up the price tag to above $200,000.
Aston Martin DB11
The release of the DB11 was a crucial milestone for Aston Martin. It was the manufacturer's first vehicle produced after partnering up with Mercedes-AMG. The DB11 was also the first step in Aston Martin's second-century plan and a successor to the DB9.
Aston Martin's elegant grand tourer is fitted with a twin-turbocharged 5.2L V8 that makes 608 horsepower. Inside, the DB11 offers a spacious cabin that can accommodate 4 people in total, plenty of comfort features including a top-notch audio system, and a lavish interior finish.
Nissan GTR
The Nissan GTR provides a supercar experience for a fraction of the cost. The base price is $113,540, which is significantly less than any supercar with similar performance. The GTR can sprint to 60 miles per hour in just 3 seconds. Nissan even offers a more hardcore variant of the GTR, the 600-horsepower GTR Nismo.
Nissan has fitted the Nissan GTR R35 with a comfort driving mode, ideal for daily driving as it dampens out the stiff suspension. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate children, though there may not be enough room for adults. Rear-seat passengers will likely get tired within an hour of riding.
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
Aston Martin has been using the DBS moniker for decades as a way to mark the top-range models in the manufacturer's lineup. Every DBS was simply considered the ultimate sports car made by Aston Martin.
The new Aston Martin DBS Superleggera has been in production since 2018. The sleek grand tourer features plenty of cargo space, a comfortable ride, and a lavish interior. Don't let the classy exterior fool you, as the DBS Superleggera is powered by a monstrous 715-horsepower 5.2L V12. It can reach 60 miles per hour in under 3.4 seconds! What's more, potential customers can opt for the drop-top Volante variant that starts at $304 000.
Aston Martin Vantage
The Vantage is the entry-level sports car in Aston Martin's lineup. The current generation was first introduced in 2017, and the first units were completed just a year later. The Vantage is powered by a 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 derived from Mercedes-AMG, it peaks at 503 horsepower.
The new Vantage is available in either coupe or convertible body styles. The spacious cabin can comfortably seat two tall adults. Interestingly, the Vantage has as much cargo space as the average hatchback. You can fit up to 12.3 cubic feet of cargo in the boot. The 2020 Vantage costs a little over $150 000.
Chevrolet Corvette
The Corvette keeps getting more civilized and suitable for daily driving with every new generation released. The C8 (pictured above) is the eighth generation of the iconic American sports car. Its naturally-aspirated V8 engine is rated at 490 horsepower. Performance aside, the new Corvette is more practical than ever!
The C8 Corvette has a 12.6-cubic-foot storage compartment in the rear, directly behind the engine. The spacious storage compartment is not available in the convertible variant. This sports car is a 2-seater, so it's not ideal if you have kids.
Audi R8
The Audi R8 is a proper, full-on exotic supercar. Not only does it share the platform with a Lamborghini Huracan, but its roaring 5.2L V10 can also send the new R8 to 60 miles per hour in under 3 seconds. The Audi R8 is the best proof that exotic cars can be driven on an everyday basis.
The R8 may only fit up to one passenger in the cabin, though the two seats are comfortable enough for a cross-country road trip. Unlike other supercars, the R8 does not get tiring to drive after a couple of hours.
Mazda MX5
Love it or hate it, the Mazda MX5 is one of the best-selling budget-friendly roadsters of all time. For its current generation, ND, Mazda has dramatically improved the car's livability and comfort features, making it surprisingly convenient as a daily driver. Its 129-horsepower 1.5L motor certainly does not make the MX5 the quickest car you can buy, though it is immensely fun to drive.
Sure, the cabin is rather tight and can only accommodate up to 2 people including the driver. However, the insurance cost is low thanks to its small engine, and the car is an absolute joy to drive because of its agility and sporty suspension. Buyers can opt for the RF variant which features a slightly quieter cabin.
Ferrari FF
At the time of its debut in 2011, the Ferrari FF was the fastest four-seater on the planet. The sleek shooting brake replaced the 612 Scaglietti. The grand tourer's name, FF, refers to the two fours found in the car: four seats and a four-wheel-drive drivetrain. The FF is Ferrari's first production AWD automobile ever.
Inside, the FF is nothing short of a proper Ferrari. The upscale interior can comfortably accommodate up to 4 people, adults should have no trouble fitting in the rear seats. The FF is fitted with luxurious features such as a high-end audio system and an advanced infotainment system.
Ferrari GTC4 Lusso
Ferrari unveiled the GTC4 Lusso, a successor to the FF, back in 2016. Much like the FF, the GTC4 Lusso is a 4-seater, 2-door grand tourer that's convenient enough to use on a daily basis.
A year after the premiere of the V12-powered GTC4 Lusso, a V8-powered rear-wheel-drive GTC4 Lusso T made its debut. Despite a downgrade from a V12 powerplant, the toned-down T variant of the Lusso is just a tenth of a second slower in a 60mph sprint. Ferrari announced the end of production for the GTC4 Lusso earlier this year, and its successor is rumored to be unveiled soon.
Aston Martin Vanquish
The Vanquish is Aston Martin's elegant 2-door Super GT produced between 2012 and 2018. Under the hood, the grand tourer is fitted with a 5.9L V12 that makes 565 horsepower. In effect, it can reach 60 miles per hour in a little above 4 seconds and has a top speed of 201 miles per hour.
The driving comfort makes the Vanquish a sports car that can double as a convenient daily. The 2+2 seat configuration may not be ideal for passengers in the rear seats, though it is tolerable for short trips. If you want a more powerful variant, opt for the 600-horsepower Vanquish S.
Honda Civic Type R
If you're after a sports car that can conveniently be driven every day, consider the Honda Civic Type R. The latest-gen Type R is based on the standard 10th-generation Honda Civic. Its 2.0L flat-four peaks at 306 horsepower, the Type R is known for its agile handling thanks to its front-wheel-drive drivetrain.
The Civic Type R could very well be the most practical car in this lineup. Its 4-door cabin can accommodate up to 5 people including the driver. You can store pretty much anything in the Civic's spacious 14.8 cubic-foot boot.
Hyundai i30 N
When thinking of exciting sports cars, a Hyundai most definitely isn't your first thought. However, the Korean automaker's sporty take on the i30 is definitely worth your attention. The i30 N weighs just 3150lbs, while its 2.0L flat-four powerplant is capable of making up to 271 horsepower. The front-wheel-drive hatchback is fitted with a limited-slip differential and only comes with a manual transmission.
The i30 N leans towards practicality more than high-performance. The hatchback's 4-door cabin, much like the Civic Type R, can accommodate up to 4 passengers and a driver.
Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger needs no introduction, it is considered a true icon of American cars. There is no doubt about the Challenger's outstanding performance, but can a rear-wheel-drive as powerful as the Dodge Challenger be practical enough for everyday use?
There are six different trim levels to choose from, ranging from a 3.6L V6 SXT all the way to a ridiculous 797-horsepower SRT Hellcat Redeye. While the latter is arguably too hardcore for a daily, the base models (either V6 or V8 variants) can be used every day. You can fit up to five people inside, including the driver. What's more, the Challenger comes equipped with plenty of features that make it comfortable for daily driving.
Kia Stinger GT
The Kia Stinger is another Korean-made sports car that has made this list. The Stinger made its debut back in 2017 and has been in production since 2018. Its more powerful variant, powered by a 365-horsepower 3.3L, can send the Stinger GT to 60 miles per hour in just 4.9 seconds. The car has a top speed of 168 miles per hour.
The Stinger GT features a spacious 4-door cabin that can fit up to 5 people in total. A smooth yet responsive ride make the Stinger a great choice for long drives.
Subaru WRX STI
The Subaru WRX STI pays homage to Subaru's successful rallying history. The latest WRX STI is extremely capable both on paved roads as well as off the beaten path, thanks to Subaru's legendary AWD-drivetrain fitted as a standard option. The sedan's iconic boxer engine produces 310-horsepower, which is plentiful for everyday driving.
Just like the Kia Stinger GT or the Honda Civic Type R, The WRX STI is a 4-door sedan that can fit up to 5 occupants including the driver. Its AWD drivetrain makes it the perfect choice for unpredictable weather conditions. The 2020 Subaru WRX STI starts at just below $28 000.
BMW M8
The all-new M8 is the high-performance, top-level trim of the 8-series. The car was revealed in 2019, originally only available as a 2-door convertible. The German automaker quickly added a 2-door coupe, as well as a 4-door Gran Coupe variants to the lineup.
The BMW M8 is powered by a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine that makes 591 horsepower. The car's AWD-drivetrain makes it suitable for use all year round. Buyers looking for more space in the rear should opt for the 4-door Gran Coupe, while those looking for the best performance should consider the 617-horsepower M8 competition.
Lexus LC500
The LC500 is a futuristic grand tourer produced by Toyota since 2018. The grand tourer is powered by a 5.0L V8 or a 3.5L V6 in its hybrid trim. The LC500 stunning road presence and exceptional performance to back up the eccentric exterior styling, but can it be a good daily driver?
The suspension provides a smooth ride while retaining excellent agility and being highly responsive. Both body styles can accommodate up to four pax, driver included. For a daily driver, the 3.5L hybrid V6 fitted in the LC 500h may be a more sensible option.
Mercedes-Benz SL
The latest, sixth generation of the luxurious Mercedes-Benz SL was unveiled back in 2012. At the time of its release, the SL was one of the most technologically advanced cars offered by Mercedes-Benz.
There is a total of 7 different engine options to choose from, ranging from an economic 302-horsepower V6 all the way to a 621-horsepower V12 found in the decked-out SL65 AMG. The SL can fit up to 4 passengers, plus a driver. Of course, all of the luxurious comfort features found in any modern Mercedes-Benz are fitted in the SL.
Honda S2000
The Honda S2000 is a roadster produced between 1999 and 2009. A small, lightweight 2-seater is the perfect recipe for a fun car, and the S2000 proves it in a beautiful manner.
However, an S2000 is anything but a sensible daily driver. It could be used on a daily basis, but it won't be anywhere near as comfy as a Toyota Camry. The trunk is small, there isn't much space in the cabin, and you can only take one person with you. On the other hand, you'll get one of the best driving cars at this price point. The choice should be simple for any car enthusiast.
Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe
The Mercedes-Benz S Class is the ultimate symbol of status. It's luxurious, comfortable, and expensive. Then, there's the S Class AMG which adds in a twin-turbocharged V8 engine. The S63 AMG is available as a 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, and a 2-door convertible (pictured above). The S63 Coupe is fitted with a handcrafted twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 that makes 603 horsepower. In the US, the S63 is only offered with the 4matic AWD drivetrain.
Inside, the coupe variant of the S63 still carries on all the luxurious amenities from its 4-door sibling. The high-tech MBUX infotainment system, tons of driving assists, and a smooth and quiet ride make it perfect for a daily. Until you hit the gas, that is.
Bentley Continental GT
The latest, third-gen Bentley Continental GT has been in production since 2018. Bentley's new grand tourer comes with two different engine options, buyers can pick the 6.0L 626hp W12 or a less powerful 4.0L 542hp V8. The W12 variant can sprint to 60 miles per hour in just 3.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 207mph.
The Continental's 2+2 seat configuration can comfortably seat up to three passengers. As one can expect, the lavish interior is packed with high-end comfort features, a state-of-the-art audio system, and the finest details. The new Continental GT is available as a coupe and a convertible.
Lotus Evora GT
The Lotus Elise has a reputation for being a great handling car, though it is an absolutely horrific daily driver. There is barely any space for cargo, and the ride is extremely stiff. However, the same can't be said about the Lotus Evora GT, a model exclusive to the US market.
The Evora GT comes with a supercharged 3.5L V6 that produces 415 horsepower (15hp more than the standard Evora). It's a lot more civilized than the Elise, which is a spartan sports car that's barely suitable for any road use. The Evora GT starts at just below $100,000. Rear seats are available as an additional option.
BMW I8
The I8 is perhaps the most futuristic production car made by BMW to date. Its hybrid engine consists of a 1.5L three-cylinder paired with an 11.6kWh battery pack and two electric motors. In total, the I8 makes 369 horsepower. Its extravagant styling makes the BMW i8 an instant head-turner anywhere.
The 4-seater can drive for around 20 miles purely on its electric motor, making it a fuel-efficient vehicle for short grocery trips. Don't travel with passengers too often? Pick the i8 roadster, its retractable roof mechanism couldn't fit with the rear seats, so the drop-top variant is a 2-seater.
Audi RS5
The current-generation Audi RS5 is a sporty, high-performance version of the 4-door Audi A5 sedan. Under the hood, the RS5 is fitted with a twin-turbocharged 2.9L V6 that makes 444 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The Audi RS5 can accelerate to 60mph in just 3.9 seconds.
Don't let its sub-500 horsepower motor fool you, the RS5 sedan is more practical than it seems. The 4-door can comfortably seat up to 5 people including the driver. It comes with all the luxurious amenities of a modern Audi, including adaptive cruise control, that makes it the RS5 perfect for the everyday commute.
Porsche Taycan
The Taycan is Porsche's first-ever fully-electric production car, and the only electric car that has made this list. The 4-door sedan was unveiled last year, its electric motors produce a whopping 751 horsepower in the most powerful variant.
There are different trim levels to choose from when picking a Taycan. The base model makes 400-horsepower, while the souped-up Turbo S (mind you, it doesn't actually have any turbochargers) peaks at 751 and can sprint to 60mph in just 2.6 seconds. The Taycan is just as comfortable as a Panamera, plus it has more cargo space in the front, Afterall, there is no engine under the hood!
