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The Best and Worst Sports and Performance Cars of 2024

1. 2024 Honda Civic Type R

1. 2024 Honda Civic Type R

The king of the hot hatches, the Type R boasts a 306-horsepower turbocharged engine and a track-tuned suspension. It delivers exhilarating acceleration, razor-sharp handling, and a phenomenal driving experience.

While the interior can feel a bit snug, only seating four passengers in total, the Type R offers exceptional value for a high-performance package. As a trade-off for passenger space, it offers a larger cargo area over other compacts.

Honda Civic Type R (2024)/Charles/CC BY 2.0 DEED/Flickr

2. 2024 Chevrolet Corvette

2. 2024 Chevrolet Corvette

An American icon for the modern age, the new Corvette throws down the gauntlet with a range of monstrous V8 options, starting with the 490-horsepower LT2. You’ll also have your choice of a hybrid trim called the E-Ray, which takes some of the pain away in terms of petrol costs.

Overall, the new Corvette offers a thrilling blend of power, agility, and surprising everyday usability. However, limited cargo space, a lack of manual transmission, and lower visibility might be drawbacks for some.

crudmucosa, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

3. 2024 Acura Integra Type S

3. 2024 Acura Integra Type S

 The reborn Integra Type S revives a beloved nameplate with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 300 horsepower. While some have found the ride to be a tad on the firm side, altogether, you’ll get some highly satisfying athletic driving dynamics.

This front-wheel-drive sport compact boasts sharp handling and a refined interior, making it a compelling choice for daily driving fun.  However, the lack of rear-wheel-drive might be a deal-breaker for some.

(Image via Acura - Editorial)

4. 2024 BMW M2

4. 2024 BMW M2

This potent coupe packs a 453-horsepower twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering exhilarating acceleration and superb handling.  Much to the liking of purists, it comes standard with a manual transmission.

However, the compact size can make the tight seating feel cramped, especially in the back. It's also worth noting that its high-performance specs come at the cost of fuel economy.

Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

5. 2024 Audi S8

5. 2024 Audi S8

A luxury sedan with supercar muscle, the S8 boasts a 563-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine, skyrocketing from 0-60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds. Additionally, it offers a luxurious interior with all the bells and whistles. 

However, the hefty price tag, its poor fuel economy, and its somewhat clunky infotainment system are certainly drawbacks to consider.

(Image via Audi - Editorial)

6. 2024 Volkswagen GTI

6. 2024 Volkswagen GTI

This iconic hot hatch offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 241 horsepower, striking a great balance between performance and everyday usability. 

It's fun to drive, practical and comes with a starting price that won't break the bank - at least compared to some of the other cars on the list. On the downside, the quality of the interior materials is certainly lacking.

(Image via Volkswagen - Editorial)

7. 2024 Hyundai Elantra N

7. 2024 Hyundai Elantra N

 A surprising challenger, the Elantra N packs a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 276 horsepower. It offers sharp handling, a playful character, and a surprising amount of practicality for a performance car.

The interior design is fairly dull, and the ride is a bit firm, two qualities that keep this affordable sports car out of the top five spots.

Hyundai Elantra N (2024)/Charles/CC BY 2.0 DEED/Flickr

8. 2024 BMW 8-Series

8. 2024 BMW 8-Series

This luxurious lineup offers a range of powerful engine options, with the top-of-the-line M850i xDrive boasting a 523-horsepower V8.

While it delivers a smooth and powerful ride, the handling might feel less engaging compared to some sportier options.  The bulky size and high price tag make it a niche offering.

(Image via BMW - Editorial)

9. 2024 Porsche 911

9. 2024 Porsche 911

A timeless icon, the 911 offers a range of turbocharged flat-six engines with varying horsepower outputs.  It delivers exceptional handling, a thrilling driving experience, and undeniable prestige. 

However, the starting price is very high, and the limited rear passenger and cargo space make it less than practical.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992, 2023)/Charles/CC By 2.0 DEED/Flickr

10. 2024 Toyota GR86

10. 2024 Toyota GR86

 The successor to the beloved Toyota 86, the GR86 retains its focus on driver engagement. Its aspirated 2.4-liter engine generates 228 horsepower.

The GR86 offers inspired driving performance with a focus on handling and balance. However, the lack of features in its rather drab interior might be a drawback that will make some reconsider.

Toyota GR86/Rutger van der Maar/CC BY 2.0 DEED/Flickr

11. 2024 Porsche Boxster

11. 2024 Porsche Boxster

The 2024 Porsche Boxster is the perfect little performance car for those without kids to worry about, allowing you to enjoy the wind in your hair as you hit the highway.

The Porsche Boxster is priced reasonably for such a high-performance luxury vehicle. However, some may find the interior materials less upscale than those of other vehicles in its class.

Porsche Boxster S/Alexandre Prevot/CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED/Flickr

12. 2024 Porsche Cayman

12. 2024 Porsche Cayman

Essentially the hardtop version of the Boxster, the Cayman is practically tied with the Boxster in terms of performance and interior quality – for the most part. However, the vehicle’s infotainment system is dated.

On the bright side, the Cayman comes at a slightly lower starting price than the Boxster.

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS/Alexandre Prevot/CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED/Flickr

13. 2024 Audi RS7

13. 2024 Audi RS7

 A high-performance Sportback, the RS7 boasts a twin-turbo V8 engine with a whopping 591 horsepower. It offers blistering acceleration, a luxurious interior, and a spacious cargo area. 

The hefty price tag, large size, and potentially cumbersome handling might not be for everyone.

Audi RS7/peterolthof/CC BY-ND 2.0 DEED/Flickr

14. 2024 BMW Z4

14. 2024 BMW Z4

 This stylish roadster offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 382 horsepower and a playful driving experience. The retractable hardtop and luxurious interior make it a compelling option for open-air thrills. 

It even has a pretty impressive fuel economy for its class. Unfortunately, the limited cargo space and potentially cramped cabin may be a dealbreaker for taller drivers.

(Image via BMW)

15. 2024 Subaru BRZ

15. 2024 Subaru BRZ

The mechanically identical twin to the GR86, the BRZ offers the same focus on driver engagement with its 2.4-liter engine. It's a great choice for those who prioritize handling and a pure driving experience at a more affordable price point.

What drivers won’t like compared to the Toyota GR86 is the cramped seating.

Subaru BRZ/Abdulla Al Muhairi/Public domain/Flickr

16. 2024 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

16. 2024 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

This American muscle car boasts a supercharged twin-turbo V8 engine that generates up to 668 horsepower!  It delivers earth-shattering acceleration, razor-sharp handling, and a luxurious interior.

The standard transmission is manual, but a 10-speed automatic is available. However, the starting price can’t justify the use of low-end materials that plague the Blackwing.

(Image via Cadillac - Editorial)

17. 2024 Toyota GR Corolla

17. 2024 Toyota GR Corolla

 This rally-inspired hot hatch packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-three engine with an estimated 300 horsepower. It promises blistering acceleration, exceptional handling, and all-wheel drive for year-round fun. 

Nevertheless, the vehicle suffers from a small cargo area, an unsatisfying interior, and a cramped second row.

Toyota GR Corolla/Justin Chan/CC BY-ND 2.0 DEED/Flickr

18. 2024 Chevrolet Camaro

18. 2024 Chevrolet Camaro

 A classic American muscle car, the Camaro offers a range of engine options, including a 650-horsepower supercharged V8. It delivers thrilling acceleration, a bold design, and a surprisingly spacious cabin for a coupe. 

Sadly, handling might not be as sharp as some rivals, the interior is rather poor, and rearward visibility is limited.

(Image via Chevrolet - Editorial)

19. 2024 Ford Mustang

19. 2024 Ford Mustang

 Another iconic muscle car, the Mustang offers a few different engine options, with the top-of-the-line Dark Horse boasting a 500-horsepower V8. Many drivers will be disappointed to lean there’s no Shelby option this year, limiting the Mustang’s capabilities.

Further, interior materials might feel less premium compared to some rivals, and the rear seats are cramped, making the Mustang just as impractical as it is underpowered from what we’ve come to expect.

UltraTech66, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

20. 2024 Toyota Supra

20. 2024 Toyota Supra

Celebrating its 45th anniversary, the Supra offers a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 382 horsepower and a focus on performance. It delivers sharp handling, a thrilling driving experience, and a stylish design.

The interior shares components with the BMW Z4, but the seats are cramped, and visibility is weak.

Toyota GR Supra (2024)/Charles/CC BY 2.0 DEED/Flickr

21. 2024 Volkswagen Golf R

21. 2024 Volkswagen Golf R

The all-wheel-drive Golf R packs a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 315 horsepower. It offers blistering acceleration, exceptional handling, a comfortable and practical interior, and impressive cargo space for a hatchback. 

The starting price is higher than many rivals, which is not justified by its cheap interior and finnicky infotainment system.

Volkswagen Golf 8 R/Alexandre Prevot/CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED/Flickr

22. 2024 Lexus LC

22. 2024 Lexus LC

 This luxurious but overpriced Lexus LC boasts a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 471 horsepower - or a hybrid powertrain with 354 horsepower. It prioritizes a smooth and powerful ride with a focus on luxury and comfort.

However, the handling is not as sharp as some sportier options, and the interior is on the small side. And unless you opt for the hybrid powertrain, the fuel economy makes it impractical in just about every way.

Lexus LC 500 Cabriolet (2024)/Charles/CC By 2.0 DEED/Flickr

23. 2024 Nissan Z

23. 2024 Nissan Z

The reborn Nissan Z boasts a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 400 horsepower. It delivers a thrilling driving experience with a powerful engine and a retro-inspired design.

The interior feels less luxurious compared to some rivals, and the infotainment system is outdated and simplified to a fault.

(Image via Nissan - Editorial)

24. 2024 Lexus IS 500

24. 2024 Lexus IS 500

This sporty sedan offers a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 427 horsepower but offers poor fuel economy. It gets 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, which is terrible for a small sedan.

Performance is lacking, and the interior is low-quality and exceedingly cramped. To make matters worse, many have found the infotainment system to be quite clunky.

Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance (2024)/Charles/CC By 2.0 DEED/Flickr

25. 2024 Subaru WRX

25. 2024 Subaru WRX

 This rally-inspired sedan boasts a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 271 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive. It offers a fun and engaging driving experience, focusing on handling and capability in all weather conditions.

The interior materials might feel less premium, and road noise can be intrusive at highway speeds, bordering on obnoxious noise levels.

Subaru WRX (2024)/Charles/CC BY 2.0 DEED/Flickr

26. 2024 Jaguar F-Type

26. 2024 Jaguar F-Type

This stylish and powerful F-Type offers a range of engine options, with the top-of-the-line SVR boasting a 575-horsepower supercharged V8. It delivers a thrilling driving experience but doesn’t deliver on interior quality.

The starting price is very high for a vehicle with a dated design, including an outdated infotainment system. On top of that, it features a small trunk that adds an extra factor of impracticability. This is the final model year of the F-Type.   

Jaguar F-Type Coupé/Alexandre Prevot/CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED/Flickr

27. 2024 Lexus RC F

27. 2024 Lexus RC F

The Lexus RC F is not nearly as sporty as you’d expect at its price point, nor is the cabin quality as high-end as you’d want.

In addition to a dated infotainment system, it removes a feature this year – Amazon Alexa capability. Combined with a small interior and limited trunk space, this vehicle is not worth the money.

Lexus RC F Track Edition (2024)/Charles/CC By 2.0 DEED/Flickr