Updated October 2026
The sports car isn't dead — it's thriving. From the affordable Miata to the mighty Corvette ZR1, these are the ten most fun cars you can buy in 2026.
from ~$70,000
490–1,064 hp · 0–60 in 2.3s (ZR1)
Mid-engine supercar performance for sports car money. The ZR1's 1,064 hp is simply absurd.
from ~$128,000
388–640 hp · 0–60 in ~3.0s
The icon. Sixty years of evolution and still the benchmark sports car.
from ~$30,000
181 hp · 2,300 lbs
The answer is always Miata. Light, simple, perfect balance — the purest fun per dollar in cars.
from ~$57,000
382 hp turbo I6 · 0–60 in 3.9s
BMW-hearted Japanese coupe with a manual option. A modern classic in the making.
from ~$33,000
315–500 hp · V8 available
The last V8 muscle coupe standing. Dark Horse brings 500 hp of track-ready fury.
from ~$44,000
400 hp twin-turbo V6 · manual available
400 hp, rear-drive, available manual. The Z delivers old-school sports car joy.
from ~$32,000
228 hp boxer · RWD
The affordable handling heroes. Low, light, and perfectly balanced.
from ~$69,000
473–523 hp · RWD/manual
The last of the small BMW M cars. Manual available, endlessly entertaining.
from ~$46,000
315 hp turbo · FWD
The best front-drive performance car ever made. Practical enough for daily life.
from ~$36,000
276 hp turbo · manual/DCT
The performance bargain. Adjustable everything and a riot to drive.
Prices are approximate starting MSRPs and vary by trim, options, and region. Rankings are CARC editorial picks — no sponsored placements.