Sporty Cars That Are Fun to Drive Without Needing Big Horsepower

When it comes to driving excitement, raw horsepower isn’t everything. Some of the most engaging cars on the road prove that fun behind the wheel comes from sharp handling, lightweight design, and driver-focused engineering, not just big numbers on a spec sheet.

These sporty cars deliver an addictive driving experience through agility, balance, and responsiveness. Whether it’s carving through back roads or tackling tight city corners, they offer a level of connection and control that many high-horsepower vehicles simply can’t match. Most are also more affordable and efficient than their more powerful counterparts.

For enthusiasts who value feel over force, these cars represent the sweet spot between performance and practicality. They remind us that driving joy isn’t measured in horsepower alone, and that less can truly be more when it comes to real-world thrills. Here’s a look at the best lightweight, low-power cars that are still a blast to drive.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed. Models are ranked based on their starting horsepower, from least to most powerful.

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10

2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata

181 Horsepower

Front 3/4 shot of the Anniversary Edition 2025 Mazda MX-5 35th

Mazda

The MX-5 perfectly embodies what this list is all about. The current iteration of the roadster is the perfect example of how a car can bring you a ridiculous amount of joy without needing to be particularly powerful. It avoids any complicated gimmicks and keeps everything as simple as possible.

Performance Specifications

Engine

2.0-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four

Transmission

6-Speed Manual or 6-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

181 HP

Torque

151 LB-FT

Driveline

RWD

0-60 MPH

5.5 Seconds

Top Speed

139 MPH

The MX-5 features a rev-happy four-cylinder engine under the hood. While it may not deliver exceptional amounts of power, it is more than enough to get the roadster off the line quickly, in no small part due to the fact that the Miata only weighs 2,454 pounds. While the auto is impressive, we’d stick with the short-throw manual instead.

9

2026 Honda Civic Si

200 Horsepower

Front 3/4 shot of a 2025 Honda Civic Si

Honda

The Honda Civic sits between the regular Civic Sedan and the Type R hatch, both in price and performance. What is so fantastic about this little sedan is that it is just as practical as it is fun to drive. If you’re on a budget and looking for a single car that can be fun as it is comfortable, it’s hard to argue against the Si.

Performance Specifications

Engine

1.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

Horsepower

200 HP

Torque

192 LB-FT

Driveline

FWD

0-60 MPH

6.6 Seconds

Top Speed

135 MPH

A six-speed manual is your only choice in the Si, which is a good sign that this car aims to please enthusiasts. It may not be the fastest in a straight line, but it is an absolute joy in bendy sections of road. It is also very beginner-friendly, with a rev-matching feature for those who haven’t quite gotten the hang of the heel-and-toe technique.

8

2025 Acura Integra

200 Horsepower

Front 3/4 action shot of a 2023 Acura Integra

Acura

If you are a fan of the Civic Si, but you want something that has a little more prestige to it, Acura has reintroduced the Integra nameplate. In the ways that matter most, this sedan is the same as its mainstream sibling, with Acura putting its spin on things. It is one of the most affordable luxury cars you can buy.

Performance Specifications

Engine

1.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four

Transmission

6-Speed Manual or CVT

Horsepower

200 HP

Torque

192 LB-FT

Driveline

FWD

0-60 MPH

7.1 Seconds

Top Speed

135 MPH

Where the Si has the edge is that it comes standard with a manual transmission and limited-slip differential. The Acura, however, comes standard with a CVT, with only the top trims getting the manual. The Integra is a little softer than the Honda, which is why it isn’t quite as quick to 60 miles per hour.

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7

2025 Mini Cooper S

201 Horsepower

Front 3/4 action shot of a 2025 Mini Cooper S

MINI

Front 3/4 action shot of a 2025 Mini Cooper S

Mini built its entire brand identity of the instantly recognizable Cooper hatchback, and for the 2025 model year they have made it look sleeker and more modern. The entire identity of the Mini Cooper is steeped in simplicity and driving fun, something that even the most modern version of the hatch continues to offer.

Performance Specifications

Engine

2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four

Transmission

7-Speed Auto-Shift Manual

Horsepower

201 HP

Torque

221 LB-FT

Driveline

FWD

0-60 MPH

5.8 Seconds

Top Speed

150 MPH

While the base version of the Mini Cooper only puts out 161 horsepower, the S pumps things up to 201, a big increase from last year’s model. Either way, it isn’t the most powerful car on the road. Despite this, it is refined and lively, and is an absolute joy to drive around back roads.

6

2025 Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86

228 Horsepower

Dynamic front 3/4 shot of a silver 2024 Subaru BRZ drifting around a corner on a racetrack.

Subaru

Subaru and Toyota teamed up to bring about a rival to the Mazda MX-5, launching their affordable sports cars back in 2012. Since then, the Japanese automakers have made a lot of improvements, with the most modern iterations being some of the most fun that you can have on four wheels.

Performance Specifications

Engine

2.4-Liter Naturally Aspirated Flat-Four

Transmission

6-Speed Manual or 6-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

228 HP

Torque

184 LB-FT

Driveline

RWD

0-60 MPH

5.5 Seconds

Top Speed

140 MPH

The powertrain under the hood of both the BRZ and the GR86 is mostly Subaru’s work. The horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine is up in power compared to the original models. Both coupes feel responsive and well-planted through corners, offering a driving dynamic that is usually reserved for much more expensive coupes.

5

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

228 Horsepower

Front 3/4 shot of a 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Volkswagen

It may not be a BMW or Audi, but the Jetta GLI is the most affordable German sports sedan that you can buy today. It is more grown up than a lot of the options on this list, going for a sleek and understated look rather than shouting its sportiness from the rafters. This is something we can appreciate in a segment where boy-racer designs dominate.

Performance Specifications

Engine

2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four

Transmission

6-Speed Manual or 7-Speed Auto-Shift Manual

Horsepower

228 HP

Torque

258 LB-FT

Driveline

FWD

0-60 MPH

6 Seconds

Top Speed

126 MPH

If the Honda Civic Si seemed appealing for its mix of practicality and performance, then the GLI will certainly also catch your eye. It features a more powerful setup that allows it to crack to 60 miles per hour a little more quickly. It also features a well-tuned chassis and a suspension setup that perfectly walks the line between agility and comfort.

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4

2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI

241 Horsepower

Front 3/4 shot of a 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Volkswagen

Hot hatchbacks are not quite as popular as they used to be, with the rise of SUVs effectively shrinking the segment. However, Volkswagen shows little sign of wavering when it comes to the Golf GTI, a cult favorite all around the world. It is quick and comfortable and the most affordable hot hatch currently on the market.

Performance Specifications

Engine

2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four

Transmission

7-Speed Auto-Shift Manual

Horsepower

241 HP

Torque

273 LB-FT

Driveline

FWD

0-60 MPH

5.5 Seconds

Top Speed

130 MPH

Under the hood of the Golf GTI is the same turbocharged engine that sits at the heart of the Jetta GLI. However, here it makes more power. Volkswagen has also, quite sadly, gotten rid of the manual transmission as an option in the GTI. Regardless, it is astill an impressively quick car with fantastic driving dynamics.

3

2025 Mazda 3 Turbo

250 Horsepower

Front 3/4 shot of a 2025 Mazda 3

Mazda

Mazda is one of our favorite mainstream brands right now, offering exceptional levels of quality and keeping the spirit of driving alive across their entire lineup. Their compact car, the Mazda 3, is proof that you don’t have to spend big to get something comfortable as well as fun.

Performance Specifications

Engine

2.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

250 HP

Torque

320 LB-FT

Driveline

AWD

0-60 MPH

5.6 Seconds

Top Speed

134 MPH

Base Mazda 3s come with front-wheel drive and a naturally aspirated engine, with some models even configurable with a six-speed manual. Going with the Turbo adds more power and all-wheel drive. It is quick off the line and capable, is very responsive to inputs, and handles tight corners better than most cars in its class.

2

2025 BMW 230i

255 Horsepower

Front 3/4 shot of a 2025 BMW 2-Series Coupe

BMW

Front 3/4 shot of a 2025 BMW 2-Series Coupe

If you’re looking for a luxury coupe, the BMW 2-Series is one of the most affordable options out there. It is also offers one of the most rewarding driving experiences in its segment. As well as featuring high-end interior fitments, this coupe delivers speed and agility, even in its least powerful form.

Performance Specifications

Engine

2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

255 HP

Torque

295 LB-FT

Driveline

RWD or AWD

0-60 MPH

5.1 Seconds

Top Speed

155 MPH

While many lust over the M2, or even the M240i, we think that the 230i is severely underrated. This lithe coupe perfectly walks the line between comfort and speed, seamlessly transitioning from cruising to raucous fun. It comes with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but we think the former is more playful.

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1

2025 Hyundai Elantra N

276 Horsepower

Front 3/4 action shot of a 2025 Hyundai Elantra N

Hyundai

Hyundai is pretty good at offering some great bang for your buck. The Elantra N is the perfect example of this, being one of the most hard-edged cars that you can buy for under $35,000. With outrageous styling, a perky turbocharged engine, and a beautiful exhaust note, it’s clear that the Elantra’s main priority is fun.

Performance Specifications

Engine

2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four

Transmission

6-Speed Manual or 8-Speed Auto-Shift Manual

Horsepower

276 HP

Torque

289 LB-FT

Driveline

FWD

0-60 MPH

5.1 Seconds

Top Speed

155 MPH

While the Elantra N is certainly more powerful than a lot of the cars on this list, we think it is a worthy inclusion. This is mainly because the pure level of enjoyment it offers is usually only found in sedans with six-cylinder (or more) engines under the hood. The N is a love letter to enthusiasts that is too often overlooked because of the badge it wears.

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