10 Sports Cars That No One Likes
In the realm of automotive enthusiasts, sports cars evoke visions of adrenaline-fueled excitement and heart-pounding performance. Yet, not all sports cars bask in the limelight of admiration and adoration. Some find themselves relegated to the shadows, overlooked and underappreciated by drivers and enthusiasts alike.
These are the unsung heroes of the automotive world – the sports cars that no one likes. Join us as we venture into the realm of forgotten thrills, uncovering 13 sports cars that failed to capture the hearts and minds of enthusiasts, despite their best efforts to ignite excitement on the road.
Alfa Romeo 4C
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 1.7-liter turbocharged inline-4
- Horsepower: 237 hp
- 0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
Price: Starting at $67,150
The Alfa Romeo 4C boasts Italian flair and lightweight construction for an exhilarating driving experience. With its turbocharged engine producing 237 horsepower, the 4C accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. Despite its impressive performance, the 4C has struggled to find widespread appeal due to its stiff ride, cramped interior, and limited practicality. While some enthusiasts admire its raw driving dynamics, others find it lacking in refinement compared to its competitors in the sports car segment.
Nissan GT-R
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6
- Horsepower: 565 hp
- 0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds
Price: Starting at $113,540
The Nissan GT-R, affectionately known as the “Godzilla,” has long been hailed as a supercar killer with its blistering acceleration and advanced all-wheel-drive system. Equipped with a twin-turbo V6 engine producing 565 horsepower, the GT-R rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.9 seconds. However, despite its impressive performance figures, the GT-R has faced criticism for its aging design, dated interior, and lack of refinement compared to newer competitors in the supercar segment.
Toyota 86
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 2.0-liter flat-4
- Horsepower: 205 hp
- 0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds
Price: Starting at $27,150
The Toyota 86, formerly known as the Scion FR-S, offers a pure and engaging driving experience with its lightweight chassis and balanced handling. Powered by a 2.0-liter flat-4 engine producing 205 horsepower, the 86 delivers respectable performance, though some enthusiasts desire more power. With its rear-wheel-drive layout and responsive steering, the 86 excels on twisty roads and racetracks, but its modest acceleration may leave some craving more excitement, especially when compared to more potent competitors in the sports car segment.
Nissan 370Z
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 3.7-liter V6
- Horsepower: 332 hp
- 0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
Price: Starting at $30,090
The Nissan 370Z has been a staple in the sports car market for over a decade, offering classic rear-wheel-drive dynamics and a potent V6 engine. With 332 horsepower from its 3.7-liter V6 engine, the 370Z delivers spirited performance and a thrilling exhaust note. However, its outdated interior, lack of modern tech features, and aging design have led some enthusiasts to overlook it in favor of newer and more refined competitors in the sports car segment.
Subaru BRZ
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 2.4-liter flat-4
- Horsepower: 228 hp
- 0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
Price: Starting at $28,845
The Subaru BRZ, developed in collaboration with Toyota, emphasizes handling and agility over outright speed. Powered by a 2.4-liter flat-4 engine producing 228 horsepower, the BRZ offers engaging driving dynamics with its low center of gravity and rear-wheel-drive layout. While its precise steering and balanced chassis make it a joy to drive on twisty roads, its modest acceleration and lack of low-end torque may leave some drivers wanting more power, especially compared to other sports cars in its price range.
Fiat 124 Spider
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4
- Horsepower: 160 hp
- 0-60 mph: 6.8 seconds
Price: Starting at $28,145
The Fiat 124 Spider revives the classic Italian roadster design with modern engineering and Japanese reliability, thanks to its collaboration with Mazda. Powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 160 horsepower, the 124 Spider offers a spirited driving experience with its lightweight chassis and responsive handling. However, its modest power output and less engaging driving dynamics compared to its rivals may limit its appeal among enthusiasts seeking more thrilling performance.
Honda CR-Z
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 1.5-liter hybrid inline-4
- Horsepower: 130 hp (combined)
- 0-60 mph: 9.0 seconds
Price: Starting at $22,495
The Honda CR-Z aimed to combine hybrid efficiency with sporty driving dynamics, but its execution left some enthusiasts disappointed. Powered by a 1.5-liter hybrid inline-4 engine producing a combined 130 horsepower, the CR-Z offers modest performance and excellent fuel economy. However, its lackluster acceleration and compromised interior space hinder its appeal among sports car enthusiasts seeking more excitement and practicality.
Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
- Horsepower: 201 hp
- 0-60 mph: 6.8 seconds
Price: Starting at $26,550
The Hyundai Veloster Turbo stands out with its quirky three-door design and punchy turbocharged engine. Powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 201 horsepower, the Veloster Turbo offers respectable performance and engaging handling. However, its unconventional design and lack of refinement compared to its competitors may limit its appeal among sports car enthusiasts seeking a more traditional driving experience.
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 2.0-liter inline-4
- Horsepower: 181 hp
- 0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds
Price: Starting at $33,045
The Mazda MX-5 Miata RF (Retractable Fastback) adds a touch of sophistication to the iconic roadster with its folding hardtop roof. Powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine producing 181 horsepower, the Miata RF offers spirited performance and precise handling. However, some enthusiasts criticize its modest power output compared to other sports cars in its price range, while others appreciate its lightweight design and nimble dynamics.
BMW i8
Performance Stats:
- Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-3 + electric motor
- Total Horsepower: 369 hp
- 0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds
Price: Starting at $147,500
The BMW i8 combines futuristic styling with hybrid powertrain technology for a unique driving experience. Powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-3 engine paired with an electric motor, the i8 boasts a total output of 369 horsepower and all-wheel-drive capability. Despite its impressive performance figures and eye-catching design, the i8 has faced criticism for its high price tag, limited practicality, and compromised driving dynamics compared to other sports cars in its class.
Madison Cates
Madison Cates is a journalist located in the great state of Texas. She began writing over eight years ago. Her first major research piece was published by the Journal of Business and Economics in 2018. After growing up in a household of eight brothers and a dad who was always restoring old Camaros, she naturally pivoted her freelance career into the automotive industry. There, she found her passion. Her experience paved the way for her to work with multiple large corporations in automotive news and trending topics. Now, she now finds her home at Wealth of Geeks where she proudly serves as Managing Editor of Autos. Madison is always down to geek out over the latest beautiful cars on the market, and she enjoys providing her readers with tips to make car ownership easier and more enjoyable.
