Before most can get their driver’s license, the dreams of owning a sports car begin. The idea of driving a fun, fast, and cool-looking vehicle is one that has been in the minds of many ever since this specific genre of the automobile was created. Because of the popularity of the sports car, automakers have created many different types over the years to meet the demands of their customers. This popularity has led to a large number of sports cars that are in the marketplace, each with its own unique features and styling. Below are our top 50 best sports cars of all time, but we should mention that they’re in alphabetical order, especially because ranking all 50 of these cars, which are each incredible in their own right, would be a daunting task. If you’re looking for a sports cars for sale that you can add to your garage, duPont REGISTRY has you covered.
Acura NSX (First Gen)
- World’s First Production Aluminum Body
- Mid Engine 3.0 and later 3.2 VTEC V6 with suspension tuned by Ayrton Senna
- Built by Honda in a dedicated Japanese plant between 1989 and 2005
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
- Formula1 inspired aerodynamics offer 397 lbs of downforce, the most for any street-legal Aston Martin
- Twin turbo 5.2L V12 offers 715 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque
- Carbon fiber body panels and titanium allow it to weigh in at only 3,732 lbs
- 0-100 mph in 6.4 seconds. When locked in 4th gear, 50-100 mph takes only 4.2 seconds. Top Speed: 211 mph
Audi R8 V10 Plus
- Brilliant collaboration with Lamborghini that also yielded the Huracan Evo
- 5.2L V10 offers 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft to all wheels via dual-clutch transmission and quattro AWD
- 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds, Top Speed: 205 mph
BMW M2 Competition
- One of BMW’s last manual transmission cars
- 3.0L Straight Six has separate turbos for cylinders 1,2,3, and 4,5,6 to offer 405 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.
- Same power with better fuel economy compared to M3 and M4.
BMW M3 E46
- An iconic design from Chris Bangle, credited for influencing a decade of future BMW models
- First BMW to offer SMG single-clutch transmission with paddle shifters
- Curb weight under 3,000 can be had with a few hours of work, easily the best handling 3-Series of all time.
BMW M3 GTS Coupé E92
- Street-legal race car featuring polycarbonate windows, no rear seats, and solid differential mounts
- Limited to 135 cars, each one has camber adjustment plates and coil-over suspension.
- Ride height and corner weight are easlily adjusted with included spanners.
- 4.4-liter V8 offers 444 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Last M3 coupe to be offered, succeeded by M4 in 2014
BMW M4 GTS
- Limited to 700 cars, each powered by a revised 3.0L straight six with twin turbos.
- Carbon fiber body panels and no rear seats make it 60 lbs lighter than standard M4.
- 7:28 at the ‘Ring is as fast as the Carrera GT thanks to 493 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque
Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 (2014)
- First factory-built 7-liter Camaro since 1969. Sharing the LS7 from the C6 Z06 to offer 505 horsepower and 481 lb-ft
- No automatic transmission, six-speed manual only. Air Conditioning and radio were optional
- 305/30/19 Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires at all corners, widest production front tire on a production car.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE (2018)
- Most powerful production Camaro ever offered: 650 horsepower & 650 lb-ft of torque
- 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission with Multimatic DSSV suspension
- Supercharged 6.2L shared with C7 Corvette Z06 allowed it to lap the ‘Ring in 7:16.04, faster than 488 GTB
Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06
- Naturally aspirated 7-liter V8 offers 505 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
- Magnesium roof panel welded on for extra strength. First Corvette to offer 6-piston front brake calipers
- Easily achieves 30+ mpg on the highway
Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1
- First Corvette to have carbon-ceramic brakes and supercharger from the factory, 638 HP & 604 lb-ft of torque
- Polycarbonate hood window displays the supercharger while magnetic suspension keeps it glued to the road
- Carbon fiber roof and front end are stronger and lighter than fiberglass used on lesser models.
Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06
- First Z06 to be offered with targa roof or convertible bodies. Supercharged LT4 6.2-liter V8 offers 650 horsepower & lb-ft of torque
- Seven-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission with standard magnetic ride control
- Optional Z07 package adds aggressive aerodynamics and adjustable transparent rear spoiler
Chevrolet Corvette C7 ZR1
- Last front-engine Corvette to be designed. Based on Z06 with all-new LT5 engine offering 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque
- Improved cooling needs demanded 13 radiators, ZTK Performance Package offers 60% more downforce than Z06
- First Corvette to feature direct and port fuel injection, and to have a supercharger protruding through a hole in the hood.
Dodge Hellcat Redeye
- Defined by a wide body and piercing red eyes from the intakes adjacent to the headlights. 6.2 HEMI offers 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft
- Individual settings for steering, suspension, transmission and launch control allow the driver to fine tune the car to any situation.
- Power chiller briefly injects cold air from the AC into the supercharger while torque reserve holds boost for instant acceleration.
Dodge Viper ACR 2010
- Lighter, faster & meaner snake thanks to optional carpet, A/C, audio and insulation
- 1,000 lbs of downforce at 150 mph with 600 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque from a naturally aspirated 8.4L V10
- 6th fastest production car to lap the ‘Ring in 2011
Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale F1
- Street-legal version of 360 Challenge race car
- 240 lbs lighter than 360 Modena, Curb Weight: 3,153 lbs
- Resin Transfer Molding used for production car bumpers and rocker panels for the 1st time
Ferrari 430 Scuderia
- Timing chains replace the troublesome belts of the 360
- Manual transmission replaced by F1 single-clutch sequential with paddle shifters
- 220 lbs lighter than standard F430 thanks to aluminum floor pans and carbon fiber interior
Ferrari 458 Italia
- First production Ferrari with a dual-clutch 7-speed transmission
- Stronger and lighter chassis by Alcoa was the culmination of lessons learned on the 360 and F430
- Last generation of naturally aspirated mid-engine V8 Ferraris
- First Ferrari with pre-fill brakes, allowing the pads to hover over the rotors for instant pedal response
Ferrari 488 GTB
- First production Berlinetta not designed by Pininfarina
- Bold new design language by Ferrari Centro Stile has influenced their entire lineup
- Twin-turbo 3.9L V8 is comprised of 488cc per cylinder and offers 661 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque
Ferrari 488 Pista
- Extreme performance variant of the 488 series, their most powerful production V8
- 711 horsepower and 568 horsepower offered to Ferrari VIP clientele
- 200 lbs lighter than 488 GTB (3,042 lbs) with 20% more downforce
Ferrari 812 Superfast
- Most powerful naturally aspirated engine ever produced: 789 horsepower & 530 lb-ft of torque
- Active and passive aerodynamics along with rear wheel steering allow it to feel and perform as a small coupe
- A naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 and rear wheel drive allow it to be one of the top ranked sports cars of all time
Ford GT (First Gen)
- Never tell Bill Ford he can’t make our dreams come true. He wanted to show that Ford is still leading the world, and he gathered a top-secret team of engineers
- Each one is a hand-built supercar without compromise, with input from the original GT40 designer Carroll Shelby
- Capable on the track and comfortable as a daily driver, it uses a mid-mounted, supercharged 5.4-liter V8
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R
- First production American V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft. This allows it to rev to 9,000 rpm and sound like Formula1
- It is 130 lbs lighter than the GT350 Track Pack thanks to losing rear seats, carpet, A/C, audio & spare tire kit
- Carbon fiber wheels are standard, and save 60 lbs of un-sprung weight
Jaguar XE SV Project 8
- Jaguar’s most powerful sedan ever made. Built to compete against M3, C63, and CTS-V
- Only 300 cars were built, each one with 592 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque from a supercharged 5.0-liter V8
- The carbon fiber body, race tuned suspension and All Wheel Drive make it the most desirable Jaguar in recent history
Lamborghini Aventador LP770-4 SVJ
- The Super Veloce Jota is the ultimate Aventador. It uses a patented active aerodynamic system to decrease drag and improve downforce.
- Rear-wheel steering and AWD distribute 759 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque from a 6.5-liter V12
- It set a new record for production cars at the’ Ring, with a lap time of 6:44.97 makes it one of the best sports cars in the world
Lamborghini Aventador SV
- Limited edition of 600 cars devoid of luxury or insulation to save weight
- 110 lbs lighter than a normal Aventador, it also gained 50 horsepower for a total of 740
- The first Lamborghini flagship to offer inboard magnetic suspension, the ride can instantly change from mild to wild
Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera
- Engineers cut every ounce of excess weight to reach 2,954 lbs
- Given 562 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, it was too much for many novice drivers, making them rare to find in perfect form
- Without the nagging safety systems, this car will scare you and surprise you at every occasion.
Lamborghini Huracan Performante
- Extreme body and power upgrades make it an unprecedented special edition. The first Huracan with adjustable aero.
- Forged composites replaced carbon fiber to save 88 lbs compared to a normal Huracan.
- Chassis and suspension improvements from the Sesto Elemento were standard equipment
- One of the world’s fastest-accelerating cars, and one of the fastest around the ‘Ring
Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SuperVeloce
- Limited to 186 examples, it was the first Lamborghini to reach 60 mph in 3 seconds flat
- Carbon fiber inside and out dropped 220 lbs compared to a normal Murcielago, while offering 661 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque
- Six cars were special ordered with manual transmissions, making them the most desirable Lamborghini since the Miura.
Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package
- A technological Tour de Force, the LFA took a decade of development. Lexus built 500 LFA in total, including 50 Nürburgring Editions
- Yamaha was contracted to de-tune a Formula1 V10 to offer 563 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque
- A lap time of 7:14.64 makes it the 5th fastest production car to lap the ‘Ring
- Not only is it one of the best looking sports cars, the LFA is one of the best sounding sports cars
Lotus Elise
- “Simplify, then add lightness” is the focus of all Lotus cars, and the Elise has been doing so since 1996
- Building a track-tuned chassis around a turbocharged Toyota 1.8-liter makes for an incredible experience
- With a curb weight of 2,055 lbs it offers a power-to-weight ratio comparable to many supercars.
McLaren 600LT
- Based on the potent 570 Series, it shoots impressive flames from the exhaust tips.
- With 23% different parts than its predecessor, it is the ultimate example of their Sports Series
- The manufacturer advertises 592 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, but most owners have reported much higher numbers from dyno tests
McLaren 650S Spider
- As the successor to the MP4-12C Spider, it shares the same chassis with a new body and 25% new parts.
- Being such a success, it spawned the 675 Long Tail Spider, several special editions, and a GT3 race car.
- Going out in style, it set a track record at the 2016 Liqui-Moly 12 Hour Race in Bathurst.
McLaren Senna
- Following the F1 and P1, the Senna is the 3rd car in their Ultimate Series and an homage to Ayrton Senna
- Loosely based on the 720S, it was the first McLaren to surpass the performance of the P1 and is undoubtedly one of the coolest sports cars ever
- Engineers were told to optimize performance by all means possible. This includes Lexan doors, an active rear spoiler and unprecedented power. A 4.0 liter V8 replaces the 3.8 and offers 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT-R Pro
- Lessons learned in GT3 and GT4 racing led to a host of upgrades for the AMG GT-R
- Unique coil over suspension allows for individual spring pre-load and divorced controls for compression and rebound
- The sway bars are also adjustable, the front is carbon fiber and the rear is steel. Every suspension mount is a ball-joint.
Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series
- Flared fenders, aggressive exhaust and functional aerodynamics transformed the SL from retirement home into raging fury.
- Larger turbos and electronic wastegates offer instant boost. Carbon fiber replaced steel to shave 551 lbs
- The 6-liter V12 sent 661 horsepower and 738 lb-ft to the rear tires. It would have overpowered the chassis of the convertible, so a solid roof replaced the folding hardtop to hold the car together
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series
- The final example of the first supercar designed and built by AMG, it sent 622 horsepower and 468 b-ft at 8,000 rpm
- It used solid lifters and forged internals for a proper farewell to the big Mercedes-Benz naturally aspirated V8
- Carbon fiber was used for the body, interior and space frame to save 154 lbs. This final gullwing is lauded as the best sports car of all time
Nissan GT R Nismo (2020)
- Twelve years of innovation have led to the most potent Nissan ever offered, 81 lbs less than a standard GT-R while offering 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft to all wheels
- For the 50th Anniversary of their GT cars, it received turbos from their GT3 race cars, enhanced aerodynamics, and carbon fiber body panels.
- GT3 suspension and more boost allows it to reach 62 mph in 2.48 seconds with a top speed of 205 mph.
Porsche 911 Carrera GTS (991.2)
- As the 911 Turbo has evolved into a supercar, the latest GTS offers 450 horsepower with a 6-speed manual
- With 405 lb-ft of torque, it is a stylish daily driver that won’t break the bank. It also formed the basis for the Targa models if you need the wind in your hair.
- All the latest features and technology are onboard, so it is the most practical Porsche in decades.
Porsche 911 GT2 (997)
- The final GT2 to offer a manual transmission, it sent 523 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of tires to the rear wheels only
- Their first 911 to integrate variable geometry turbos with an active intake manifold.
- Weighing 3,175 lbs, it was the fastest & most powerful production 911 to-date. Their first car with launch control it reached 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
Porsche 911 GT2 RS (991.2 Weissach)
- The latest 911 GT2 RS arrived in 2018. With 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque is has set lap records around the world.
- With all fluids and a full tank, the Weissach edition weighs only 3,175 lbs. Carbon fiber wheels, body panels, and interior make no apologies about its purpose
- No detail was left alone, as the tie-rods, sway bars and seats are also carbon fiber. The first production car with a titanium roll cage became the fastest car to lap the ring, clocking 6:47.3 in 2017
- Remains one of the fastest Porsches ever made
Porsche 911 GT3 (991.2)
- Like its brother above, the GT3 was built for performance, albeit wrapped in a more subtle body.
- Unlike the twin-turbo 3.8-liter in the GT2 series, a new 4.0 arrived optimized for natural aspiration and less internal friction.
- A manual transmission channels 500 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels
Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991.2)
- The state-of-the-art in naturally aspirates supercars. A detuned 4 liter from the RSR uses solid lifters and forged internals to offer 515 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque.
- Every suspension mount is a ball joint, as rubber bushings deflect under load. A Weissach edition offered helper springs at all corners, carbon fiber interior, and forged magnesium wheels.
- Aerodynamics are based on the GT2 RS, with subtle improvements to increase downforce and lower drag.
Porsche 911 Turbo (993)
- As the last air-cooled Porsches, the 993 series represents the end of the classic Porsche 911 and one of the best coupes out there
- The first production Porsche with twin turbos also arrived with the AWD system from the 959
- Mezger designed a 3.6-liter capable of 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and 100 mph in 9.5 seconds. Consistent low 12-second quarter-miles were unheard of in 1995
Porsche 911 Turbo S (991.2)
- If only the best will do, 992 Turbo S is the hottest commodity in the exotic car world. It sends 607 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque to all wheels
- Carbon fiber body panels and wheels, rear steering, and the latest in electronic differentials offer the most grip of any production Porsche.
- A life goal for many enthusiasts, this is the car you will never want to part with, and one of the world’s best sports cars.
Porsche 918 Spyder
- Porsche’s successor to the Carrera GT combined a 4.6-liter V8 with hybrid AWD
- Capable of over 12 miles on battery power, invoking the V8 produces a combined output of 875 horsepower and 944 lb-ft of torque.
- Only 918 examples were made, with the Weissach Edition commanding incredible prices at auction.
- One third of the “Hypercar Holy Trinity” with the McLaren P1 and Ferrari LaFerrari
Porsche 930 Turbo
- Built from 1975 to 1989, it introduced the world to turbocharged supercars
- Known as the “Widowmaker”, significant turbo lag caused boost to erupt in an instant. Being able to adapt to twice the engine’s normal power is the true nature of a 930 owner.
- A few modern upgrades make the 930 capable of embarrassing modern supercars. Find a Flachbau from the factory and your collection will be complete
Porsche Carrera GT
- The last analog supercar, Porsche decided to stuff a Formula1 V10 into a carbon fiber body
- Designed for veteran racers to drive on the street, it proved to be challenging for even skilled drivers.
- It scared Walter Rohrl, Jay Leno, and Graham Rahal said:” It needs respect”. Know your limits and it will reward you with effortless performance
Porsche Cayman GT4
- Imagine having a powerful flat-six right behind you. The Cayman GT4 is potent on the track and incredible on the street
- The center of gravity is only a few milimeters behind your stomach, so the car moves around you, transferring almost no G-forces
- Porsche’s Cayman GT4 is the best way to enter professional racing. It offers minimal maintenance and grip in any situation.
Shelby 427 Cobra
- The ultimate American supercar combines Shelby’s agile chassis with Ford’s raging 7-liter “Side Oiler” Big Block
- In contrast to twitchy Europeans, the 427 Cobra offers a safety margin at the limit. The tires and suspension let you know when its time to back off.
- Modern replicas with aluminum small blocks increase the performance and offer an optimal weight distribution. The Shelby Cobra is one of the top-ranked sports cars of all time.