2021 Porsche 911
3,354 lbs | $99,200 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10
The Porsche 911 was completely redesigned for 2020. While it has gained a couple hundred pounds in the process, it’s still one of the lightest world-class sports cars around. Porsche keeps the rear-mounted flat-six engine formula intact. Though higher trims are called “Turbo,” the base engine is also turbocharged, making 379 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque.
The base 911 Carrera Coupe utilizes an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic (PDK), while some trims offer a manual transmission. Porsche puts handling ability above all else in the 911. In previous versions of the 911, only certain models had the wider track and fenders, but now all versions get the widebody treatment.
2021 Toyota Supra
3,181 lbs | $42,990 | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
Six months ago, the Supra might have been just a hair too heavy to make our list. But the recently announced four-cylinder version of the Toyota Supra shaves off some pounds. This twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter engine makes 255 horsepower, putting the emphasis on lightweight cornering abilities.
The underpinnings (including the engine) are all shared with the BMW Z4, but the tuning and driving experience was all dialed in by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing (GR) division. The steering and handling are incredibly precise, making the Supra a fantastic choice for road or track driving.
2020 Volkswagen GTI
3,124 lbs | $28,595 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the ultimate marriage of fun driving and functional commuting. The upright hatchback layout has plenty of head- and legroom and provides up to 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The GTI also has a refined interior that’s loaded with easy-to-use tech features.
What sets the GTI apart from the rest of the Golf lineup is its responsive suspension and its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It makes 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual. There is an available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, though it adds a bit of weight, and the six-speed provides a more engaging driving experience.
2020 Lotus Evora GT
3,104 lbs | $96,950 | U.S. News Score: TBD
The iconic automotive-industry quote “simplify, and add lightness” is from the late Colin Chapman. He founded the Lotus brand and ran the Lotus Formula 1 team under this guiding principle. The Evora GT is a modern celebration of that ethos. It is a no-nonsense sports car with a Toyota-sourced supercharged V6 making 416 horsepower.
The Evora GT routes power to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Either will go from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, and the manual has a top speed rated at 188 mph. The stated curb weight can be further reduced with the optional carbon-fiber package and titanium exhaust.
2020 Porsche 718 Cayman
3,010 lbs | $57,500 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10
The Porsche Cayman is smaller and lighter than the 911, but still delivers a thrilling driving experience. Its 300-horsepower turbocharged base engine is less powerful than the 911’s standard powertrain, but it has a mid-mounted placement that makes for an ideal performance layout. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, routing power to the rear wheels.
In addition to phenomenal cornering abilities, the Cayman has an elegantly styled cabin. It comes standard with a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with the Porsche Communications Management infotainment system.
2020 Honda Civic Coupe Si
2,889 lbs | $25,200 | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
The Honda Civic Si takes a comfortable, refined coupe and ups the ante with a 205-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It routes power through a standard six-speed manual transmission to the front wheels. A helical limited-slip differential helps with “torque-steer,” which is a phenomenon where too much power goes to the front wheels.
The Civic Si boasts sporty handling and sharp steering. An active damper system mitigates bumps in the road while contributing to its cornering abilities. A Sport button livens up the throttle response, as well.
2021 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec
2,833 lbs | $23,450 | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
The Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec gives the Volkswagen GTI a run for its money in cornering and handling abilities. It has a 201-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, routed to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. The Veloster has a B&M Racing sport shifter, Torque Vectoring Control front axles, and a performance-tuned suspension.
The Veloster also has a unique three-door layout. It features one door on the driver’s side and two doors on the passenger side. It allows easier access to the second row from the curbside of the car. With the rear seats folded down, the Veloster boasts a sizable 44.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
2020 Subaru BRZ
2,798 lbs | $28,845 | U.S. News Score: 7.6/10
The BRZ is Subaru’s only current rear-wheel-drive offering. The nimble sports car features a 2.0-liter “Boxer” opposing four-cylinder engine. It makes 205 horsepower, sent through a standard six-speed manual transmission. The Boxer engine sits low in the engine bay, providing the low center of gravity that is ideal for cornering.
The BRZ has close-ratio steering and a performance-tuned suspension that make it a fun daily-drivable sports car. The standard Vehicle Stability Control has a Track Mode that lets you test the cornering abilities of the BRZ to their limits.
2020 Toyota 86
2,776 lbs | $27,060 | U.S. News Score: 7.6/10
The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are essentially twins – though not entirely identical. The two vehicles came from a joint partnership with Toyota and Subaru. The 86 feature’s Subaru’s Boxer four-cylinder engine making 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to the rear wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission.
The 86 features a sport-tuned suspension and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential. Cornering is fantastic and lets the drivers explore the limits of their skills. For 2020, Toyota has added standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment on the 86.
2021 Mini Cooper
2,767 lbs | $22,400 | U.S. News Score: 7.7/10
The Mini Cooper has been considered by many to be the original performance hatchback. It certainly takes all the fun of driving and distills it into subcompact form. The turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine routes 134 horsepower to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.
The Mini Cooper blends nimble, sporty driving dynamics with retro style style and flair. The cabin is a blend of modern technology with classic touches, such as the aeronautical-style switchgear. And if that doesn’t impress, the cornering agility and precise steering certainly should.
2020 Alfa Romeo 4C
2,465 lbs | $67,150 | U.S. News Score: 6.2/10
The Alfa Romeo 4C features a completely carbon-fiber tub, making it extremely light and incredibly stiff. The cabin is minimalist, with exposed carbon fiber and bodywork. Even the back of the radio is somewhat exposed in the passenger-side footwell.
Behind the cockpit, a mid-mounted turbocharged 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine makes 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch paddle-shift transmission routes power to the rear wheels. Factor in the low, wide stance and dramatic Italian styling, and the 4C is a true pocket sports car.
2020 Fiat 124 Spider
2,436 lbs | $25,390 | U.S. News Score: 7.0/10
The Fiat 124 Spider is based on the Mazda Miata, but features its own unique styling and its own turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It makes 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A terrific six-speed manual transmission routes power to the rear wheels.
The cabin of the Fiat is all Mazda, which is a good thing. The cockpit wraps around the driver, making you feel one with the road. The Mazda-sourced infotainment system uses a partial touch screen (touch capability when stopped) and a dial controller in the center console. This emulates infotainment systems found in many luxury cars.
2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata
2,341 lbs | $26,580 | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
For many, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is the modern ideal for lightweight performance driving. So much of what makes it great is due to its simplicity. The convertible top is completely manual, and you can raise and lower it simply by reaching behind you and pulling it up or slamming it down.
The Miata’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission. While other sports cars often have a stiff suspension, the Miata’s has some play, allowing the driver to explore the finer points of the car’s driving dynamics.
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The 13 Best Lightweight Sports Cars of 2020
- 2021 Porsche 911: 3,354 lbs | $99,200 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10
- 2021 Toyota Supra: 3,181 lbs | $42,990 | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
- 2020 Volkswagen GTI: 3,124 lbs | $28,595 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
- 2020 Lotus Evora GT: 3,104 lbs | $96,950 | U.S. News Score: TBD
- 2020 Porsche Cayman: 3,010 lbs | $57,500 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10
- 2020 Honda Civic Coupe Si: 2,889 lbs | $25,200 | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
- 2021 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec: 2,833 lbs | $23,450 | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
- 2020 Subaru BRZ: 2,798 lbs | $28,845 | U.S. News Score: 7.6/10
- 2020 Toyota 86: 2,776 lbs | $27,060 | U.S. News Score: 7.6/10
- 2021 Mini Cooper: 2,767 lbs | $22,400 | U.S. News Score: 7.7/10
- 2020 Alfa Romeo 4C: 2,465 lbs | $67,150 | U.S. News Score: 6.2/10
- 2020 Fiat 124 Spider: 2,436 lbs | $25,390 | U.S. News Score: 7.0/10
- 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata: 2,341 lbs | $26,580 | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
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These Light Sports Cars Deliver Heavyweight Performance
A high-horsepower car will throw you back in your seat as you rocket forward in a straight line, but what happens when you approach a turn? Typically, you’ll have to slam on the brakes in order to safely negotiate a corner. Not with a lightweight sports car – corners are where lightweight sports cars shine.
If you care about cornering abilities, the following 13 cars are the perfect machines for carving up winding back roads. They may not have the most powerful engines in the world, but there’s an old adage: it’s better to go fast in a slow car than slow in a fast car.
Please note that the curb weights listed below are the lowest available for each model. Adding all-wheel drive or opting for different configurations may increase the weight for each car.
Read on to learn about these lightweight sports cars that still pack a serious punch.