Sports cars embody the thrill of driving, combining speed, agility, and style to create some of the most exhilarating machines on the road. While many models enjoy widespread acclaim, others slip under the radar despite their incredible capabilities.
This list highlights some of the most underrated sports cars in automotive history. From overlooked gems to misunderstood innovations, these vehicles deserve a second chance to shine.
Mitsubishi 3000GT
The Mitsubishi 3000GT is one of Japan’s most underrated sports cars. Despite competing with icons like the Honda NSX and Mazda RX-7, it never gained the same level of recognition. Sold from 1990 to 2000, the 3000GT also appeared in the U.S. as the Dodge Stealth, offering a range of V6 engines, including a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged powerhouse.
Its performance was impressive for its time, with a sub-five-second 0-60 mph sprint, excellent cornering grip, and striking design. Often overlooked, the 3000GT remains a hidden gem in the world of Japanese performance cars.
Second-Generation Acura NSX
When the second-generation Acura NSX debuted in 2016, it faced mixed reactions. Purists criticized its high price and departure from the original’s simplicity, yet this hybrid supercar was an engineering marvel. Its twin-turbocharged V6 combined with electric motors delivered 573 horsepower, or 602 in the Type S, providing blistering speed and a refined driving experience.
The NSX won several awards, including Road & Track’s 2017 Performance Car of the Year. While it may not have matched the original’s cultural impact, it is undeniably a modern masterpiece.
Mazda RX-8
Following the legendary RX-7, the Mazda RX-8 had big shoes to fill. While its rotary engine faced reliability issues, proper maintenance revealed its true potential. The RX-8’s 1.3-liter RENESIS rotary engine produced up to 238 horsepower, paired with a sharp manual transmission and agile handling.
Though often overshadowed by its predecessor, the RX-8 offered a unique blend of practicality and performance, making it a standout choice for those willing to give it a chance.
Honda S660
The Honda S660 continued the tradition of Kei sports cars with its compact dimensions and spirited performance. Powered by a 658 cc turbocharged inline-three engine, the S660 delivered 63 horsepower, which may not sound like much, but its lightweight construction made it a joy to drive.
With a curb weight of just 1,874 lbs and precise handling, the S660 was perfect for tight corners and city streets. Its six-speed manual transmission added to the driving fun, cementing its status as a modern-day Kei car classic.
Honda Beat
The Honda Beat holds a special place in history as the last car approved by Soichiro Honda before his passing. Its tiny 656 cc engine produced 63 horsepower, and its lightweight design ensured an engaging driving experience.
Limited to 84 mph due to electronic restrictions, the Beat wasn’t about top speed but rather the pure joy of driving. At just 1,680 lbs, it remains a beloved Kei car for enthusiasts who appreciate its simplicity and charm.
Porsche 928
The Porsche 928 was an ambitious attempt to replace the iconic 911 as Porsche’s flagship. Debuting in 1977 and running until 1995, the 928 combined luxury and performance in a bold, front-engine design powered by V8 engines ranging from 4.5 to 5.4 liters.
Despite its innovation, the 928 was overshadowed by the enduring popularity of the 911. However, its sleek design, refined driving dynamics, and impressive power output—up to 240 horsepower in some versions—make it a standout sports car that deserves more recognition.
Vauxhall VX220 Turbo
The Vauxhall VX220 Turbo is a forgotten gem that offered thrilling performance at a fraction of the cost of high-end sports cars. Sharing its underpinnings with the Opel Speedster, the VX220 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 200 horsepower.
Weighing just over 2,000 lbs, the VX220 Turbo was a masterclass in handling and acceleration, capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds—faster than many contemporary rivals. Its striking looks and dynamic performance make it a hidden treasure among sports cars.
BMW Z1
The BMW Z1 was the first in BMW’s Z series, paving the way for the Z3, Z4, and Z8. Launched in 1989, the Z1 stood out with its innovative design, including vertically retracting doors that slid into the body.
Powered by a 2.5-liter inline-six engine producing 168 horsepower, the Z1 may not have been the fastest car of its time, but its unique styling and engaging driving experience cemented its place in automotive history.
Alfa Romeo 4C
The Alfa Romeo 4C is a car that often gets overlooked due to concerns about Alfa’s reliability, but it’s a stunning example of Italian engineering. Powered by a 1.75-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 240 horsepower, the 4C was lightweight, nimble, and designed for pure driving pleasure.
Its carbon-fiber chassis kept the weight down, and its 0-60 mph time of just 4.2 seconds made it a capable track car. With a design that turns heads and performance to back it up, the 4C is a modern-day classic.
Fiat 124 Spider
The Fiat 124 Spider, produced from 2016 to 2019, is often overshadowed by its cousin, the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Sharing much of its platform with the Miata, the 124 Spider added a touch of Italian flair with its unique design and turbocharged engine.
The 1.4-liter MultiAir inline-four produced up to 168 horsepower, offering a spirited driving experience. With more cargo space and a slightly more refined ride than the Miata, the 124 Spider carved out its own niche in the compact sports car segment.
Honda S2000
The Honda S2000 is often unfairly compared to the Mazda Miata, with some dismissing it as overrated. However, the S2000’s legendary 2.0-liter F20C inline-four engine, producing up to 247 horsepower, sets it apart.
Its six-speed manual transmission is celebrated as one of the best ever made, offering precise shifts that enhance the driving experience. With its high-revving engine and balanced chassis, the S2000 remains a standout in the world of affordable performance cars.
