Whether it’s a McLaren Speedtail, Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, or Rimac Nevera, some cars look fast and don’t disappoint when you get behind the wheel.
But sometimes, a sports car that looks like it can achieve an impressive 0 to 60 miles per hour time underwhelms rather than impresses. In other words, it might be more sizzle than steak.
The Sports Car Segment Has a Rich History
Car enthusiasts may debate what constitutes the first-ever sports car. But many believe that the 1914 Vauxhall 25hp “Prince Henry” Sports Torpedo, capable of 80 mph, kicked off the entire segment.
At the very least, it’s one of the first sports cars. Other cars mentioned in the debate are the 1901 Mercedes 35 PS, the 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, and the 1910 Alfa Romeo 24 HP Corsa.
What’s a Sports Car, Anyway?
While people debate what constitutes a true sports car, a vehicle in this category is usually designed with a heavy focus on performance, driving pleasure, and agility over comfort, utility, and even practicality.
They tend to have engines that generate higher horsepower and torque relative to their size, which can translate into edge-of-your-seat speed. Other common characteristics are lightweight construction, low center of gravity, manual or dual-clutch transmissions, and aerodynamic design.
You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get a sports car. But if you crave speed over all else, you’ll want to beware of these 14 sports cars that aren’t as quick as their aesthetics suggest they should be
Mazda MX-5 Miata
While the Mazda MX-5 Miata has developed a cult following and is a reliable little sports car, it doesn’t have blazing-fast speed. Yes, it has enough horsepower relative to its size. However, ownership is more about the experience and less about the speed.
According to Car and Driver, the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 139 mph. That’s not slow by any stretch of the imagination, but the Miata still looks faster aesthetically than it does on pavement.
Fiat 124 Spider
If you’re looking for a sporty car with style for days and a reasonable price tag, the Fiat 124 Spider is worth considering. The 2020 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth looks like it was built for speed, with its sleek two-door convertible design and aggressive styling. However, its 1.4-liter engine generates 164 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.3 seconds—not exactly blistering for a car with such a sporty appearance.
Honda CR-Z
Honda CR-Z is a hybrid vehicle with sporty styling that gives the impression of a lean, mean, driving machine.
But since the CR-Z leans more toward efficiency than performance, it’s not nearly as fast as you’d think it’d be. The Honda CR-Z was manufactured in the U.S. market from 2011 to 2016.
The 2011 model has a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine mated to Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system. It does 122 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. And the engine is paired with a CVT or 6-speed manual tranny.
According to Car and Driver, the Honda CR-Z can do 0 to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds with the CVT and 9 seconds with the manual transmission.
Mazda RX-8
Available in the U.S. from 2004 to 2011, the Mazda RX-8 debuted with a 1.3-liter Renesis rotary engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission producing 197 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque or a 6-speed manual transmission generating 238 ho and 159 lb-ft of torque.
While various publications report different 0 to 60 mph times for the 2024 Mazda RX-8, Autoweek says the time is 6.26 seconds.
Hyundai Veloster Turbo
While the Hyundai Veloster launched in the U.S. for the 2012 model year, it wasn’t until the following year that the Turbo variant was rolled out. It has a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine generating 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. MotorTrend says the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds.
Toyota Celica GT-S
If you want a sports car with Toyota reliability, the Toyota Celica is a popular option. You can up the ante with the Toyota Celica GT-S, which is the high-performance variant of the Celica.
The Toyota Celica GT-S, available from 1994 to 1999, had a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 135 hp and a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.
The initial model year of the Toyota Celica GT-S has a maximum speed of 125 mph and can do 0 to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds, according to Cars.com. While fast enough for most people’s needs, the Toyota Celica GT-S nonetheless looks faster than it is.
Pontiac Solstice
With its sleek and sporty styling, the Pontiac Solstice looks the part. Available from the 2006 to 2009 model years in the U.S., it’s an RWD roadster designed to be an affordable option in the sports car segment.
In its launch year, the sports car has a 2.4-liter Ecotec I4 engine under the hood producing 177 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. The Pontiac Solstice is more about balancing handling and cost-effectiveness than about speed.
According to MotorTrend, the 2006 model can do 0 to 60 mph in 7 seconds.
Chrysler Crossfire
With its rear spoiler and aggressive stance, the Chrysler Crossfire looks the part of a speedster. But its performance suggests otherwise. Produced for the 2004 to 2008 model years in the U.S., the two-door car was manufactured during the DaimlerChrysler era.
The Chrysler Crossfire debuted as a coupe in its first year. A roadster convertible option came the following year. Standard models have a 3.2-liter V6 engine generating 215 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque paired with a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2004 Chrysler Crossfire can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.
The SRT-6 models for 2005 and 2006 feature supercharged 3.2-liter V6 engines producing 330 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, but those options only come with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Mitsubishi Eclipse GT
A high-performance trim of the Mitsubishi Eclipse sports convertible and coupe, the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT was produced for the 1990 to 2012 model years in the U.S. It has a 3.8-liter V6 engine under the hood producing 263 hp, and the engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The 2006 model can do 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds.
Dodge Stealth
The Dodge Stealth looks like a high-performance sports car. But if you get behind the wheel of one of the base models, you’ll see it’s underpowered. Sold in the U.S. from the 1991 to 1996 model year, the Dodge Stealth base models include a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated SOHC V6 generating 164 hp, and they also come with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic tranny. The 1991 Dodge Stealth ES does 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds.
Toyota MR2 Spyder
Another sports car that looks quicker than it truly is would be the Toyota MR2 Spyder. Available from the 2000 to 2005 model years, the vehicle features a mid-engine, RWD configuration that offers a great combination of handling and balance.
The engine is a 1.8-liter inline-4 generating 138 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque, and it’s paired with a 5-speed manual or, starting in the 2002 model year, a 5-speed sequential manual transmission. Car and Driver says the 0 to 60 mph time for the 2000 model year is around 7 seconds.
Buick Reatta
The Buick Reatta didn’t have a long production run in the U.S.—going from the 1988 to 1991 model years—but it’s a popular vehicle nonetheless. Available in coupe and configurations, it doesn’t offer the performance you would expect from a sports car.
The 1988 model is a two-door coupe with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 165 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque. It also has a 4-speed automatic transmission. Car and Driver says the 1988 model goes from 0 to 60 in 9.1 seconds and has a top speed of 122 mph.
Acura RSX
The Acura RSX is a sporty and compact coupe that was produced in the U.S. from 2002 to 2006. Trim levels include the Base RSX and the RSX Type-S.
If you want a more performance-oriented sports car, you’ll want the RSX Type-S, which has a 2.0-liter inline-4 generating 200 hp and 142 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. According to Car and Driver, the 2002 Acura RSX Type-S has a 6.1-second 0 to 60 mph time.
Jaguar XK8
Are you looking for a used luxury grand tourer? The Jaguar XK8, sold in the U.S. from 1997 to 2006, is an option.
Available as a convertible and coupe, the vehicle looks like a speed demon. It combines comfort, elegance, and performance, but it’s not as fast as you might think.
The 1997 model year has a 4.0-liter V8 that generates 290 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, and it’s mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Motor Trend says the 1997 model year Jaguar XK8 goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7 seconds.
These Sports Cars Might Not Hit the Spot if You Crave Speed
For many drivers, these cars offer plenty of excitement. But if sheer speed is your top priority, they might leave you wanting more. With designs that scream performance and agility, they certainly look the part—but appearances can be deceiving when it comes to what’s under the hood.
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