Trendy efficiency vehicles have change into obsessive about numbers. Each and every new release turns out to concentrate on larger horsepower figures, sooner acceleration instances, and headline-grabbing lap data. The issue is that each one this added efficiency has include a big drawback: weight. Sports activities vehicles are heavier than ever, and plenty of have misplaced the playful, attached really feel that after outlined the section.
The most efficient driving force’s vehicles as of late aren’t all the time essentially the most robust ones. As an alternative, they’re the fashions that prioritize light-weight engineering, stability, and responsiveness over brute power. A lighter automotive feels sharper via corners, extra keen underneath braking, and way more attractive at on a regular basis speeds. The next sports activities vehicles end up that preserving curb weight low continues to be some of the efficient tactics to make a automotive in fact a laugh to force.
In an effort to provide the most recent and correct knowledge conceivable, the information used to collect this text used to be sourced from more than a few producer web sites and different authoritative resources, such because the EPA. Fashions are ranked according to their curb weight, from heaviest to lightest.
Those 5 sporty vehicles stay smiles excessive and gas expenses low
A laugh in the back of the wheel doesn’t must imply ache on the pump.
5
2026 Toyota GR Supra
Curb weight: 3,389
Advanced along the BMW Z4, the GR Supra is likely one of the perfect fashionable sports activities vehicles in the marketplace. Unfortunately, it is not going to be in the marketplace for for much longer, with 2026 being the closing manufacturing 12 months for this era. Despite the fact that, there are reviews that Toyota is operating on a next-generation type which they are going to construct totally in-house. Possibly the brand new type can be even lighter than the present type.
Efficiency specs
- Base Trim Engine
-
3L I6 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-speed handbook
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Pressure
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
382 HP @5800 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
368 lb.-ft. @ 1800 RPM
- Base Trim Gasoline Financial system (town/freeway/mixed)
-
19/26/21 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Kind
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
Toyota
- Type
-
GR Supra
The lightest iteration of the GR Supra have been those that got here supplied with the turbocharged four-cylinder underneath the hood. On the other hand, you’ll most effective get the fashions with the turbocharged inline-six now. You continue to get a decision between an eight-speed automated or a six-speed handbook, and we expect each are superb choices in a automotive like this. The handbook is somewhat lighter than the automated type, although, however most effective by means of a few kilos.
Professionals
- BMW’s inline-six is good
- Nonetheless provides a handbook possibility
- Reasonably inexpensive given the efficiency it provides
Cons
- Claustrophobic inner
- Arduous to look out the again
- No Android Auto
4
2026 Lotus Emira
Curb weight: 3,175 lbs
The Lotus Emira is a surprisingly particular automotive. It represents the top of an generation for the British sports activities automotive producer. Lotus has all the time outlined itself via two metrics, weight and engagement. Because the emblem has made their willpower to an electrified long term transparent, we are beautiful positive that they would possibly not be development a automotive just like the Emira once more anytime quickly.
Efficiency specs
|
Engine |
3.5-liter supercharged V-6 |
|---|---|
|
Transmission |
6-speed handbook or 6-speed automated |
|
Horsepower |
400 HP |
|
Torque |
310 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.3 seconds |
|
Most sensible velocity |
180 MPH |
You get a collection of two setups within the 2026 Lotus Emira. You’ll be able to both go for a Toyota-sourced supercharged V-6 or a Mercedes-AMG turbocharged inline-four. As an alternative of a six-speed handbook or automated, the four-pot most effective pairs with an eight-speed DCT. We individually assume the V-6 with the handbook transmission is the most efficient setup, however the Emira is unbelievable regardless of the way you spec it. A big a part of this mid-engined monster’s luck is its low weight.
Professionals
- Very fast steerage
- Excellent dealing with
- An overly comfy inner (which is not like Lotus)
Cons
- Aggressively sprung
- Brakes are moderately sensitive
- Some high quality comparable problems reported
Hyundai’s $35,000 sedan embarrasses the Toyota GR Corolla at the monitor
A circle of relatives sedan that punches a ways above its weight heading in the right direction.
3
2025 Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster
Curb weight: 2,910 lbs/2,976 lbs
The place the 911 seems to combine convenience with high-octane efficiency, the 718 Cayman and Boxster center of attention at the latter. That is the Porsche you get in case you are on the lookout for natural riding engagement. It’s nonetheless clearly German, which means that it lacks a bit of little bit of drama, however there are few vehicles higher at carving up again roads than this.
Efficiency specs
- Base Trim Engine
-
2L H-4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-speed handbook
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Pressure
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
300 HP @6500 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
280 lb.-ft. @ 1950 RPM
- Base Trim Gasoline Financial system (town/freeway/mixed)
-
20/25/22 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Kind
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
Porsche
- Type
-
718 Cayman
The 718 is available in numerous other configurations, however there are a few issues that keep the similar it doesn’t matter what. A handbook transmission is same old around the board and the engine all the time comes fixed in the back of your seats. The bottom 300-horsepower flat-four is the lightest selection, however even the highest trim 493-horsepower GT4 RS sits simply over the three,000-pound mark.
Professionals
- Flat-six engines make an out of this world sound
- Unending customization
- Essentially the most attractive Porsche
Cons
- Base engines do not sound as excellent
- Somewhat pricey
- Non-compulsory extras are expensive
2
2026 Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ
Curb weight: 2,811 lbs/2,815 lbs
In case you are on the lookout for one thing extra inexpensive than the opposite choices in this listing, this little sports activities automotive has you lined. The 86 and BRZ have been evolved side-by-side by means of Toyota and Subaru, providing the similar light-weight enjoyment. Each the BRZ and the GR86 are simpler and simple to reside with than you’ll be expecting, making them a super first sports activities automotive.
Efficiency specs
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.4L H4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-speed handbook
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Pressure
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
228 HP @7000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
184 lb.-ft. @ 3700 RPM
- Base Trim Gasoline Financial system (town/freeway/mixed)
-
20/26/22 MPG
- Make
-
Toyota
- Type
-
GR86
- Section
-
Sports activities Automotive
The GR86 and BRZ percentage so much, together with their powertrain. A horizontally hostile four-cylinder engine sits underneath the hood of each and every type, sending energy to the rear. A six-speed handbook is same old, with a six-speed automated being not obligatory. The GR86 is a bit more competitive, and somewhat higher for monitor efficiency, whilst the Subaru BRZ is extra comfy and a nicer automotive to reside with at the highway.
Professionals
- One of the vital perfect steerage setups available in the market
- Engine is moderately rev-happy
- Very inexpensive
Cons
- Inner is a bit of boring
- Quite a lot of highway noise permeates the cabin
- Rear seats are too small for passengers
Why purchase a brand new Toyota Corolla when this 275-horsepower scorching hatch prices much less?
The cheap-friendly purchase with severe efficiency credentials.
1
2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Curb weight: 2,341 lbs
There may be nonetheless nobody that does light-weight like Mazda. The MX-5’s ideology is focused round it being easy, light-weight, and inexpensive, 3 issues that the present ND era does exceptionally smartly. Although it is getting a bit of outdated now, its stripped-down persona implies that it’s nonetheless some of the relaxing and rewarding vehicles to force. There may be phrase that the following era type can be even lighter.
Efficiency specs
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.0-liter I4
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-Velocity Guide
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Pressure
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
181 HP @7000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
151 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM
- Make
-
Mazda
- Type
-
MX-5 Miata
- Section
-
Sports activities Automotive
Below the hood of the MX-5 sits a 181-horsepower inline-four. This would possibly no longer sound all that thrilling on paper, however it is sufficient to rocket the sub-2,500-pound roadster to 60 miles in keeping with hour in as low as 5.5 seconds. The soft-top fashions are the lightest, even supposing the targa-styled RF does glance cool. We would additionally counsel sticking with the six-speed handbook.
Professionals
- Very palatable beginning worth
- Same old convertible roof
- Undying styling
Cons
- The antithesis of sensible
- Quite a lot of highway noise within the cabin
- RF fashions get moderately expensive
A decrease curb weight manner extra a laugh
If we have been to make a choice, we’d say that the above sports activities vehicles are the best possible choices in the marketplace at this time. Sports activities vehicles are supposed to be a laugh and tasty, and those have compatibility that method higher than any in their opponents. Vehicles are getting heavier by means of the day, and riding engagement is turning into 2nd to spec sheet stats. That is why we admire that there are nonetheless automakers that worth the riding enjoy above all else.
