The Best Forgotten Sports Cars For Enthusiasts

Introduction

In the world of automotive innovation, we car enthusiasts are surrounded by amazing machines. Sports cars attract car enthusiasts worldwide for their ability to deliver an unmatched driving experience. But what about the lesser known actors in this genre? Alongside the legendary tuners and supercars are the forgotten champions of automotive history. Today’s article is discussing some of the coolest unsung heroes of the sports car category. Here, we will talk about cars that evoke an emotional and dynamic driving experience while being unique amongst the daily traffic.

Forgotten Sports Cars

The sports cars in this list are special in their own ways. These cars provide experiences such as high speed cornering or straight-line prowess. Additionally, some of the cars on this list provide comparable performance to their more popular siblings. The purpose of this list is to help bring enthusiasts new considerations for their next project car. Maybe the car on this list is similar to your dream car but half the price. Alternatively, maybe you desire inspiration for your next car sales purchase. Regardless of your position, I can assure you the sports cars on this list will perform wonderfully.

#1 Mazda Miata NC (2006-2015)

As any automotive journalist will tell you, the answer is always Miata. However, the NC Miata has been the red-headed step child since its inception. Unfortunately, this has resulted in the NC Miata being underappreciated. The NC Miata brings you a 2.0 Liter naturally aspirated engine producing 170 horsepower. While the automatic reduces the horsepower rating, you and I both know we’re hunting for a manual option. For me, the NC Miata may be heavier than it’s older siblings, but it provides excellent comfort for bigger people like me. One of my closest friends owns an NA Miata and my head touches the soft top ceiling when seated upright. NC Miatas don’t give me those issues! Lastly, the NC Miata chassis is absolutely wonderful. The rigidity offered in a lightweight 2500 pound body is perfect for those wanting a true sports car experience.

#2 BMW 135i

If you’ve been around Powershift Auto for awhile, you know we love the N54 engine. We’ve discussed how much we love the N54 engine even more in the 1 series chassis. The BMW 135i provides that iconic twin-turbo performance in a more compact package compared to the E9X coupe. Furthermore, the 1 series platform is definitely cheaper than the E9X 3 series. My personal favorite aspect of the 135i is how balanced the chassis feels. The smaller wheelbase makes it tossable in the corners while the twin-turbocharged N54 provides straight line performance and tunability!

#3 Cadillac CTS-V (2004-2007)

Before the loud supercharger whine of the later model CTS-V, there was this. A huge naturally aspirated V8 in a luxury sedan paired with a 6-speed manual. There are very few cars like this. While you may gravitate towards the supercharged models, this one is nothing to laugh at. For $15,000-$20,000, you can get into a clean roaring V8 sports car with room for friends or family in the back. The Cadillac CTS-V is the perfect option for understated performance or for those with a family to consider!

#4 Lotus Elise

A Lotus Elise is a dominant force on the track and the canyon. Out of every car on this list, this sports car is nothing short of raw automotive ingenuity. Extremely lightweight cars such as the Lotus Elise are fast everywhere. While the Toyota 2ZZ motor may not be a powerhouse, the rev range is perfect for a canyon carver like this. Additionally, the Lotus has a unique presence where those who know the car immediately recognize it. Contrarily, those who don’t know what a Lotus is are bound to ask you about it. If Miata is always the answer, the Lotus is in a much different conversation.

#5 Porsche Cayman

If luxury is your calling but you want a true sports car experience at a reasonable price, look no further than the Porsche Cayman. Shadowed by the iconic Porsche 911, this car is nothing to ignore. Porsche Caymans provide an amazing driver-focused experience with very little competition. Sticking with Porsche’s rear-mid engine and rear-wheel drive layout, the Cayman handles insanely well. Also, you can experience these cars for a much lower price than a 911 thanks to good ol’ depreciation.

#6 Volkswagen Golf R32 (2003)

When people think of the VW Golf, they think of turbocharged hot-hatches. But what if you want the infamous exhaust note of the VR6? Get behind the wheel of a golf R32 then! The R32 offers a 3.2 Liter 24 valve VR6 engine pumping around 240 horsepower. To get the power to the ground is a Haldex all-wheel drive system which sends it down the quarter mile in 14 seconds. Fun fact, the R32 is also the world’s first DSG dual clutch transmission production car.

#7 Mazda Mazdaspeed 6

If you want an understated but unique ride, the Mazdaspeed 6 is a fantastic option. A manual transmission equipped all-wheel drive sedan with a turbocharger is an absolute recipe for success. Why it wasn’t more popular is beyond me. Probably because the competition was more bold and loud than the MS6. However, I’d take the Mazdaspeed 6 over a WRX anyday. You can get into the car for a lower price and its much less likely to reek of vape juice. Overall, the Mazdaspeed 6 is a great sports car for those wanting to be lower profile.

#8 Subaru Legacy GT Spec B

If a WRX/STi isn’t for you, look at the more mature Subaru sibling, the Legacy Spec B. Talk about a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The Legacy Spec B provides everything you know and love about turbo Subarus: all-wheel drive, manual gearbox, and the infamous boxer rumble. The 2.5 liter flat-four produced 250 horsepower, which was 20 more than the same model year WRX! Along with the power boost, the Legacy Spec B got 18 inch wheels and Bilstein shocks. Lastly, it is also equipped with Subaru’s Intelligent Drive system to offer different driving modes. Fortunately, the Spec B is rarely seen over the $15,000 mark and is much more likely to be in better condition than the same year STi.

#9 Acura CL Type S 6-Speed (2003)

Okay, so this one comes with a personal bias. My first car was a 2001 Acura CL base model with the shotty automatic transmission. While owning the CL, I wanted nothing more than the Type S 6-Speed. 260 horsepower, buttery-smooth 6 speed gearbox, and a limited-slip differential were calling my name. However, I was a high school student and couldn’t find one let alone afford one. Some may look at the CL and think it’s more of a fancier Accord and you’d be right to think that. What’s not known about these cars is how amazing the J-Series motor is. The J32A2 provides a linear powerband that has an epic sound when VTEC engages. If you are lucky enough to purchase one of these, you will not just have a rare car, but you’ll have one of the best handling cars Honda ever produced.

#10 BMW Z3 M Coupe

The iconic Clown shoe Z3 M Coupe is a love-hate car. Personally, I love this sports car. The combination of the long hood and wide fenders give an awesome street presence. Powered by the M3’s S54 engine, the M Coupe is designed to be the ultimate canyon carver. What I love most about the Z3 M Coupe is it doesn’t try hard to be something it’s not. The car is a blast to drive and looks fantastic when modified. It doesn’t demand attention but its odd styling commands it. Furthermore, the Z3 M Coupe recipe is just pure-sports car. Rear-wheel drive, lightweight, a manual gearbox, and an engine capable of putting the car through its paces.

Conclusion

I absolutely love fun cars. What I love even more is when a fun car is a “sleeper” or unassuming. The cars on this list are underappreciated and offer fantastic performance for any car enthusiast. Should you get behind the wheel of one of these epic cars, you will love the experience. Go out and find your next fun sports car, take it out on the road, and share the experience with us at Powershift Auto!

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