10 of the top sports cars in Australia

Getting behind the wheel isn’t just about getting from A to B, it’s about the smile you make every time you hit the open road – you’re probably interested in buying a sports car. Whether you’re heading down the coast or cruising around town, a good sports car can make even the daily trip feel special. 

Australia’s got a solid mix of sports cars to choose from. From the ever-popular Mazda MX-5, the little roadster that’s all about pure fun, to the classic American muscle Ford Mustang, which has been a crowd favourite since it officially launched here.  For those chasing a bit of Euro polish, there’s the BMW M2 and Z4.

No matter your budget or style, there’s a sports car for every kind of revhead in Australia. In this guide, we’ve listed the top 10 sports cars you can buy right now, blending local favourites with global icons that fit our roads and lifestyle. 

Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 is the definition of “less is more.” With a lightweight body, rear wheel drive, and a 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, it’s not about brute power but more about balance and feel. On winding Aussie roads, the MX-5’s sharp steering and perfect 50:50 weight distribution make it one of the most engaging cars you can drive without breaking the bank. It also boasts great reliability and an active owner community across Australia. While some drivers may wish for more power, the MX-5 proves that sports cars don’t need massive horsepower to be fun. The MX-5 has a reputation as the world’s best-selling roadster, and it’s no accident – it’s a purist’s choice that continues to win hearts.

Ford Mustang

Pros	Cons
Powerful V8 engine	Poor interior quality
Strong value for performance	Not the sharpest handling
Iconic styling and presence	Running costs can be high

The Ford Mustang has become a cult favourite in Australia, offering classic muscle car performance with modern tech. The big 5.0L V8 delivers a thunderous soundtrack that few cars at this price can match in this era without any aftermarket modifications. The latest models also handle far better than older ones, making them more than just drag-strip heroes. While still a bit heavy in corners compared to European coupes, the Mustang offers an emotional driving experience with head-turning looks. It has a strong following in Australia, backed by a wider dealer network and a thriving car culture scene. For buyers chasing bang-for-buck thrills and that iconic V8 growl, the Mustang is hard to beat.

Nissan Z

Pros	Cons
Engaged and thrilling driving feel	Interior tech feels outdated
Rear-wheel drive	Limited rear visibility
Manual transmission	Small boot space

The Nissan Z blends heritage with modern performance, reviving the spirit of the iconic Z-cars. Powered by a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine, it delivers strong acceleration and plenty of torque, especially when paired with the 6-speed manual transmission. Its rear-wheel drive setup and well-tuned chassis make it engaging on twisty roads, while the design nods to classic Z models from the past. In Australia, it appeals to enthusiasts looking for something with a unique exterior design and an accessible connection to the Nissan motorsport brand. While cabin tech feels outdated compared to some rivals, the Z’s performance and styling are what matter most.

Specifications	Details
Engine	3.0L twin-turbo v6 petrol
Power	298kW @6,400rpm
Torque	475Nm @1,600-5,600rpm
Transmission	6-speed manual/9-speed automatic
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive

Toyota GR86

Pros	Cons
Excellent value for money option for a sports car	Lacks outright power
Sharp handling and balance	Noisy cabin at higher speeds
Manual and auto options	Small rear seats

The Toyota GR86 is a back-to-basics sports coupe that’s all about driver involvement. It keeps things simple with a 2.4L naturally aspirated boxer engine, rear-wheel drive, and a slick 6-speed manual (or an automatic if you have to do a lot of city driving too). Power is modest at 174kW, but the car’s light weight and sharp chassis tuning make it a genuine thrill on twisty roads. The GR86 has built a strong reputation for offering pure sports car fun at a price that undercuts many rivals, making it a popular choice among younger enthusiasts and track-day regulars. While it won’t match turbocharged rivals for straight-line pace, it delivers smiles per kilometre in spades. You can also look at its mechanical twin – the Subaru BRZ – for a different exterior design and potential pricing deals.

Specifications	Details
Engine	2.4L 4-cylinder petrol
Power	174kW @7,000rpm
Torque	250Nm @3,700rpm
Transmission	6-speed manual/6-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive

BMW M2

Pros	Cons
Powerful straight-6 engine	Higher price point
Sharp handling and track ability	Not for daily use
Rear-wheel-drive	Limited rear seat space

Let’s move up from affordable and simple to a serious driving tool, both in terms of money and performance. The BMW M2 is often called the sweet spot of BMW’s M division. Compact yet ferocious, it features an inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers blistering acceleration and a playful rear-wheel drive setup. It’s a car built to be driven hard, whether on track or winding roads. With precise steering and adaptive suspension, the M2 offers confidence and thrills in equal measure. While pricey compared to some rivals, the M2 delivers one of the most authentic driving experiences in the modern BMW lineup. It also packs a lot of tuning potential to unlock serious trackday performance.

Specifications	Details
Engine	3.0L twin-turbo petrol
Power	353kW
Torque	550-600Nm
Transmission	6-speed manual/8-speed automatic
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive

BMW Z4

Pros	Cons
Good performance with comfort	Not as sharp as M2
Open-top driving experience	Pricier than other sports roadsters
Premium interior and tech	Limited practicality

If the M2 is too wound up and stiff for you, BMW has another sports car in its roster more suited for a fun cruise. The BMW Z4 is a premium 2-door convertible also featuring a turbocharged 3.0L 6-cylinder in-line engine available in the M40i. There’s also a more affordable 2.0L turbo-petrol four-pot for those who are okay with the sportster looks minus the sports car performance. 

Its handling is more relaxed than the M2, but it still delivers plenty of thrills with the bonus of drop-top cruising. Inside, it’s plush with the BMW’s latest infotainment and high-quality materials. In Australia, the Z4 appeals to buyers who want a balance of performance, comfort, and a lifestyle flair. It may not be the rawest sports car, but it offers an enjoyable mix of luxury and speed. 

Specifications	Details
Engine	2.0L/ 3.0L Turbo-petrol
Power	145-285kW
Torque	320-500Nm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel-drive

Toyota GR Supra

Pros	Cons
Strong acceleration	Limited rear visibility
Sharp handling and performance	Small cabin and boot
Comfortable interior with distinct exterior design	Expensive ownership costs

Revived after a long absence, the Toyota GR Supra is a modern sports car with deep heritage. It was developed in partnership with BMW; it shares much of its DNA with the Z4 but brings a harder, coupe-focused edge. Its turbocharged straight-6 delivers strong acceleration, while precise handling and a compact body make it a blast to drive. In Australia, the A90 Supra has become a fan favourite, partly due to nostalgia for the iconic 1990s model, but also for its new-era design and the highly tunable BMW B58 powerplant under the hood. Some enthusiasts question its BMW roots, but most agree it’s a worthy, fun-having car. With a manual transmission option, the Supra offers both modern performance and old-school thrills. 

Recently discontinued, the Supra is now primarily available in the used car market, but be wary of any major mark-ups from sellers trying to cash in on the FOMO. The latest Toyota Supra is a good sports car, but it’s not one to overspend on as a future classic like the Nissan Skylines.

Specifications	Details
Engine	3.0L turbo-petrol
Power	285kW
Torque	500Nm
Transmission	8-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive

Subaru WRX

Pros	Cons
Good tech and safety equipment	Harsh suspension on bumpy roads
All-wheel-drive performance	Interior lacks a premium feel
Practical sedan body	High running costs

The Subaru WRX is another performance legend with roots in rally racing. Its turbo engine, all-wheel drive, and practical sedan body make it a unique mix of daily usability and weekend fun. The latest generation WRX may not be as aggressive and exciting as its predecessors, but it’s still a unique option for those seeking sporty driving thrills. It uses a 2.4L turbo flat-4 engine, offering strong mid-range pull and sharp handling. While more grown-up in design, it still carries the DNA that made it a cult hero in Australia. It’s a car that can handle the school run, then carve up a mountain road with ease. Downsides include a CVT auto option that feels less sporty and a cabin that doesn’t match European rivals for fit and finish.

Specifications	Details
Engine	2.4L  turbo-petrol
Power	202kW @5,600rpm
Torque	350Nm @2,000-5,200rpm
Transmission	6-speed manual/automatic
Drivetrain	All-wheel drive

Nissan GT-R

Pros	Cons
Supercar-level performance	Expensive maintenance
Good reputation	Ageing design and interior
All-weather grip	Ride quality

The Nissan R35 GT-R, nicknamed “Godzilla,” is one of Japan’s most legendary performance cars. It was recently put out of production after a glorious run of 18 years, but it remains a fan favourite. Powered by a 3.8L twin-turbo V6 paired to an advanced all-wheel-drive system, it delivers staggering acceleration and grip. Despite being on the market for nearly two decades, constant updates kept it competitive against far more expensive supercars. Its reputation in Australia is huge, loved by enthusiasts for its brute force and racing heritage. However, it’s also expensive and doesn’t offer everyday usability despite its size. 

Like other JDM cars on this list, the Nissan GT-R also has a reputation for the high-degree of performance modifications that allow owners to create unique experiences. For those who want supercar performance without the Ferrari or Lamborghini price tag, the GT-R remains an icon. 

Specifications	Details
Engine	3.8L twin-turbo V6 petrol
Power	419kW
Torque	632Nm
Transmission	6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
Drivetrain	All-wheel-drive

Porsche 718 Boxster

Pros	Cons
Exceptional handling	Expensive compared to rivals
Prestigious Porsche badge	Limited storage space
Mid-engine design	Stiff ride for rough roads

When it comes to sports cars, the Porsche badge surely sits at the pinnacle of dynamic performance. The Porsche Boxster is one of the most balanced convertible sports cars money can buy. With its mid-engine layout, razor-sharp handling, and premium build, it delivers an experience few rivals can match. Even the entry-level Boxster offers enough performance to thrill, while higher trims push into serious sports car territory. Sure, its engine output is not the highest on this list but there is little else that has the overall balance of handling and performance of the Boxster.

On Australian roads, the Boxster stands out as a driver’s car that’s just as comfortable on a weekend blast as it is on the daily commute. Its badge carries prestige, but it’s not only about image; the Boxster is genuinely one of the finest sports cars available in the market. With future iterations of the Porsche 718 lineup going mostly electric, now might be a good time to pick up a used model for a good price.

Specifications	Details
Engine	2.0L 4-cylinder turbo-petrol
Power	220kW @6,500rpm
Torque	380Nm @2,150-4,500rpm
Transmission	6-speed manual/ 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive

Bonus: MG Cyberster

Pros	Cons
Striking design	Unknown long-term reliability
Impressive performance claims	Range still unconfirmed
Zero-emission driving fun	Not yet available locally

For most driving enthusiasts, the sound from the exhaust is a key part of the sports car experience. However, for those who can embrace the future of electric mobility, there’s an option out there for them as well – the MG Cyberster.

The Cyberster marks MG’s return to its sports car roots, and it’s one of the first all-electric roadsters in the world. With striking styling, scissor doors, and claimed performance figures that rival established brands, it’s set to make waves when it arrives in Australia. Dual-motor versions are expected to deliver around 400kW, with a 0-100km/h sprint in under 3 seconds. While final Aussie specs are yet to be confirmed, the Cyberster represents an affordable entry point into the electric performance car world.  

Specifications	Details
Battery capacity	77kWh
Power	375kW
Torque	725Nm
Transmission	Single-speed
Drivetrain	All-wheel-drive

The sports car spirit lives on

From affordable coupes to high-performance icons, Australia’s sports car scene remains vibrant. The Mazda MX-5 shows that simplicity still works, the GT-R proves brute force never goes out of style, and Porsche continues to refine the art of balance. Meanwhile, newcomers like the MG Cyberster hint at an electric future where sports cars remain as exciting as ever.

From track-ready coupes to everyday cruisers, these 10 picks show that sports cars still have plenty of life left on Aussie roads.