Best European Sports Cars
Sleek and unique, European sports cars have trailblazed the auto industry. But just because they’re speed machines, doesn’t mean they’re out of your price range.
Written by Elaine Duvet
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
Europe
is known for its rich history, fine wine, and producing some of the most iconic sports coupes and roadsters the world has ever seen—with unique personalities.Jerry
, your favorite super car app
, shares our favorite autos that keep European sports car tradition alive. They may even be more affordable than you’d expect. 2015 sports car stars
The 2015 Porsche Boxster handles well and is more affordable than the high-performance Porsche 911. According to
Autobytel
, “The open-air Boxster's lighter chassis allows it to grip the road with greater confidence.” Drivers have two choices for the engine: a 2.7-liter six-cylinder engine with 265 hp or a 3.4-liter six-cylinder that can crank out up to 330 horses. Though the Boxster has a standard six-speed manual transmission, you can also opt for a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automated manual if fast gear changes are your cup of tea.
2015 was also a great year for the Ferrari 458 Italia from Maranello, Modena. The exotic sports car boasts 562 hp with a 4.5-liter V8 engine mounted to the rear of the driver.
“A seven-speed, dual-clutch automated manual transmission transmits that output to the back wheels and the Ferrari 458 Italia's finely-tuned chassis adeptly steps exactly where the driver tells it to,” Autobytel notes. The Italian auto can ramp up to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.
Drivers looking for a vehicle that’s a bit more quirky and lightweight love the 2015 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works. The subcompact hatchback ups the ante with an aggressive suspension and braking package. The MINI features a six-speed manual transmission and a turbo 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 208 hp.
With shared DNA with Lamborghini, the 2015 Audi R8 “ features a rear-mounted engine and standard quattro all-wheel drive, which gives it superb grip and a more forgiving personality at higher speeds,” according to Autobytel.
Despite its entry-level status, the 4.2-liter V8 engine can produce 430 hp. If you dare, you can install a 5.2-liter V10 with 525 hp and 391-lb ft of torque instead. Either engine can house a reliable six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch manual. The V10 Plus will get you a whopping 550 hp.
The well-engineered 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is an impressive supercar that features gull-wing doors and a lightweight all-aluminum chassis. The auto sports a 6.2-liter V8 engine with a thunderous 583 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque.
The coupe comes standard with a seven-speed automated manual transmission and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. Though the SLS AMG is street legal, it's likely to leave a NASCAR-worthy impression.
The 2015 BMW Z4 can compete with the Boxster, but also appeals to a different kind of sports car buyer. The Z4 is a great option for year-round driving, as a retractable hardtop comes standard.
Its entry-level trim offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 240 hp. If you upgrade to the sDrive35i model, you’ll gain a 2.0-liter six-cylinder twin-turbo with 300 hp.
“For even more thrills, the sDrive35is cranks up the boost on the 3.0-liter mill to offer up an additional 35 horses and 32-lb ft of torque,” Autobytel tells us.
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Need for speed
We’re not saying the Alfa Romeo 4C is perfect, but it’s pretty dang close. The auto features a 1.7-liter 4-cylinder engine that's easy to maintain. The unique body produces an astounding sound that will have people thinking you’re arriving in a sports car three times the price when you pull up to the valet.
The Lamborghini Gallardo was manufactured between 2003 and 2013 and features a V10 engine with a Stour motor. Released under its parent company, Audi, drivers can expect this auto to last well beyond the 100,000-mile mark.
Equipped with a modified Toyota motor, the high-performance Lotus Elise is a two-seater with rear-wheel drive. The British car is lightweight and production costs are kept to a minimum.
The stripped-down coupe has a “stiff suspension and firm chassis [that] make it more of a weekend track toy than a daily commuter, although there’s something to be said for giving up creature comforts in favor of pure driving delight,” according to Autobytel.
The Jaguar F-Type starts at $74,550 and is an actual Jag that we can depend on. The Porsche rival sounds fantastic, is beautifully designed, and has plenty of character. Its 5.0-liter V8 engine can pump out 44 hp on the P450 trim and the R configuration can offer 575 hp.
MORE: 4 Popular American Cars That Didn't Do Well In Europe
Insuring a sports car
There’s a lot to learn about insuring a modern European sports car. Did you know that cars with high crash safety ratings actually have lower insurance premiums? And since so many modern cars have standard driver-assist features, the probability of your sports car having a great safety rating is high.
Have a question about possibly switching your coverage? Download the super app,
Jerry
. Then, just answer a handful of questions that will take you roughly 45 seconds to complete and you’ll immediately get car insurance quotes for coverage similar to your current plan. Jerry customers save an average of $887 a year.
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