The Best Two-Seater Cars

Driving enthusiasts appreciate the niche segment that is two-seater cars. What these cars lack in practicality, they greatly make up for in handling and fun.
Written by Kerry Gibson
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Although two-seater cars are a dying breed, overshadowed by the rising popularity of SUVs, most
car brands
have dabbled in this unique segment. These cars don’t have a back seat or large trunk, but they definitely excel in the steering and agility department.
Varying greatly in cost and ability, two-seater cars are a fun drive. Interested buyers are mostly driving enthusiasts that will appreciate how these smaller vehicles handle themselves. The best two-seater cars are ranked based on a variety of factors from safety ratings to quality, reliability, and performance.

Small but mighty two-seater cars

Starting the list off with perhaps the most popular two-seater car, is the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Known as the “people’s sports car,” it remains extremely affordable at $26,830. It makes waves in the motorsports world because it is the lightest and best-balanced option. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 181 hp, and the soft top pairs well with a six-speed manual gearbox. Highway fuel economy sits at 30 mpg, which is a nice bonus.
Based off the Mazda Miata, and assembled in the same factory, is the Fiat 124 Spider. This version is made with Italian parts and is similarly available with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers 160 hp.
What the Honda CR-Z Hybrid lacks in speed, it makes up for with responsive suspension tuning and a light curb weight. A six-speed manual transmission is optional. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder combined with an electric motor makes 130 hp.
Autobytel
figured the Smart Fortwo deserves to be included with the two-seater cars. A 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine offers decent fuel economy. At 89 hp, performance may not be its strong suit, but its ultra-compact stature makes parking easy for city dwellers. And it’s available as a convertible.
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Powerful two-seater cars

MORE: Chevy Teased the 2023 Corvette Z06 and Fans Are Already Drooling
Some two-seater cars have a little more pep in their step, like the Chevrolet Corvette. A 6.2-liter V8 engine is wrapped up in a fiberglass body and achieves 0 to 60 mph in under 4.0 seconds. The base model Stingray has 455 hp, or upgrade to the supercharged Z06 for 650 hp and travel to 60 mph from a standstill in just 2.9 seconds.
You can find a used model with a seven-speed manual transmission, or enjoy the eight-speed paddle shift automatic in the 2022 model. The front and rear trunks are road trip friendly, and the top speed of 194 mph makes the Corvette a
U.S. News
favorite.
The Nissan 370Z is available as a coupe or roadster. You can pair a six-speed manual, or seven-speed automatic gearbox with the 3.7-liter V6 engine. While its design certainly looks the part, buyers will also appreciate the stiff suspension system and automatic rev-matching in downshifts.
Another crowd favorite is the sporty and luxurious BMW Z4. This roadster has a retractable hardtop with quality interior amenities. Taller passengers will appreciate the unusual roominess for a two-seater car. With an abundance of options and trim levels, buyers are sure to find a model to satisfy.
The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, makes 240 hp. Or, get 300 hp out of the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder. For even more power, the twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder produces 335 hp and travels from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Both are available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission.
Other BMW two-seater cars worth mentioning include the Z8, which pays homage to the “Bond” film-featured 507 model from the 1950s. A three-spoke metal steering wheel controls the 395 hp of the 4.9-liter S62 V8 motor.
There is also the elegant BMW M40i G29 V6, and its body double, the Toyota Supra. While entering and exiting the car may be challenging, it offers a smooth rear-wheel ride. It’s available as a turbocharged four-cylinder or turbocharged inline-six with adaptive suspension.
The Audi TT Roadster is a compact luxury two-seater that offers stylish open air driving. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, creates 220 hp. The quattro all-wheel drive system provides better grip for cornering.
Drivers can increase their fuel expenditure in the Audi R8 model. The V10 engine has 602 hp and a 3.5 second time from 0 to 60 mph.
It wouldn’t be a round-up of two-seater cars without mentioning the Porsche Boxster. With rock hard suspension and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, this car shines on a road course. The 718 Spyder model has a precise six-speed manual gearbox combined with a 414 hp naturally-aspirated six-cylinder engine.
The closely related Porsche Cayman coupe is one of the best handling two-seater cars. The infotainment system leaves owners wanting more, but the turbo-four engines have either 300 or 350 hp. It’s available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic.
A Boxster rival, the Mercedes R172 SLK55 AMG fits a large 5.5-liter V8 into a smaller package. It’s a muscular roadster that tops out at 170 mph. The AMG GT is turbocharged and has phenomenal steering.
The Fast & Furious movie-famous Honda S2000 is an affordable option. A 2.2-liter inline-four VTEC motor makes nearly 250 hp and sounds like a Ferrari when it revs high. Owners will appreciate the driver-focused cockpit.
The Tesla Roadster may be controversial now, but it was revolutionary in 2008 when it was released. It’s a rear-wheel drive electric vehicle that makes 288 hp and moves from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.0 seconds.
For $157,500 you can own a two-seater hybrid car. The Acura NSX combines three electric motors with a V6 engine behind the cabin. With 573 hp, the standard all-wheel drive, top-of-the-line suspension and steering make this a thrilling ride.

Two-seater cars that shouldn’t be allowed on the list

If you’re not worried about fuel economy or price tag, then these two-seater cars were made for you. Like the 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 of the Ferrari 488GTB. It hits 60 mph from a standstill in 3.0 seconds flat and produces 661 hp. The seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission helps manoeuver the rear wheels.
According to
HotCars
, the TVR Sagaris didn’t exactly meet safety guidelines but it was quick and looked great. A 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine produced 406 hp and topped out at 185 mph.
We couldn’t forget to mention the beautifully-designed Jaguar E-Type, a popular choice among the rich and famous. Another head-turning model is the F-Type. More of a two-seater supercar than a sports car, it has a loud supercharged 3.0-liter V6 motor or a supercharged V8 with 575 hp. The cabin is cozy, so at least the controls are all within reach.
The Lotus Exige 430 never made it to the U.S. but deserves a special mention. Only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, the supercharged 3.5-liter Camry V6 engine is not for the faint of heart. It goes as fast as 180 mph and moves from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds.

Insuring your two-seater cars

Whether you find yourself a fun two-seater to drive, or something with a backseat,
Jerry
can help you find the best car insurance. The super app will provide quotes from 50 top carriers like Progressive, Allstate, and Safeco. Get the best coverage at the best price with Jerry.
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