If you’re looking for a car that exists purely to put a smile on your face, a weekend sports car is hard to beat.
These are cars bought for enjoyment rather than practicality—something you take out on a sunny Saturday morning, a twisty B-road blast, or a relaxed countryside cruise.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best sports cars for weekend driving, focusing on driving engagement, reliability, running costs, and value for money.
Whether you’re shopping new or used, these cars deliver maximum fun with minimal compromise.
Table of Contents
What Makes a Great Weekend Sports Car?
Before diving into the list, here’s what defines an ideal weekend toy:
- Engaging handling and steering feel
- Strong performance (but not necessarily huge power)
- Characterful engines and sound
- Comfortable enough for short trips
- Reasonable reliability and ownership costs
Lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports cars often shine here.
Mazda MX-5 (Miata)
Best affordable sports car for weekend driving
The Mazda MX-5 is often called the perfect sports car—and for good reason. It prioritises balance, steering feel, and driver involvement over outright speed.
Why it’s great:
- Lightweight chassis and near-perfect weight distribution
- Excellent manual gearbox
- Reliable and cheap to maintain
- Huge aftermarket and community support
Best for: Drivers who want pure fun without supercar costs.
Porsche Cayman (987 / 981)
Best balanced mid-engine sports car
The Porsche Cayman delivers razor-sharp handling thanks to its mid-engine layout. Even older used examples feel special and remain highly desirable.
Why it’s great:
- Outstanding chassis balance
- Strong naturally aspirated engines
- High build quality
- Excellent weekend comfort
Watch out for: Maintenance costs and optional extras.
BMW M2
Best modern performance coupe for weekends
The BMW M2 blends old-school rear-wheel-drive fun with modern performance. It’s powerful, aggressive, and still usable for weekend trips.
Why it’s great:
- Turbocharged straight-six performance
- Rear-wheel drive with limited-slip differential
- Comfortable interior
- Strong resale value
Best for: Drivers who want muscle and refinement.
Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ
Best driver-focused modern sports car
Designed for enthusiasts, the GR86 and BRZ focus on lightweight construction and superb handling rather than raw horsepower.
Why it’s great:
- Excellent chassis tuning
- Naturally aspirated engine
- Affordable running costs
- Modern tech without dulling the experience
Best for: Drivers who value cornering over straight-line speed.
Porsche 911 (997 Generation)
Best iconic sports car for weekend drives
The 997-generation Porsche 911 strikes the perfect balance between classic feel and modern usability. It’s engaging, fast, and holds its value well.
Why it’s great:
- Legendary flat-six sound
- Rear-engine driving character
- Everyday comfort
- Strong long-term value
Watch out for: Maintenance and specialist servicing.
Audi R8 (V8)
Best exotic weekend sports car
The first-generation Audi R8 V8 delivers supercar looks with surprisingly friendly driving manners. It’s a genuine event every time you drive it.
Why it’s great:
- Naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack
- Mid-engine layout
- Comfortable and usable
- Timeless design
Best for: Drivers wanting supercar drama without extreme difficulty.
Alpine A110
Best lightweight modern sports car
The Alpine A110 is all about agility. It’s light, fast, and incredibly fun on winding roads.
Why it’s great:
- Extremely lightweight construction
- Superb ride and handling balance
- Strong turbocharged performance
- Unique and rare
Best for: Enthusiasts who prioritise finesse over brute force.
Ford Mustang GT
Best V8 sports car for weekend cruising
The Mustang GT offers old-school V8 thrills with modern comfort. It’s more about drama and sound than lap times.
Why it’s great:
- Naturally aspirated V8 power
- Comfortable interior
- Strong road presence
- Great value for performance
Best for: Relaxed weekend drives and long road trips.
Used Sports Cars vs New: Which Is Better for Weekends?
For weekend driving, used sports cars often make more sense:
- Slower depreciation
- More characterful engines
- Greater choice within a fixed budget
New sports cars offer warranties and modern tech, but many enthusiasts prefer older, more engaging models.
Best Sports Cars for Weekend Driving on a Budget
If you’re shopping smart, these offer maximum fun per pound:
- Mazda MX-5
- Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ
- BMW M240i
- Audi TT RS (used)
Final Verdict: Which Sports Car Is Best for Weekend Driving?
The best sports car for weekend driving depends on what excites you most:
- Pure driving feel: Mazda MX-5, Alpine A110
- Performance and prestige: Porsche Cayman, 911
- Sound and drama: Audi R8, Mustang GT
- Modern performance value: BMW M2, GR86
Whatever you choose, the right weekend sports car should make every drive feel special.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best sports car for weekend driving?
The Mazda MX-5 is widely considered the best all-round weekend sports car due to its balance, reliability, and affordability.
Are sports cars good for weekend-only use?
Yes. Many sports cars are ideal for weekend driving, especially if you don’t need daily practicality.
What is the most reliable sports car to buy used?
Japanese sports cars like the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota GR86 are known for strong reliability.
Is it better to buy a manual sports car for weekends?
For most enthusiasts, manual gearboxes provide a more engaging weekend driving experience.
Can a sports car be cheap to own?
Yes. Some sports cars, particularly smaller and naturally aspirated models, have reasonable running costs.
If you’re buying for enjoyment, the best sports car is the one that makes you look back at it after parking.
