Best Supercars for Under $100k

Why We Picked It:

The Lamborghini Gallardo was created to change the standards for what a high-performance sports car can offer by making every ride an individual adventure. Lamborghini's engineers designed the car to be as relaxing as possible without sacrificing the sportiness expected of a genuine Lamborghini. The result was a straightforward and comfy supercar, making it a suitable option for both seasoned and inexperienced drivers.

Luc Donckerwolke, who also created the Audi R8 and the Bentley Continental GT, was responsible for designing this Lambo. The Gallardo has a sleek and aggressive design synonymous with the Lamborghini brand.

The Lamborghini Gallardo is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine that generates 500 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed manual transmission with a gated shifter and all-wheel drive. The engine is a four-valve, double-overhead-cam design with a five-liter displacement. To keep the center of gravity low and the car's general design in check, Lamborghini opted for a 90-degree engine angle rather than the more common V72.

Why We Picked It:

The AMG GT S Coupe is stunning at first glance. Smooth contours and a tall front hood are homages to the sports car aesthetic with its aggressive design cues and aerodynamic features.

Under the hoods lies a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 515 horsepower and 494 lb-ft of torque. With the standard seven-speed clutch transmission, you can hear that distinctive AMG growl as you shift gears. Since this is AMG's take on a sports car, expect plenty of loud turbocharged V8 power linked to a rear-driven chassis.

The AMG GT S Coupe isn't limited to blistering speeds on the highway, either. It can take sharp turns because of its rear-wheel drive and performance-tuned suspension. The damping system can be adjusted for comfortable highway driving and responsive track performance. The GT S's responsiveness is maintained by the limited-slip differential's careful distribution of the power.

The inside is outfitted with high-end materials like leather and carbon fiber. The instrument panel and center console are front and center to give the driver an excellent road view.

Why We Picked It:

In 1990, Honda released the NSX, a revolutionary high-performance model that reimagined the supercar concept by blending innovation, beauty, and power. The NSX boasts long, low lines with a clean, uncomplicated appearance. Its pop-up headlights improve aerodynamics and streamline its appearance, complementing its sleek, uncluttered rear end.

The NSX was the first production vehicle to use drive-by-wire technology for the throttle, variable valve timing, and titanium connecting rods. The NSX stood out because of its superb balance and driving enjoyment. Honda's near-perfect weight distribution is the result of meticulous engineering.

The rear wheels receive power from the 270-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. Its refined suspension system and lightweight aluminum chassis made its superior handling and nimbleness possible. The NSX's innovative aluminum monocoque chassis provided unmatched rigidity and made the car instantly responsive to the driver's every command, making for a thrilling and precise ride.

The NSX excelled in driver comfort thanks to its well-designed cockpit, state-of-the-art climate control systems, and excellent visibility, contributing to its practicality and appeal as a daily driver.

Why We Picked It:

The Ferrari 360, also known as the 360 Modena, is widely considered the manufacturer's first really modern vehicle. Debuting in 1999, it was the first Ferrari to feature an aluminum chassis. In addition, it included a multi-mode traction control system and an electronically adjustable suspension.

The 360, however, represented the pinnacle of several iconic Ferrari design cues. The 3.6-liter displacement of the V8 Ferrari Dino engine utilized in other Ferraris increased power to 400 hp and torque to 275 lb-ft. The power was sent to the rear wheels through either a gated six-speed manual transmission or the electrohydraulic-actuated "F1" automated manual transmission built by Graziano Trasmissioni.

However, a manual transmission is preferable because it is not plagued by F1's notoriously poor reputation for reliability and complexity. Because of its sporty nature, a Ferrari 360 is best driven with a manual transmission.

Overall, The Ferrari 360 Modena model offers enthusiasts a genuine Ferrari old-school experience without costing a fortune. Although it's a modern Ferrari, it's considered reasonably reliable because of its straightforward powertrain.

Why We Picked It:

The Lotus Emira was the final Lotus model to employ a combustion engine, and its debut signaled the end of an era because it replaced not one but three models (the Elise/Exige twins and the Evora). Furthermore, this mid-engine two-seater will provide a choice between two different power plants.

The top-of-the-line Emira is powered by Toyota's renowned 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine, which has been lauded by the company's executives and will provide 400 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque through either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. The Emira V6 gives its passengers a thrilling drive and an enticing soundtrack thanks to its supercharged V6 engine and four driving modes.

An "entry-level" Emira, though, is the big news. Like the Mercedes-AMG A 45 and CLA 45, it's powered by the AMG M139 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The Emira's, on the other hand, had its tuning lowered so that it produced only 360 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.

Why We Picked It:

The 911 Turbo (996) is often disregarded by fans because of its design, especially the headlights, which are often criticized for lacking the "classic" look of a 911. The 996 is often considered the "ugly duckling" of the 911 lineage despite its quick acceleration, handling, all-wheel drive, and manual transmission. But aside from its controversial headlights, the 911 993 Turbo has the classic Porsche silhouette.

The 996 Turbo has a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine that sends all 415 horsepower to the ground through Porsche's legendary all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. But it's not just about horsepower; the 996 Turbo pioneered fuel economy and aerodynamics with features like its variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbochargers. High-end materials and a design that emphasizes the driver help create an upscale yet sporty interior. The 996 Turbo was also the first to have a water cooling system.

The basic Turbo's turbocharged Mezger engine produced 415 hp. The X50 Powerkit upgrade package could increase power to 444 hp by installing larger turbochargers and other components.

Why We Picked It:

The R8 V10 S-tronic is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 supplied by Lamborghini and mated to Audi's S-tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which increases output to 525 horsepower and torque to 391 pound-feet.

In the past, the R-tronic transmission was notoriously slow. So Audi swapped it out for the fantastic S-tronic, which, in conjunction with the quattro all-wheel drive system, distributes power to all four wheels with zero latency. The R8 V10 is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed DSG.

The R8 is more than simply a high-performance sports car; it also boasts several luxurious features and innovative technology, making it a pleasure to drive daily.

The R8's cabin is significantly larger than rival supercars', increasing the car's use and comfort. The Audi R8 has quickly risen to the ranks of the world's finest supercars because of its remarkable speed, durability, and reasonable pricing.

Why We Picked It:

This next car is controversial because the Ferrari FF was a total flop. However, that makes it a real bargain because you get so much car for the money. When it was new, it cost over $300,000. Now you can get it for a third of that.

Regarding performance and most of the styling, the FF checks all the boxes to make it a "true Ferrari. Starting in the front, it has headlights that resemble the Ferrari 458 and similar styling and proportions to other Ferraris of that era. To the untrained eye, the FF front end could easily be confused with that of the F12berlinetta. Additionally, the FF has four full-size seats, which isn't unusual in Ferrari's history. However, the hatchback body makes it so controversial for the "purists."

The FF was Ferrari's attempt at giving customers a practical, more "family-oriented" supercar while offering that thoroughbred powerhouse under the hood. The car equipped a very Ferrari 6.3-liter V12 that churned out 660 horses and 503 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent via a rear-wheel-biased all-wheel-drive system via a 7-speed automatic transaxle.

Why We Picked It:

From 2011 to 2014, McLaren Automotive produced the mid-engine, two-seater McLaren MP4-12C sports car. It was McLaren's first all-new production car since the F1 in 1992, and it was a critical and commercial success. The MP4-12C was designed with a focus on performance and efficiency. It has a lightweight carbon fiber chassis and a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 dry sump engine that produces 616 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque.

In addition to its impressive performance, the MP4-12C is also a very comfortable and luxurious car. It has a well-appointed interior with high-quality materials and finishes. It also has advanced features like retractable dihedral doors, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a launch control system.

The MP4-12C was available in both coupe and convertible body styles. It was also offered in different trim levels, including the standard, GT, and Spider models. Even though the McLaren MP4-12C is over a decade old, it still holds up today. It's still one of the fastest and most agile supercars on the market, with a timeless design that still looks fresh today.

Why We Picked It:

The Chevrolet Corvette C8 is a mid-engine, two-seater supercar that was introduced in 2020. It was the first mid-engine Corvette since the C2 generation in the 1960s, and it was a major departure from the previous front-engine design.

A 6.2-liter LS-based GM small-block V8 engine with 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque powers the C8 Corvette. The engine utilizes a dry sump lubrication system. This engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. In addition to its impressive performance, the C8 Corvette is also a very comfortable and luxurious car.

The C8 Corvette has a well-appointed interior with high-quality materials and finishes. It also has several advanced features, such as a digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and a Bose premium sound system.

The C8 Corvette is available in both coupe and convertible body styles. It is also offered in several trim levels, including the base model 1LT, the 2LT, and the 3LT.