New and Used Sports and Performance Cars For Sale

Why should you buy a sports or performance car?

Red MG Cyberster With Top Down Birdseye View

There's a certain type of car that you don't buy purely to get from A to B. Sports cars are built around the drive itself, from the way they turn into a corner to the noise they make on the way out of it. The Ford Mustang and its 5.0-litre V8 make that case as well as any, while the all-electric MG Cyberster proves the recipe works just as well without an engine.

Performance covers much more ground, though. It stretches to hot hatchbacks such as the Hyundai i30 N, and to performance SUVs like the Ford Puma ST and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, which can put out a staggering 641bhp, so you needn't sacrifice practicality to enjoy your commute.

Nor do you need a supercar budget. Electric models such as the MG4 EV XPOWER cover 0 to 62mph in 3.8 seconds, and modern performance cars have drive modes that soften things off when you'd rather just cruise.

What types of sports and performance cars are there?

Performance now spans almost every shape of car, so the easiest way to narrow things down is by the bodystyle that suits your life. Some of the most popular are:

A quicker take on the everyday hatchback, pairing five-door family practicality with genuine pace and sharper handling.

The classic two-door, with low-slung styling and a cabin that puts the driver front and centre.

Compact, open-top and usually a two-seater, built almost entirely around the driving experience.

A higher-riding option that keeps commanding views and family space, without giving up the speed.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the top selling sports car?

The Mazda MX-5 is Britain's best-selling two-seater roadster, and the best-selling sports car in the country once luxury models costing several times as much are set aside. Its appeal comes down to the formula of a lightweight, rear-wheel drive roadster that's cheap to run, easy to live with, and hugely rewarding on a British back road.

Does Ford have a sports car?

Ford does, and it's a famous one. The Ford Mustang is a four-seat sports car available as a coupé or a convertible, powered by a 5.0-litre V8, with a track-focused Dark Horse version at the top of the range. Ford's performance know-how doesn't stop there, either. The Ford Puma ST brings that same thinking to a compact SUV, while the new all-electric Ford Capri expands the marque’s sporty range even further.

Are sports cars luxury cars?

Not always, as the two describe different things. A sports car earns its name through performance, handling and driver enjoyment, whereas a luxury car is defined by comfort, refinement and high-end materials. Some cars manage both, but plenty of sports cars are built to be attainable rather than expensive. That's good news if you want something exciting on your driveway, because a genuinely rewarding drive doesn't have to come with a luxury price tag attached. In terms of the luxury car tax, some sports and performance cars do fall above the £40,000 (or £50,000 for EV models) threshold, so it's worth considering the additional cost if you're considering an affected model.

What makes a car sporty?

It's rarely about power alone. Power-to-weight matters just as much, which is why performance cars are engineered to keep weight down; a lighter car changes direction more eagerly and stops more sharply. Quick steering, a low centre of gravity, firmer suspension, uprated brakes and grippier tyres all play their part, along with drive modes that sharpen the throttle and steering. Add a low, striking profile, supportive sports seats and a soundtrack to match, and the character is complete.

Can you daily drive a performance car?

Absolutely, and most are designed with exactly that in mind. Modern performance cars are far more usable than their reputation suggests, with selectable drive modes that soften the ride for the commute and tune everything up when the road opens out. Do factor in firmer suspension and higher insurance groups, though an all-electric performance car will keep running and servicing costs down.

What is the difference between a performance car and a sports car?

A sports car is a specific thing: a car built first and foremost for the pleasure of driving it, typically low, light and seating two, with practicality coming second. A performance car is the broader term, covering any car engineered to go, stop and corner harder than the standard version it's based on. That includes hot hatchbacks, performance SUVs and fast estates. Put simply, every sports car is a performance car, but not every performance car is a sports car.

Why should you buy a car from Evans Halshaw?

As part of one of the UK's largest automotive retail networks, we have an extensive range of both new and used cars within our group inventory. Having partnered with over 20 of the world's best-known manufacturers, you're also able to access exclusive benefits, schemes, and offers, to ensure you're getting the greatest value when browsing for your next vehicle.

With over 100 locations nationwide, we serve customers up and down the country, and aim to build lasting relationships with everyone that visits our site. From experiencing a car for the first time, through to long-term care for your vehicle, our stores are well-equipped to take the hassle out of vehicle ownership from start-to-finish, allowing you to enjoy every minute behind the wheel.

So, if you're interested in exploring your next vehicle, please get in touch with your nearest Evans Halshaw retailer where an advisor will be on-hand to support your journey.

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