It’s in the name, sports cars are vehicles that prioritize performance and spirited driving, distinguishing them from ordinary passenger carriers. Here are five you can find for under a million.
Being specifically designed and engineered for high-performance capabilities, rather than merely serving as an incremental step up from regular road cars, sports cars serve as the epitome of motoring for enthusiasts. Coming in all shapes and sizes with varying prices – this list will focus exclusively on two-door coupes, which exemplify the essence of a sports car which can be purchased for under a million.
Here are some of the best value-for-money sports cars available on Car Magazine’s website. Click on the heading of the vehicle to see more and let us know if you agree with our selection!
For the British sports car enthusiasts! This offshoot of the Vantage nameplate stands to commemorate the firm’s achievements at the Nürburgring which means this model is endowed with a dollop of power, several changes to the body, and an exclusive interior design. Inseparable from the James Bond films, this sultry two-seater is powered by a 4,3-litre V8 engine. Although the initial output was 283 kW/420 N.m, however the actual number may have decreased over the years. The British V8 is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission controlled via paddle shifters. The Vantage strikes an exquisite balance between a daily driver and a rear-wheel-drive sports car. This particular example has covered 56 600 km and features a well-maintained interior.
Despite the nameplate being synonymous with six cylinders, The E92 M3 serves as a testament to the German brand’s ability to create its own shouty muscle car. This particular M3 is considered one of the greatest driver-focused cars ever produced by BMW. The car is powered by a robust naturally aspirated 4,0-litre V8 engine, known for its high-pitched groan and 8400 rpm redline. With a power output of 309 kW and 400 Nm, this example comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The odometer reads 45 000 km making the 12-year-old model relatively low mileage.
A mid-engined supercar for under a million Rand? There are actually quite a few and in the corner of Audi is the R8. This German foray into the world of high performance epitomizes the concept of an “everyday supercar” and is destined to become a future collector’s car. It is regarded as one of the most exhilarating driver-centric cars ever produced. This particular example is powered by a 4,2-litre V8 engine, which provides the all-wheel-drive supercar with 309 kW and 430 Nm. The engine is mated to the renowned R-tronic automatic transmission. The car has accumulated 60 000 km on the odometer.
Older, unmodified sports cars of this calibre are rare. The R35 GT-R, a successor to the iconic R34 GT-R, represents the longest-running iteration of the GT-R badge, having undergone several facelifts during its nearly 15-year lifespan. This example is from the earliest version of the R35. Offered in the Premium Edition specification, it comes equipped with 20-inch forged wheels wrapped in Toyo tires and features the Ecutek software engine management system. The reason for the relatively cheap price is that it is shy of 100 000 km on the odometer.
Porsche is synonymous with the term “sports car“, especially the 911 lineup. The 911 Turbo, introduced in 2001, marked the end of Porsche’s non-turbocharged platforms. Available on Car Magazine’s listing site is a 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo with 112 000 km on the odometer, priced below 800k. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3,6-litre boxer engine, delivering a power output of 309 kW and 560 Nm. Additionally, this all-wheel-drive coupe is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.
Which would you take from this list?
