Though gas prices may have dipped, fuel economy remains a major concern among new-car buyers. But what about those who don’t want to settle for a lifeless economy-minded model? Can a true sports car be both entertaining to drive and fuel-efficient?
The answer, surprisingly, is yes.
While the sports car market is still populated with plenty of gas-guzzlers, there are a number of models — some of which are among the quickest rides on the road — that are reasonably fuel frugal.
We sorted through both the EPA’s official ratings and 0- 60 mph times for all sport coupes/convertibles sold in the U.S. to compile the following list of ten models that can reach 60 mph in well under six seconds, yet achieve an estimated combined city/highway fuel economy of 22 mpg or better.
There is one caveat, however. The EPA cautions that “aggressive” driving (i.e. the manner for which sports cars are built) can reduce a vehicle’s gas mileage by as much as 33 percent at highway speeds and by five percent in the city. As they say, your mileage may vary.
1. Porsche 911 Carrera. Powered by a 350-horsepower 3.4-liter flat-six engine, the base 911 can sprint to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and is estimated at 20/28-mpg city/highway. The 911 Carrera S, with 400 horses, is even quicker at 4.1 seconds to 60 mph, but still manages 20/27 mpg.
2. Porsche Boxster. Porsche’s nimble roadster features a 255-horsepower 2.9-liter flat-six engine that can reach 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and achieve 22/32 mpg. The Boxster S with its 315-horsepower 3.4-liter six beats it by a few ticks at 4.7 seconds to 60 mph and boasts 21/30 mpg.
3. Porsche Cayman. This two-seat coupe with its 2.9- liter flat-six engine makes a 5.4-second 0-60 mph run and nets 20/29 mpg. Meanwhile the Cayman S and its 320- horsepower 3.4-liter six can reach 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, with the Cayman R packing 330 horses and hitting 60 mph in 4.6 seconds; both the S and R versions are also rated at 20/29 mpg.
4. Lotus Evora. The seductively styled Evora comes powered by a Lotus-tuned version of Toyota’s familiar 3.5- liter V6 powerplant; here it generates 276 horsepower, which is good for a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds and delivers 20/28 mpg. The Evora S is turbocharged to reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds with 19/28 mpg.
5. Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Receiving a power boost with an early 2013 update, V6-powered versions pack a spirited 348-horsepower 3.8-liter engine and can sprint from 0- 60 mph in around 5.2 seconds while getting 18/28 mpg.
6. Nissan 370Z. Available either as a two-seat coupe or convertible, Nissan’s “Z” delivers dynamic performance at reasonable prices. A 332-horsepower V6 engine enables the car to reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds with a rated 19/26 mpg.
7. Audi TT. Offered as a curvy all-wheel-drive coupe or convertible, the base TT with its 211-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine can sprint to 60 mph in a lively 5.3 seconds and get an estimated 23/31 mpg.
8. Mercedes-Benz SLK350. Choose the 3.5-liter V6- equipped version of Mercedes’ smallest roadster for the best balance of speed and efficiency. The SLK350 can reach 60 mph in 5.5 seconds with fuel economy pegged at 20/28 mpg.
9. Ford Mustang. That’s right, the original “pony car” makes our fast-and-frugal list – at least in its base V6-powered renditions – with an estimated 5.8-second leap to 60 mph and a respectable 19/31 mpg.
10. Infiniti G37. A more luxurious version of Nissan’s 370Z that’s fitted with a smallish back seat and added amenities, the G37 isn’t as quick, though it can still reach 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and garner 19/27 mpg.
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