Supercars are high-performance marvels of modern automotive technology. Due to their chassis tuning, powerful engines, sturdy brakes, and sometimes extensive aerodynamic engineering, they’re designed to rapidly reach high speeds and maintain as much of it as possible, whether down a long empty road or while carving through a series of thrilling, rollercoaster-like corners. They’re as at home on street as they are the race track.
Traditionally, top-tier performance cars have been denoted as having a mid-engine layout, meaning the engine sits just behind the passenger compartment. However, thanks to immense technical advancements in engine, chassis, and suspension tuning, more traditional sports car with rear- and front-engine layouts can box in this ring as well. What a current turbo BMW M2 can achieve nowadays in cornering and acceleration was the stuff of dreams amongst exclusive, high-priced exotic cars like Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Lamborghini just 20 years ago.
Supercar-level performance is more attainable than ever in both the new and used car markets. In fact, traditional high-end supercar fighters like the Aston Martin Vantage, FD-generation Mazda RX-7, Audi R8 Quattro, Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 Turbo, and Acura NSX are matched by a lot of what we outline below. Welcome to our guide of the best sports cars with supercar-level performance that you can buy for under $100,000.
The Best Supercars Under $100,000 in 2025
- 2025 BMW M2
- 2025 Chevrolet Corvette
- 2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
- 2025 Lexus LC 500
- 2025 Lotus Emira Turbo
- 2025 Lucid Air Touring
- 2025 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance
- 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS
- 2025 Tesla Model 3 Performance
- 2025 Tesla Model S Plaid
2025 BMW M2
0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
Top speed: 177 mph
Putting out 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque from its twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline-six engine, the 3,800-pound BMW M2 is one of the most potent coupes that the Bavarian brand has ever produced. It sports rear-wheel drive (RWD) and comes with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox (the latter boosts torque to 443 pound-feet), adaptive dampers, thick sway bars, and massive multi-piston brakes to keep its ravenous driving experience under control.
The M2 made 20 fewer hp in the 2024 model year—it’s always nice when manufacturers bump power without anyone asking for it. Despite its front-engine layout, steering is quite direct, and the whole car is very eager to change direction, especially on track, where it’s truly at home. Then BMW’s extensive M traction control settings do a great job putting power down effectively, ensuring the M2 offers one of the fastest, most precision-engineered driving experiences that its $67,000 base price can buy.
2025 Chevrolet Corvette
0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 194 mph
In redesigning the Corvette with a mid-engine layout, Chevrolet cemented it as the definitive American supercar, as well as one of the true affordable supercars. The Corvette offers a surprising amount of storage spread between the frunk and trunk, and the removable roof panel stows in the rear. The cabin features luxury-level materials, as well as a polarizing row of buttons down the center console. It's all wrapped in a package that could be confused for a Ferrari.
Behind the driver, a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 makes 490 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. With the optional Z51 package, it puts out 495 and 470, respectively. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission available, routing power to the rear wheels. The aforementioned Z51 package also adds performance tires, larger brakes, more aerodynamic bodywork, and a more hardcore suspension. The optional Magnetic Ride Control allows the Corvette to comfortably drive on the highway like a Cadillac, or mercilessly attack a racecourse like a Ferrari. For the best bargain, the 2LT trim has a base MSRP of just over $75,000.
2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds
Top speed: 166 mph
The Ford Mustang was significantly refreshed inside and out for the 2024 model year, and its lineup runs the gamut from fun, affordable turbocharged four-cylinder sports car to a high-powered performance beast in the new Dark Horse configuration. Priced from about $65,000, the Mustang Dark Horse boasts a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that hammers out 500 hp and 418 lb-ft of torque. As standard, power is routed to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, which is an absolute delight to shift. However, an optional 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters is available and drops the zero-60-mph time from 4.1 to 3.7 seconds. Brembo performance brakes, a limited-slip rear differential, a set of wide and sticky Pirelli tires, and magnetic ride control all help the Dark Horse corner like a supercar.
Want to show off that 5.0-liter V8’s engine note? You can rev it standing outside the car with the push of a button on the key fob. With the Dodge Challenger no longer offered and the Camaro sadly gone as well, the Mustang has no direct muscle car competition for the 2025 model year.
2025 Lexus LC 500
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
Top speed: 168 mph
The Lexus LC 500 has a ravenous naturally aspirated V8 under its hood and looks every inch a supercar. Its dynamic front-end styling and angular lines result in a car that appears to be at speed, even when parked. The cabin also lives up to supercar status, with a dramatic, flowing design. It features an 8-inch touchscreen that blends seamlessly into the dash, though it can be distracting to use at times.
The LC's eight-cylinder heart makes 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, which is routed to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission (paddle shifters are included to row through them on your own). A dial protruding from the side of the instrument panel binnacle allows the driver to select Eco, Comfort, S Sport, and S Sport+ drive modes. In its most performance-focused setting, S Sport+, the LC 500 is not a hardcore sports car, but rather an athletic and luxurious grand tourer. Still, its overall handling is admirable for its size, and when you stomp on the throttle, that V8 has a glorious exhaust note. With a base price of $99,750, this Lexus barely squeaks onto our list.
2025 Lotus Emira Turbo
0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
Top speed: 180 mph
Finally arriving for the 2025 model year, the Lotus Emira Turbo is both a major step forward as well as a way to pay homage to Lotus models of yore. For us enthusiasts in America, we’d gotten quite used to the supercharged 3.5-liter V6 found in its predecessor, the Evora, which then carried over to the Emira V6. However, the company has a proud history of turbo tuning in the brand’s iconic Esprit; there’s just something about a tiny, mid-engined Lotus sporting a small-yet-lively turbocharged four-cylinder.
This latest powertrain makes the Emira truly lively: The Mercedes-AMG-sourced 2.0-liter power plant produces an impressive 400 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough for this beautiful little two-door’s 3,100-lb curb weight. It’s also an absolute riot to drive: Tack-sharp handling, brilliant steering communication, whip-fast shifts from its eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and all in a package that’s quite daily-able. The Emira features a more opulent interior over the previous Evora, plus great infotainment, good visibility, and very comfortable seats.
Lotus only offers conventional passive damping in its suspension—unlike many other manufacturers that bolt up adaptive dampers—through two different tuning options: Touring and Sport. The former is for a little extra compliance around town, but the Sport rides quite well for an enthusiast-focused high-end sports car. This mini McLaren starts at around $95,000 and is worth every penny in fun factor.
2025 Lucid Air Touring
0-60 mph: 3.0 seconds
Top speed: 205 mph
The Lucid Air is an electric vehicle (EV) from a new company that’s quickly making itself known in luxury-car circles. At any level in the Bay Area company’s lineup, you’ll find a model that offers class-leading numbers for speed, range, or performance, and often several of these combined. For the all-wheel-drive (AWD) Touring, power is rated at 620 hp. It’ll hit 60 mph in 3 seconds flat, reach up to 406 miles of driving range, and add 200 miles worth of charge in just 30 minutes when plugged into a level 3 DC fast charging station. Impressive specs, to say the least.
Besides these compelling stats, all Lucid Air trims are very nice to drive. Because its body style is so aerodynamic, it’s one of the best vehicles to cruise around with the windows down, ever. No matter which one you choose, the interior is very chic and aesthetically pleasing. The Lucid Air Touring starts around $80,000 and proves that EVs can be incredibly pleasant to drive, too.
2025 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance
0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds
Top speed: 174 mph
Where a mighty, twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 used to flourish in this muscular C-Class trim now lives a single-turbo, 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Ironically, the same one found in the Lotus Emira Turbo. But here’s the thing: This legendary AMG entry is still epic fun to drive.
Attached to Mercedes’ latest plug-in hybrid technology, this rousing powerplant puts out a combined 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque. This is thanks to a 16-kWh battery, plus an electric motor situated on the rear axle. With help from a nine-speed automatic gearbox, the AMG C63 S E Performance will reach 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. It’s by far the fastest C63, ever.
But here’s the rub: It’s heavy. Granted, it may have enough power to slow the earth’s rotation, but you do feel its heft in the twisties. Still, this mighty AMG is incredibly well composed, and since there are only four cylinders, a turbo, and a very complex cooling system at the front end, steering feels quite direct and sharp. We never thought we’d call a very heavy sedan’s handling "sharp."
Then, if you’re open-minded when it comes to engine and exhaust tones, the mighty turbo-four under the C63's hood makes a very angry and raspy baritone roar. It’s no V8, but it’s still quite entertaining. Plus, it delivers excellent fuel economy and even a short electric-only range.
Pricing for the 2025 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance starts at $86,000.
2025 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS
0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds
Top speed: 182 mph
The Porsche Boxster is a nimble, mid-engine sports car with an upscale interior and tight but supportive seats. Features like heated seats and dual-zone climate control are standard equipment. No matter which trim you select, the Boxster is an agile performer. In years past, we’ve included the Boxster Spyder, with its lightweight manual soft-top, but the Spyder’s prices have now climbed past $100,000, and pre-owned models cost even more. Instead, check out the Boxster GTS, which just sneaks onto our list.
The Cayman is the coupe counterpart to Porsche's drop-top Boxster. You don’t gain any more seats with the hardtop, but it provides more than 9 cubic feet of cargo space out back and 5.2 cubic feet in the frunk (front trunk). That’s actually not bad for a mid-engine sports car. As for engines, the Cayman features a standard turbocharged flat-four, but the GTS has a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six.
The range-topping GT4 features the same size engine as the GTS, but is tuned to put out 493 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can select the six-speed manual or the paddle-shift PDK. The GT4 features an adaptive performance suspension, as well as a torque-vectoring rear differential. The latter applies light braking to the inside wheel in a corner, resulting in more power to the outside. The GT4 can be identified by its more aggressive bodywork and a high, fixed rear spoiler.
GT4 prices are well outside of our $100,000 limit. Incredibly, late-model GT4s actually fetch well over market value, so our focus is the 394-hp GTS. It has a starting price of around $99,700 and sprints from zero to sixty in 4.3 seconds.
2025 Tesla Model 3 Performance
0-60 mph: 1.99 seconds
Top speed: 162 mph
The Tesla Model 3 Performance finds itself in our rankings as the cheapest of our most affordable supercars. It was recently refreshed and now sports a few key styling updates, plus more track-ready motor and chassis tuning. This top trim can now be had for around $56,000. Its front and rear motors provide instantaneous acceleration from a standstill and allow the Model 3 to hit a top speed of 162 mph. The Performance model has a range in excess of 300 miles. While the Long Range can travel farther on a single charge (363 miles), the Performance will still take you farther than most EVs.
The dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system can respond to road conditions and make changes in just 10 milliseconds. This setup, combined with the low floor-mounted batteries, makes for an incredibly stable and composed vehicle through corners. The Model 3 also has a futuristic cockpit with a massive touchscreen center console and instrument panel.
2025 Tesla Model S Plaid
0-60 mph: 1.99 seconds
Top speed: 200 mph
The flagship Tesla Model S Plaid, thanks to several significant price cuts, is back on our list. The 2025 models base MSRP is $94,990.
Tesla currently only offers two versions of its largest sedan. The Model S and the Model S Plaid. The upgraded Plaid gets a mind-warping 1,020 hp. Its three high-performance motors provide instantaneous acceleration and that can take you all the way up to 200 mph. If you are reasonable on the throttle the EPA estimates you can squeeze 348 miles of range from the battery. It’s not all about power either. You get torque vectoring, improved brakes that can handle higher temperatures, and Tesla even rounds out the package with a sporty carbon fiber lip spoiler.
Even though the basic Model S design dates back to 2012, it’s received continuous updates over the years to almost everything under the roof. Plaid model interiors also feature carbon fiber decor (but that’s about it) to set them apart from the standard Model S. It’s just icing on the cake that Tesla’s over-the-air updates will keep your car feeling fresh years after the day you bring it home.
