Best sports cars in India - Top speed, acceleration, specifications

The sports car genre is one that is almost as old as the car itself, and it was introduced as a way to inject the speed and excitement witnessed in motorsport events into everyday, road-going cars. In that sense, sports cars have always been characterised by speed, power, and a connected driving experience. But that’s not to say that the best sports cars in India haven’t evolved over time.

Today, it’s hard to precisely define what a sports car is because the term has been stretched radically, spawning even more exclusive and niche segments like supercars and hypercars, to name a few. While they all offer incredible performance, they differ in key aspects like price, availability, ability, and focus. But sports cars, just like every other segment, need to have their prices, mileage and specifications considered before putting your money down on them. Given all that, there are a few burning questions: Which are the best sports cars available in India? What’s the best sports car for Indian roads? And what are the top 10 sports cars in India?

We will answer just those questions and limit the selections to the best new petrol-powered sports cars in India that you can currently buy in 2024. 

1. BMW Z4 | 0-100 kmph in 4.5 seconds

The 2024 BMW Z4 is a sun-worshipping (it’s a convertible, you see) roadster that injects a dose of German engineering into the drop-top segment.

The model we get in India is the M40i, which essentially means that you get a 2,998cc petrol engine that puts out 335 bhp and 500 Nm of torque. All that power is sent to the rear wheels only, via an 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW claims the Z4 M40i will be able to crack the 0-100 kmph sprint in just 4.5 seconds.

The Z4’s standout feature, though, even amongst this group of cars, is the fact that it has an electrically folding fabric roof that retracts in just 50 seconds. The interior is typically BMW, with plenty of driver-focused elements and premium materials all through. Standard features include heated seats, a premium sound system, and a user-friendly infotainment system.

This isn’t the most practical car, given that there are only two seats. But the BMW Z4’s primary aim is to blend performance, luxury, and open-air enjoyment, making it a great choice for driving enthusiasts who want to make a statement. While it’s hard to define it as such, the BMW Z4 can be considered one of the lowest budget sports cars in India, thanks to its sub-₹1 crore starting price.

Price: ₹90.9 Lakh onwards (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Mileage: 12.09 kmpl

BMW Z4 engine specifications

BMW Z4 highlights:

• Folding fabric roof
• Premium materials used in the cabin
• Great driving dynamics

Pros

• Great design
• Top-down motoring
• Responsive engine

Cons

• No manual transmission option 
• Slightly cramped interior 

2. BMW M2 | 0-100 kmph in 4.1 seconds

The 2024 BMW M2 settles itself into the Indian market as a high-performance coupe designed for driving enthusiasts. It features a powerful 2,993cc ‘TwinPower Turbo’ inline 6-cylinder engine that puts out 453 bhp and 550 Nm of torque. Keeping in mind that this is a driver’s car at heart, BMW gives you the option of a manual or an ‘M Steptronic’ automatic transmission. The 0-100 kmph sprint comes up in a scant 4.1 seconds with the automatic transmission, and 4.3 seconds with the manual, as per BMW.

With the M2, what you can expect is sharp handling, responsive steering, and an adaptive M suspension for precise cornering. While the M2 might be a performance-oriented machine, it doesn't sacrifice comfort and convenience entirely. Heated and powered seats, a premium sound system, cruise control, and drive modes, among many other features make the M2 a well-equipped car..

Price: ₹99.9 Lakh onwards (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Mileage: 10.13 kmpl

BMW M2 engine specifications

BMW M2 highlights:

• Well-equipped interior
• BMW offers the M2 in only the fully-loaded variant

Pros

• Great performance
• Agile chassis
• Manual gearbox option

Cons

• Slightly cramped back seat
• On the heavier side

3. Porsche 718 Cayman 0-100 kmph in 4.0 seconds

The 718 Cayman is one of the best places to start your Porsche journey. It’s a mid-engine sports car that prioritises performance without sacrificing luxury. You can have it in two variants. The standard trim gets a 1,988cc turbocharged petrol engine that makes 295 bhp and 380 Nm, which is good for a claimed 0-100 kmph time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 275 kmph. The Cayman GTS, on the other hand, turns things up a notch with a naturally-aspirated flat-six engine that makes 394 bhp and 420 Nm, and drops the 0-100 kmph time down to 4 seconds.

Both models, the base and the Cayman GTS, offer exceptional handling and agility, thanks to their mid-engine layout and Porsche's renowned engineering. The interior features premium materials and technology, but isn’t exactly what you’d deem luxurious.

However, for a car that prioritises performance over everything else, the 718 Cayman, in either guise, should be right up there on any driving enthusiast’s list.

Price: ₹1.48 Crore onwards (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Mileage: 14.5 kmpl

Porsche 718 Cayman engine specifications

Porsche 718 Cayman highlights:

• Plenty of trims and variants to choose from
• Available in 34 different shades

Pros

• Great performance
• Handling
• 7-Speed transmission is smooth and quick

Cons

• Interiors could be better designed
• Ride on the harder side

4. BMW M4 Competition | 0-100 kmph in 3.5 seconds

The BMW M4 Competition is one of the most potent 2-door, 4-seater coupes we have on sale in the country, and it packs in everything you would expect from a high-performance BMW sedan. 

It’s powered by a 2,993cc, twin-turbocharged, straight-six engine putting out an impressive 503 bhp and a staggering 650 Nm of torque. This translates to some incredible acceleration, propelling the M4 Competition from 0-100 kmph in a mere 3.5 seconds. Power is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, ensuring exceptional grip and handling on any road.

The driver-centric cockpit features M-specific bucket seats for optimal support when you’re pushing the car hard around corners. The latest BMW infotainment system with a curved display keeps you connected and entertained. While the rear seats in the M4 offer some space, it isn’t exactly meant to be the most comfortable for rear-seat passengers.

Price: ₹1.53 Crore onwards (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Mileage: 9.7 kmpl

BMW M4 engine specifications

BMW M4 Competition highlights:

• BMW brings the M4 Competition in only one variant, but it’s fully loaded
• ’M’ influence is visible all over the car

Pros

• Great handling
• Excellent performance

Cons

• Sloping roofline makes rear seat space slightly cramped
• Slightly harsh ride

5. Porsche 911 Carrera | 0-100 kmph in 3.7 seconds

Porsche is one of the most celebrated automotive brands the world over, and the 911 is an incredibly popular car. There’s a good reason why their mantra of ‘evolution over revolution’ has worked so well all these years. While some might claim they’re not as inventive, the 911 is undeniably one of the most desirable sports cars even today.

The base Carrera packs a punch with a turbocharged 2,981cc flat-six engine with 380 bhp and 450 Nm. Higher trims push the power up to well above 500 bhp, and you have quite a few variants to choose from.

But what’s common to all the trims is a sharp chassis, precise steering, and advanced driver assistance systems to keep you in control. Aside from that, the 2+2 seating configuration allows for occasional rear passengers, and a decent trunk can handle weekend getaways.

Price: ₹1.86 Crore onwards (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Mileage: 11.1 kmpl

Porsche 911 Carrera engine specifications

Porsche 911 Carrera highlights:

• Eighth-gen Porsche 911 is most technically advanced and capable model yet
• Mild styling tweaks all over the car have made it more desirable

Pros

• Incredible engine
• Great chassis dynamics
• Quick gearbox

Cons

• Not too many distinguishing features across models
• Expensive

6. Mercedes-AMG SL55 Roadster | 0-100 kmph in 3.9 seconds

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL55 Roadster marks the return of an iconic nameplate to the Indian market, offering a blend of raw performance, luxurious comfort, and an open-air driving experience.

It’s powered by a 3,982cc twin-turbocharged V8 engine, churning out an impressive 469 bhp and a hefty 700 Nm of torque. This translates to a 0-100 kmph sprint time of just 3.9 seconds (claimed), electronically limited to a top speed of 295 kmph. All-wheel drive (AMG 4MATIC+) is on hand to give you plenty of grip in all conditions.

The retractable soft top opens or closes in a mere 15 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 60 kmph, giving you the freedom to savour the open road at a moment's notice. The interior features high-quality materials, a driver-focused cockpit with the latest MBUX infotainment system, and comfortable seating for two. There are two seats at the back, but they’re short on space, so it’s not ideal for adults for extended periods of time.

Price: ₹2.44 Crore onwards (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Mileage: 10 kmpl

Mercedes-AMG SL55 Roadster engine specifications

Mercedes-AMG SL55 Roadster highlights:

• Comes well-equipped with a number of creature comforts as standard
• AMG influence is easy to spot across the car

Pros

• Great performance
• Engaging drive
• Feature-rich interior

Cons

• Expensive
• Rear seat cramped

7. Lamborghini Huracan Evo | 0-100 kmph in 3.3 seconds

It’s tough to have a list of the best sports cars and not mention Lamborghini. To that effect, the next car on this list is none other than the evocative, V10-powered Huracan Evo.

You can spec it in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive variants, and both feature a monstrous 5,204cc V10 naturally-aspirated engine, producing an incredible 602 bhp and 600 Nm of torque. Translated to real-world terms, that’s 0-100 kmph in a mere 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 325 kmph.

The Huracan Evo isn't just about brute force. Lamborghini's innovative engineering refines the driving experience. Aerodynamics are optimised for downforce and stability, while rear-wheel steering enhances agility. The cockpit merges luxurious Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, like a driver-centric instrument cluster and an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

If you’re in the market for a car that truly stands out, few do it as well as Lamborghini. The Huracan Evo may just be the stepping stone to the legendary brand’s offerings, but there’s no denying the incredible potency of what your money will be getting you.

Price: ₹3.22 Crore onwards (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Mileage: 7.25 kmpl

Lamborghini Huracan Evo engine specifications

Lamborghini Huracan Evo highlights:

• Despite being entry-spec model, the Huracan Evo doesn’t feel like it’s missing out on anything
• It may be powerful, but the Huracan Evo is easy to drive

Pros

• Fun to drive
• Potent engine
• Incredible exhaust note

Cons

• Expensive
• Efficiency

8. Ferrari Portofino | 0-100 kmph in 3.5 seconds

The Portofino can be thought of as the first real step into the world of Ferrari, but were you to think of it as a half measure, you’d be wide of the mark. The Portofino is very much a full-blown Ferrari experience, whichever way you slice it.

Under the hood sits a mighty 3,855cc twin-turbocharged V8 engine, pumping out an ample 592 bhp and 760 Nm of torque. On the road, it will blitz the 0-100 kmph sprint in a mere 3.5 seconds and go on to a top speed exceeding 320 kmph. All that power is channelled through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The interiors aren’t exactly anything to write home about, but they do the job of providing you a sense of occasion every time you get inside the Portofino. There’s also the matter of the retractable hardtop, which transforms the car from a sporty coupe to a breezy convertible in just 20 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 60 kmph.

The 2024 Ferrari Portofino offers exclusivity, but that comes at a high price of ₹3.5 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi) before options, making it quite an expensive proposition in the present company.

Price: ₹3.5 Crore onwards (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Mileage: 8.8 kmpl

Ferrari Portofino engine specifications

Ferrari Portofino highlights:

• Entry-spec Ferrari doesn’t leave a lot to be desired, on the whole
• Design is reminiscent of a few past Ferraris

Pros

• Great exhaust note
• Brilliant engine
• Good handling

Cons

• Not enough features
• Expensive

9. Ferrari Roma | 0-100 kmph in 3.4 seconds

The next sports car on this list is the rather tasteful Ferrari Roma. It’s undeniably a Ferrari, of course, but the Roma is also known for its blend of performance and everyday usability. This mid-engined grand tourer features a 3,855cc twin-turbocharged V8 engine, putting out an impressive 612 bhp and 760 Nm of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard, as is the signature Ferrari symphony behind you every time you mash the accelerator pedal.

The Roma’s beautifully sculpted design features a sleek silhouette and a comfortable cabin crafted with premium materials. Unlike some hardcore performance machines, the Roma offers decent boot space of 271 litres, making it extremely practical for a sports car. Technology is seamlessly integrated, with a digital instrument cluster and an intuitive infotainment system keeping you connected and informed.

The 2024 Ferrari Roma, then, is for those who prefer a touch of practicality from their Ferraris. That said, with a starting price exceeding ₹3.76 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi), it's undoubtedly one of the more expensive propositions on this list.

Price: ₹3.76 Crore onwards (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Mileage: 8.9 kmpl

Ferrari Roma engine specifications

Ferrari Roma highlights:

• Great styling includes a rear spoiler with three adjustable modes
• Comes with a fair amount of features

Pros

• Incredible engine
• Great handling

Cons

• Expensive

10. Ferrari 296 GTB | 0-100 kmph in 2.9 seconds

The 296 GTB is a step into the future for Ferrari, all the while keeping what makes their cars great in the first place intact. The reason for that statement is that the 296 GTB features a hybrid powertrain, and going by first impressions, it’s one that the Italian manufacturer has absolutely nailed.

The Ferrari 296 GTB combines a new 120-degree V6 engine, known for its epic soundtrack, with a powerful electric motor. This combination catapults the car from 0-100 kmph in a staggering 2.9 seconds. The 296 GTB isn't just about speed; it offers an electric-only range of 24 km, perfect for short emissions-free commutes.

Ferrari hasn't compromised on handling in this case. The 296 GTB features an all-aluminium chassis and a meticulously designed aerodynamic package for exceptional stability and downforce. The interior, meanwhile, showcases a minimalist elegance, featuring an entirely digital interface and luxurious Italian leather seats.

There’s a lot of thought that’s gone into the 296 GTB, but Ferrari has typically done things its own way. The Italian supercar maker ensured that it stays true to its heritage of giving its buyers raw, edge-of-the-seat performance that we all have come to expect. The Ferrari 296 GTB is definitely one of the fastest cars in India.

Price: ₹5.40 Crore onwards (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Mileage: 20 kmpl (estimated)

Ferrari 296 GTB engine specifications

Ferrari 296 GTB highlights:

• More than lives up to its heritage and legacy
• A Ferrari through and through, despite the hybrid tech. Shows the way forward for Ferrari

Pros

• Fantastic powertrain
• Great styling
• Fun to drive

Cons

• Touch controls on steering are fiddly
• Expensive

Final recommendations for the best sports car in India

While picking a car, any kind of car, is a deeply personal and subjective choice, the cream, as they say, always rises to the top. In that sense, while a lot of them come close, not one sports car on this list manages to balance out all qualities that a sports car should have as well as the Porsche 911.

The bottom line

As this list goes to prove, there’s no dearth of capable sports cars in India. At the same time, in a lot of instances, you have to pony up a serious amount of money for the privilege of owning most of these.

For the money, though, what you’d be getting with any of these machines is incredible performance and, in some cases, the very best of what will power our vehicles in the near (and long) term.

FAQ

Q. Which is the most powerful sports car in India?

The Ferrari 296 GTB, with 645 bhp and 740 Nm, is among the most powerful sports cars available in India.

Q. Which sports car gives the best mileage in India?

The Porsche 718 Cayman, with 14.5 kmpl, is one of the most efficient sports cars in India

Q. Which is the cheapest sports car in India?

Coming in at ₹90.9 Lakh onwards (ex-showroom), the BMW Z4 is one of the most affordable sports cars in India