Let’s get one thing straight right from the start purchasing sports cars as an investment is a risky endeavor.
That is, of course, if you actually drive the cars you buy instead of keeping them locked away as garage queens.
Regardless of the model, every vehicle experiences wear and tear, especially as it ages.
However, there are certain sports cars that you can enjoy on a regular basis without significantly impacting their resale value. If you ever choose to sell, these cars will likely still be worth a fair sum.
The reality is, every car on this list is a timeless classic. A decade from now, you’ll probably regret not having purchased at least one of them. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
10. Honda S2000 (AP1)
Average Market Price: $28,006
The most budget-friendly car on our list is none other than one of the greatest roadsters ever built the Honda S2000.
This machine is essentially an oversized go-kart with a screaming 9,000 RPM redline. What more could you ask for in a sports car?
Performance Specifications
- Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Horsepower: 237 hp
- Torque: 153 lb-ft
- Driveline: RWD
- 0-60 MPH: 6.2 seconds
- Top Speed: 150 mph
Each year, another unsuspecting young driver with a bit too much confidence ends up wrecking an S2000, reducing the number of available models on the market.
As a result, their prices keep climbing due to dwindling supply. Honda will never produce another car or engine quite like this again. If you want one, now is the time otherwise, you might miss your chance forever.
Pros:
- 9,000 RPM that begs to be pushed to the limit
- One of the coolest instrument clusters ever designed
- Essentially a Miata, but better
Cons:
- A specialized engine comes with specialized maintenance costs
- Hardtop prices are steep
- Converting an AP1 to an AP2 can be costly
Also Read: 10 Sedans That Perform Like a Sports Car: The Best High Performance Luxury Sedans of 2025
9. BMW Z4 M Coupe (E86)
Average Market Price: $33,017
A true “if you know, you know” kind of car, the BMW Z4 M Coupe is a rare and highly sought-after sports coupe.
It combines one of BMW’s finest hydraulic steering systems with the legendary S54 inline-six engine, making it a dream for enthusiasts.
Performance Specifications
- Engine: 3.2-liter inline-six
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Horsepower: 338 hp
- Torque: 269 lb-ft
- Driveline: RWD
- 0-60 MPH: 5.0 seconds
- Top Speed: 155 mph
While BMW also produced an M Roadster version, the M Coupe is undoubtedly the collector’s gem.
To put it into perspective, Toyota probably sold more Prius models in the last hour than the total number of M Coupes ever sold in the U.S.
If you’re serious about owning one, be aware that prices are only going up so now’s the time to start planning your purchase.
Pros:
- Unmatched hydraulic steering feel
- Legendary S54 engine
- Timeless styling and perfect body proportions
Cons:
- Only 1,815 M Coupes were made for North America
- Maintenance and repairs for the special engine can be expensive
- Sub-20 MPG fuel economy is disappointing
8. BMW M3 (E90/E92)
Average Market Price: $33,293
The E90-generation M3 is widely regarded as one of the greatest driver’s cars ever built. For many BMW purists, the E90/E92 M3 represents the pinnacle of the iconic M3 lineup. The reasoning is simple
it delivers the perfect trifecta of a high-revving 8,400 RPM V-8, hydraulic steering, and an incredibly playful chassis.
Performance Specifications
- Engine: 4.0-liter V-8
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or dual-clutch
- Horsepower: 414 hp
- Torque: 295 lb-ft
- Driveline: RWD
- 0-60 MPH: 4.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 155 mph
Even in today’s inflated sports car market, the E90 M3 remains significantly undervalued.
The hype surrounding this chassis hasn’t fully taken off yet, and many enthusiasts have yet to realize that BMW will never again equip an M3 with a naturally aspirated, high-revving V-8.
Over the next decade, expect the value of this near-perfect German sports car to rise.
Pros:
- The S65 V-8 engine is an absolute masterpiece
- Exceptional hydraulic steering feel
- Strikes the ideal balance between analog and modern performance
Cons:
- A specialized engine comes with high maintenance costs
- The infamous “BMW tax” on parts and service
- The “M tax” makes everything even pricier
7. Lotus Elise S2 111R
Average Market Price: $41,152
For years, the Lotus Elise was famously known as “the sports car that always costs $30K.” Its price remained stable in that range for over a decade, even after production ended in 2011.
However, we’re here to tell you that era has come to an end and unfortunately, we wish it hadn’t.
Performance Specifications
- Engine: 1.8-liter inline-four
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Horsepower: 189 hp
- Torque: 133 lb-ft
- Driveline: RWD
- 0-60 MPH: 5.2 seconds
- Top Speed: 150 mph
Miata owners aspire to own an S2000, and S2000 owners dream of getting their hands on an Elise.
But due to its increasing rarity, the Elise is steadily being priced out of reach for many enthusiasts. That trend has already begun, and it’s only going to accelerate.
Pros:
- The 2ZZ-GE engine delivers a high-revving, exhilarating experience
- Sub-2,000-pound curb weight makes for unmatched agility
- Essentially what a Miata wishes it could be
Cons:
- Body panel damage can lead to a total loss due to high repair costs
- Potential oil and fuel starvation issues on track
- Its rarity is both a blessing and a curse
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6. Acura Integra Type R
Average Market Price: $42,947
The only front-wheel-drive model on this list also happens to be one of the greatest FWD vehicles ever built. The Acura Integra Type R perfectly embodies everything that made Honda shine during its “golden era.”
Performance Specifications
- Engine: 1.8-liter inline-four
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Horsepower: 187 hp
- Torque: 131 lb-ft
- Driveline: FWD
- 0-60 MPH: 6.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 145 mph
The high-revving B18C engine stands as one of Honda’s finest achievements, seamlessly working in harmony with the meticulously tuned lightweight chassis of the Type R.
It’s a combination so good it could bring a tear to any enthusiast’s eye. Since the model was discontinued more than two decades ago, these cars have remained rare, and their value is only expected to keep rising.
Pros:
- The high-revving B18C engine is among Honda’s best
- Possibly Honda’s greatest FWD chassis
- Owning a “real” ITR in a world filled with modified Integras
Cons:
- Fewer than 4,000 Integra Type Rs were produced for the U.S. market
- One of the most frequently stolen cars in America for decades
- Paying a collector’s premium for something that could be built aftermarket
5. Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Coupe (C6)
Average Market Price: $48,162
Among all the legendary Corvette models over the years, the C6 Z06 Coupe stands out as one of the most exceptional. It’s widely regarded as one of the greatest American sports cars ever made.
Performance Specifications
- Engine: 7.0-liter V-8
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Horsepower: 506 hp
- Torque: 469 lb-ft
- Driveline: RWD
- 0-60 MPH: 4.2 seconds
- Top Speed: 199 mph
A monstrous 7.0-liter V-8 pushing 500+ horsepower sits under the hood, waiting to unleash its fury with just the slightest press of the throttle all housed in a lightweight, driver-focused chassis.
If that doesn’t define pure driving excitement, you might be in the wrong place!
Pros:
- The LS7 engine is a masterpiece that will keep you addicted to driving
- Comes stock with a widebody, weight reduction, and top-tier performance upgrades
- Prices will remain lower than the ZR1 model, making this a great value
Cons:
- Fuel economy is practically nonexistent
- The interior leaves much to be desired
- Replacing those massive 335-section rear tires can become a frequent (and costly) expense
4. Acura NSX (NA1)
Average Market Price: $71,034
The first-generation Honda NSX embodies everything a supercar should be. Despite its ongoing appreciation in value and incredibly low production numbers, this legendary vehicle can still be found for under six figures.
Performance Specifications
- Engine: 3.0-liter V-6
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 266 hp
- Torque: 210 lb-ft
- Driveline: RWD
- 0-60 MPH: 5.2 seconds
- Top Speed: 162 mph
A true timeless supercar offered at sports car prices, the NA1 NSX is exceptional in every way from its breathtaking driving experience to its stunning design.
The moment you get behind the wheel, you can feel just how special it is, and trust us, everyone else can too.
Pros:
- Delivers a Ferrari-like experience at a Honda price
- Approved by the legendary Ayrton Senna
- Drives just as beautifully as it looks
Cons:
- The specialized V-6 engine brings inevitable high maintenance costs
- Fewer than 7,000 units were produced for North America
- Nearly 10% of those feature an automatic transmission
3. Lexus LC500
MSRP: $98,450 (2024)
The Lexus LC500 is the only vehicle on this list that remains available as a brand-new model today.
A decade from now, when naturally aspirated V-8 Toyota GT cars are a thing of the past, you’ll regret not having bought an LC500.
Performance Specifications
- Engine: 5.0-liter V-8
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 471 hp
- Torque: 398 lb-ft
- Driveline: RWD
- 0-60 MPH: 4.4 seconds
- Top Speed: 168 mph
Lexus took all the greatness of the legendary LFA supercar and refined it into an even more complete package.
Sure, the V-8 while breathtaking in sound can’t quite match the ethereal howl of the LFA’s V-10. But the overall driving experience is so mesmerizing that you won’t mind one bit.
Pros:
- A modern classic that represents the “end of an era”
- One of the most beautifully designed cars in history
- A luxurious, museum-worthy interior dripping with elegance
Cons:
- Not having one in your garage already
- Wishing you had a second one to drive while the first is in for maintenance
- The realization that this might be the pinnacle of automotive engineering
2. Audi R8 V10 Coupe (Type 42)
Average Market Price: $112,893
From the moment it debuted, the Audi R8 with a V-10 engine and a gated 6-speed manual was destined to be a classic.
It delivers all the thrills of a true supercar without the headaches that often come with its Italian rivals.
Performance Specifications
- Engine: 5.2-liter V-10
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Horsepower: 518 hp
- Torque: 390 lb-ft
- Driveline: AWD
- 0-60 MPH: 3.9 seconds
- Top Speed: 196 mph
Simply put, this is one of the most incredible Audis ever built. Only recently have enthusiasts started to fully appreciate the experience that a V-10-powered R8 can deliver.
Prices have steadily climbed over the past five years, and all signs point to that trend continuing.
Pros:
- A V-10 engine paired with a gated 6-speed manual is the ultimate dream
- Timeless, undeniably stunning design
- An underrated supercar with massive appreciation potential
Cons:
- Receives less attention than some other exotics—which can be a pro or a con
- Extremely low production numbers for the 6-speed V-10 model (only 717 made)
- The lingering thought: “Should I have just bought a Gallardo?”
1. Porsche 911 Carrera S (993)
Average Market Price: $141,727
If there’s one sports car whose value seems to be increasing by the minute, it’s the 993-generation Porsche 911.
While the 911 has always been known for retaining value, the 993 stands above the rest as the ultimate investment piece.
Performance Specifications
- Engine: 3.6-liter flat-six
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Horsepower: 281 hp
- Torque: 250 lb-ft
- Driveline: RWD
- 0-60 MPH: 5.4 seconds
- Top Speed: 168 mph
The Carrera S is essentially a widebody Carrera and honestly, that’s all you really need. Sure, a Turbo S would be incredible, but at a certain price point, the cost becomes hard to justify.
No matter where we are in the next ten or twenty years, one thing is certain: the value of 993s will only continue to rise.
Pros:
- The final air-cooled Porsche 911
- Considered by many to be the “perfect” 911 generation
- The widebody Carrera S is an absolute must-have
Cons:
- Only 1,752 North American models were ever produced
- The realization that even rarer 993 variants exist
- The infamous “Porsche tax” is very real