As sports cars continue to get heavier due to factors like larger bodies, enhanced comfort, improved safety, and the shift toward electric power, some automakers still adhere to Colin Chapman’s philosophy of prioritizing lightness.
While many modern vehicles rely on advanced technology for performance, a select few sports cars available in the U.S. in 2024 focus on minimal weight to deliver a pure driving experience.
This list highlights road-legal, rear-wheel-drive, two-seater sports cars that offer a lightweight alternative to today’s increasingly bulky performance vehicles.
While curb weight was used as the primary metric, some exceptions were made due to limited manufacturer data. These cars prove that agility and driving enjoyment don’t require excessive power or complex systems—just a commitment to keeping things light.
1. Lotus Emira
The Lotus Emira was a necessary inclusion on this list, but its exact US curb weight remains uncertain. Initially, Lotus claimed a 3,097-pound weight in its lightest form, though this figure followed DIN standards, which exclude fluids and luggage. Independent testing suggests the 2.0-liter turbocharged version weighs 3,279 pounds under US measurements.
Due to this uncertainty, the Emira currently sits in tenth place, though its ranking may change if Lotus provides official US metrics. Regardless of the discrepancy, the Emira promises to be an exceptional driver’s car, even with a potential 200-pound variance.
2. Toyota Supra
The Toyota Supra, weighing in at 3,181 lbs, isn’t the lightest sports car, but it stays true to its lineage. Revived with BMW’s help, it features bold styling and strong performance, especially with the turbocharged inline-six.
However, for the lowest weight, the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with an eight-speed automatic is the best choice. Despite having 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, it still delivers a respectable 4.7-second 0-60 mph time. Plus, the money saved on the lighter trim can be put toward modifications to enhance performance further.
3. McLaren 750S
The McLaren 750S, weighing 3,062 lbs, is a refined evolution of the 720S, shedding nearly 70 lbs while packing a twin-turbo V8 producing 740 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Though not the lightest, its performance is staggering, with a 0-60 mph time of 2.7 seconds and a quarter-mile sprint in 10.1 seconds.
With a top speed of 206 mph—proven by McLaren hitting 204 mph on public roads—it showcases a perfect balance of power and weight reduction.
4. Porsche 911 S/T
Weighing 3,056 lbs, the Porsche 911 S/T is a lightweight masterpiece and perhaps the ultimate expression of the 992 generation. It pairs a 518-hp, 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six from the GT3 RS with a six-speed manual for an engaging driving experience.
Inspired by the 1969 911 S, this model is designed as the ultimate driver’s car and a future icon. Priced at $290,000, Porsche has implemented measures to deter flipping, ensuring true enthusiasts get behind the wheel.
5. Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman
The Porsche 718 Boxster (3,020 lbs) and Cayman (3,040 lbs) are nearly identical in weight, with a slight difference due to their configurations, particularly if optioned with a six-speed manual—though the PDK adds an extra 100 pounds.
These weights are for the turbocharged flat-four models, with the six-cylinder versions adding about 200 lbs. Regardless of whether you choose the convertible or fixed top, both models offer excellent road and track performance, and despite future electric versions on the horizon, Porsche is committed to maintaining their lightweight design for enhanced performance.
6. Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86
The Subaru BRZ (2,820 lbs) and Toyota GR86 (2,843 lbs) are must-haves on any list of lightweight sports cars. These affordable entry-level coupes offer impressive performance, especially in the corners, thanks to their low curb weights, even if they might lack the power for drag race victories.
Opting for the available six-speed manual transmission further reduces weight, making it a great incentive for enthusiasts to embrace manual gearboxes and keep them alive in 2024.
7. Mazda Miata
The Mazda Miata, weighing just 2,332 lbs with the six-speed manual, is a true lightweight icon that makes nearly every other car feel bulky in comparison. Powered by a lively inline-4 engine with 181 hp, it invites drivers to rev all the way to a 7,500 rpm redline, embodying the spirit of pure driving.
As the quintessential everyday sports car, the Miata strikes a perfect balance between practicality for daily commuting and thrilling performance for enjoyable drives on winding roads.
8. Donkervoort F22
The Donkervoort F22 is an exceptionally lightweight vehicle, weighing just 1,653 lbs despite being equipped with a 463-hp, Audi-sourced turbocharged five-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission.
Released in 2022, the F22 by the Dutch supercar manufacturer combines exciting performance with a hint of comfort, but the focus remains on high performance, with minimal features like a roof to keep weight low. The car represents Donkervoort’s shift toward a supercar that offers both thrilling driving and some creature comforts.
In the Bare Naked carbon version, the F22 sheds even more weight, bringing it down to 1,609 lbs. With only 100 units being produced, and five allocated to the U.S., the F22 is an exclusive offering. Donkervoort is also expected to introduce a new variant soon, adding further options for those looking for an ultra-lightweight, high-performance driving experience.
9. Ariel Atom 4
The Ariel Atom 4 is a mind-bogglingly raw driving experience, with reviewers often questioning how it can even be road-legal. Weighing just 1,312 lbs, it offers one of the most intense on-road thrills, feeling almost like driving a go-cart with the open road as its playground.
Despite its minimalistic design, Ariel equipped the Atom 4 with a 320 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the Civic Type R, paired with a six-speed manual transmission, ensuring it delivers an exhilarating performance.
With a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 2.8 seconds, the Ariel Atom 4 is an insanely fast machine that offers little in the way of safety systems, prioritizing pure, unfiltered driving excitement.
It’s a vehicle designed for those who crave speed and adrenaline without any frills, making it a heart-pounding ride that’s not for the faint of heart but is a true joy for performance enthusiasts seeking something raw and unrestrained.
10. BAC Mono
The BAC Mono is the pinnacle of lightweight sports cars in the U.S., offering incredible performance and an eye-watering price tag. Unlike the Ariel Atom, which uses a Civic Type R drivetrain, the BAC Mono is built around a 2.5-liter Mountune Racing engine, delivering 311 hp and 231 lb-ft of torque.
It also comes exclusively with a six-speed sequential transmission, and the updated model features improved aerodynamics after meticulous revisions to every surface.
With a 0-60 mph time of just 2.7 seconds and specially designed Pirelli Trofeo R tires for exceptional lateral grip, the BAC Mono is blisteringly fast. It is the lightest roadgoing sports car available in the U.S., but with a starting price over $200,000, buyers must weigh whether the car’s unrivaled performance and exclusivity justify its hefty cost.
As sports cars continue to evolve, the focus on lightness remains a defining characteristic for a select few models. While many modern vehicles prioritize power and advanced technology, these lightweight sports cars demonstrate that performance doesn’t have to come with excessive weight.
Whether it’s a raw, exhilarating driving experience like the Ariel Atom 4, or the refined engineering of the Porsche 911 S/T, these vehicles offer something rare in today’s market—a return to pure driving enjoyment.
From the Mazda Miata’s accessibility and practicality to the exclusive BAC Mono’s cutting-edge performance, these cars prove that less really can be more. Each of these vehicles showcases the timeless appeal of lightweight engineering, delivering incredible agility and performance on the road and track.
Despite their varying price tags and features, they all share a commitment to the philosophy that keeping things light results in the most thrilling driving experiences.
Also Read: 10 Best Supercars for the Ultimate Driving Experience
