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The 21 Best Cars For Every Type Of Enthusiast

Best Enthusiast Cars 0 Hero
Photo: Volkswagen Golf GTI
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For the vast majority of drivers out on the road, their vehicle will never be used as more than a means of transportation, a way to get from point A to point B with as little trouble as possible. And it’s a shame, because such thinking does the automobile a great disservice, reducing it to a one-dimensional object that ignores the incredible innovation that’s come about over the last century. Granted, there’s no denying the convenience that cars provide, but they’re good for much more than making a run to the grocery store.

After all, you don’t need to have an eye for ludicrous horsepower outputs or cutting-edge traction control systems to appreciate a vehicle for all that it’s worth. On the contrary, because of the immense diversity in today’s marketplace, there are countless measures of automotive worth. For some, it could be the extra storage capacity required of a camping trip. For others, it might be the added engagement of a manual transmission. However you choose to spin it, know that there’s a vehicle out there just waiting to stoke your four-wheeled excitement. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up three of the best enthusiast cars from each of the main categories, whether you’re interested in off-road capability, open-aired enjoyment, or something else entirely. Read on to find out what we’ve picked.

Defining The Segment

What Exactly Is An Enthusiast Car?

While technically there is no objective, hard-cut definition for what exactly an enthusiast car is, there are certain traits and parameters that most gear heads can agree on. Essentially, these are vehicles that are built for a very specific purpose, and designed to excel in certain applications — whether that be a spirited roadster for tearing up the twisties, or a lifted and ruggedized 4×4 made for off-roading. And while decent performance capabilities are something of a prerequisite across the board, the biggest defining trait of enthusiast cars is that they illicit a strong emotional response or passion (or “enthusiasm”) for their respective type of driving or motorsport. 

4x4s

Rugged Off-Roaders

Just because you’re looking for a 4×4 doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to go with an SUV. These days, there are plenty of off-road-ready trucks and crossovers that can cater to all kinds of different dirt junkies.

Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback
Photo: Subaru
Why It Made The Cut
  • A tried-and-true, outdoor-focused station wagon with a turbocharged boxer engine & standard symmetrical AWD.

Pairing the off-road prowess of an SUV with the day-to-day driving comfort of a conventional station wagon, the Subaru Outback has everything needed to inspire some serious wanderlust. While there’s an optional turbocharged four-cylinder spec (a pretty quick one, at that), this isn’t a vehicle that you buy for off-the-line performance. Rather, with its competent all-wheel-drive, spacious interior, and burly roof rack, the Outback is pretty much purpose-built for drivers who like to lead an active lifestyle. Oh, and should you need even more all-terrain ability, there’s even a “Wilderness” model with skid plates and an impressive 9.5″ of ground clearance.

Engine: 2.5L Boxer Four
Power: 182HP & 176FT-LBs
Weight: 3,641LBs
MSRP: $28,895

Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

Toyota Tacoma
Photo: Toyota
Why It Made The Cut
  • A completely redesigned, 4th-generation version of Toyota’s ultra-capable & thoroughly rugged mid-size pickup. 

Toyota’s mid-size pickup commands a cult-like following amongst off-road enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why when you consider all that it has to offer. For starters, it comes backed by the brand’s storied reliability, meaning it’ll survive pretty much any apocalypse. What’s more, this newly-redesigned fourth-generation platform is incredibly capable out of the box, with this mid-size pickup truck offering the perfect balance of everyday utility and all-terrain competence. But the hallmark of the package has to be the impressive parts support, as there are countless different aftermarket offerings in addition to Toyota’s own in-house TRD line.

Engine: Turbocharged 2.4L Hybrid Inline-Four
Power: 326HP & 465FT-LBs
Weight: N/A
MSRP: $48,035 (2023 MY, 2024 MY MSRP TBD)

Ford Bronco Everglades

Ford Bronco Everglades
Photo: Ford
Why It Made The Cut
  • A factory-lifted & kitted off-road SUV that comes brimming with a host of go-anywhere upgrades as standard. 

After countless pandemic-related delays, Ford is finally delivering (real) Broncos to dealerships for the first time since 1996. It’s a return that’s been met with immense enthusiasm from the public, as the SUV is living up to its name far better than expected. That’s because, in addition to sporting some timeless retro-inspired styling, the new Bronco is also a surprisingly refined vehicle, boasting a suite of driver assistance technology, a modern infotainment system, and over-the-air updates. The rugged go-anywhere Bronco Everglades capitalizes on the platform’s stellar off-roading capabilities and gains flared fenders, a steel front bumper with an integrated WARN winch, a snorkel, rock sliders, full underbody skid plates, roof rails, Bilstein suspension, a lift kit, and a set of 17” wheels shod in beefy 35” all-terrain tires. 

Engine: Turbocharged 2.3L, 2.7L, or 3.0L V6
Power: 300HP, 330HP, or 418HP & 325FT-LBs, 415FT-LBs, or 440FT-LBs
Weight: 4,319LBs to 5,226LBs
MSRP: $55,520

Hatchbacks

Pint-Sized Power

Hatchbacks are ideal for driving enthusiasts who value handling above all else. They might not have the edge when it comes to absolute power, but their compact chassis and tight suspension setups make them perfect for taking aggressive lines on twisty backroads.

MINI Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door

Mini Cooper S
Photo: MINI
Why It Made The Cut
  • A retro-inspired British-built modern-day classic with go-kart-like performance & a manual transmission. 

MINI may be transitioning to an all-electric lineup in the coming years, but don’t count the petrol-powered Cooper S out just yet. Between the responsive ride and the nimble handling, this is one car that never ceases to excite. Of course, over the years, it’s grown considerably larger than the OG; however, this also means that it now comes with oodles of 21st-century amenities. In fact, given that it boasts a large 8.8″ touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, and Active Driver Assist — whilst still offering a six-speed manual — the MINI is a hatch that can’t be beaten.

Engine: Turbocharged 1.5L 3-Cylinder
Power: 189HP & 206FT-LBs
Weight: 2,841LBs
MSRP: $29,100

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Volkswagen Golf GTI
Photo: Volkswagen
Why It Made The Cut
  • A legendary, highly-tunable hot hatch with an accessible price & solid performance capabilities. 

Okay, let’s face it: no list of enthusiast vehicles would be complete without a GTI — after all, it’s the car that created the modern hot hatch movement. For its latest model year, Volkswagen has taken its genre-defining formula and added some extra kick, improving its output to 241hp and 273lb-ft of torque (a solid 13-horse and 15-pound-foot improvement). As such, the current model year isn’t just a hero through the turns; it’s also pretty spritely on the straights, springing to 60mph in just 5.1s. When you’re looking for a daily that’s as sensible as it is sporty, this is one option that’s well worth a look.

Engine: Turbocharged 2.0L Inline-Four
Power: 241HP & 273FT-LBs
Weight: 3,137LBs
MSRP: $31,765

Abarth 695

Abarth 695
Photo: Abarth
Why It Made The Cut
  • A modern-day sleeper car with an unassuming appearance & surprisingly sporty performance capabilities.  

A modern-day sleeper car in every sense of the word, the Abarth 695 is a compact Euro economy car that’s been given an extensive factory upgrade treatment. Kicked along by a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-four making 180hp, the Abarth 695 features Koni suspension, an exclusive Record Monza Sovrapposto Exhaust, Xenon headlights, and a short-throw manual gearbox. Offered with available Sabelt carbon seats, the interior of this compact model also comes loaded with a 7”infotainment display, a sport steering wheel with carbon fiber trim, an alloy Abarth pedal set, and a premium Beats audio system. 

Engine: Turbocharged 1.4L Inline-Four
Power: 180HP & 184FT-LBs
Weight: 2,198LBs
MSRP: $36,400

Modern Muscle Cars

Automotive Americana

For all of their historical significance, muscle cars as we know them are a dying breed — especially with the push for electrification. If you’re looking for loud exhaust soundtracks and cheap speed, one of these brutes could very well be what you need.

Ford Mustang Dark Horse Premium

Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Photo: Ford
Why It Made The Cut
  • A range-topping retro-inspired 7th-gen Mustang featuring a 500-HP 4th-gen 5.0L Coyote V8. 

Since its inception way back in 1964, the Mustang has consistently been one of the best-selling vehicles of all time. That’s because, whether you’re a card-carrying muscle car enthusiast or merely someone who’s looking for a sporty daily driver, the platform provides something for everyone. Representing the new 7th-gen platform’s range-topping variant, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse Premium features the Blue Oval’s fourth-generation Coyote 5.0-liter V8, which has been tuned to make a whopping 500hp — a power figure that allows this decidedly potent pony car to deliver a 0-60mph time in as little as 3.7 seconds. A special aero kit further distinguishes this range-topper from lower-specced variants of the new Mustang. 

Engine: 5.0L V8
Power: 500HP & 418FT-LBs
Weight: 3,949LBs
MSRP: $63,265

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Photo: Chevrolet
Why It Made The Cut
  • An upgraded, 650-hp pony car that’s just as conducive to commuting as it is to doing laps around your local circuit.

While most muscle offerings are pretty tiresome to through the turns, Chevrolet’s current Camaro is much more than a one-trick pony car. Across the entire lineup, performance is pretty impressive, meaning that everything from the base four-cylinder and V6 up to our favorite of the lot; the top-tier ZL1. Offered with an available six-speed manual with rev-matching, the ZL1-spec Camaro is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 cranking out 650hp and 650ft-lbs of torque that affords a 3.5-second 0-60mph time and a top speed of 198mph. Chevy also offers a host of available upgrades for this modern muscle car model including its coveted 1LE track package which includes up-specced suspension, Recaro race seats, and additional aero elements such as front and rear splitters. 

Engine: Supercharged 6.2L V8
Power: 650HP & 650FT-Lbs
Weight: 3,907LBs
MSRP: $69,995

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak
Photo: Dodge
Why It Made The Cut
  • A supercharged, super-high-performance modern-day muscle car with a factory widebody kit & an 800-hp HEMI V8. 

You won’t find the same refinement or build quality in a Charger as you would in other more sensible sports sedans, but it has a clear edge when it comes to its cool factor. Of course, if you’re looking for absolute practicality, the V6 and its optional all-wheel-drive system make for a pretty compelling combination. Left up to us, however, we’ve opted for the top-of-the-line Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak. Packing a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 making nearly 800hp and over 700ft-lbs of torque, this widebody Charger variant is good for 0-60mph runs in a mere 3.6 seconds. The immense popularity of this modern-day muscle car has also given way to an absolutely enormous number of available aftermarket components and upgrades. 

Engine: Supercharged 6.2L V8
Power: 797HP & 707FT-LBs
Weight: 5,500LBs
MSRP: $94,365

Projects

Turning Wrenches

Project cars are best for those enthusiasts who are happiest when they have a wrench in hand. If you’ve got a knack for tinkering, you’ll enjoy bringing any one of these beauties back to its former road-going glory.

MG MGB

Photo: Shutterstock
Why It Made The Cut
  • An affordable British roadster that’s perfect for restoration & restomod projects, alike. 

It takes a special kind of masochist to undertake an MG project, but if you’ve got an eye for small roadsters, it doesn’t get much better than an MGB. Because of their propensity to rust and their quintessentially British electrics, you should exercise caution when buying these much below $5,000. However, if you can find a clean example that’s been properly kept up with, it’s sure to reward you with miles of open-aired enjoyment. Thankfully, they’re abounding with forum support, meaning it’s more likely than not that someone will be able to help you with a fix at any phase of working on this popular project car.

Engine: 1.8L 4-Cylinder
Power: 95HP & 110FT-LBs
Weight: 2,030LBs
Used Price: $3,000+

Volvo 240

Photo: Volvo
Why It Made The Cut
  • A boxy, Swedish-built sedan that can be purchased, restored, & upgraded on the cheap. 

Older Volvos are ideal vehicles for project car enthusiasts and the 240 is certainly no exception. Cheap, widely available, and pretty intuitive for wrenching, they’re made only better by their spacious engine bays and tank-like build quality. You can’t go wrong when it comes to the stock power plant, but if you’re looking for some cheap speed, it’s worth checking out the many LS swaps populating the internet. Oh, and be sure to inspect the wiring harness — older years have a tendency to disintegrate.

Engine: 2.3L 4-Cylinder
Power: 114HP & 136FT-LBs
Weight: 2,740LBs
Used Price: $2,000+

Chevrolet Blazer K5

Photo: Wikipedia
Why It Made The Cut
  • A robust American-made 4×4 that makes for a more accessibly-priced alternative to the classic Ford Bronco & International Harvester Scout. 

If you’ve had your eye on a Blazer project, be sure to snatch one up soon — they’re quickly appreciating in value as classic off-road enthusiasts see them for what they’re worth. Assuming you can find one for a reasonable price, know that your efforts will be well-rewarded. Easy fixes, ample parts, and an enjoyable end result ensure that these classic off-roaders are approachable projects for wrenchers of all experience levels. As is the case with most trucks from the Big Three, the rear window is a nightmare that might never end up working properly.

Engine: 4.1L 6-Cylinder, 4.8L 6-Cylinder, 5.0L V8. 5.7L V8
Power: 105-210HP & 185-300FT-LBs
Weight: 3,875LBs
Used Price: $10,000+

Roadsters

Small But Spirited

Lightweight, spartan, and nimble, modern roadsters offer spirited performance in a compact package that sees seating space, storage, and creature comforts take a back seat to raw performance capabilities — making for incredible true driver’s cars. 

Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport

Mazda MX5 Miata
Photo: Mazda
Why It Made The Cut
  • The latest iteration of Mazda’s legendary lightweight pure driver’s car. 

Over the course of its 30-year history, the Mazda MX-5 has served as the quintessential driver’s car, combining a perfectly balanced ride with a spritely steering response. It’s a recipe that holds true to this day, for even despite the addition of modern amenities like a touchscreen infotainment system and an optional folding hardtop, it continues to be one of the most fun vehicles you can buy, period. Of course, its small size and scant trunk space limit its practicality, but then again, this is a car you buy for ripping around curvy roads — not hauling your clubs to the golf course.

Engine: 2.0L Inline-Four
Power: 181HP & 151FT-LBs
Weight: 2,341LBs
MSRP: $28,050

Porsche 718 Cayman

Porsche 718 Cayman
Photo: Porsche
Why It Made The Cut
  • An ultra-sporty, German-built luxury hardtop sportscar with a mid-mounted 394-hp flat-six. 

These days, the fabled Porsche 911 is more super than it is a sports car when it comes to price, meaning it’s fallen on the 718 to take up the mantle as Stuttgart’s “affordable” driver-friendly ride. With its mid-engine layout and sharp cornering ability, this is a car that begs to be pushed to the limit. It’s worth noting, however, that despite the plentiful power output across its various four-cylinder options, you’ll be wanting for a more sonorous exhaust note. Put another way, go for the GTS or the GT4 if you can; their 394hp and 414hp six-cylinder engines have way more character — though the base model offers plenty of performance. 

Engine: Turbocharged 2.0L Flat-Four
Power: 300HP & 280FT-LBs
Weight: 3,040LBs
MSRP: $68,300

AC Cars Cobra GT Roadster

AC Cars Cobra GT Roadster
Photo: AC Cars
Why It Made The Cut
  • A modernized, all-carbon-bodied, high-performance take on AC Car’s legendary Cobra roadster. 

Despite first being introduced back in 1962, the AC Cobra continues to stand as an automotive icon. And while we’ve seen some impressive modern-day continuation cars based on the platform — from the like of Superformance — the British firm has now delivered something of the ultimate contemporary take on the platform with the debut of the all-new, completely redesigned AC Cars Cobra GT Roadster. Starting with a clean-sheet design, the new Cobra GT Roadster is constructed around an extruded aluminum spaceframe chassis adorned in a modern set of widebody-style bodywork that’s based on the original model and is crafted entirely from carbon fiber. Tipping the scales at under 3,100lbs, the car is powered by a 5.0-liter Ford Coyote V8 that’s offered in naturally-aspirated or supercharged versions. 

Engine: Supercharged 5.0L V8
Power: 654HP & 575.3FT-LBs
Weight: 3,086LBs
MSRP: $296,300

Sedans

Passenger-Friendly Performers

Lauded for their thrilling driver-focused performance, sedans make for particularly practical daily drivers thanks to their immense versatility. Like station wagons and hatchbacks, sedans can hugely differ in terms of performance capabilities from model to model, with the most high-end examples in this segment offering sportscar-levels of performance. 

Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint

Alfa Romeo Giulia
Photo: Alfa Romeo
Why It Made The Cut
  • An elegant Italian sedan that offers a practical but spirited experience behind the wheel. 

The Giulia is one of the cars that made Alfa great again, bringing it out of an early 2000’s slump and finally re-establishing some market presence in the United States. And it’s for good reason — the car is as true an enthusiast’s vehicle as there ever was, lively at all times yet still plenty refined enough for daily driving. If you’ve got room in your budget, it’s worth spending extra on upgrades like active suspension, a mechanical limited-slip rear diff, or even the 505hp twin-turbo V6 — they all go towards making an even more engaging experience.

Engine: Turbocharged 2.0L Inline-Four
Power: 280HP & 306FT-LBs
Weight: 4,612LBs
MSRP: $43,075

Acura Integra Type S

Acura Integra Type S
Photo: Acura
Why It Made The Cut
  • An iconic Type S-spec Japanese luxury tuner car that’s been revived after a 15-year production hiatus. 

The Acura Integra was originally produced from 1986 to 2006. Following a decade-and-a-half-long hiatus, the Japanese luxury brand has now rolled out an all-new Integra for the 2024 model year that’s more than worthy of wearing the legendary Integra nameplate. As expected, this revived sedan is being offered in the fabled Type S-spec, which gains a 320-hp turbocharged 2.0-literVTEC inline-four, a reinforced chassis and moonroof delete, a motorsport-developed Dual-Axis Strut front suspension, and a Type S-specific aero kit with a front splitter, a triple outlet exhaust, a vented hood, and flared fenders at all four corners. Like its predecessor, the new Integra still makes for an exceptionally sporty daily driver — plus is still highly conducive to tuning and upgrading

Engine: Turbocharged 2.0L Inline-Four
Power: 320HP & 310FT-LBs
Weight: 3,219LBs
MSRP: $50,800

BMW M3 Competition xDrive

BMW M3 Competition xDrive
Photo: BMW
Why It Made The Cut
  • A 500-hp, range-topping variant of BMW’s already immensely-capable M3 platform. 

First unveiled in 1986, the BMW M3 is one of the most iconic and sought-after sportscars of all time. While the car’s appearance suggests sporty performance prowess, one might not anticipate the Competition xDrive-spec to deliver what can only be described as supercar-grade capabilities, with its more than 500-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six offering up a 3.4-second 0-60mph time and a top speed of 180mph — all while delivering exceptional handling. Equipped with an aero kit and an exposed carbon fiber roof, this daily-drivable model also benefits from a huge slew of M-spec hardware and systems, from its M Sport seats to its M-specific suspension package. 

Engine: Twin-Turbo 3.0L Inline-Six
Power: 503HP & 479FT-LBs
Weight: 3,990LBs
MSRP: $85,295

Wagons

Spectacular Shooting Brakes

With unassuming bodywork, solid performance capabilities, and the ability to lend itself to family-hauling, grocery-getting, and spirited trips through the canyons, contemporary sport wagons offer the ideal mix of storage space and spirited driving capabilities. 

Volvo V60 Recharge

Volvo V60 Recharge
Photo: Volvo
Why It Made The Cut
  • An high-performance, ultra-high-tech hybrid sport wagon that’s absolutely brimming with cutting-edge bells & whistles. 

Powered by a Polestar-developed hybrid turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, the Volvo V60 Recharge is equal parts performance wagon and technological marvel. Good for 455hp and 523ft-lbs of torque, this Swedish-built sport wagon comes loaded with a Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system, an onboard air purifier, a Head-Up display, built-in Google, one-pedal driving, and an all-electric range of over 40 miles. And, while it is an objectively premium model, the V60 Recharge does make for a very practical and utilitarian daily driver — and one that’s capable of a spirited experience on the track or in the canyons. 

Engine: Turbocharged 2.0L Hybrid Inline-Four
Power: 455HP & 523FT-LBs
Weight: 4,495LBs
MSRP: $71,250

Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon

Mercedes AMG E 63 S Wagon
Photo: Mercedes-AMG
Why It Made The Cut
  • An unassuming-looking station wagon that packs an AMG-tuned twin-turbo V8 affording tremendous performance capabilities. 

Despite its rather unassuming appearance, the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon is something of an automotive wolf in sheep’s clothing. Though it looks like something you might see a suburban mom driving her kids to school in, this AMG-spec sport wagon boasts some remarkable performance capabilities thanks to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 under the hood that cranks out over 600hp and allows for 0-60mph runs in just 3.4 seconds. And, like you’d expect from a Benz station wagon, the E 63 S Wagon makes for a luxurious albeit practical daily driver, family hauler, and grocery getter. It also doesn’t hurt that this model’s AMG-tuned engine just happens to deliver one of the best soundtracks (i.e. exhaust notes) of any modern V8. 

Engine: Twin-Turbocharged 4.0L V8
Power: 603HP & 627FT-LBs
Weight: 4,683LBs
MSRP: $121,100

Audi RS 6 Avant performance

Audi RS 6 Avant performance
Photo: Audi
Why It Made The Cut
  • An ultra-potent family-hauler & grocery getter with a 621-hp bi-turbo V8 offering 3.3-second 0-60 runs and a 190-mph top speed.

A high-performance variant of the Four Ring’s A6 allroad that maintains the base model’s versatility, comfort, and daily driving capabilities, the Audi RS 6 Avant performance is an extremely capable family hauler engineered for the brand’s most discerning — and performance-obsessed — cliental. Riding on special 22” 5-Y-spoke wheels, the RS 6 Avant performance features a 621-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, top-shelf 10-piston calipers, a sport rear differential, RS-spec suspension, and aero-equipped bodywork with a drag-coefficient of only 0.36. With 30 cubic feet of onboard storage space, this contemporary sport wagon is also surprisingly utilitarian — as well as objectively high-performance. 

Engine: Twin-Turbocharged 4.0L V8
Power: 621HP & 627FT-LBs
Weight: 4,982LBs
MSRP: $125,800

The Best Budget Project Cars For Auto Enthusiasts

Best Budget Project Cars 0 Hero
Photo: Shutterstock

Looking for a skid enthusiast car on a budget? Then be sure to cruise on over to our guide to the best budget project cars for auto enthusiasts for a handpicked selection of tuning and upgrade-ready rides.