While sports cars are the nicest, coolest, and most noticeable cars on the road, consistently driving one as your commuting vehicle turns to be a pain after too long. Commonly, their limited interiors can be a burden for moving even some larger objects to and from destinations. Limited seating is also an obstacle that can grow more frustrating over time, especially in cars that claim to have a back seat, but functionally do not. Upkeep on them with regular driving gets even worse, as mileage and maintenance tend to be expensive for any sports car.
The good news is that these don’t have to be deal breakers. While sports cars can be unwieldy for consistent and casual city driving, it doesn’t have to be impossible. Here’s a list of good, affordable and most importantly, lasting choices of sports cars that aren’t going to ruin your commute, versatility, or wallet just to look good on the road.
Sports Car Standards
First is the BMW Z4, a car that more or less captures versatility for sports cars and daily drivers. It has a spacious interior for a sports car that only gets better with an automatic convertible hardtop that folds out even at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. The Z4 looks every bit the sportscar it is, with an elongated nose and shorter rear to invoke the roadster it’s descended from. The car is designed for the smoothest rides at all speeds, making any stop-and-go traffic for city driving a non-issue. Averaging about 22 miles per gallon in the city, the BMW Z4 is a decent choice for daily driving.
Mazda has been backing sports cars for a long time now and producing some of the most beloved models. The MX-5 Miata is hands-down their most commute-friendly yet. While it sticks closely to sports car formula with its two-seater cabin, it does so with enough room to provide ample space for anything you may need to carry to and from on your commute. The trunk also boasts comparatively more space than the standard sportscar, making your daily use a little less inconvenient for the sake of style. The MX-5 Miata averages about 26 miles per gallon in the city, landing it among some of the more efficient sports cars. As a plus, the MX-5 Miata is also a convertible, perfect for the summer days with the wind in your hair and the sun on your cheeks.
Sporty for More than Two
The Subaru BRZ is a car that really looks the part of your dream sports car, but adds that little extra bit to fill your day-to-day needs. It looks like your standard two-seating sports car, but has enough room for a backseat, if you don’t mind a bit of a climb past the front seats. The front is surprisingly spacious, but came at the cost of the back. It averages about 25 miles per gallon in the city, beating out a lot of the competition for stylish but affordable rides. The BRZ model was even named one of the Coolest Cars under 25,000 for 2017 by Kelley Blue Book.
Volkswagen offers their own sleek sports car that doubles well as your primary mode of transportation. The Golf GTI is a hatchback with ample space for any cargo you might need to tote, providing the fundamental definition of a hot hatch sports car. The interior is roomy in this four door and it merges that look with the smooth qualities of the classic sports car look. Volkswagen knows how to design an affordable, good-looking ride that goes easy on the gas, hitting around 24 miles per gallon around the city.
A Little Different
Standing out among other cars is the Tesla Model S, the no-emission alternative to the modern sports car. You can’t even impart its mileage in normal terms as the Model S is an electric vehicle, so-dubbed the Model S for “sports car.” Although public opinion may be stacked against it, not only does it go zero to sixty in three seconds, it does so as a four-door electric car. The trunk leaves room for a decent amount of transport, too, making it more viable for trips around the city. The Model S runs with a 315-mile range for the charge of its battery, and charging the battery won’t break your wallet like its gas alternatives. Although an extraordinary vehicle, all electric vehicles come with additional considerations.
With sports cars becoming more accessible to drivers, manufacturers are doing their best to make them more viable for everyone’s life. The car might look good in your driveway, but if you never get to take it out, it’s hardly been worth the buy. Keeping these cars running well for their owners to show off every day to their neighbors and coworkers is the primary goal of these models of commute accessible sports cars.
