10 Sports Cars with Unexpected Fuel Efficiency

For years, automakers focused on showcasing their most fuel-efficient vehicles, often ignoring the thrill of speed, excitement, and sleek design that drivers crave. They addressed the pain of rising fuel costs but overlooked the joy of driving a car designed for pure performance. However, times have changed. The gap between fuel efficiency and driving pleasure is narrowing.

In an era where fuel economy is paramount, some sports cars have managed to reduce their fuel consumption without sacrificing the thrill of the drive. The golden age of muscle cars may be over, but that doesn’t mean speed, power, and fun can’t coexist with efficiency. Brands like Mercedes, Ford, Porsche, and Lotus are proving that it’s possible to have both.

Our list features a mix of exotic and mainstream sports cars, all of which are surprisingly economical at the gas station — at least compared to traditional expectations. These cars might just ease your guilt when your eco-conscious friends in their Prius come over for dinner. You know exactly what we mean...

10: Nissan 370Z

The Nissan 370Z, with its rich legacy and loyal fanbase, offers a 3.7-liter V-6 engine delivering 332 horsepower. Priced starting at around $33,000, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 96.6 km/h) in just 5.2 seconds. Despite its power, it achieves a respectable fuel economy of 19 mpg (8.1 km/l) in the city and 26 mpg (11.1 km/l) on the highway. While not the most efficient, it’s certainly impressive for a sports car.

[Source: Forbes.com]

9: Infiniti G37

The Infiniti G37, a more luxurious and slightly bulkier sibling to the Nissan 370Z, shares the same 3.7-liter engine. However, it sacrifices two horsepower and gains extra weight. Equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission, the G37 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 96.6 km/h) in 5.8 seconds, while achieving 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway (8.1/11.5 km/l). It’s an excellent choice for those seeking more refinement than the 370Z but still craving Nissan’s robust 3.7-liter V-6.

[Source: Forbes.com]

8: Porsche Boxster

Porsche is renowned for its racing legacy and unmatched luxury, but its sports cars also excel in fuel efficiency. The Boxster, powered by a 255-horsepower, 2.9-liter engine, sprints from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 96.6 km/h) in 5.4 seconds. With a seven-speed automatic transmission, it delivers 22 mpg (9.4 km/l) in the city and 32 mpg (13.6 km/l) on the highway. Opting for the sportier Boxster S reduces the 0 to 60 mph time to 4.7 seconds, while maintaining 21 mpg (8.9 km/l) city and 30 mpg (12.8 km/l) highway.

[Source: Forbes.com]

7: Porsche Cayman

Sticking with Porsche, the Cayman offers multiple engine choices, including the high-performance Cayman R model, which boasts 330 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 96.6 km/h) in just 4.6 seconds. As for fuel efficiency, it achieves 20 mpg (8.5 km/l) in the city and 29 mpg (12.3 km/l) on the highway. Surprisingly, this 3.4-liter flat-six engine outperforms the gas mileage of a 5-door Mazda3 Speed. Yes, you read that correctly.

[Source: Forbes.com]

6: Mercedes-Benz SLK250

The Mercedes-Benz SLK250 embodies the essence of a luxury sports car, both in appearance and performance. Powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, it delivers 201 horsepower and 229 ft-lb of torque—surpassing the previous V-6 model, as Mercedes-Benz proudly notes. Priced at $44,000, this sports car achieves 23 mpg (9.8 km/l) in the city and 31 mpg (13.2 km/l) on the highway with its seven-speed automatic transmission [source: Archer]. It’s also available as a hardtop convertible.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

5: Lotus Elise

The Lotus Elise shines as a standout in the realm of fuel-efficient sports cars. Beyond its stunning design, it delivers impressive efficiency. Despite its modest 1.6-liter engine and 134 horsepower, the Elise’s lightweight build and aerodynamic excellence enable it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 96.6 km/h) in just 6 seconds [source: Seitz]. Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, it achieves 34 mpg (14.5 km/l) in the city and an astonishing 56 mpg (23.8 km/l) on the highway, according to Lotus.

[Source: Lotus]

4: Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Hyundai might not be the first name that comes to mind for sports cars, but it excels in both performance and fuel efficiency. The Genesis Coupe’s 3.8-liter V-6 engine generates 348 horsepower, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 96.6 km/h) in just 5.2 seconds. Despite its power, it achieves 18 mpg (7.7 km/l) in the city and 28 mpg (11.9 km/l) on the highway. Opting for the 274-horsepower version improves efficiency to 20 mpg (8.5 km/l) city and 30 mpg (12.8 km/l) highway, offering a balance of speed and economy.

[Source: Forbes.com]

3: Audi TT

Audi’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder TT has long been a head-turner, and its six-speed manual transmission makes it a joy to drive. With a 0 to 60 mph (0 to 96.6 km/h) time of just 5.3 seconds, the TT is both quick and efficient. The base model, with 211 horsepower, achieves 23 mpg (9.8 km/l) in the city and up to 31 mpg (13.2 km/l) on the highway.

[Source: Forbes.com]

2: Scion FR-S

The Scion FR-S embodies the essence of a true sports car with its bold, futuristic design. Powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, it delivers 200 horsepower through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. While it may not match the horsepower of some rivals, its fuel efficiency stands out. The automatic version achieves 25 mpg (10.6 km/l) in the city and 34 mpg (14.5 km/l) on the highway, while the manual offers 22 mpg (9.4 km/l) city and 30 mpg (12.8 km/l) highway—impressive figures for any sports car.

[Source: Scion]

1: Ford Mustang

The iconic Ford Mustang redefines expectations for fuel efficiency. Its V-6 engine generates 305 horsepower, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. Despite its power, the Mustang achieves 19 mpg (8.1 km/l) in the city and an impressive 31 mpg (13.2 km/l) on the highway. This blend of horsepower and efficiency proves that performance and practicality can coexist.

[Source: Forbes.com]