Top 10: Best Used Performance Cars for 2024
16th Jan 2024
Performance Cars
The term 'Performance Car' is quite broad in today's world. It can cover the likes of hot hatchbacks, sports cars along with SUVs and even supercars.
Essentially, a performance car is a model which has been enhanced in terms of power, dynamics and looks from the factory, which all combine to help create a car that is engaging to drive and brings a smile to those behind the wheel.
Below we have compiled a list of the Top 10 Best Used Performance Cars for 2024.
- Porsche 911 Turbo S (992)
- BMW M3 Touring
- Porsche Cayman GT4 (981)
- BMW M2 (F87)
- Audi TT RS (Mk3)
- Nissan GT-R
- Volkswagen Golf R (MK8)
- Porsche Taycan
- MINI JCW
- BMW X3 M Competition
Porsche 911 Turbo S (992)
Some call it a sports car, some call it a supercar, one thing is for sure, the incredible Porsche 911 Turbo S is also a truly rapid performance car.
Many label the 911 Turbo S as the fastest 'point-to-point' car in the world, thanks to its 3.7-litre flat-six engine producing 641bhp. Complemented by all-wheel drive, ensure this icon can go from 0 to 62mph in a mind-blowing 2.6 seconds, going on to a top speed of 205mph.
What is even more amazing is that it can pretty much do this all year round, no matter the weather, being dubbed as the ultimate every day 'supercar'. Of course, the 911 may be seen more as a sports car, but its performance numbers prove the Turbo S can embarrass many more exclusive supercars, with ease.
And with the 911 Turbo S being a Porsche, the interior is beautifully crafted, full of all the technology you could need, whilst the car can be dialled back to simply cruise when the mood suits.
Search Used Porsche 911BMW M3 Touring
There is something rather appealing about a car that is incredibly rapid, beautifully refined and full of cutting-edge technology, all whilst being impressively practical, too.
The G81 BMW M3 Touring is the first of its kind, and is the very first BMW M3 to ever be available as a practical estate. In a world where the SUV seems to be many consumers go-to practical vehicle, BMW thought the world needed more practical, fast and dynamic estate options.
After all, the M3 Touring will outperform many 'Performance SUVs' whilst offering a much more captivating drive, ideal for those who want a bona fide M car that can do the mundane stuff too. And with xDrive all-wheel drive, its power can be used all year round - with 0 to 62mph happening in just 3.6 seconds.
Search Used BMW M3Porsche Cayman GT4 (981)
Porsche delighted keen drivers with the first Cayman GT product in the form of the 981 GT4 back when it launched in 2015.
It was always a dream for the nimble, well-balanced, razor sharp Cayman to get the Porsche GT car treatment, and with a 3.8-litre flat six, borrowed from the 911 Carrera S - giving it quite the uplift in performance, it proved to be an instant hit.
Then there is the handling, which is uncanny and full of feedback. Today, the 981 GT4 prices have taken into account depreciation, but are still holding strong against the car's successor, perhaps due to less of the 981 variant being made.
And we cannot forget the 981 GT4's manual gearbox, one of the best out there in recent times? If you have been thinking of buying one, why not find out for yourself?
Search Used Porsche Cayman
BMW M2 (F87)
With the brand-new G87 BMW M2 coming along in 2023, the first-generation F87 M2 looks like a bit of a bargain in the current climate.
It has the formula of a proper driver's car with its classic recipe of a straight-six engine, rear-wheel drive, and plenty of power. Not to mention its devilishly sleek wide rear arches and a choice of transmissions - manual for the more engaging drive or a slick DCT for all-out pace.
Then there is also the Competition and CS versions, which further enhance the package and variety of the F87 chassis. With 0 to 62mph in as little as 4.2 seconds, this handsome, squat performance car is a bona fide gem.
Original 'OG' cars and Competitions are very much ultra tempting used buys, whist the more exclusive CS looks likely to be a pricey collector car for some time.
Search Used BMW M2Audi TT RS (Mk3)
In 2023, Audi discontinued the legendary Audi TT, an iconic coupé that has been on sale for 25 years, spanning three stylish generations. Could now be the right time to snap up one to enjoy?
And what better way to experience a TT than with the range-topping RS version, pushing out 395bhp via a characterful 5-cylinder engine, and complemented with legendary Quattro all-wheel drive. Good for the 0 to 62mph sprint in 3.7 seconds - which rubs shoulders with supercars, and could potentially show them up due to being able to record runs like that despite the UK's weather.
It is also available as a convertible too, if that is more your style.
Search Used Audi TT
Nissan GT-R
Having been on sale in the UK since 2009, the Nissan GT-R (a.k.a. Godzilla) has been annoying supercars for over a decade with its computer game-like high performance wizardry.
This is another all-wheel drive model in our list that ensures the GT-R can deploy its phenomenal acceleration, whilst its ultra advanced set-up make it make light work of any road or track you throw at it.
With 0 to 62mph happening in as low as a shade over two seconds in some versions, it is no wonder to see people still being incredibly interested in these beasts from Japan.
Search Used Nissan GT-RVolkswagen Golf R (Mk8)
The VW Golf is perhaps one of the most textbook do-it-all cars out there, but when Volkswagen decided to do an even more hot version than the iconic GTI, things only became more impressive over time.
The original VW Golf R32 (Mk4) came along in 2003 with its crazy V6 engine, followed by the Mk5 R32 in 2005 with a similar and characterful V6 engine - that literally sounds like Chewbacca from Star Wars when you let its engine rev out.
However, VW dropped the V6 engine and 32 nomenclature with the MK6 Golf R, which came along in 2010. Instead, a more efficient 2.0-litre turbo engine was used, along with an updated version in the Mk7/7.5 R and Mk8 R.
The MK7 or 7.5 Rs were extremely popular and so there are plenty to choose from when buying used. However, if you can, the Mk8 features more cutting-edge technology and is less common than its predecessor, being more sophisticated on the whole too.
Search Used VW GolfPorsche Taycan
An electric performance car? The Porsche Taycan is just that. Despite no characterful grumble from an internal combustion engine, which undoubtedly adds a lot to a performance car's driving experience, the Porsche Taycan manages to offer true performance car character and feel via a fully-electric delivery.
Many electric cars today are quick, but the Taycan adds in more to the mix to give a real driver-focused feel. It feels as special as you would hope a Porsche would, and has the ability to get any petrolhead to think twice about what they know about electric cars.
There is also a choice of exciting versions too, offering varying performance, along with three striking bodystyles, allowing you to tailor your Taycan to your lifestyle with ease.
Search Used Porsche TaycanMINI JCW
Cliché go-kart like handling, and the fact that when you put it the car in sport mode it says 'Ultimate go-kart like feel' could be just that when it comes to the much loved MINI, but when it happens to have a JCW badge on the rear, it soon becomes obvious, this is one pocket rocket go-kart.
A MINI Hatch Cooper S is a fine hot hatchback, but the JCW adds in that little bit more flair and spice for a car that has no right to feel this good, in such a compact package.
Over the years there have been many quirky MINI models, but if you want one that strips back what driving is about and proves you do not need masses amount of horsepower and exotic body styling to provoke a massive grin on your face every time you get behind the wheel, it could be time to invest in one of these pocket rockets.
Search Used MINI
BMW X3 M Competition
Another BMW in our list, no surprise really when their tuning arm is literally named after motorsport. And possibly a controversial choice, as the X3 M Competition is an SUV.
However, as SUVs go, this SUV from BMW M is properly impressive. Not only does it feel like a car, a trait sought-after in many SUVs, but it can turn into a bit of an animal, mimicking BMW M rear-wheel drive feel and engagement.
It may not be the most capable off-road, but it will still roll its sleeves up if necessary, but with 0 to 62mph happening in a little over four seconds, we doubt many owners or potential owners will be too upset.
Search Used BMW X3 MFind your perfect performance car with Stratstone
Representing some of the world's most sought after car brands, Stratstone have a comprehensive used inventory containing a selection of fine used performance cars from the world's finest manufacturers.
Browse our used inventory at your leisure today, or why not get in touch with your preferred Stratstone retailer to find out more about our used cars. Alternatively, if you enjoyed this article, why not browse our dedicated blog section.
