10 Street Cars Ranked by Horsepower per Pound
The appeal of a high-performance street car that is road-legal but still able to complete a number of laps on a track is what makes many enthusiasts covet them. These cars are not necessarily focused track machines, but often cars that offer a range of different personalities.
There are sports sedans, roadsters, and coupes that tick these boxes: cars you can drive to the store, head to the track, do a few laps, and head back home. Some will obliterate the rear tires fairly quickly, depending on your level of enthusiasm when exiting a corner, while others will happily complete more laps without any trouble. Here’s a list of ten of the best choices ranked by horsepower-per-pound.
10
Ariel Atom 2
Horsepower Per Pound: 0.219
The Ariel Atom 4RR might be the latest and greatest Atom to date, but Ariel’s history goes back 25 years. Even the first Ariel Atom is a machine of extreme track performance, and once you have seen it up close, it is hard to imagine it being fitted with a license plate.
Launched in 1999, the first generation was fitted with the 1.8-liter Rover K series engine, making a modest 120 bhp to 190 bhp until 2003. The Atom 2 is where the switch to Honda’s 2.0-liter K20A came into effect, offering a much-improved 220 bhp and later 275 bhp with a supercharger. These early generation models weigh in at between 1,005 pounds and 1,091 pounds. Being so light makes them perfect for track work, though it takes some practice to drive them to the limit. The model fitted with the Honda engine is arguably the model to choose. Based on Bring a Trailer sales, Ariel Atom 2 models have sold on average for between $40,000 and $50,000.
9
Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06
Horsepower Per Pound: 0.158
The Corvette is synonymous with racing, and its road cars can also be enjoyed for a few laps on track. This is even more the case with a higher-performance version like the 2007 Z06 model. This model is significantly different from the base model in nearly every way.
The 7.0-liter V8 engine produces 505 bhp and 470 lb-ft of torque. It features dry-sump lubrication and even titanium connecting rods. The use of an aluminum frame, magnesium cradles, and additional carbon fiber composite parts allows the Corvette to tip the scales at just 3,203 pounds. A wider track (3 inches broader), stiffer suspension, and an upgraded braking system make it suitable for the track.
Although the average price of the base Corvette C6 is around $44,700, the improved Z06 commands only around $3,000 more on average.
8
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG W204
Horsepower Per Pound: 0.118
This compact four-door sedan can arguably be viewed as a muscle car in a four-door package. The C63 AMG’s 6.2-liter V8 engine is the same base unit used in the SLS AMG, and yet in the sedan body it still produces a mighty 451 bhp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The 7-speed gearbox might not be as quick-shifting as some of the other cars on this list, but on track you will have too much fun enjoying the rear axle, which wants to come around quickly if you are not careful with the throttle pedal.
The C63 AMG weighs in at 3,814 pounds, but the weight is kept in check with a good suspension setup and the abundant torque available low in the rev range. The car will be hard on brakes and tires depending on how aggressively you drive, but they will be some of the most enjoyable laps you could have in a four-door car.
7
Lotus Exige S
Horsepower Per Pound: 0.106
When Lotus wanted to develop an even more track-focused contender than its Elise sports car, the Lotus Exige followed, with the Exige S being the answer. The late Colin Chapman’s approach of “just add lightness” has been used for decades, and the Exige S was no exception.
The aluminum-bonded chassis formed the foundation of this very compact sports car, while Toyota’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, equipped with a supercharger, produced 218 bhp and 159 lb-ft of torque. Fitted with semi-slick tires, the Lotus can lap with high levels of grip through corners, while the brakes only have to manage the vehicle’s curb weight of 2,061 pounds.
The Exige S is a true British lightweight and, to many, a shrunken version of a mid-engine supercar, complete with an aggressive design, side air intakes, a venturi tunnel, and a rear wing. Expect to pay on average around the $65,000 mark.
6
F87 BMW M2
Horsepower Per Pound: 0.105
Arguably one of the most popular M models of its era, the M2 perfectly slotted into BMW’s lineup to replace the legendary 1M when it was launched in 2015. The first models produced 365 bhp and 343 lb-ft of torque from the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine and were available with either the M DCT 7-speed gearbox or a six-speed manual.
The traditional M models, such as the M2, M3, and M4, have always been fun track cars, and the M2 is no different. Weighing 3,461 pounds (manual version), it is not lightweight, but the engine is a strong performer and the car’s handling is neatly set up for on-the-limit fun. If you expect Porsche Cayman levels of grip and precision, you will have to look elsewhere, as the M2 is much more tail-happy. Values of the first generation are on average around the $50,000 mark.
5
Nissan 370Z Coupe
Horsepower Per Pound: 0.102
Reliability and durability are qualities associated with both the Nissan 350Z and its successor, the 370Z. The 370Z Coupe offered a 3.7-liter V6 engine developing 331 bhp and 270 lb-ft of torque, with a lofty 7,500 rpm redline. Weighing 3,232 pounds, this was no lightweight coupe, but there was a solid feel from behind the wheel while grip levels were respectable. The 370Z was also raced in a number of countries, further solidifying its role as a track-capable car. Depending on your requirements, there is the option of either the six-speed manual transmission or the seven-speed automatic.
Upgrades for more regular track usage, without limiting road driving, are easily available for the big Z. Depending on your goals, a strong starting point is the 370Z NISMO. This model offered NISMO-tuned suspension, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, and Recaro sport seats. The standard 370Z Coupe trades on average for around $19,000.
4
Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Horsepower Per Pound: 0.090
The heyday of the rally performance Japanese sedan was evidently in the 2000s. Mitsubishi and Subaru were competing fiercely with different and improved incarnations of their rally-car-turned-road-car platforms.
The 2006 Impreza WRX STI offered drivers a 2.0-liter flat-four turbocharged engine delivering 300 bhp and 300 lb-ft of torque in a 3,351-pound body. Only available with a six-speed manual transmission, the four-wheel drive system allowed for quick off-the-line acceleration as well as high levels of lateral grip.
One event that really put this car on the map was when the late Ken Block launched his Gymkhana video series in 2008 with a 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI. To this day, the Impreza is not only a great and practical everyday car, but also a great contender for some track excursions. Entry level pricing for these cars starts at under $20,000.
3
Honda Civic Type R
Horsepower Per Pound: 0.079
The first-generation Civic Type R in the shape of the EK9 is the car that brought us the now-legendary model designation. This modest hot hatch delivers a mighty punch. Manufactured between 1997 and 2000, it weighs only 2,293 pounds and was fitted with a 1.6-liter engine that could rev to 8,400 rpm, developing 182 bhp along with 118 lb-ft.
With an engine that is eager to rev, a five-speed manual transmission, and a helical limited-slip differential, this Honda will comfortably put its power down on track. Being front-wheel drive, the Honda is also easy to get to grips with on a track.
As these cars were never officially imported into the US, several have since made their way into the country. Looking at auction results on Bring a Trailer, prices start at $16,000 and go as high as $44,900 for a 1998 model sold last year.
2
Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ
Horsepower Per Pound: 0.072
Arguably one of the most affordable ways to enjoy a track day, the 86 and BRZ deliver a pure driving experience. The 86 and BRZ are very similar, and the aim has always been to offer a balanced chassis with just enough power and an engaging experience.
These are simple cars with no elaborate mechanical components, turbochargers, or superchargers. The 2.0-liter flat-four engine develops a modest 200 bhp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Thankfully, there was also a mechanical limited slip differential fitted, ideal for track work. This is also a lightweight coupe, tipping the scales at only 2,762 pounds. From $11,000 upwards, you will be able to secure an early model.
1
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Horsepower Per Pound: 0.057 (NB)
Aside from not being able to carry more than two occupants, is there anything else that Mazda’s Miata is not good at? One moment you can cruise with a partner on a sunset drive, and the next you can meet friends at the track. This has been the recipe for each generation of the MX-5.
Among the various generations and available performance upgrades, the second-generation NB is arguably the sweet spot. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine develops a modest 138 bhp and 119 lb-ft of torque, according to factory specifications. Whichever model you choose, the Miata’s lightweight body (2,425 pounds in the NB) and modest straight-line performance encourage you to carry as much speed into and through corners as possible.
NB generation Miatas can be picked up from as low as $7,000, while the average price is around the $13,000 mark. Also keep an eye out for customized track-focused builds.
Sources: Bring a Trailer, Carfolio.com, classic.com
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