There’s no denying the absolute killer driving dynamics and track dominance of the Porsche 911. This incredible sports car has been the standard for all others to work towards, with limited success for other models. Despite its incredible driving prowess and amazing lineup of models that provide various powertrain and performance qualities, some Japanese cars are simply more fun to drive than a Porsche 911.
If the Porsche can beat out some of these cars, how can they be more fun to drive? In most cases, they are much more affordable than a Porsche 911, which starts at $120,100 and only goes up from there. In some cases, these Japanese cars come with everything included, while the Porsche requires drivers to select from a long menu of items to have the perfect package. Regardless of the reason, these Japanese sports cars will plaster a big smile on your face.
10 Japanese Performance Cars That Were Faster Than European Rivals
These are the Japanese standouts that outperformed their European benchmarks.
10
Nissan GT-R
Fun Factor: Legendary Godzilla Of Japanese Sports Cars
|
Engine |
Horsepower |
Torque |
0-60 MPH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 |
565 hp |
467 lb-ft |
2.9 seconds |
Nissan GT-R Specifications
Does Nissan make a supercar? It can easily be debated that the Nissan GT-R is a supercar. It certainly has the power, speed, and performance data to enter this category. The GT-R has been called a “supercar slayer” since it is faster than some but not as expensive as most supercars.
This amazing Nissan delivers thrilling, high-performance driving from a reliable powertrain that makes it easy to enjoy on any road or track. It is easily one of the fastest Japanese sports cars ever made, which makes it a lot of fun to drive and admire.
Pros
- 2024 marks the return of the T-spec model
- Iconic brand-name cache
- Handling seems to defy physics
Cons
- R35 generation dates to 2009
- Interior lacks refinement
- Seems crude and rude by today’s standards
9
Toyota Supra
Fun Factor: A Return Worthy Of The Name
|
Engine |
Horsepower |
Torque |
0-60 MPH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder |
382 hp |
368 lb-ft |
3.9 seconds |
Toyota Supra Specifications
The Toyota Supra was gone from the market for many years and finally returned to bring an incredibly high-performance sports car that can compete with anything. The latest version can be had with a manual transmission, which is welcome in a world filled with automatics.
This Toyota sports car offers the old-school feeling of a RWD sports car that requires you to row your gears to get up to the desired speeds. The Supra is quick, decisive, and fun, making its return a hit among driving enthusiasts and tuners alike.
Pros
- Powerful turbo six and available manual transmission
- Daily-driving-friendly suspension
- Reasonably priced for a performance vehicle
Cons
- Cramped interior pains larger drivers
- Comprised outward visibility
- Seats aren’t comfortable for long-distance driving
8
Acura NSX Type S
Fun Factor: Expectation Defying Japanese Supercar
|
Engine |
Horsepower |
Torque |
0-60 MPH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid |
600 hp |
492 lb-ft |
2.9 seconds |
Acura NSX Type S Specifications
The Acura NSX Type S was built to compete directly with Ferrari, which was a bold choice for Acura, considering the differences between the two brands. The NSX combines meticulous engineering, cutting-edge technology, and a mid-engine layout to bring you an exhilarating drive.
This amazing Acura shows what Japanese engineering can be. It shows how a supercar can bring performance and technology together to deliver the performance and speed that you won’t find in many other cars in the class.
Pros
- Eye-catching styling
- Flexible hybrid powertrain
- Comfortable interior
Cons
- Not as quick as some rivals
- Interior trimmings don’t feel special
- Stingy on in-cabin storage
10 Classic Japanese Sports Cars That Can Be Daily Driven
Boasting a mix of sporty credentials and everyday usability, these JDM classics are awesome daily drivers.
7
Subaru WRX STI
Fun Factor: Rally-Bred DNA Makes It Legendary
|
Engine |
Horsepower |
Torque |
0-60 MPH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2.5-liter turbocharged flat 4-cylinder |
310 hp |
290 lb-ft |
5.1 seconds |
Subaru WRX STI Specifications
The Subaru WRX STI might not be the fastest Japanese car, and it certainly doesn’t hold a candle to the Porsche 911 in terms of quickness or speed, but it sure is fun. This car begs you to toss it around on the road and find a rally track where it feels perfectly at home.
This Subaru performance sedan is the prodigal son of many rally cars for the road, and it still makes a loud statement. The WRX STi is ready to tear up any road or track, and it can be a lot of fun to toss it around when the ground is wet, or you find a dirt track.
Pros
- About as much fun as you can have with your clothes on
- AWD traction delivers jaw-dropping acceleration
- Manual transmission
Cons
- Noisy cabin can be draining for some
- Firm ride can be punishing for some
- Sedan body eats into practicality
6
Lexus LC 500
Fun Factor: Artfully Designed High-End Luxury
|
Engine |
Horsepower |
Torque |
0-60 MPH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
5.0-liter V8 |
471 hp |
398 lb-ft |
4.4 seconds |
Lexus LC 500 Specifications
When luxury driving matters in your experience, the Lexus LC 500 delivers the goods and brings you some incredible performance figures to go along with the high-end cabin that’s packed with style and luxury for your viewing pleasure.
Lexus prioritized sleek styling and a supple ride with the latest version of the LC 500 sports car. The sumptuous cabin creates an enticing environment for drivers searching for the grand touring experience in a two-door car that will turn heads wherever it goes.
Pros
- Drop-dead gorgeous
- V8 engine’s upscale thunder
- Designer interior
Cons
- Hybrid model lacks the V8 personality
- Rivals will show the LC their taillights
- Tuned to smooth out roads, not eat them alive
5
Mazda RX-7
Fun Factor: Iconic Performance From The Rotary Engine
|
Engine |
Horsepower |
Torque |
0-60 MPH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1.3-liter twin-turbocharged rotary |
276 hp |
217 lb-ft |
4.8 seconds |
Mazda RX-7 Specifications
The Mazda RX-7 lives in a special place among Japanese sports cars, and it can easily be much more fun to drive than a Porsche 911. The RX-7 embodies the glory, drive, and incredible execution of the rotary engine, which makes it unique in the automotive world.
Mazda proves you don’t need to have the most power to have a lot of fun. The right formula could be a lightweight sports car with a small engine that rockets to the front of the line. The RX-7 isn’t the fastest car on this list, but it could be the most fun.
Pros
- Smooth, high-revving rotary engine
- Well-balanced, lightweight chassis
- Stunning, timeless body design
Cons
- Reliability issues with rotary engine
- Rotary engine servicing costs
- Parts are hard to find
This Early 2000s Japanese Sports Car Was Ahead Of Its Time, But Flopped In Sales
This Japanese sports car is a legend, but when it was released, the sales were not as great as you’d expect – here’s what you need to know about it.
4
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Fun Factor: Practical Rally Experience Defies Logic
|
Engine |
Horsepower |
Torque |
0-60 MPH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
303 hp |
305 lb-ft |
4.4 seconds |
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Specifications
Affectionately known as the Evo, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is an incredible car with fun built into every part of it. This rally-inspired performance machine is much more fun than it looks, combining an AWD system with a powerful but small engine for serious fun on the track.
This Mitsubishi is a standout example of how a Japanese sports car can deliver the thrilling performance desired while being relatively practical. The Lancer Evolution could be great for daily driving while also providing you with the excitement desired when you open it up.
Pros
- Quick reflexes
- Slamming power
- Glorious heritage
Cons
- Slop-bucket build quality
- Punitive ride
- Throwback technology
3
Nissan 370Z/Nissan Z
Fun Factor: Timeless Design And Performance
|
Engine |
Horsepower |
Torque |
0-60 MPH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
3.7-liter V6 |
332 hp |
270 lb-ft |
5.2 seconds |
|
3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 |
400 hp |
350 lb-ft |
3.9 seconds |
Nissan 370Z/Nissan Z Specifications
There’s something special about a sports car that embraces what it is and how it’s supposed to perform. The Nissan 370Z and Nissan Z embody this feeling, offering heritage styling and signature Nissan performance from incredible V6 engines.
These two Nissan sports cars are both extremely fun to drive and don’t cost nearly as much as the Porsche 911, adding to the fun factor. The modern Nissan Z is a worthy modern entry in the historic line of Nissan sports coupes, giving you an amazing heritage car to drive.
Pros
- Willing and able powertrains
- Well-executed design
- Accessible pricing
Cons
- NISMO uses automatic transmission
- Underdamped suspension
- New model has much of the old version underneath
2
Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86
Fun Factor: Dynamic Duo Of Japanese Sports Cars
|
Engine |
Horsepower |
Torque |
0-60 MPH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2.4-liter flat 4-cylinder |
228 hp |
184 lb-ft |
5.5 seconds |
Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86 Specifications
The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ have been developed together, giving the world two glorious options for some incredible fun on the road or track. Unlike the Porsche 911, these cars are affordable and easy to enjoy in regular traffic, adding to the fun quotient.
Between Subaru and Toyota, you’ll enjoy deft handling and excellent driving manners in either of these sports coupes. The BRZ and GR86 don’t take things too seriously, which makes them a lot of fun to drive when you simply want to get out there and have a blast.
Pros
- True sports-car handling
- Steering with actual feel
- Enough power to have fun with
Cons
- Some low-rent interior bits
- Noisy cabin
- Back seat is not adequate for people
10 Fast And Affordable Naturally Aspirated Cars On The Used Market Right Now
Can speed be affordable? It can if you choose one of these incredible, naturally aspirated cars. They are fast, affordable, and tons of fun.
1
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Fun Factor: Zoom Zoom
|
Engine |
Horsepower |
Torque |
0-60 MPH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
181 hp |
151 lb-ft |
5.5 seconds |
Mazda MX-5 Miata Specifications
The Mazda MX-5 Miata embodies the mantra of “zoom zoom,” which Mazda has embraced for several years. The Miata might not be as fast or as powerful as any version of the Porsche 911, and it certainly wouldn’t be on many lists involving the venerable sports car, but the Miata can be a lot of fun.
Mazda created a lithe, lively, and fun little car more than three decades ago, and they continue to offer the MX-5 Miata to be an extremely fun little roadster. The Miata isn’t the most powerful or fastest car, but it might be the most fun with its incredible balance and handling.
Pros
- The very definition of “fun to drive”
- Zippy acceleration
- Iconic roadster experience
Cons
- Noisy on long highway drives
- Snug cabin with top-up
- Very little cargo space