9 Sports Cars That Look Way Faster Than They Actually Are

Jimmy Adell May 30, 2025

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing a sleek sports car zooming down the road, its aggressive lines and aerodynamic curves hinting at blistering speeds and unmatched agility. However, not every stylishly designed sports car can back up its striking aesthetics with equally impressive performance.

In recent years, some manufacturers have prioritized visual appeal over genuine power, creating vehicles that look the part but fall short when it comes to speed and driving dynamics. Let’s take a closer look at nine sports cars that, despite their captivating designs, deliver surprisingly modest performance on the open road.

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1. Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ

The Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ twins have earned enthusiastic praise for their sleek, sporty appearance and agile driving characteristics. Yet, beneath their aggressive exterior lies a modest 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing around 200 horsepower—enough to deliver spirited driving but far from blistering acceleration.

Competitors within the same price range, such as the Ford Mustang EcoBoost or Nissan 370Z, offer significantly better straight-line performance. While the GT86 and BRZ shine on winding roads thanks to their balanced chassis and precise handling, their actual speed often falls short of the visual promise. Check out this detailed Car and Driver review for more insights.

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2. Mitsubishi Eclipse (2006-2012)

With its bold curves, aggressive stance, and distinctive styling, the fourth-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse certainly looked ready to sprint.However, beneath its sporty appearance lay a heavy chassis partnered with relatively modest engine options—a 162-horsepower four-cylinder or a 263-horsepower V6—resulting in decidedly average acceleration and handling.

Compared to contemporary rivals like the Nissan 350Z or Mazda RX-8, the Eclipse struggled to deliver the thrilling performance its looks implied. While aesthetically appealing, its weight and underwhelming powertrain meant the Eclipse was ultimately more cruiser than corner-carver. For a deeper dive, see this comprehensive Edmunds review.

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3. Hyundai Veloster

The Hyundai Veloster stands out thanks to its bold styling, aggressive lines, and unique asymmetrical three-door configuration—features that hint at spirited, high-speed performance. But behind its daring aesthetics, the base Veloster models pack a rather modest punch, featuring a 2.0-liter engine delivering just 147 horsepower.

In comparison, similarly-priced hot hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf GTI or Ford Fiesta ST offer significantly more exhilarating acceleration and dynamic agility.While the Veloster Turbo variant somewhat addresses performance concerns, standard versions remain focused more on style than outright speed. Check out this detailed MotorTrend review for additional insights.

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4. Pontiac Fiero

“A classic Pontiac Fiero, boasting a glossy finish, radiates confidence and style on an open highway.” | Image source: Motorious

The Pontiac Fiero turned heads in the 1980s with its sleek, Ferrari-inspired design and daring mid-engine layout, suggesting exotic performance at an affordable price. However, beneath the captivating bodywork, the Fiero housed modest powerplants, including an underwhelming 92-horsepower inline-four and a slightly stronger but still lackluster 140-horsepower V6.

Acceleration was disappointingly average, with 0-60 mph times lagging far behind similarly styled, mid-engine contemporaries like the Toyota MR2. Though visually impressive, the Fiero’s performance rarely matched its sporty aesthetics. For an in-depth look at this iconic yet underpowered sports car, check out this retrospective from Hemmings.

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5. DeLorean DMC-12

Delorean Dmc 12, Carrosso — “Glistening under the sun, a classic DeLorean DMC-12 showcases its iconic gull-wing doors and unique stainless steel body.” | Image source: Carrosso

The DeLorean DMC-12 is perhaps one of the most iconic sports cars ever created, thanks largely to its distinctive stainless-steel body and gullwing doors, immortalized in the classic film Back to the Future. Yet despite its futuristic aesthetics suggesting blistering speed, the DMC-12 was burdened by a sluggish 2.85-liter V6 engine producing just 130 horsepower, resulting in mediocre acceleration and uninspiring performance.

Compared to similarly priced contemporaries such as the Porsche 911 or Chevrolet Corvette, the DeLorean was notably slow, leaving drivers craving more than just visual excitement. For an insightful retrospective, visit this historical overview from Road & Track.

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6. Honda CR-Z

“A striking Honda CR-Z parked under soft twilight, showcasing its sleek curves and radiant reflective finish.” | Image source: Evo

The Honda CR-Z arrived as a stylish hybrid coupe, sporting aggressive lines and compact dimensions that hinted at thrilling performance. Marketed as a spiritual successor to the beloved Honda CR-X, it promised sporty driving dynamics coupled with hybrid efficiency.

Unfortunately, its modest powertrain—a 1.5-liter engine paired with an electric motor delivering a combined 130 horsepower—resulted in sluggish acceleration and lackluster performance. Competitors such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Mini Cooper S offered far more engaging driving experiences at similar price points, leaving the CR-Z trailing behind. For further insights, explore this Car and Driver review.

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7. Fiat 124 Spider

A sleek Fiat 124 Spider convertible, a classic roadster gracefully parked beneath the warm afternoon sunlight. | Image source: Image from Classic World

With its elegant lines, classic proportions, and retro-inspired design cues, the Fiat 124 Spider certainly captures the essence of an agile Italian roadster. Yet, beneath its stylish exterior lies a modest 1.4-liter turbocharged engine generating just 160 horsepower, resulting in relatively tame acceleration and top speeds when compared to competitors.

Even its mechanical sibling, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, offers a more spirited driving experience with sharper throttle response and livelier handling characteristics. Though visually appealing, the 124 Spider ultimately prioritizes cruising comfort over exhilarating performance. Explore this detailed MotorTrend review for more information.

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8. Mazda RX-8

With a striking design, aggressive stance, and unique rear-hinged doors, the Mazda RX-8 seemed destined to offer exhilarating performance. Powered by Mazda’s iconic rotary engine, it generated around 232 horsepower—respectable, yet insufficient for truly rapid acceleration or blistering top speeds.

Fans often compared the RX-8 unfavorably to its celebrated predecessor, the RX-7, renowned for potent performance and impressive agility. Contemporary sports cars like the Nissan 350Z and Honda S2000 also outpaced the RX-8 in straight-line performance, highlighting its modest speed despite the sporty aesthetics. Dive deeper into the RX-8’s performance with this Car and Driver review.

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9. Chevrolet Camaro RS (V6 variant)

Tcc — A sleek Chevrolet Camaro RS showcasing its iconic muscle car design with bold curves and sporty elegance. | Image source: Image from TCC

The Chevrolet Camaro RS, equipped with its V6 engine, shares the aggressive styling, muscular stance, and iconic silhouette of its powerful V8 counterpart, the Camaro SS. Yet, beneath its bold hood lies a 3.6-liter V6 producing around 335 horsepower—substantial, but significantly less thrilling compared to the V8’s robust 455 horsepower.

Acceleration figures reflect this gap; the V6 Camaro reaches 60 mph notably slower than its V8 sibling and other muscle-car rivals like the Dodge Challenger R/T or Ford Mustang GT. For those seeking genuine muscle-car exhilaration, the Camaro RS’s performance falls somewhat short. Check out this comprehensive MotorTrend review for more details.

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Conclusion

A sleek, fast-looking Bugatti showcasing impressive performance, perfect for those seeking car purchasing advice and excitement. | Image source: Carbuzz

As we’ve seen, a sports car’s aggressive styling and sleek lines don’t always guarantee speed and exhilarating performance. These nine visually striking vehicles exemplify how appearances can sometimes deceive, offering aesthetics that outpace their actual capabilities.

For enthusiasts who prioritize acceleration and dynamic agility, it’s crucial to delve deeper into specifications and performance data rather than relying solely on eye-catching designs. Models such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Ford Mustang GT, or Nissan 370Z provide more balanced options, delivering both style and substance. Ultimately, choosing wisely ensures your sports car thrills you not only visually—but also behind the wheel.

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