Here Are The 8 Most Reliable European Sports Cars
Sports cars are the stuff of dreams. You imagine yourself cruising in a sports car with a perfect roar and the wind sweeping through your hair. However, due to their extravagant nature, many people believe that owning a sports car is a high-dollar investment that comes with lots of visits to the repair shop. The truth is that while some unreliable sports cars come with high maintenance costs, most models can be made to last longer with proper maintenance.
That said, the most important factor in car reliability is the driver. You can’t expect to drive like Mario Andretti and have a sports car that lasts for very long. Also, doing the basics like tire rotation, fluid flushes, and oil changes can help extend the life expectancy of your car. In the world of sports cars, Japanese models are generally cheaper and more reliable. The first model that jumps to mind is the Mazda Miata, after which we can begin to highlight Toyota and Honda models, which promote “reliability over all.” While European cars have not matched that level of reliability, some solid models have come from the continent.
8 2000 BMW M3 (E46)
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Today, the BMW M3 E46 is still described as one of the best sports cars from BMW. The German automaker first unveiled the M3 E46 at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show, and in 2000, they launched the sports car. The BMW M3 E46 first came as a coupe, and it was so different from its predecessor– the E46. BMW used lightweight seats and interior components to reduce the car’s weight.
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The manufacturer also used a carbon-fiber roof to reduce the car’s center of gravity. With a 3.2-liter petrol engine, the car produces 343 horsepower, 269 lb-ft of torque, and an acceleration rate of 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds. As a daily driver, the 2000 BMW M3 E46 is reliable when maintained properly. Apart from regular maintenance and changing the Vanos, fuel pump, and spark plugs, there aren’t many vehicles complaints. Additionally, BMW’s M3 E46 has excellent reviews from its owners.
7 1991 Audi Ur-Quattro
Audi is now often associated with four-wheel-drive systems, which started with the Audi Ur-Quattro. To differentiate the original Quattro from the newer models, Audi has added the prefix– ‘Ur’ to the sports car’s name. The Audi Ur-Quattro was presented at the 1980 Geneva Automobile Show and launched in 1981. AWD systems were mainly used for off-road vehicles, but Audi thought about using a military spec 4×4 system for the Ur-Quattro.
The Ur-Quattro revolutionized rallying and normalized AWD systems in road-going cars. The Ur-Quattro is still remembered for its boxy and sturdy build. As a rally car, the Ur-Quattro was built with reliability at the forefront. Audi sold 11,452 units of the Ur-Quattro from 1980 to 1991, and there are no recorded recalls.
6 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman
The 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman is similar to the Porsche 718 Boxster. The 2021 718 Cayman is fun to drive and more affordable than the Porsche 911. The sports car also has excellent grip and cornering capabilities. For a two-seater sports car, the 718 Cayman is surprisingly practical. The 718 Cayman has both front and back trunks and enough luggage space.
For the 2021 model year, Porsche brought back their six-cylinder engine, and of course, it sounds better than the four-cylinder trims. There are different trim levels, and the base model has a 2.0-liter engine that produces 300 horsepower and accelerates 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds. The six-cylinder GTS model has 400 horsepower, and the GT4 trim delivers about 420 horsepower. From the information provided by NHTSA, the Porsche 718 Cayman has had just two recalls.
5 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia
While Alfa Romeo isn’t known as the best at building reliable cars, the 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia is an exception. The 2019 model has low recall rates. The Giulia has had just two recalls, and some of the sports car’s best qualities are its agile handling and lively ride quality. The Alfa Romeo Giulia’s drive mode selector is equipped with unique features. Drivers can select between Dynamic, Natural, and Advanced Efficiency.
These different modes change Giulia’s transmission system, engine management, and general feel when set. Of course, the Alfa Romeo Giulia has a luxe interior styling with materials like soft-touch plastics and fine leather. However, adaptive suspension, adaptive cruise control, and the automated emergency braking are not standard.
4 2021 Audi TT S
The 2021 Audi TT S is part of the TT third generation, and innovative technological features characterize the model. With a starting price of $60,545, the 2021 Audi TT S competes with the Porsche 718 Cayman, BMW 2 Series, and the Toyota GR Supra. The Audi TT S uses a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 288 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
For transmission, the sports car’s powertrain is mated to a 7-speed automated manual dual-clutch transmission system. The TT S has a driver-centric interior with leather-covered surfaces and Nappa leather seats. Audi offers a four-year / 50,000 miles warranty, and the build quality shines through. The 2021 Audi TT S receives a 4.9 rating out of five from KBB.
3 2000 Volvo S70
As a brand, Volvo is known for building the safest cars in the world. Volvo started making the S70 sports sedan in 1997, and by 2000 when they ended production, they sold about 243,078 units. The 2000 S70 was built on Volvo’s P80 platform. Usually, the P80 platform is used for mid-size unibody cars. A modified version of the P80 platform by Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) was used in the Volvo C70.
The 2000 S70’s base model is fitted with a five-cylinder engine that produces 162 horsepower, and the higher 2.3-liter engine delivers 236 horsepower. According to the NHTSA, the 2000 Volvo S70 has only four recalls. Apart from its reliability and safety, the 2000 Volvo S70 sports sedan is also fun to drive.
2 2014 BMW 2 Series
The BMW 2 Series is offered in two trims– the base 228i and the M235i. If you asked us, we’d say that the BMW 2 Series’ best feature is its powerful turbocharged engines. There are two engines for the two trims, and they’re mated to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission system.
There’s also a 6-speed manual transmission system available at no extra cost. The 228i base model has a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 240 horsepower and 255 lb-ft torque. On the other hand, the M235i trim uses a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 320 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The BMW’s 2 Series has had just one recall from the NHTSA.
1 1991 Porsche 944
Often referred to as the “poor man’s Porsche,” the Porsche 944 performs above expectations. Porsche started making the 944 in 1982, and in 1991, the manufacturer ended production of the model. Throughout the years, Porsche had both naturally aspirated and turbocharged engine options.
The 1991 Porsche 944 is fitted with a 3.0-liter engine that delivers 208 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Now a collectible, it’s surprising how affordable the 944 costs. With $7,000 – 15,500, you can buy the classic Porsche 944. If serviced properly, the Porsche 944 will prove reliable. The 1991 Porsche 944 has had only one recall for windshield wiper visibility.
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