Mercedes-AMG SLC43 Price: $61,225

Historically, AMG models have been the hot rods from Mercedes but with the new SLC43, that is no longer the case. Under the hood is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 that makes a rather tepid 362 hp. Mercedes says it is just 0.1 second slower to 60 than the SLK55 it replaces, but it is also down by 53 hp and sure to run out of steam at higher speeds. The SLC43 has unique suspension tuning versus its SLC-class sibling, but from the exterior they look almost identical. How far the mighty have fallen.

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Nissan Z Price: $30,855 - $50,265

The iconic Z is a decent package of power and handling, but it’s starting to look dated versus the competition. Its 3.7-liter V-6 makes 332 hp, but that’s also getting old; a six-speed manual is available with optional rev-matching. The seven-speed automatic, however, is not a willing partner in spirited driving, with slow shifts that detract from the fun. Feel like a track star? Then check out the NISMO with its snazzier styling. With 350 hp, it might not be faster, but it looks it.

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BMW Z4 Price: $50,695 - $67,345

The Z4 is a sporty, two-seat ragtop that comes in three flavors. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder sDrive28i is offered with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic; there are two 3.0-liter twin-turbo sixes: the 300-hp sDrive35i and the 335-hp sDrive35is. The former is offered with a six-speed stick or seven-speed dual-clutch auto, while the sDrive35is is offered only with the automatic. Regardless of the model, however, the Z4 is not one of our favorite sports cars.

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Audi TT / TTS Price: $44,450 - $53,450

With snazzy styling and peppy performance, the TT and TTS appeal to both the practical and the passionate. The TT has a 220-hp turbo four; the TTS makes 292 hp. Quattro all-wheel drive and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic are standard on both models; a manual, unfortunately, is not offered. The TT is available as both coupe and softtop; the TTS only as a coupe. With well-tuned suspensions, the TT and TTS are effortlessly fast. They blend style with refinement in ways the competition doesn't.

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Lotus Evora 400 Price: $91,785

With its lightweight chassis of bonded aluminum, supple suspension, and mid-engine layout, there’s nothing ordinary about the Evora 400. A supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 cranks out 400 hp; a six-speed manual is standard and a paddle-shifted six-speed automatic is optional. We estimate a 0-to-60 time of 4.3 seconds and a TOP speed of 172 mph. Handling is lively, steering is light yet responsive, and the brakes excellent; acceleration, however, doesn’t feel as strong as we would expect 400 hp to be.

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