Market Watch: Buy These Used Sporty Cars In Singapore Before They Disappear

It wasn’t that long ago when different variants of the same car model sat on polar opposite ends of specification charts. A base-spec W204 Mercedes-Benz C Class was propelled by a 1.6-litre 4 cylinder. To squeeze a monster V8 4 times that capacity in the same chassis seemed unthinkable.

That was how engineers sprinkled magic dust on top dog variants, well into the early 2010s before emission regulations and safety standards started to tighten even further. Electrification was in the picture, sure, but full-on performance wasn’t a priority (think along the lines of the Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe and BMW i3).

We could argue that the ICE (internal combustion engine) age had compromises from a performance standpoint. Engine blocks had to be carefully positioned so as not to disrupt balance. Tread the naturally aspirated path and you’ll crave for more torque, while the force induction route raises question marks when it comes to throttle response.

Those were the days - weight, number of pistons, location of driven axle - they arguably mattered more than new fleets. As we navigate the increasingly rarefied field of pre-owned sports cars, let’s celebrate how brands perfected the recipe for the sake of driving fun.

2011 Lotus Exige Cup 260

A V6 Exige would be heart stopping, but we reckon not many embody the spirit of a special, true-to-identity Lotus better than a supercharged 4 pot, sub 900kg track special. “Cup” bragging rights aside, even a standard Series 2 Exige will set pulses racing with a sweet shifting 6 speed manual and revvy, Toyota-sourced motor.

Well, it was designed in collaboration with Yamaha, so you know you’re assured ear tingling sensations in the higher regions of the rev range. In an age where low-end torque reigns supreme, working for your speed makes every drive that bit more rewarding.

2019 MINI Cooper JCW

It’s rather safe to say that traditional hot hatch rivalries are officially over - no one else builds cars like the GR Yaris today. Even if we invite EVs into the fray - Alpine A290, CUPRA Born, Abarth 500e - they deliver a different experience from what we’re used to. Rapid, relentless and fun from a speed POV for sure, but a hot hatch back in the day, when perfected, had its perky engine’s heft locked deep to anchor the front driven axle, inviting lift-off oversteer when the weight shifts to the front during braking pre-corner.

MINI’s JCW with a short wheelbase doesn’t take much to uncork its potential. Sure, this generation was heavier than its R53/56 predecessors, but trademark direct MINI handling was never in doubt.

2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35i

Low slung roadsters used to be pin-up model worthy. Honda S2000, BMW Z8, R129 Merc SL - a form factor that fell out of manufacturers’ favour as quickly as spraying fire on a snowman. Sure, SUV sales keep companies afloat, but aspirational vehicles are equally important. If you’ve somehow managed to survive the financial meltdown in the late noughties, a twin turbo, 3.0-litre straight 6 BMW roadster would be waiting.

The E89 Z4 sDrive35i frankly didn't stand out as much as BMW would like (blame its stunning distant predecessors, Z8 and Z3!), but it’s still a proper looker. More attainable than a Boxster and punchier than a SLK, the first Z4 with a retractable hardtop still looks in fine fettle in 2025.

---

Car you sell, Carousell. Get the highest quote for your car in just 24 hours, with assistance on paperwork too.