European roads and circuits in the 2000s were a testing ground for bold styling and compact performance: niche coachbuilders worked alongside established marques, and drivers could choose everything from stripped-down roadsters to tech-rich grand tourers. That mix gave the decade a distinct identity that still appeals to collectors and enthusiasts.
There are 53 2000s European Sports Cars, ranging from the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione to the TVR Tuscan. For each entry you’ll find below the columns Make & country,Production years (yr),Power (hp) / 0–100 km/h (s), so you can compare origin, era and performance at a glance — details you’ll find below.
How were models chosen for this list?
Selections focus on production sports cars sold in the 2000s by European manufacturers or low-volume European builders; concept cars and one-off showpieces were excluded unless they reached limited production, so the list reflects cars buyers could actually own during that decade.
Which of these cars are reasonably practical to drive and maintain today?
Practicality varies: mainstream offerings from BMW, Porsche and Mercedes tend to be easier to service and more reliable, while low-volume cars like the TVR Tuscan or boutique models may need specialist care and can be costly to maintain; consider parts availability and servicing history when evaluating any used example.
2000s European Sports Cars
| Model | Make & country | Production years (yr) | Power (hp) / 0–100 km/h (s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche 911 (996) | Porsche (Germany) | 1997–2005 | 420 hp / 4.0 s |
| Porsche 911 (997) | Porsche (Germany) | 2004–2012 | 480 hp / 3.6 s |
| Porsche Boxster (986/987) | Porsche (Germany) | 1996–2012 | 280 hp / 5.0 s |
| Porsche Cayman (987) | Porsche (Germany) | 2005–2012 | 320 hp / 4.9 s |
| Porsche Carrera GT | Porsche (Germany) | 2004–2007 | 605 hp / 3.9 s |
| Ferrari 360 Modena | Ferrari (Italy) | 1999–2005 | 400 hp / 4.5 s |
| Ferrari F430 | Ferrari (Italy) | 2004–2009 | 490 hp / 4.0 s |
| Ferrari 575M Maranello | Ferrari (Italy) | 2002–2006 | 508 hp / 4.2 s |
| Ferrari Enzo | Ferrari (Italy) | 2002–2004 | 651 hp / 3.4 s |
| Ferrari 599 GTB | Ferrari (Italy) | 2006–2012 | 612 hp / 3.7 s |
| Ferrari California | Ferrari (Italy) | 2008–2017 | 460 hp / 4.2 s |
| Lamborghini Murciélago | Lamborghini (Italy) | 2001–2010 | 670 hp / 3.2 s |
| Lamborghini Gallardo | Lamborghini (Italy) | 2003–2013 | 560 hp / 3.9 s |
| Aston Martin DB9 | Aston Martin (UK) | 2004–2016 | 450 hp / 4.7 s |
| Aston Martin Vanquish | Aston Martin (UK) | 2001–2007 | 460 hp / 4.7 s |
| Aston Martin V8 Vantage | Aston Martin (UK) | 2005–2017 | 380 hp / 4.8 s |
| Jaguar XKR (X100) | Jaguar (UK) | 1996–2006 | 370 hp / 5.3 s |
| Jaguar XK (X150) | Jaguar (UK) | 2006–2014 | 420 hp / 4.9 s |
| BMW M3 (E46) | BMW (Germany) | 2000–2006 | 343 hp / 4.8 s |
| BMW Z8 | BMW (Germany) | 2000–2003 | 400 hp / 4.7 s |
| BMW Z4 (E85/E86) | BMW (Germany) | 2002–2008 | 330 hp / 4.8 s |
| BMW M6 (E63) | BMW (Germany) | 2005–2010 | 500 hp / 4.6 s |
| Mercedes‑Benz SL (R230) | Mercedes‑Benz (Germany) | 2001–2011 | 604 hp / 4.0 s |
| Mercedes‑Benz SLK (R171) | Mercedes‑Benz (Germany) | 2004–2011 | 360 hp / 4.6 s |
| Mercedes‑Benz SLR McLaren | Mercedes‑McLaren (Germany/UK) | 2003–2010 | 626 hp / 3.8 s |
| Audi TT (8N/8J) | Audi (Germany) | 1998–2014 | 360 hp / 4.1 s |
| Audi R8 | Audi (Germany) | 2006–2015 | 420 hp / 4.6 s |
| RenaultSport Clio V6 | Renault (France) | 2001–2005 | 230 hp / 6.0 s |
| Opel Speedster / Vauxhall VX220 | Opel/Vauxhall (Germany/UK) | 1999–2005 | 200 hp / 5.7 s |
| Smart Roadster | Smart (Germany) | 2003–2006 | 101 hp / 9.5 s |
| Lotus Elise (Series 2) | Lotus (UK) | 2000–2011 | 190 hp / 4.8 s |
| Lotus Exige | Lotus (UK) | 2000–2011 | 240 hp / 4.0 s |
| Lotus Europa S | Lotus (UK) | 2006–2010 | 220 hp / 5.9 s |
| TVR Tuscan | TVR (UK) | 1999–2006 | 380 hp / 4.6 s |
| TVR Sagaris | TVR (UK) | 2004–2006 | 400 hp / 4.0 s |
| TVR Cerbera | TVR (UK) | 1996–2006 | 400 hp / 4.0 s |
| TVR T350 | TVR (UK) | 2002–2006 | 350 hp / 4.5 s |
| MG TF | MG (UK) | 2002–2005 | 160 hp / 7.9 s |
| Koenigsegg CC8S | Koenigsegg (Sweden) | 2002–2004 | 650 hp / 3.3 s |
| Koenigsegg CCR | Koenigsegg (Sweden) | 2004–2006 | 806 hp / 3.2 s |
| Pagani Zonda | Pagani (Italy) | 1999–2019 | 600 hp / 3.6 s |
| Maserati Coupe / Spyder (GranSport) | Maserati (Italy) | 2002–2007 | 390 hp / 4.9 s |
| Maserati GranTurismo | Maserati (Italy) | 2007–2019 | 405 hp / 4.7 s |
| Bentley Continental GT | Bentley (UK) | 2003–2011 | 552 hp / 4.6 s |
| Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione | Alfa Romeo (Italy) | 2007–2010 | 450 hp / 4.2 s |
| Alfa Romeo Brera | Alfa Romeo (Italy) | 2005–2010 | 260 hp / 6.2 s |
| Lamborghini Reventón | Lamborghini (Italy) | 2007–2009 | 650 hp / 3.4 s |
| Ferrari 612 Scaglietti | Ferrari (Italy) | 2004–2010 | 540 hp / 4.2 s |
| Mercedes‑Benz CLK (C209) | Mercedes‑Benz (Germany) | 2002–2010 | 507 hp / 4.1 s |
| Lamborghini Diablo | Lamborghini (Italy) | 1990–2001 | 575 hp / 3.9 s |
| Ferrari 456M | Ferrari (Italy) | 1998–2003 | 442 hp / 5.1 s |
| Maserati MC12 | Maserati (Italy) | 2004–2005 | 620 hp / 3.8 s |
| Bentley Azure (2nd gen) | Bentley (UK) | 2006–2009 | 450 hp / 5.6 s |
Images and Descriptions
Porsche 911 (996)
Entry 911 of the 2000s era; the 996 Turbo is the headline variant with twin‑turbo flat‑6 power, early water‑cooled 911 tech and strong enthusiast interest for performance and mod potential.
Porsche 911 (997)
Successor to the 996 with sharper styling and improved interiors; the 997 Turbo and GT variants are modern classics prized for sharper handling and stronger, more refined engines.
Porsche Boxster (986/987)
Affordable mid‑engine roadster that re‑ignited Porsche’s lineup; Boxster S and later 987 variants added more power and usability, making it an enduring enthusiast favourite.
Porsche Cayman (987)
Fixed‑roof mid‑engine coupe derived from the Boxster with crisper handling and Cayman S performance; cemented Cayman as a driver’s favourite and solid used‑buy for handling purity.
Porsche Carrera GT
Exotic V10‑powered supercar with carbon‑monocoque and manual gearbox; rare, highly collectable and a milestone in Porsche’s performance pedigree.
Ferrari 360 Modena
Lightweight V8 mid‑engine Ferrari that modernised production with aluminium chassis and F1‑derived tech; the 360 is loved for its soundtrack and relative accessibility among Ferraris.
Ferrari F430
Ferrari V8 with F1 automated manual gearbox, improved aerodynamics and handling; widely regarded as a sweet‑spot Ferrari for daily usability and track ability.
Ferrari 575M Maranello
Front‑engined V12 GT combining long‑distance comfort with performance; notable for the F1 gearbox option and as a more usable V12 Ferrari from the era.
Ferrari Enzo
Halo hypercar with F1‑derived V12, carbon chassis and extreme performance; produced in small numbers and now a prized, highly collectible Ferrari.
Ferrari 599 GTB
Front‑engined V12 grand tourer blending Ferrari performance with improved comfort; standout for its modern styling and strong V12 character.
Ferrari California
Ferrari’s front‑engined folding‑hardtop GT introduced late in the decade; aimed at usability and daily‑driveability while still delivering V8 performance.
Lamborghini Murciélago
Flagship V12 Lamborghini of the 2000s with scissor doors and progressively powerful variants (LP640, LP670 SV); a defining supercar of the decade.
Lamborghini Gallardo
Best‑selling Lamborghini debuting the V10 era; compact mid‑engine coupe with numerous iterations that brought Lamborghini into higher production volumes.
Aston Martin DB9
Elegant grand tourer with bonded aluminium structure and V12 refinement; DB9 mixed British craftsmanship with strong performance and became a modern Aston classic.
Aston Martin Vanquish
Flagship V12 GT of the early 2000s, noted for its aluminium construction and dramatic design; collectible for its place before the DB9 era.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Compact Aston sports coupe with a raw V8 and engaging chassis; one of the brand’s most successful and driver‑oriented models.
Jaguar XKR (X100)
Supercharged XK iteration combining grand tourer comfort with boosted straight‑line performance; stylish British GT with strong presence in the 2000s.
Jaguar XK (X150)
Sleeker second‑generation XK with improved dynamics and updated engines; continued Jaguar’s two‑door GT tradition into the late 2000s.
BMW M3 (E46)
Iconic driver‑focused coupe with high‑revving inline‑6, superb chassis balance and motorsport DNA—considered one of the best modern M3s.
BMW Z8
Limited‑run retro‑styled roadster with an S62 V8, aluminium construction and strong collector appeal thanks to rarity and film‑car fame.
BMW Z4 (E85/E86)
Sporty roadster and coupe alternatives (including the M variant) that combined BMW handling with attractive styling for enthusiasts seeking open‑top fun.
BMW M6 (E63)
High‑performance grand tourer coupe from BMW’s M division, blending luxury with a powerful V10/V8 depending on market—sought after for straight‑line pace and refinement.
Mercedes‑Benz SL (R230)
Large luxury roadster whose AMG variants (including SL65) delivered V12 performance; packed with tech and comfort yet capable on the road or autobahn.
Mercedes‑Benz SLK (R171)
Compact folding‑hardtop roadster with AMG variants offering real sporty performance in a small, usable package—good value in the used market.
Mercedes‑Benz SLR McLaren
Exotic GT developed with McLaren featuring supercharged V8, carbon fibre chassis and race‑derived tech; rare, high‑performance grand tourer and modern collectable.
Audi TT (8N/8J)
Stylish coupe and roadster with cutting‑edge design; TT‑RS variants added intense turbocharged performance and credibility as a weekend sports car.
Audi R8
Audi’s mid‑engine supercar with aluminium spaceframe, quattro tech and thrilling naturally aspirated V8/V10 engines—timely balance of daily usability and exotic performance.
RenaultSport Clio V6
Mid‑engine, two‑seat hot hatch turned proper sports car with raw handling and unique appeal; low numbers and unusual layout make it a cult classic.
Opel Speedster / Vauxhall VX220
Lightweight, Lotus‑built mid‑engine roadster offered under Opel/Vauxhall badges; praised for sharp handling and driver engagement despite modest power.
Smart Roadster
Tiny, quirky roadster with very light weight and surprising agility; not a supercar but an affordable, fun European two‑seat convertible of the era.
Lotus Elise (Series 2)
Minimalist, lightweight sportscar focused on handling and driver feedback; the Elise defined Lotus’ ethos and remains widely loved by purists.
Lotus Exige
Track‑focused coupe derived from the Elise with increased downforce and tuned engines; compact, aggressive and rewarding on twisty roads or circuits.
Lotus Europa S
More comfortable, GT‑oriented Lotus with practical touches and distinctive styling; blends performance with more usable everyday features than core Lotus models.
TVR Tuscan
Raw British sportscar with turbocharged or high‑output V8s, dramatic styling and a focus on driver experience; collector interest rose as TVR’s output dwindled.
TVR Sagaris
Aggressive, track‑oriented two‑seater famed for raw handling and lightweight construction; limited numbers and unique design make it highly sought by enthusiasts.
TVR Cerbera
Two‑door grand tourer with powerful V8s and strong performance; notable for TVR’s analog driving feel and rarity among modern collectors.
TVR T350
Lightweight coupe replacing older models with a focus on power‑to‑weight ratio and an unfiltered driving experience—classic TVR appeal.
MG TF
Small, affordable British roadster with improved chassis over the MG‑F; a budget sports car option during the 2000s with modest performance and charm.
Koenigsegg CC8S
Founder car from the Swedish hypercar maker; low production, incredible performance and engineering ambition put Koenigsegg on the supercar map.
Koenigsegg CCR
Follow‑up hypercar that pushed top speed and power boundaries; limited numbers and record attempts made it a landmark early Koenigsegg.
Pagani Zonda
Hand‑crafted Italian supercar with bespoke carbon fibre details and Ferrari‑based powertrains; celebrated for artistry, rarity and thrilling performance throughout the 2000s.
Maserati Coupe / Spyder (GranSport)
Elegant Italian GT coupe and convertible with Ferrari‑sourced engines; a stylish, usable Maserati that blended gran turismo comfort with sporting ability.
Maserati GranTurismo
New‑era Maserati grand tourer launched in 2007 with strong V8 performance, luxurious interior and timeless styling aimed at discerning GT buyers.
Bentley Continental GT
Luxury grand tourer with potent W12 power and sumptuous interiors; combined high speed with long‑distance comfort and helped revive Bentley’s volume and image.
Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
Limited‑run, hand‑built V8 coupe that celebrated Alfa styling and performance; instantly collectible for looks, rarity and emotional driving character.
Alfa Romeo Brera
Stylish mid‑sized coupe with available V6 power and Italian flair; more GT than hardcore sports car but notable for design and presence in the segment.
Lamborghini Reventón
Extremely limited, sharply styled variant of the Murciélago; offered exclusivity and raw Lamborghini performance to collectors in the late 2000s.
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
Four‑seat Ferrari GT mixing long‑haul usability with potent V12 performance; notable for coachbuilt philosophy and a more practical take on Ferrari ownership.
Mercedes‑Benz CLK (C209)
Coupe and convertible range with AMG variants that delivered genuine sports‑car performance in a luxurious two‑door package—good balance of comfort and speed.
Lamborghini Diablo
Late‑era Diablo variants delivered brutal V12 performance and dramatic styling; though introduced earlier, it was still sold into the early 2000s and remains iconic.
Ferrari 456M
Front‑engined V12 grand tourer offering refinement and straight‑line pace; later examples through the early 2000s combined usability with Ferrari pedigree.
Maserati MC12
Homologation supercar based on Ferrari Enzo tech, produced in very limited numbers for racing homologation—highly collectible and rare.
Bentley Azure (2nd gen)
Opulent four‑seat convertible with strong W12 performance; more luxury‑GT than raw sports car but still a high‑performance, exclusive grand tourer of the era.
