2008 Porsche Cayman S

The Cayman is Porsche's mid-engine coupe, a two-seater that sits below the 911 in size and price but shares its sporting DNA. It's the rare car that feels lighter and more agile than its numbers suggest, with steering that's so communicative you'll find yourself taking the long way home. The ride is firm and the car sits low, so you'll want to watch for steep driveways, but the payoff is cornering that needs almost no braking. There are front and rear trunks, but both are shallow, so this is a weekend toy rather than a road-trip hauler. The Cayman S is the one for drivers who want the extra power and sharper brakes over the base car, and it's still lighter on its feet than a 911. Its 3.4L I6 makes 295 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual that rewards deliberate shifts, and you'll see 21 mpg combined on the highway.