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Cars are becoming bigger, more complex, and tech-heavy. Lightweight sports cars are becoming a rarity, and it seems, soon, only kit cars will be able to provide the visceral feel of driving a simple, lightweight sports car.
It seems 4,000 pounds isn't even considered heavy nowadays, and most of the below-listed luxury and sports coupes are a "shining" example of the car obesity problem. While some below-listed performance cars are relatively lightweight, others weigh more than most SUVs.
Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS – 3,847 pounds
Porsche's iconic 911 still remains relatively lightweight in a world of heavyweight hitters. With the lightest Porsche 911 barely surpassing 3,000 pounds, it is no surprise the German, rear-engine sports car punched above its weight. The 992.2 Targa 4 GTS, however, now gets a hybrid powertrain and only comes with all-wheel drive. That, combined with a retractable targa top and additional chassis strengthening, make the 2024 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS, the heaviest 992 currently available. Despite weighing 77 pounds (35 kg) more than the 992.1 Targa 4 GTS, the new model features a better power-to-weight ratio – 307.1 horsepower per ton versus 276.6.
Porsche 911 (992.2) Targa 4 GTS Performance Specifications
- Engine: 3.6-liter, turbocharged, boxer-six + 1 electric motor
- Output: 532 horsepower, 450 pound-feet (combined)
- Transmission and driveline: 8-speed PDK automatic, Rear engine, AWD
- Curb weight: 3,847 pounds
- 0-60 MPH: 2.9 seconds
Nissan GT-R – 3,935 pounds
The Nissan GT-R needs no introduction. The bane of the Porsche 911 is finally getting retired for good in 2025, after 18 years of pestering exotic cars. The R35 GT-R has gained a bit of weight, but still manages to stay just below the 4,000-pound mark. The combination of proven engine, Lotus-developed chassis, DCT transaxle, and what is probably one of the most comprehensive, aftermarket supports for any automotive platform, mean Godzilla's successor is still a force to be reckoned with, despite a few extra pounds.
Nissan GT-R (R35) Performance Specifications
- Engine: 3.8-liter, twin-turbo, V-6
- Output: 565 horsepower, 467 pound-feet
- Transmission and driveline: 6-speed DCT automatic, Front engine, AWD
- Curb weight: 3,935 pounds
- 0-60 MPH: 2.7 seconds
Mercedes AMG SL63 S E Performance – 4,343 pounds
The seventh-generation Mercedes SL may be the most athletic, but it is also a heavyweight. The SL was never a lightweight, but the complex, plug-in hybrid powertrain in this new one makes some of the older generations look like a Mazda Miata by comparison. Moreover, the electric range is only 8 miles, and once the battery runs out of juice, don't expect that big V-8 to be easy on fuel. Let's face it, that's not why you buy a V-8 Mercedes AMG. On the plus side, the 2024 SL benefits from AMG's expertise and is built alongside the AMG GT.
Mercedes AMG SL63 S E Performance Specifications
- Engine: 4.0-liter, twin-turbo, V-8 + 1 e-motor
- Output: 816 horsepower, 1,047 pound-feet
- Transmission and driveline: 9-speed MCT automatic, Front engine, AWD
- Curb weight: 4,343 pounds
- 0-60 MPH: 2.8 seconds
Lexus LC – 4,100-4,497 pounds
In 2017, Lexus introduced an exquisite grand-tourer that would rival the likes of Mercedes SL and Aston Martin models. It's very rare you get to have luxury and lightness in a single car, which is why the Lexus LC is well over 4,000 pounds. Between the heaviest and lightest version of the Japanese luxury car, there is a near-300-pound difference. Surprisingly, the heaviest version of the car is not the hybrid, but the V-8 convertible, which tips the scales at 4,397 pounds.
Lexus LC500 Convertible Performance Specifications
- Engine: 5.0-liter, naturally-aspirated V-8
- Output: 471 horsepower, 398 pound-feet
- Transmission and driveline: 8-speed PDK automatic, RR, AWD
- Curb weight: 4.397 pounds
- 0-60 MPH: 4.6 seconds
Mercedes AMG GT63 S E Performance – 4,674 pounds
Similar to the Mercedes AMG SL, the AMG GT63 is tech-heavy. Groomed to be a direct competitor to the Porsche 911, one aspect where the Mercedes model is at a disadvantage is the weight. In its most powerful, PHEV form, the AMG GT63 S E Performance is over 800 pounds heavier than the heaviest Porsche 911, currently on sale. This explains why, despite having nearly 300 extra horsepower the AMG GT63 S E Performance takes about the same time to hit 60 mph. Like the AMG SL PHEV, the GT63 plug-in hybrid can only go 8 miles on electricity.
Mercedes AMG GT63 S E Performance Specifications
- Engine: 4.0-liter, twin-turbo, V-8 + 1 e-motor
- Output: 816 horsepower, 1,047 pound-feet
- Transmission and driveline: 9-speed MCT automatic, Front engine, AWD
- Curb weight: 4,674 pounds
- 0-60 MPH: 2.7 seconds
Bentley Continental GT/GTC Speed –5,421-5,811 pounds
The king of the heavyweight coupes has always been the Bentley Continental GT. To no surprise, the car is at its heaviest in convertible form. The Continental GTC Speed can now be had only as a plug-in hybrid, featuring the familiar from many other VAG offerings, twin-turbo V-8. Most other cars on the list gravitate around the 4,000-pound mark, but the hybrid Bentley Continental convertible closes in on 6,000 pounds.
Bentley Continental GTC Speed Performance Specifications
- Engine: 4.0-liter, twin-turbo, V-8 + 1 e-motor
- Output: 782 horsepower, 737 pound-feet
- Transmission and driveline: 8-speed DCT automatic, Front engine, AWD
- Curb weight: 5,811 pounds
- 0-60 MPH: 3.2 seconds
About the author
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
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