When it comes to fast cars, most people think of luxury brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Porsche—machines that cost more than your average house and are capable of gut-wrenching speeds. But what if I told you that you don’t have to rob a bank to experience the thrill of speed? Whether you’re a speed junkie on a budget or a bargain hunter, this list of 16 cars will show you that you don’t have to break the bank to break the speed limit.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Let’s start with a classic—the Mazda MX-5 Miata. This little roadster has been thrilling drivers for decades with its lightweight design and zippy performance. It may not boast a turbocharged engine or crazy horsepower, but its low curb weight and perfect balance make it one of the most fun cars to drive at any speed. Best of all? You can find used Miata’s for the price of a decent bicycle. If you’re looking for a fun, fast, and affordable car, the Miata is a no-brainer.
Ford Mustang V6
The Ford Mustang symbolizes American muscle, but you don’t need to fork out for the GT to get a taste of that power. The V6 version, while not as potent as its V8 sibling, still offers plenty of speed and style at a fraction of the cost. With over 300 horsepower under the hood, you’ll leave plenty of other cars in your rearview mirror, all while keeping a few extra bucks in your wallet.
Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX has a reputation for being a rally car for the streets. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine, the WRX produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft of torque, enabling it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. This makes it a standout in its class for performance, especially at its price point. Starting around $30,000, the WRX offers an enticing blend of speed, all-wheel drive, and everyday practicality, making it one of the best value propositions in the sports sedan segment. Used WRXs are plentiful and affordable, too, meaning you can live out your rally-driving fantasies without needing to refinance your home.
Chevrolet Camaro V6
Like the Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro offers a budget-friendly entry into American muscle. The V6 model might not have the growl of the V8, but it’s no slouch either, with enough power to get your adrenaline pumping. What makes the Camaro V6 even more attractive is its price. Starting around $27,000, it provides a high-performance experience for a fraction of the cost of many European sports cars. Additionally, with features like Brembo brakes, a refined suspension, and available performance upgrades, the Camaro V6 offers a well-rounded package. Plus, it’s got that unmistakable Camaro look that turns heads wherever you go.
Nissan 350Z/370Z
Nissan’s Z-cars have long been the go-to choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts who want a mix of speed and style. The 350Z, produced from 2002 to 2009, packs a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing up to 306 horsepower, enabling a 0-60 mph time of around 5.1 seconds. Its price, when new, started at about $27,000, but today, used models can be found for as low as $10,000, making it a budget-friendly entry into sports car ownership. The 370Z, on the other hand, introduced in 2009, ups the ante with a 3.7-liter V6, generating 332 horsepower and achieving a 0-60 mph time of just 4.7 seconds. It was priced around $30,000 when new and used models are now available from $15,000 to $20,000.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI proves you don’t need a big engine to have fun. This hot hatch is beloved by enthusiasts for its blend of practicality and performance. With a turbocharged engine and sharp handling, The Golf 1 can go up from 0 to 100 km/h in an impressive 9.2 seconds. The new Golf GTI can also hit 250 km/h. The car is quick off the line and a blast to drive on twisty roads. Plus, it’s got room for your groceries, making it the perfect all-arounder for those who want speed on a budget.
MazdaSpeed3
The MazdaSpeed3 is the angrier, faster sibling of the standard Mazda3. This little hatchback is a rocket on wheels with a turbocharged engine that puts out over 260 horsepower. The MazdaSpeed3 can also accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds, providing thrilling performance at a budget-friendly price. When it was new, the MazdaSpeed3 was priced at around $25,000, making it a bargain for its power and features. Even in the used car market today, it remains an affordable option for enthusiasts, often found for under $10,000 depending on condition and mileage. It’s also a sleeper, meaning most people won’t see it coming until you’ve already blown past them.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (Evo)
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, or Evo as it’s affectionately known, is a legend among car enthusiasts. All versions of the Evo have a two-liter inter-cooled turbo inline four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. The 2015 model of the car also has a 291-hp MIVEC engine and Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control technology. The final model, the Lancer Evolution Final Edition, has 303 hp and 305 lb.-ft of torque, with a top speed of 155 mph. Plus, with some hunting, you can find an Evo that delivers supercar performance at a fraction of the cost.
Dodge Charger V6
The Dodge Charger is another iconic American muscle car that offers a lot of bang for your buck, especially in V6 form. While the HEMI V8 models get all the attention, the V6 Charger is no hunch, delivering plenty of power for everyday driving and the occasional sprint down the highway. The GT model has additional features, including 20-inch aluminum wheels, a performance hood, fascia, side sills, a spoiler, and a better suspension system. The interior also has an 8.4-inch touch-screen display. Also, that menacing Charger look makes you feel like a bad boy, even if you’re just on your way to the grocery store.
Honda Civic Si
The Honda Civic Si is the performance-oriented version of the famous Civic, and it’s a blast to drive. With a high-revving engine, precise handling, and a reputation for reliability, the Civic Si is a car that’s easy to love. Despite its performance credentials, the Civic Si remains budget-friendly. Priced at around $28,000, it offers exceptional value for a sporty sedan with features like a six-speed manual transmission, a sport-tuned suspension, and an aggressive design. Additionally, its fuel efficiency, averaging about 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, makes it an economical choice for daily driving. And because it’s a Honda, you can find used models for a song.
Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ
The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are twins, developed jointly by the two companies to create an affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports car. These cars aren’t about straight-line speed but about handling balance and the pure joy of driving. With a low center of gravity and a lightweight chassis, the 86 and BRZ are incredibly agile, making every corner an adventure. The 2020 Toyota 86 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, while the 2020 Subaru BRZ takes 6.4 seconds. And with used models becoming more affordable, they’re an excellent option for enthusiasts on a budget.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a dark horse in affordable performance cars. It has a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 348 horsepower and 295 torque. The Genesis Coupe has three trim levels: 3.8 Base, 3.8 R-Spec, and 3.8 Ultimate. All trims have a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with an eight-speed automatic available on the Base and Ultimate trims. And because it’s a Hyundai, it’s more affordable than you might think, with prices around $25,000 for brand-new models.
Pontiac GTO (2004-2006)
The Pontiac GTO is an underrated gem. Produced in limited numbers between 2004 and 2006, the GTO packs a powerful V8 engine and rear-wheel drive, offering serious performance at a bargain price. The models had a 6.0-liter LS2 engine that produced 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. These models also had a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 13 seconds, and a top speed of 180 miles per hour. It’s a sleeper hit in the world of affordable performance cars, and with prices on used models remaining low, it’s a great way to get your hands on some muscle without spending a fortune.
Fiat 500 Abarth
The Fiat 500 Abarth is proof that good things come in small packages. This tiny terror is all about fun, with a turbocharged engine that delivers surprising speed for its size. The Abarth 500 is available in different variants, including the Assetto Corse, which has a welded roll bar, FIA-type-approved seats, and safety devices. There have also been special editions that pay homage to celebrities, race victories, and other vehicle brands. In 2010, the Abarth 500C cabriolet version was released, which can go from 0–100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and has a top speed of 205 km/h. So, if you want a quirky, quick, and affordable car, the 500 Abarth is the way to go.
Acura RSX Type-S
The Acura RSX Type-S is a forgotten hero in the world of affordable performance cars. With a high-revving VTEC engine and sharp handling, the RSX Type-S offers a driving experience that’s hard to beat for the price. The car also features a lightweight, sporty chassis, a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, and precision-tuned suspension, enhancing its agility and handling. It’s also a Honda at heart, which means it’s reliable and between $4,500 to $17,990. If you’re looking for a fast, fun car that won’t break the bank, the RSX Type-S deserves a spot on your list.
Chevrolet SS (2014-2017)
The Chevrolet SS, produced from 2014 to 2017, is a high-performance sedan that combines speed and innovation in a sleek package. Powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine, the SS delivers a formidable 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. Its rear-wheel-drive layout and six-speed automatic transmission provide dynamic handling and a smooth driving experience. Additionally, innovative features include Magnetic Ride Control, which adjusts the suspension in real time for optimal performance and comfort. With prices on used models surprisingly going as down as $8000, the SS offers serious performance at a fraction of the cost of a new sports car.
11 Cars that are Known for Breaking Down Regularly
No car company wants to deliver a dud. However, even though companies try their best to deliver excellent cars, some cars turn out to be lemons, breaking down frequently. This creates problems for both the consumer and the manufacturer.
11 Cars that are Known for Breaking Down Regularly
