Many drivers are looking for speed that makes them feel like they are on a race track. Often, cars that offer the speed drivers look for come with heavy price tags that make them affordable only for the rich. But, some speedsters are available at much more affordable costs. From turbocharged coupes to hot hatches and sports sedans, these vehicles provide the adrenaline kick of a race car driver without requiring a pro contract. These are 22 cars that make you feel like a race car driver:
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata, priced at approximately $29,000, proves that a car doesn’t require enormous horsepower to provide an enjoyable drive. Its 2.0-liter inline-four makes 181 horsepower, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but with a light body and ideal 50:50 weight distribution, it goes from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The driver-oriented cockpit features leather-trimmed seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a short-throw manual shifter. The Miata’s sharp handling and open-top driving make it the ultimate affordable roadster that’s track-ready out of the box.
Subaru WRX
Beginning at $31,000, the Subaru WRX is an all-wheel-drive icon crafted for enthusiastic driving. It is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four engine churning 271 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. The interior has sport bucket seats, red contrast stitching, and an 11.6-inch infotainment system. With its rally lineage, manual transmission, and fine AWD grip, the WRX makes even trips to the grocery store feel like a rally stage.
Ford Mustang GT
The Ford Mustang GT costs $43,000 and offers old-school muscle car thrills. Its 5.0-liter V8 cranks a massive 480 horsepower, going 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The exhaust growl by itself is sufficient to make you a track star. It has leather-trimmed Recaro seats, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Mustang combines brute power with advanced technology to be an affordable muscle car that feels perfectly at home on a racetrack. With optional MagneRide suspension and line-lock for optimum burnouts, it’s a track-day warrior and a drag-strip monarch.
Honda Civic Type R
The Honda Civic Type R begins at $44,000 and is a front-wheel-drive hot hatch wonder. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four sends 315 horsepower through the front wheels from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The interior is a racers’ paradise of red sports seats, a metal shift knob, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. With track-tuned suspension and knife-sharp steering, the Civic Type R delivers supercar-level enjoyment without the supercar sticker.
Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86, priced at $30,000, is a light, rear-wheel-drive coupe designed for car enthusiasts. A 2.4-liter flat-four engine producing 228 horsepower accelerates to 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The interior has sports bucket seats, a 7-inch digital screen, and an 8-inch infotainment display. The GR86 has sublime handling and balance and is ideal for drifting around corners or navigating narrow tracks with aplomb. With its low ground clearance and almost ideal weight distribution, it’s a driver’s car through and through.
Volkswagen Golf R
Weighing in at $46,000, the Volkswagen Golf R is an adult hot hatch with genuine performance. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder makes 315 horsepower and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds with standard 4Motion AWD. The interior features Nappa leather seats, a 10-inch infotainment screen, and a Digital Cockpit Pro. With adaptive suspension and Drift Mode, the Golf R combines day-to-day practicality with hardcore track-day capabilities.
Chevrolet Camaro SS
The Chevrolet Camaro SS, at $42,000, brings retro muscle with contemporary precision. Its 6.2-liter V8 engine cranks out 455 horsepower and shoots the car from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds, accompanied by a deafening exhaust note that yells “race car.” Recaro sports seats, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment, and a head-up display make driving comfortable and exciting. With aggressive handling, Brembo brakes, and track modes, the Camaro SS is equally at home on a track as it is cruising Main Street.
Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N, priced at $33,000, offers serious performance in a sedan package. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine pumps 276 horsepower, reaching 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds with available launch control. The cabin gets N Light sport bucket seats, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a track-specific N mode that can be customized for the driver. With its snarling exhaust and razor-sharp handling, the Elantra N makes every drive a racetrack experience. The aggressive body kit and red accents give it a track-ready appearance, and the active exhaust system makes it sound as exhilarating as it accelerates. It’s a performance deal in a practical four-door package.
BMW M240i xDrive
The BMW M240i xDrive, from $50,000, delivers German engineering and raw driving exhilaration. Its 3.0-liter turbo inline-six produces 382 horsepower, blasting from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds with standard all-wheel drive. The interior treats you to Vernasca leather seats, a 12.3-inch digital display, and ambient lighting. With nearly ideal weight distribution and taut steering, the M240i provides refined but exciting driving with a nod to classic BMW performance. Throw in the adaptive M suspension and launch control, and this little coupe is a legitimate track car.
Dodge Charger Scat Pack
The Dodge Charger Scat Pack begins at $50,000 and delivers old-school brute-force muscle in a utilitarian four-door package. Its 6.4-liter HEMI V8 cranks 485 horsepower, propelling the sedan from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. The interior has Alcantara and leather seats, a Uconnect 8.4-inch infotainment system, and Performance Pages to monitor times. It combines muscle car heritage and current technology, making drivers feel like drag racers daily.
Toyota GR Corolla
The Toyota GR Corolla, which begins at $37,000, is a rally-bred hot hatch with a wallop. Its 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder pumps 300 horsepower, launching it to 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds with its GR-Four AWD setup. The interior features sports seats with GR badging, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, and a manual transmission for aficionados. The GR Corolla marries light-alternative agility with serious oomph, making every twisty road an impromptu rally stage.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Priced from $80,000, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio introduces Italian flair and race-car capability. Powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, its wild 505 horsepower propels it from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. Carbon-fiber trim, Alcantara, leather seats, and an 8.8-inch infotainment system complete the inside. With razor-sharp handling and aggressive styling, the Giulia Quadrifoglio puts you in the driver’s seat of an Italian touring car championship. Its active aero bits and adaptive suspension keep it stuck to the road at speed.
Nissan Z
The brand-new Nissan Z begins at $42,000 and does justice to its performance heritage. Fitted with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower, it accelerates 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and includes a six-speed manual, a standard for driving purists. The interior has leather and suede-trimmed upholstery, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 9-inch infotainment display. The classic Z-shaped headlights and sloping roofline evoke memories of its legendary ancestors.
Audi S3
The Audi S3 begins at $48,000 and introduces precision and luxury to the world of performance sedans. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four puts out 306 horsepower, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds with standard Quattro AWD. Its aggressive styling, quad exhaust tips, and sporty stance make it look as fast as it feels. The car has diamond-stitched Nappa leather seats, a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen, and a Virtual Cockpit inside. With sharp handling and a premium feel, the S3 makes every commute feel like a lap around the Nürburgring.
Genesis G70 3.3T
The Genesis G70 3.3T, at $45,000 and up, combines luxury and performance seamlessly. Beneath the hood, a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 365 horsepower, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Adaptive suspension and a limited-slip differential maintain a balanced and responsive ride. Interior amenities include quilted Nappa leather seats, a 10.25-inch infotainment display, and premium materials used everywhere. With razor-sharp handling and a polished ride, the G70 is the dark horse sports sedan that can hold its own against heavy hitters.
Porsche 718 Cayman
Priced from $68,000, the Porsche 718 Cayman provides the classic sports car experience. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four pumps 300 horsepower, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, with perfect mid-engine balance. Ideal 50/50 weight distribution and razor-sharp steering make it a driver’s car through and through. The Cayman features sport bucket seats, a 7-inch infotainment system, and an optional GT Sport steering wheel.
Mini John Cooper Works GP
The $45,000 Mini John Cooper Works GP is a pocket-sized rocket with some serious track cred. Its 2.0-liter turbo inline-four makes 301 horsepower, propelling this light hatch to 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds. Novel features such as no back seats and aggressive aero details shout performance-first. The stripped-down cabin is about performance, with Recaro bucket seats, digital readout, and paddle shifters.
Kia Stinger GT2
The Kia Stinger GT2, priced at $53,000, offers luxury and performance in a streamlined fastback design. Its 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine pumps 368 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds with optional AWD. Brembo brakes and adaptive dampers provide it with serious driving credentials. The car features quilted Nappa leather seats, a 10.25-inch display, and a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Ford Fiesta ST
The Ford Fiesta ST, beginning at about $23,000, shows that great fun can come in small packages. It’s propelled by a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder making 197 horsepower, zooming from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. A fun chassis, limited-slip differential, and sports suspension make it the real hot hatch hero. It has Recaro sports seats, a 6.5-inch infotainment screen, and loads of sporty trim. Lightweight, responsive, and reasonably priced, the Fiesta ST is the ultimate budget hot hatch for drivers who need track-ready performance on a tight budget.
Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400
The Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400, which begins at $60,000, meets luxury coupe looks with stern performance. Its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine sends 400 horsepower to the wheels, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds with optioned AWD. Dynamic Digital Suspension enhances handling for enthusiastic driving. Semi-aniline leather seats, a dual-screen infotainment display, and Bose Performance audio are featured inside. With smooth power delivery and bold looks, the Q60 Red Sport 400 provides a sophisticated yet engaging drive.
Subaru BRZ
Priced from $30,000, the Subaru BRZ is all about light fun. Its 2.4-liter flat-four engine makes 228 horsepower, accelerating to 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds while providing some of the most balanced handling in its segment. A Torsen limited-slip differential and rear-wheel drive make it a drift enthusiast’s dream. Sports bucket seats, a 7-inch digital cluster, and an 8-inch infotainment system are inside. Rear-wheel drive and low center of gravity make the BRZ a budget-friendly driver’s car that should be on a race track.
Mercedes-AMG A35
The Mercedes-AMG A35, from $50,000, brings AMG performance in the form of a compact sedan. Its 2.0-liter turbo inline-four pumps 302 horsepower, hitting 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds with standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive. An AMG-tuned suspension and exhaust provide it with a real performance advantage. The inside includes MB-Tex/DINAMICA sports seats, a 10.25-inch twin-screen system, and personalized AMG drive modes. With responsive handling, edgy styling, and AMG exhaust blips, the A35 offers luxury and track-worthy excitement at a lower price point.
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