Sports cars are often associated with hefty price tags, but that does not necessarily translate to needing a six-figure income to own one. Whether you desire a responsive roadster, a turbocharged coupe, or a muscle car with oodles of punch, many affordable models offer high-speed thrills without breaking the bank. Here are 25 such budget sports cars.
Mazda MX-5 Miata (1989)
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a legend among affordable sports cars. It was introduced in 1989 as a lightweight roadster created by Tom Matano, inspired by traditional British sports cars. The early versions had a 1.6L inline-4 engine, but newer models have a 2.0L engine with up to 181 horsepower. The Miata’s interior is simple: cloth bucket seats, a driver-centric cockpit, and few distractions. Though it’s not powerful, the Miata can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.7 seconds.
Ford Mustang EcoBoost (2015)
The Ford Mustang has always been a symbol of muscle cars, but the 2015 EcoBoost made it more affordable. Developed under the direction of Joel Piaskowski, this iteration comes with a turbocharged 2.3L inline-4 engine that delivers 310 horsepower. The interior of the EcoBoost Mustang combines traditional muscle car design with contemporary technology: Leather or cloth seats, an 8-inch SYNC infotainment system, and an available digital gauge cluster. With a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.0 seconds, it has loads of power for a small percentage of the cost of a V8 Mustang.
Chevrolet Camaro V6 (2016)
Launched in 2016, the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro brought aggressive styling and improved performance. Designed by Tom Peters, the Camaro V6 model comes with a 3.6L V6 engine producing 335 horsepower. The interior is surprisingly modern, with bolstered sports seats, a driver-centric dashboard, and a Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with a touchscreen. The Camaro V6 hits 60 mph in about 5.2 seconds, making it a serious contender in the budget-friendly sports car segment.
Nissan 370Z (2009)
Randy Rodriguez-designed Nissan 370Z was launched in 2009 as the replacement for the 350Z. Its 3.7L V6 produces 332 horsepower, which goes to the rear wheels. The 370Z features a driver-focused cockpit with heavily bolstered seats, a gauge pod on the dashboard, and an optional Bose audio system. Even though it is an aging platform, the 370Z continues to achieve a 0-60 mph acceleration of approximately 5.0 seconds.
Subaru BRZ (2012)
Co-developed with the Toyota 86, the Subaru BRZ went on sale in 2012 as a rear-wheel-drive sports car that tips the scales lightly. Akihiro Nagaya designed it, and it comes equipped with a 2.4L flat-four engine that outputs 228 horsepower. The interior is minimalist but practical, featuring sport bucket seats, a digital instrument cluster, and an optional 8-inch touchscreen. BRZ’s handling is its greatest strength, accelerating to 60 mph in approximately 6.0 seconds.
Toyota 86 (2012)
Having the same DNA as the BRZ, the Toyota 86 was built for unadulterated driving joy. Its rear-wheel drive and boxer engine make it one of the best-balanced sports cars out there. Under the hood, you receive a no-nonsense interior featuring a touchscreen, sports seats, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The Toyota 86 takes just 6.3 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. Its light construction and responsive chassis make every ride an adrenaline-packed thrill.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe (2010)
Hyundai’s foray into affordable sports cars came with the Genesis Coupe in 2010. Designed by Phil Zak, it packed either a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.8L V6 engine. The V6 version produced 348 horsepower and sprinted to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The Genesis Coupe had a stylish cabin with leather upholstery, a center-stack touchscreen, and a premium Infinity sound system. It successfully combined performance, luxury, and affordability in one striking package.
Honda S2000 (1999)
Honda’s S2000 is still one of the greatest naturally aspirated roadsters produced. Shigeru Uehara penned it, and it came with a high-revving 2.0L VTEC engine that delivered 237 horsepower. The interior was spartan with racing-style bucket seats, a digital gauge cluster, and a manual transmission-only configuration. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The S2000’s screaming 9,000 rpm redline makes it a JDM legend. Even years after production has ceased, it still serves as a precision and driver involvement standard.
Porsche Boxster (1996)
The Porsche Boxster is among the finest budget-friendly options for joining the Porsche clan. Styled by Harm Lagaay, the Boxster debuted in 1996 with a mid-engine configuration and a flat-six motor. The interior provides premium materials, a driver-focused dashboard, and optional leather seating. It’s a fast and elegant sports car with a 0-60 mph acceleration of approximately 5.3 seconds. It provides the legendary Porsche driving experience at a fraction of the stratospheric cost.
BMW Z4 (2002)
The BMW Z4 has remained a roadster segment icon since its introduction in 2002. Chris Bangle penned it, and it boasts a long hood, short rear deck, and driver’s cockpit. Depending on the model year, it has various engines, from a 2.5L inline-6 to a turbocharged 3.0L engine making up to 382 horsepower. The interior features premium materials, a digital instrument display, and BMW’s iDrive infotainment system. With a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.2 seconds for the turbocharged model, the Z4 provides luxury and performance at an affordable price.
Audi TT (1998)
Launched in 1998 and designed by Freeman Thomas, the Audi TT is an affordable sports car with a sleek design and impressive performance. It offers a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 that produces up to 288 horsepower in the TTS variant. The futuristic cabin features Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital display, leather-wrapped seats, and an intuitive MMI infotainment system. The TT can accelerate to 60 mph in approximately 5.2 seconds and is stylish and fast.
Chevrolet Corvette C5 (1997)
The fifth-generation Corvette, penned by John Cafaro, is still one of the best performance values on the used car market. With a 5.7L LS1 V8 good for 345 horsepower, the C5 Corvette accelerates 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. Inside, leather bucket seats, an analog cluster gauge, and a driver-centric dashboard await. Although older, it still delivers exciting performance for an affordable price. Its lightweight body and brawny V8 make it a hit among weekend cruisers and track-day enthusiasts.
Dodge Challenger R/T (2008)
The Dodge Challenger R/T debuted in 2008 and combines vintage muscle car looks with contemporary performance. Jeff Gale styled it with a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine generating 375 horsepower. The interior combines retro and contemporary features, including a large touchscreen, sports seats, and a driver-oriented center console. The Challenger R/T goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and packs plenty of muscle without the high price of the Hellcat models.
Nissan 350Z (2002)
The Ajay Panchal-designed Nissan 350Z revived the iconic Z-car moniker in 2002. It has a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 engine that displaces up to 306 horsepower in later variants. The 350Z features a minimalist but driver-oriented interior with heavily bolstered bucket seats, a three-gauge pod on the dashboard, and an optional Bose audio system. With a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.3 seconds, the 350Z is a budget-performance car that still gets attention today.
Toyota MR2 Spyder (1999)
The Toyota MR2 Spyder, designed by Tadashi Nakagawa, is a light, mid-engine roadster that offers an unadulterated driving experience. It features a 1.8L inline-4 engine with 138 horsepower, but due to its low curb weight, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.8 seconds. The interior is minimalist and functional, with a plain dashboard, cloth bucket seats, and a manual or automatic sequential transmission.
Volkswagen Golf GTI (2006)
Although a technically equipped hot hatch, the Volkswagen Golf GTI deserves inclusion on this list for its blend of performance and value. Styled by Murat Günak, the GTI has a turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 engine that can produce up to 241 horsepower in newer models. It has tartan-cloth sport seats, a driver-focused cabin, and Volkswagen’s easy-to-use infotainment system. It accelerates to 60 mph in approximately 5.4 seconds, making it one of the fastest front-wheel-drive vehicles.
Fiat 124 Spider (2016)
The Fiat 124 Spider was created with the Mazda MX-5 Miata but with an Italian flavor. Andrea Zapatinas designed it with a 1.4L turbocharged inline-4 engine that generates 160 horsepower. The interior resembles the Miata’s, with soft-touch trim, sport seats, and a straightforward but efficient infotainment system. The Fiat 124 Spider accelerates to 60 mph in approximately 6.3 seconds, and it is a fun and fashionable option compared to the Miata.
Mitsubishi 3000GT (1990)
Masaru Furukawa’s Mitsubishi 3000GT was well ahead of its time when it arrived in 1990. The 3.0L V6 engine has the twin-turbo VR-4 version cranking out 320 horsepower. The inside is full of high-tech goodies for its time, such as an active aerodynamics system, digital climate controls, and optional leather seats. The VR-4 model took only 5.0 seconds to hit 60 mph, which makes it an absolute value for performance fans. Its all-wheel-drive configuration provides superb traction and stability at speed.
Acura RSX Type-S (2002)
The Acura RSX Type-S, penned by Jon Ikeda, was Honda’s solution for affordable performance. It comes with a high-revving 2.0L inline-4 VTEC mill cranking out 201 horsepower. The interior is minimalistic but sturdy, with sport bucket seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a premium Bose sound system. It’s still a favorite among buffs, with a 0-60 mph time of about 6.1 seconds. Its smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission makes it a pleasure to drive.
Pontiac GTO (2004)
Pontiac GTO was a Holden Monaro rebadged and penned by Michael Simcoe. Its engine crammed a 5.7L LS1 V8 (later replaced with a 6.0L LS2), making up to 400 horsepower. Its interior was more plush than other muscle cars back then, with a premium audio setup, leather seats, and ample cabin space. The GTO was a performance bargain with a 0-60 mph time of only 4.8 seconds. Its smooth ride and raw V8 power make it a sleeper among muscle cars.
Mazda RX-8 (2003)
The Mazda RX-8, penned by Ikuo Maeda, was Mazda’s final rotary-powered sports car. It had a distinctive 1.3L Wankel rotary engine with 232 horsepower in manual models. The RX-8 had a stylish and functional interior, with four seats, a digital instrument cluster, and lightweight bucket seats. It could hit 60 mph in about 6.1 seconds, but its handling and high-revving engine made it feel even faster. Its perfect 50/50 weight distribution makes it a corner-carving machine.
Lexus SC 300 (1991)
Erwin Lui designed the Lexus SC 300, a luxurious grand tourer packed with a surprising performance. It was equipped with a 3.0L inline-6 engine making 225 horsepower, with specific models even using Toyota’s iconic 2JZ engine. The interior was luxurious, with leather upholstery, genuine wood accents, and a sophisticated climate control system for the era. It accelerated from 0-60 mph in approximately 6.8 seconds, making it a sophisticated but competent sports car.
Mini Cooper S (2002)
Frank Stephenson’s Mini Cooper S is a diminutive but powerful sports hatchback. Newer models have a turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 engine that delivers up to 228 horsepower. The interior combines retro and contemporary elements, including a large round infotainment screen, toggle switches, and sport bucket seats. Despite its small stature, the Cooper S provides an exciting driving experience and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.2 seconds.
Pontiac Solstice (2006)
The Solstice makes every drive stylish. This affordable roadster turns heads with its sleek design and punchy performance. Launched in 2006, it featured a 2.4L engine with 177 hp, while the turbocharged GXP variant pushed out an impressive 260 hp. Its aggressive design and lightweight chassis made it a true driver’s car, rivaling the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Despite its short production run, the Solstice GXP remains a beloved modern classic among enthusiasts.
Ford Mustang V6 (2011)
The Ford Mustang has always been an American performance icon, and the 2011-2017 V6 is an affordable way to get into it. Kemal Curic designed this model with a 3.7L V6 engine that generated 305 horsepower. The interior was retro-futuristic, with soft-touch trim, touchscreen infotainment system, and supportive sports seats. It would accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.8 seconds, which is a good option for someone who wants a balance of performance and price.
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