Owning a sports car doesn’t have to mean draining your bank account. Sure, there are exotics out there that cost more than a house, but plenty of cars deliver serious speed, sharp handling, and a fun driving experience without the ridiculous price tag. Whether you want a lightweight corner carver, a turbocharged rocket, or a muscle car with real street presence, there are options that won’t leave you stuck eating instant noodles for the next five years.
Some of these cars are brand-new, giving you modern tech and reliability, while others are used bargains that let you get behind the wheel of something special without spending a fortune. What they all have in common is that they bring serious performance without a supercar-sized budget. If you’ve been dreaming of a proper sports car but don’t want to break the bank, these are some of the best options out there.
Toyota GR86
If you’re looking for a true sports car experience without breaking the bank, the Toyota GR86 delivers in every way that matters. With a starting price of $30,000, it offers the kind of lightweight agility and balance that makes every drive feel special. Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.4-liter Boxer four-cylinder pushing out 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
It shares its DNA with the Subaru BRZ, meaning you get the same precision handling and rear-wheel-drive fun. A six-speed manual transmission is available for those who want full control, while the automatic keeps things smooth for daily driving. Inside, the cabin is modern but simple, featuring an eight-inch touchscreen that keeps everything within reach.
Toyota GR Supra
The GR Supra was met with skepticism when it first launched, but it didn’t take long for enthusiasts to realize Toyota had built something special. Priced at $56,900, it packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. It’s quick, capable, and offers a level of performance that punches well above its price tag.
Yes, it shares a lot with the BMW Z4, but that’s hardly a bad thing. The combination of Toyota’s tuning and BMW’s engineering results in a car that’s fast, refined, and responsive. Whether you’re on the track or carving through backroads, the GR Supra offers serious thrills without the supercar price tag.
Subaru BRZ
If you want the Toyota GR86 experience but with a little more Subaru personality, the BRZ is your answer. It shares the same 2.4-liter Boxer four-cylinder making 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, but it comes with its own styling cues and Subaru’s tech-heavy interior. The Starlink multimedia system, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, makes sure you’re connected while enjoying the drive.
At $31,095, the BRZ costs a bit more than its Toyota sibling, but it offers the same nimble handling and rear-wheel-drive excitement. With a near-perfect weight distribution and a low center of gravity, the BRZ is one of the most balanced sports cars you can buy today—without emptying your wallet.
Mazda Miata MX-5
Few cars have earned a cult following like the Mazda MX-5 Miata. After 35 years of fine-tuning, Mazda’s lightweight roadster still sticks to the same winning formula—low weight, sharp handling, and just enough power to keep things exciting. With a starting MSRP of $30,515, the MX-5 remains one of the most affordable ways to enjoy true sports car performance.
The 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder makes 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, which doesn’t sound like much—until you realize the Miata weighs barely over 2,300 pounds. That low weight means you don’t need big power to have fun. It’s a car that thrives in the corners and rewards the driver with pure, unfiltered engagement.
Alpine A110
The Alpine A110 is proof that you don’t need monstrous horsepower to have an incredible driving experience. Unfortunately, it never made it to U.S. shores, but in markets where it’s sold, it’s one of the best budget-friendly sports cars around. Retailing for around $69,000, it’s a modern tribute to the classic Alpine A110 of the 1960s and 1970s, blending lightweight engineering with razor-sharp handling.
Its 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four engine delivers 252 horsepower in the base model, while the A110S cranks things up to 288 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Weighing just over 2,400 pounds, the A110 is as nimble as they come, making it a dream for those who live for winding roads and tight corners.
Ford Mustang
A proper American muscle car doesn’t have to break the bank, and the 2025 Ford Mustang proves it. The base EcoBoost Fastback starts at $31,920, giving you a 315-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four that delivers plenty of punch. With 350 lb-ft of torque, it pulls hard, and you still get all the aggressive styling and street presence that make the Mustang a legend.
For those who crave V8 power, the GT Fastback brings a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 for just $45,560—still cheaper than a GR Supra. Whether you go turbo or V8, the Mustang is one of the best bang-for-your-buck sports cars on the market, offering serious performance with everyday usability.
Nissan Z
The 2024 Nissan Z is a perfect mix of modern performance and retro styling, paying homage to the legendary Datsun 240Z while offering serious performance at a reasonable price. It’s one of the best-looking sports cars on the market, with clean lines, aggressive proportions, and just the right amount of nostalgia.
Under the hood sits a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that cranks out 400 horsepower, sending power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. If you want even more capability, Nissan offers the Nismo version, pushing the 400Z’s performance even further. Whether you’re after style or speed, the new Nissan Z delivers on both.
Honda S660
The Honda S660 might not be the most powerful sports car, but it proves that small cars can still be an absolute blast to drive. Produced from 2015 to 2022, this tiny mid-engine Kei car was a spiritual successor to the beloved Honda Beat. With compact dimensions and razor-sharp handling, it offers a go-kart-like driving experience.
Power comes from a turbocharged 658cc inline-three making just 63 horsepower and 77 lb-ft of torque. That may sound weak, but in a car that weighs just 1,800 pounds, it feels surprisingly quick. Unfortunately, Honda ended production in 2022, leaving enthusiasts without a modern small sports car in its lineup.
BMW Z4
While the Toyota GR Supra gets a lot of attention, its German sibling—the BMW Z4—deserves just as much credit. This drop-top roadster delivers all the performance and refinement you’d expect from BMW, with a range of engine options to suit different driving styles.
The base model starts with 194 horsepower, while mid-range versions push out 255 horsepower. If you want real speed, the range-topping 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six delivers 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Handling is sharp, the ride is smooth, and for those who love rowing their own gears, the Z4 even offers a six-speed manual transmission.
Honda Civic Type R
If you want a sports car that balances practicality and performance, the Honda Civic Type R is a no-brainer. This hot hatch delivers serious power without sacrificing daily usability, making it one of the most versatile options on this list.
A 2.0-liter turbocharged VTEC engine cranks out 315 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual transmission for maximum engagement. The Type R doesn’t just excel in straight-line speed—it’s also one of the sharpest-handling front-wheel-drive cars ever built. At $46,690, it’s pricier than some of the other options here, but with four doors, a usable trunk, and a race-inspired driving experience, it’s worth every penny.
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*Created with AI assistance and editor review.
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