The Porsche 911 is one of the greatest sports cars ever made—there’s no argument there. But let’s be real, not everyone has six figures to drop on one. The good news? You don’t have to. Plenty of cars deliver the same level of excitement, sharp handling, and everyday usability without draining your bank account.
Some bring old-school V8 power, others focus on lightweight precision, and a few even offer luxury alongside their speed. Whether you’re after a track-ready coupe or a practical rocket with four doors, there are plenty of ways to get Porsche-like performance for a fraction of the cost.
Toyota GR86
If you’re looking for pure driving fun without spending Porsche 911 money, the Toyota GR86 is hard to beat. At just under $30,000, it delivers sharp handling and an engaging rear-wheel-drive experience that keeps you grinning through every corner.
The GR86 gets its power from a 2.4-liter flat-four Boxer engine making 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It may not sound like much, but in a car this light, it’s all you need. With a six-speed manual transmission and a well-equipped interior featuring an eight-inch touchscreen, the GR86 proves you don’t need six figures to have a blast on the road.
Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is the GR86’s twin, but it brings a little of that Subaru character to the mix. Built on the same platform with the same 2.4-liter Boxer engine, it delivers the same 228 horsepower and lightweight agility that makes these cars so fun to drive.
Inside, Subaru adds its own tech touches, including the Starlink multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes with Subaru’s EyerSight driver assist features, which add a layer of safety to the experience. It may not have the prestige of a Porsche, but when it comes to smiles per mile, the BRZ is right up there.
Toyota Supra
The GR Supra isn’t just a throwback name—it’s a serious sports car that can go toe-to-toe with much pricier machines. At around $56,000, it’s still well under a 911’s price tag, yet it delivers the kind of performance that makes you question whether the extra money is worth it.
Under the hood, you get a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to rocket it from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Sure, some people grumbled about its BMW roots, but at the end of the day, the Supra drives like a true sports car should—fast, sharp, and endlessly entertaining.
Nissan Z
The latest Nissan Z is proof that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to build a great sports car. It keeps the classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive formula alive while giving the modern sports car market a proper rival to the Supra and even the 911.
A twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 cranks out 400 horsepower, and you get a six-speed manual as standard—because Nissan knows what real drivers want. With a starting price of just $42,970, the Z is an absolute steal. And with its design paying homage to the classic Datsun 240Z, it’s got plenty of nostalgia baked in, too.
Mazda Miata MX-5
If there’s one sports car that has stayed true to its roots, it’s the Miata. It might not have the raw power of a 911, but for just $28,985, it delivers an experience that’s just as engaging—if not more so—thanks to its lightweight chassis and near-perfect balance.
Under the hood, the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine makes 181 horsepower, which is all you need in a car this small. The Miata is about precision, not brute force. Whether you’re hitting the track or carving up a backroad, the Miata reminds you why lightweight sports cars will always be fun, no matter what’s parked next to them.
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang has always been about delivering big performance for a reasonable price, and the latest generation is no exception. The base EcoBoost Fastback starts at just $31,920, giving you a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s surprisingly punchy.
Of course, if you want real muscle, the GT Fastback brings a 5.0-liter V8 with 480 horsepower for $45,560. And if you’re after something even more aggressive, the Dark Horse version cranks it up to 500 horsepower for $63,380—still way less than the base 911 Carrera. It’s fast, loud, and delivers that classic American V8 experience without breaking the bank.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
If you’re looking for a 911 alternative that blends luxury with raw performance, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a serious contender. At $95,595, it’s not exactly cheap, but compared to a base 911 Carrera, you’re still saving nearly $30,000—and getting a lot more power.
Under the hood, there’s a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 pumping out 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. It’s a proper muscle sedan with a refined edge, offering high-end materials and comfort alongside insane acceleration. Whether you’re at the track or cruising on the highway, the Blackwing delivers the best of both worlds.
Lotus Emira
Few cars handle as well as a Porsche 911, but the Lotus Emira might actually have it beat. This lightweight, mid-engine sports car is Lotus’ last hurrah for internal combustion, and they made sure it goes out with a bang.
For $99,900, you get two engine choices—a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from AMG making 400 horsepower, or a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 delivering the same power. The Emira is all about agility, with razor-sharp steering and a chassis that feels alive in every corner. It may not have Porsche’s badge, but from a driver’s perspective, it’s every bit as engaging.
Alpine A110
If you live in the U.S., you’re out of luck with this one, but if you’re in Europe, the Alpine A110 is one of the best Porsche 911 alternatives out there. At around $68,189 (£54,490), it’s significantly cheaper than even the most basic 911 while offering a driving experience that purists love.
Powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter inline-four making up to 288 horsepower in the A110S, the Alpine is all about lightness and precision. The retro-inspired design is a nod to the classic A110 rally car, and thanks to its mid-engine layout, it handles like a dream. It’s proof that you don’t need big horsepower to have a world-class sports car.
Honda Civic Type R
It might have four doors, but the Honda Civic Type R absolutely deserves a spot on this list. With a 315-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC engine and a six-speed manual, it’s one of the best-driving front-wheel-drive cars ever made. And at $45,595, it’s a fraction of what you’d pay for a 911.
What makes the Type R so special is its balance. It’s practical enough to be a daily driver, yet sharp enough to hang with much pricier sports cars on a twisty road. The suspension, the steering, the handling—it all works together perfectly. Plus, it’s a Honda, so you know it’ll still be running strong decades from now.
Like what you read? Here’s more by us:
*Created with AI assistance and editor review.
Leave a Reply