Your Guide to the Best Affordable Sports Cars
A cheap sports car sounds like trying to find a calorie-free cake – it simply can’t be done. Or worse still, you decide to take the plunge on a fun-to-drive vehicle and quickly find it’s totally unsuited to your driving needs. We’ve decided to help you let loose, to put away thoughts of cupholders and easy-clean interior surfaces for the next time you go car shopping. We’ve compiled a list of sports cars that provide a maximum amount of driving excitement for a minimal outlay of your hard-earned cash. Each one has lots of style, plenty of power, sharp handling, and a starting price that makes it much more affordable than you might have imagined. Here they are, listed from least expensive to most.
How We Ranked These Sports Cars
1. 2024 Mazda Miata • $28,985
- Price: $28,985
- Type: 2-Seat Convertible
- What We Like: Fantastic price; simple controls; light and agile
- What We Don’t: Less horsepower than most sports cars; small cabin
Mazda’s iconic Miata is a playful 2-seater convertible that provides a lively ride, whether equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission or the optional 6-speed automatic. This roadster is sporty and agile around curves. Inside, the Miata features well-bolstered seats on soft cloth upholstery. All trims come with the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Standard advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) include blind spot warning (BSW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB).
Shopping for a Used Miata?
The Miata has had nearly identical styling and many of the same features since 2016. It received a hardtop version, the Miata RF, in 2017 and a horsepower boost in 2019. The Miata dates back to the 1990s, so used models are plentiful.
2. 2024 Subaru BRZ • $30,195
- Price: $30,195
- Type: 4-seat Coupe
- What We Like: Inexpensive; simple controls; light and agile
- What We Don’t: Less horsepower than most sports cars
The Subaru BRZ is essentially the same as the Toyota GR86, built side-by-side. The choice between the two comes down to brand preference. The GR86 only gets a slight edge because of its lower price.
Like the GR86, the Subaru BRZ stands out for its agility and responsive steering. It isn’t the most powerful car in its class, but it’s plenty of fun to drive. Its flat-4 engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and puts down 228 horsepower.
The cabin has solid build quality and simple controls, leaving the driver’s attention on the road ahead. Its front seats are supportive and comfortable for shorter rides. Like others in its class, seating in the back is tight. All trims come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen.
Shopping for a Used BRZ?
Subaru last redesigned the BRZ in 2022, and it hasn’t changed much since. The previous generation, which was less powerful but otherwise similar, ran from 2013 to 2020, skipping the 2021 model year.
3. 2024 Chevrolet Camaro • $30,900
- Price: $30,900
- Type: 4-seat Coupe or Convertible
- What We Like: One of the least expensive sports cars; excellent handling and a strong engine lineup
- What We Don’t: Small interior with poor visibility
Like its arch-rival, the Ford Mustang, the Chevy Camaro is one of just a handful of modern cars with a muscle-car heritage. The Camaro’s accessible pricing also makes it a standout; it’s one of the least expensive sports cars you can buy.
The Camaro delivers an exciting drive, whether you choose the standard 335-horsepower V6 or the robust V8s. It also dials up the intensity with its impressive handling and athleticism.
The Camaro’s cabin is comfortable, but its interior quality is not as good as its competitors. Front-row passengers get supportive seats and plenty of elbow room, but the rear seats are best left for children. The Camaro comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with a 7-inch touchscreen.
Shopping for a Used Camaro?
The Camaro is in its 6th generation, introduced with the 2016 model. Chevy gave it a slight styling update in 2019, but any older 6th-generation model (2016-2023) will be broadly similar to the 2024 Camaro.
4. 2024 Ford Mustang • $30,920
- Price: $30,920
- Type: 4-seat Coupe or Convertible
- What We Like: Great performance bargain, enormous horsepower available
- What We Don’t: Interior build quality and overall driving experience are not as refined as in other sports cars
With its lineup of potent powertrains, there’s likely a version of the iconic Ford Mustang that’ll suit your lifestyle. Its base trim pairs a 315-horsepower turbocharged engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. A 6-speed manual transmission is available with the optional 480-horsepower V8 in the Mustang GT trim. The Mustang Dark Horse trim bumps the V8 output to 500 horsepower, in addition to adding other track-focused goodies.
The Mustang has plenty of space for passengers up front, but adults will feel cramped in the back. If technology is high on your list, opt for a trim with the 13.2-inch infotainment system. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Shopping for a Used Mustang?
The Mustang is in its 7th generation, which debuted for 2024. Any 6th-generation model (2015-2023) will broadly resemble the Mustang above. Earlier models have blockier styling and less refined handling and interiors. The Mustang dates back to the 1960s, but those models are now expensive classic cars.
5. 2024 BMW 2 Series • $38,800
- Price: $38,800
- Type: 4-seat Coupe
- What We Like: Good standard engine; low price; best performance bargain from BMW
- What We Don’t: Not much
The BMW 2 Series is offered in two body styles: a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan called the Gran Coupe. BMW redesigned the coupe for 2022 and eliminated the convertible option. The Gran Coupe is more affordable and spacious, but the coupe is more upscale and fun to drive. Coupe models seat four people with very little room in the second row.
BMW is known for making sporty cars, so it shouldn’t be surprising that the 230i Coupe has one of the highest horsepower ratings of any entry-level luxury car. Its standard turbo-4 engine produces 255 horsepower. The 453-horsepower M2 dials up the fun more, but it’s pricey.
The base 2 Series has a touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a healthy array of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS).
Shopping for a Used 2 Series?
Following a redesign in 2022, the BMW 2 Series Coupe enters 2024 unchanged. The 2 Series dates back to 2014 and all-wheel drive was added as an option in 2015. The convertible also debuted in 2015.
6. 2024 Nissan Z • $42,210
- Price: $42,210
- Type: 2-Seat Coupe
- What We Like: Nice price; powerful turbo V6
- What We Don’t: Not as agile as rivals
Nissan keeps things simple by offering its Z sports car with just one engine: a twin-turbocharged V6 producing 400 horsepower. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual and a 9-speed automatic transmission; all models are rear-wheel drive (RWD).
The Z’s potent V6 delivers quick acceleration. The car leaps eagerly from a standstill, and power delivery is smooth and robust. The Z’s responsive handling is a good match for its power; the car is an agile partner on winding roads, and its steering is precise. And despite its sporty nature, the Z doesn’t feel overly firm in daily driving, with a ride smooth enough for everyday commutes.
Though the Z’s handling is enjoyable, some cars in this class are even more impressive: Rivals like the Mazda Miata and Ford Mustang provide livelier and more engaging handling. Also, the Z has just 6.9 cubic feet of space in its trunk, so cargo capacity is minimal.
Shopping for a Used Nissan Z?
The Z introduced its seventh generation with the 2023 model. Older versions are available, but they differ from the current model in design and content.
7. 2024 Toyota Supra • $45,540
- Price: $45,540
- Type: 2-Seat Coupe
- What We Like: Nice blend of power and agility
- What We Don’t: A rebadged BMW; no manual transmission
Toyota raised the bar when it revived the Supra in 2020. Its base 255-horsepower turbocharged engine is faster than you’d expect from a 4-cylinder. For even stronger acceleration, opt for the 382-horsepower inline 6-cylinder engine.
The Supra feels controlled around turns and absorbs bumps in the pavement for a smooth ride. An 8-speed automatic transmission and RWD are standard, and a 6-speed manual is available as a no-cost option. Leather upholstery, muted colors, and plush seats give the cabin a sleek look, though any buyer familiar with recent BMWs will be able to tell that it was designed in Bavaria, not Japan. (Toyota based the Supra on the BMW Z4 as part of a cost-saving arrangement between Toyota and BMW.)
Available tech features include Apple CarPlay, a smartphone charging pad, and an infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display.
Shopping for a Used Supra?
The current GR Supra is part of the model’s 5th generation, which debuted for 2020. Older 5th-generation Supras (2020-2023) are similar to the 2024 model in design. Toyota added a 6-speed manual as an option for 2023.
8. 2024 Lexus RC • $45,920
- Price: $45,920
- Type: 4-Seat Coupe
- What We Like: Lexus reliability; comfortable, well-built interior; V8-powered RC F
- What We Don’t: Can’t match the agility of rivals
The Lexus RC comes with an impressive lineup of four powertrain options. A 241-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is standard in the base RC 300, as is rear-wheel drive. Only one trim is available with AWD, the RC 300 AWD, powered by a 260-horsepower V6. A stronger 311-horsepower V6 comes in the RC 350. A heart-thumping, 472-horsepower V8 engine comes in the RC F trim—still, the RC trails class rivals with better steering and handling. The cabin features soft seats and premium materials.
Shopping for a Used RC?
Lexus has made RC since 2015, and any used RC will be broadly similar to the 2024 version shown above. You can save money by purchasing one of these used RC coupes.
9. 2024 Audi A5 • $47,700
- Price: $47,700
- Type: 4-seat Coupe or Convertible
- What We Like: Premium quality inside and out; comfortable and quick; nice range of engines in A5, S5, and RS 5
- What We Don’t: Heavier and slower than a dedicated sports car
The Audi A5 is a well-built, luxury small car with an impressive ride and stylish interior. Delivering between 261 horsepower and the top-tier RS 5’s 444 horsepower, the A5 is agile and handles well. All trims come with all-wheel drive (AWD).
The A5 is a bit large to match the handling of dedicated sports cars like the Audi TT, but the tradeoff is more space and comfort. Its top-notch cabin features a modern look accented with leather upholstery, supportive seats, and premium materials.
All trims get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and the MIB infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The A5 has good safety ratings and an array of available driver assistance equipment.
Shopping for a Used A5?
Audi refreshed the A5 for the 2020 model year, but this car hasn’t been fully redesigned since 2018. This means any A5 from 2018-2023 will look similar and have similar features, so you could save money by choosing an older A5.
10. 2024 BMW Z4 • $53,600
- Price: $53,600
- Type: 2-Seat Convertible
- What We Like: Top-down fun in a BMW; good price for a luxury convertible
- What We Don’t: Can’t match the performance of rivals
The BMW Z4 blends luxury and performance in a little 2-seat roadster. The base model gets a 255-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, while the 40i model comes with a 382-horsepower turbocharged inline 6-cylinder. While both trims may feel less athletic than rival sports cars, they are balanced and controlled around winding roads and sharp turns.
The Z4’s cabin features synthetic leather upholstery and nicely bolstered seats. All trims come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and the iDrive infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen.
Shopping for a Used Z4?
The current Z4 is part of the car’s 3rd generation, which debuted with the 2019 model. Older 3rd-generation Z4s (2019-present) are similar to the current model in design and feature content; you can save money by purchasing one of these used BMWs. The Z4 has been around for over a decade, and the similar Z3 dates back to the 1990s.
How We Ranked These Sports Cars
We ranked these sports cars from the least to most expensive based on their base MSRP when new.
Sports Cars & Coupes
Cheapest Vehicles
If you have questions about this story, please contact us at Editors@carfax.com