The Best Affordable Sports Cars On The Market Today

Everyone wants the faster, more capable, wild-looking sports cars. While we mortals come back down to earth you might start to realize the grass isn’t always greener on the ultra-expensive super/sports car side. In fact, there are plenty of sports cars that are reasonably affordable from the factory and can provide just as much entertainment as the seemingly zillion-dollar exotics. While some may not have the pedigree or exotic looks, many sporty cars in the affordable realm have some very focused engineering behind them, built by people who love to make cars go faster.

The Sportscar segment might be slowly shrinking, but there are still strongholds within the industry that prove there are still enthusiasts building sporty cars for enthusiasts themselves. New reports indicate an uptick in drivers choosing manual transmission options within sports cars, many of which can be found listed here. All signs point to sporty cars still having a respectable place in the automotive market. With competition heating up year after year, it isn’t enough to just be affordable. Cars these days must offer either quality or originality, in most cases both. Thankfully there are options out there that provide a surprising amount of performance, quality, and originality all in one affordable package.

RELATED: 10 Most Affordable Sports Cars

10 Mazda Miata

Starting MSRP: $28,050

The tiny sports car that everyone knows and loves for its dynamic abilities, and playful chassis happens to be one of the most affordable too. At just over $28,000 the Miata remains one of the most affordable sports cars on the planet, nearing that of many of today’s economy car prices.

Performance

The Mazda Miata offers the sporty car experience but at a fraction of the cost of what you might think, based on the smiles per mile it certainly delivers. They say you aren’t a true car enthusiast until you’ve driven a Miata, and most who drive them, end up buying one. These little nuggets are that good. Neutral balance, a peppy engine that revs to 7,500 RPM, and a very short throw 6-speed manual make the Miata one fine dance partner out in the twisties.

9 Toyota GR 86

Starting MSRP: $28,400

Toyota’s GR 86 is a scrappy little sports car that has grown up a little over the years, but not too much. The second generation 86 is just as much a thrill to Hoon as the first generation car ever was. With more torque available for more of the rev range, it definitely feels more punchy out of the corners than before. The looks are slightly more exotic, too, stepping away from the kit-car looks of the previous gen.

Performance

The interior is a step up as well, with a sleek design and absolutely fantastic bucket seats you might expect from a car with triple the power. They are a testament to the handling prowess of the 86. What does remain is the incredible value. Like the Miata, the GR86 starts at well under $30,000 and with similar perks such as a great-feeling manual, a rev-happy engine, in this case, a boxer-four.

8 Honda Civic SI

Starting MSRP: $29,100

The Civic SI from Honda is a worthy adversary of running with some seriously sporty cars. A bit of a sleeper, Honda has been refining the SI recipe since 1985 with the CRX and Prelude models. The Civic is one of the most popular cars on the road and the SI has become a capable machine that drives with much more sporty intentions than its subtle styling might suggest.

Performance

Gone are the days of hard switchover V-TEC noises, and DOHC decals adorning the sides of the SI. It looks humble from the exterior, but take a look inside and things are quite a different story. The red/black two-tone bucket seats start to give an idea of its speedy nature, as does the chunky steering wheel and six-speed manual transmission.

RELATED: 10 Cars That Prove You Don’t Need To Spend Big For Performance In 2023

7 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Starting MSRP: $30,530

Volkswagen is very careful to ensure the GTI is an extremely balanced driver. While the Mk8 hasn’t received glowing reviews in the looks or infotainment departments, the fact remains that it’s a sporty hot hatchback with absolutely delicious handling. Who cares if you have no idea what’s going on in the menus and screens, the GTI always has, and still does know how to boogie.

Performance

The GTI is perhaps the best bang for your buck as it combines the best features, practicality, everyday comfort, and shockingly impressive amounts of performance for low $30,000s. Opt for a Golf R, and you’re adding all-wheel-drive, and a tune of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine up to 310 horsepower. That car still starts at well under $50,000.

6 Subaru WRX

Starting MSRP: $30,605

Speaking of WRX. Since the WRX is its own model now, the base WRX is actually quite the steal of a deal when it comes to affordable sports cars. It comes standard with a six-speed manual, a scarce sight nowadays, along with all-wheel-drive. 271 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque, and a torque-vectoring system can all be yours for a starting price of $30,605.

Performance

Literally named after the World Rally Cross, Subaru’s turbocharged sedan has the soft-road capability that competitors would fall apart trying to drive over. The WRX has an unwavering following, and for good reason. They are nearing 300 horsepower for just $30,000.

5 Hyundai Elantra N

Starting MSRP: $32,900

The new kid on the block sure doesn’t have to prove anything. With its turbocharged 276 horsepower engine, electronic limited-slip differential, standard 6-speed manual or 8-speed dual-clutch automatic, giant 14.2-inch front brake rotors, Standard Michelin Sport 4S tires, and Hyundai’s ridiculously comfortable sport bucket seats, it certainly has the necessary hardware to get the job done, and then some.

Performance

There should be no mistaking Hyundai has created serious waves in the market with their N models. Hyundai did indeed steal some BMW engineers and the result is pure BMW M greatness. Many N models drive like heyday BMW M models. It’s no wonder when you start to explore the N’s abilities, the inputs feel familiar. The N brand might just be the next chapter of great German, or rather, Korean performance after all.

RELATED: Cheap Sports Cars Anyone Can Afford

4 Mini Cooper JCW

Starting MSRP: $35,400

John Cooper Works Mini Coopers are still very much turbocharged go-karts that drive like they are on rails. Although they have grown a little over the years, Minis still represent a heck of a sporty hot-hatch. At under $36,000, the sportiest versions are the John Cooper Works models, save for the ultra bonkers Mini GP

Performance

You get the option for a manual transmission, or an 8-speed auto, a 228 horsepower turbocharged inline-four in the hardtop and convertible, or 301 horsepower if you opt for a Clubman or Countryman with Mini’s, “ALL4” all-wheel-drive system. Can you say, “rally car?”

3 Kia Stinger

Starting MSRP: $36,690

Get it while it’s hot! While it’s still available, too. The Kia Stinger has been axed after the 2024 model year, so make sure you grab one while you can. Kia originally marketed this vehicle as the Porsche Panamera beater, and with Kia’s optional 3.3-liter turbocharged V-6 putting out a very healthy 368 horsepower, it actually was quicker than a base Panamera back when the Stinger was launched.

Performance

The Stinger with the V-6 can sprint from 0–60 miles per hour in just 4.7 seconds, a breeze for the 4,000+ pound sedan. Kia shocked the world with the Stinger, and six years later, it’s still playing with heavy hitter sport/luxury sedans.

2 Nissan Z

Starting MSRP: $42,210

Nissan’s new Z has a trick up its sleeve in the form of value! We’re talking 400 horsepower, 350 pound-feet of torque, either a six-speed manual, or nine-speed automatic transmission, and a chassis that loves to play in the corners. The Z is a mix of retro and new-school with a rear-end reminiscent of the wildly popular 300XZ from the 90s, and a front-end reminiscent of the original Datsun 240Z. Both are blended in a beautifully modern way making it one of the best sports cars of the year.

Performance

As is the new interior of the cabin, which is technically a carry-over from the 370Z. New materials and design changes go a long way to bring the Z up to date. The blue-themed interior is a very racy touch that offers unique options within its class.

RELATED: The Best 4 Door Sports Cars Money Can Buy

1 Cadillac CT4-V

Starting MSRP: $48,490

While the Blackwing models receive all the attention, don’t forget there are normal V models available from Cadillac, too. Spring for the AWD version, and you have yourself a 325-horsepower Subaru WRX killer. Cadillac has taken notes from BMW and now V cars sit above the base models, but below the Blackwing badged cars, which Cadillac says are more track-focused machines. Still, the CT4-V’s 2.7-liter turbo-four is no joke.

Performance

Don’t forget, the CT4 rides on GM’s beloved, “Alpha” chassis, known for its ideal balance, and driving dynamics that seem to be pure magic. With Cadillac’s V models, you get the best of both worlds. A luxury experience with clever features, and rich color options is brilliantly mixed with a more than competent platform. It is a Cadillac, after all.