10 Sports Cars that Look Way More Expensive Than They Are

There is nothing better than driving around in a car that makes you feel like a million dollars, and there is no better car to help you feel this than the beloved sports car. Whether drivers want to slalom around a track, hit the country roads, or, simply want to cruise; sports cars are the driving enthusiast’s choice.

With manufacturers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Maserati dominating the sports car segment, it may seem to many that they will have to part with tens and tens of thousands of dollars, potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars, to buy a sports car that not only looks the part but also performs. But have no fear, as there are currently plenty of sports cars on the market that not only look like they should be worth a lot of money but are relatively cheap. So what could be better; an expensive, sleek-looking sports car that turns heads but, costs a fraction of the price?

Related: 10 Cheap Sports Cars That Are Outrageously Reliable

10 2012 BMW Z4

Average Price: $17,800

The 2012 BMW Z4 is one mean-looking machine, and it’s not just because of its sultry curves and aggressive, low stance. This drop-top roadster combines stunning aesthetics with thrilling performance, making it a true head-turner. Boasting a long hood, pronounced kidney grille, and those sleek, cat-eye headlights, it’s got a look that lets the driver make a statement when they drive it.

Specifications and Performance

All information was gathered from Edmunds, Fueleconomy.gov, and BMW.

Under the hood, the Z4 packs a punch, offering a range of engines that deliver a symphony of power. From the peppy four-cylinder to the growling inline-six, this roadster doesn’t just look good; it goes fast too. Bear in mind though, that there isn’t a huge difference in acceleration speeds between the smallest and biggest engine, we guess it will just be up to preference on how many cylinders drivers want! The precise steering and sharp handling also make every twisty road an exhilarating ride. For less than $18,000 as well, drivers can’t go wrong!

9 2012 BMW M3

Average Price: $23,600

The 2012 BMW M3 is like a perfectly tailored suit for car enthusiasts. It’s all about that muscular appearance that screams power and performance. Featuring flared wheel arches, an aggressive front bumper, and signature quad exhaust pipes, it’s a visual symphony of sportiness. Sliding into the driver’s seat, drivers are greeted by a cabin that’s equal parts luxury and sportiness. The carbon fiber trim and M-specific seats provide a perfect blend of comfort and support. It’s like being in a cockpit designed for ultimate driving pleasure.

Specifications and Performance

Information gathered from Edmunds, Fueleconomy.gov, and Car & Driver.

The M3’s distinctive power dome hood hints at the beast lurking beneath the hood. There’s no messing around driving a BMW M3. The 4.0-liter V8 engine delivers a raucous 414 horsepower, and when drivers hit the gas, it roars to life. In the 2012 BMW M3, drivers get a tantalizing combination of jaw-dropping appearance, a luxurious interior, and heart-pounding performance, all for less than 25K!

Related: 10 Best Used Sports Cars Under $15,000

8 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Average Price: $24,000

Now, for what drivers pay for a 2016 Merceds-Benz SLK, they get a huge amount of luxury and style. With an average used price of $24,000, drivers don’t only get exquisite German engineering but, also get a classic-looking sporty roadster for a fraction of the cost of some of their competitors. The 2016 SLK is a swanky little roadster that’s got that premium vibe inside and out. It’s like Mercedes-Benz has bottled the essence of opulence and sprinkled it all over the car. Featuring sleek lines, iconic front grille, and elegant contours, it boasts a refined charm that makes heads turn wherever it goes.

Specifications and Performance

Information gathered from Edmunds, Fueleconomy.gov, and Car & Driver.

And let’s not forget performance. The SLK can pack a punch with a range of engines, including a snappy V6 and even an AMG model for those who crave more power. The nimble handling and precise steering make winding roads an absolute blast. So, in a nutshell, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK delivers a luxurious interior, an unmistakably expensive-looking appearance, and a performance that puts a grin on any driver’s face.

7 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti

Average Price: $26,000

We know, another European car has made the list. But, they do look fantastic and at a relatively low cost for sports cars that perform. Naturally, an Alfa Romeo had to be added to this list. The 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti is an absolute beaut of a vehicle that oozes class and style in typical Italian fashion. The cockpit features leather upholstery and trim that wouldn’t look out of place in something as expensive as a Bentley or Ferrari, whilst featuring easy-to-use infotainment and a comfortable steering wheel, it is a very comfortable place to be.

Specifications and Performance

Information gathered from Edmunds, Car & Driver, Fueleconomy.gov, and Stellantis Media.

Sitting in the 2018 Giulia Ti, drivers will feel like they have bagged a bargain when it comes to luxury and style. The exterior boasts the typically beautiful Alfa Romeo styling. Sleek lines, curved hood, and the oh-so-iconic ‘Trefoil’ front grille. Truly an expensive-looking sports car that can be bought for a reasonable amount of money.

Related: 10 Best Sports Cars Under $20,000

6 2012 Porsche Boxster

Average Price: $26,500

Arguably a more ‘luxury’ brand than some of the other cars we have had so far, Porsche. The 2012 Porsche Boxster is the kind of car that makes drivers feel that they are in something mega-pricey. The Porsche Boxster is a legendary car and as soon as the Boxster drives towards any enthusiast, they know what it is from the front end. The overall look, the rounded nose, and the low, road-hugging stance give a real feel of something that should be worth more than $26,500 second-hand!

Specifications and Performance

Information gathered from Edmunds, and Fueleconomy.gov.

So with this car, not only do drivers get beautifully stitched upholstery, chrome inlays, and an interior that still looks good today, they get the satisfactory smugness of being seen in a Porsche. Beneath the curvy exterior, drivers will also enjoy responsive handling and a balanced ride thanks to some more genius German engineering.

5 2018 Audi A5 Cabriolet

Average Price: $27,600

Would many sports car enthusiasts look at the 2018 Audi A5 Cabriolet and think that it was a cheaper sports car? We wouldn’t have thought so! This car looks like it should be worth a lot more than it does second-hand. The 2018 A5 Cabriolet is an open-top beauty that combines elegance with big splashes of sportiness. Quite simply, it is a real head-turner.

Specifications and Performance

Information gathered from Edmunds, and Fueleconomy.gov.

Beneath the hood, it doesn’t disappoint either. The A5 Cabriolet boasts a range of punchy engines that deliver both power and efficiency, making it a breeze to go top-down and hit the road with the wind in your hair. Drivers get the luxury of a high-end-looking sports car without breaking the bank. What truly seals the deal though is the driver experience. With Quattro all-wheel drive, it hugs the road, and the responsive steering makes drivers feel connected to the asphalt. Seemingly, this car has most things that someone looking for a cheaper sports car wants!

Related: The Best Luxury Sports Cars In 2023

4 2017 Audi TT

Average Price: $28,600

Yes, we know. Another Audi. But look at it! The 2017 Audi TT does just have a different level of class, style, and beauty about it. Except for the pricey look, interior, and exterior, the 2017 TT is a dream to drive for a canyon crusader who wants to hit the windy roads.

Specifications and Performance

Information gathered from Edmunds, Audi, and Fueleconomy.gov.

Featuring the legendary Quattro all-wheel drive setup along with the MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link rear suspension, the 2017 TT can be driven like it is magnetized to the asphalt. It is no slouch either, with a reported top speed of 175 MPH, this is a car that offers a lot for not a lot of dollars.

3 2015 Jaguar XK

Average Price: $30,235

We guess that some of you would have been waiting for a British sports car to arrive on the list. And here it is, the 2015 Jaguar XK. Boasting a muscle car-esque five-liter V-8, the XK is a beast off the line. With a reported zero to sixty miles per hour time of 4.5 seconds, we can only imagine what the time would be if Jaguar had built this stunning machine with an all-wheel drive setup. Drivers can be glad though that the rear-wheel drive setup on the XK is there, coupled with the sheer power that drivers can pedal out of the engine, it makes for a sporty ride!

Specifications and Performance

Information gathered from EPA.gov, and Edmunds.

The interior is quintessentially British, with a few trims to choose from, a big infotainment system, comfortable surroundings, and different colored leathers to lounge in, drivers will feel as if they are in a cozy lounge whilst hurtling around twisting lanes in a very well weighted machine from across the pond.

Related: 10 Best Sports Cars For Every Budget

2 2012 Chevrolet Corvette

Average Price: $32,000

Finally, an American sports car! One that is not too expensive (we say that conservatively), one that has a beast of an engine, and one that looks amazing! Awesome job Chevrolet! In the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette, drivers will feel that they are in a sports car. Featuring bucket seats, a racing steering wheel, a proper six-speed manual transmission, and a massive V-8 engine under the hood, not only will this car turn heads for its looks but, also for the way it sounds as the 16 valves are put to work!

Specifications and Performance

Information gathered from EPA.gov, Chevrolet, and Edmunds.

Boasting a very low stance to the asphalt, gawping shark-mouth intake, aggressive-looking headlights, large swept-back windshield, and aerodynamic lines all over, the 2012 Corvette is a real sports car to stand and look at, listen to, and if drivers are lucky enough, experience on the road.

1 2015 Maserati GranTurismo

Average Price: $38,147

We know, we had to check the price a couple of times, but the stunning 2015 Maserati GranTurismo can now be purchased for an average of $38,147! With a fierce look that can seamlessly make the 2015 GranTurismo are car that looks both beautiful and aggressive at the same time.

Specifications and Performance

Boasting 20-inch wheels, low-run tires, and aggressive but stunning lines, drivers will feel like they are in a top-of-the-range luxury sports car but with the warm feeling of only paying such a low price compared to the MRSP of $132,000. Drivers should look into the price drop as much as they need to, but for the performance ability, gorgeous interior, and all-round flawless look of the 2015 GranTurismo, this is one sports car that is less than the cost of a new sedan but with the looks of a car that wouldn’t look out of place outside a movie star’s home.