10 High-Performance 4 Door Sports Cars That Cost Less Than $40,000

As the sports car market continues to rapidly grow, it comes as no surprise that the four-door sports car market has also seen so many excellent entries onto the scene with manufacturers from all over the world competing against each other. High-performance cars also tend to carry a pretty hefty price tag, with cars such as the ’24 Audi RS5 Sportback starting at $78,900.

While the price tags do indeed come with some staggering performance, luckily for us, the manufacturers who compete in the four-door sports car scene also produce much more affordable cars that still produce a fantastic performance for half the price of the likes of the Audi, offering great value for money. From Japanese brands to German automakers, here are 10 high-performance four-door sports cars with a starting price under $40,000.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Car and Driver. The entries into this list are ranked from highest to lowest, based on their starting MSRP.

1 2024 BMW 228i

MSRP: $38,400

The first German entry into this list comes out of Munich, in the form of the ’24 BMW 228i. The coupe version of the 2 series made massive strides in the two-door sports car scene, with the four-door versions also keeping the 2 series nameplate competitive in the larger category with the Gran Coupe. Despite being close to the $40,000 mark, the ’24 228i makes a great case for being so close.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from BMW)

The base BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe comes with a gutsy 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, managing to produce 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which is plenty of power to shift the larger Gran Coupe down the road. The ’24 22i should be smooth as you need a daily driver to be, making it great for both short trips and long runs. As well as its impressive performance, the 228i is also a luxury sedan, finding a wonderful balance between speed and comfort.

Pros

• Sleek, classic BMW exterior styling and a great deal of luxury inside.
• Plenty of power to have fun in all conditions
• A great deal of comfort to go with the power.

Cons

• The standard front-wheel-drive is not as good as the optional all-wheel-drive
• The standard safety features fall short of its competitors.

2 2023 Kia Stinger GT

MSRP: $36,690

Kia is a manufacturer that has had a reputation for producing enjoyable, practical cars for a solid price, but it was in 2017 that Kia cemented themselves as a real competitor in the four-door sports car scene with the Stinger. By 2023, the Kia Stinger will see updates and refinements to keep it at the top, making it a brilliant sub-$40,000 model. As well as finding a great middle ground between aggressive and sleek for the bodywork, it’s under the hood where the Stinger shines.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Kia)

The ’23 Kia Stinger GT trim features a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. For being cheaper than the BMW 2 Series, the increase in power is pretty substantial, even if the BMW 2 Series excels when its comes to the interior. This by no means suggests that the ’23 Stinger GT has a ‘bad’ interior, as the car is fitted with all the amenities and technology a modern 4-door car needs.

Pros

• Excellent amounts of power for a new sports car under $40,000
• One of the best-looking Kia’s to be released.
• A fantastic exhaust sound.

Cons

• The visibility is limited due to the fastback-style roof.

3 2024 Mazda 3 Turbo Premium Plus

MSRP: $35,450

As with many other entries in this list, Japanese manufacturer Mazda also offers multiple different trims for their 4-door sports car, the Mazda 3. Available in a total of 6 different packages, it’s the best and most expensive one that’s easily the best value for money, still remaining under the $40,000 mark. One of the key elements that set the Premium Plus trim apart from the rest is the all-wheel-drive system, which amplifies both the performance and overall drivability of the car for everyday use.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Mazda)

Powered by a 2.5-liter dynamic pressure turbocharged engine, the Mazda 3 Premium Plus delivers 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. This amount of power allows the car to compete with the likes of the aforementioned BMW and Kia, even if the design style is much more understated and civil than the entries from these brands. The trim below the Premium Plus, the Carbon Turbo, also features the same power specs for just under $4,000 cheaper, but the Premium Plus’ interior features such as paddle shifters, leather-trimmed seats, heated steering wheel, and its 12-speaker audio system, which most definitely justifies the slightly higher cost in comparison.

Pros

• A competitive 0-60 MPH speed compared to other features in this list.
• Its AWD system grips the tarmac.

Cons

• The exterior styling isn’t as memorable as other cars in this list.
• The top speed isn’t quite high enough.

4 2024 Audi A3

MSRP: $35,400

Although the likes of the Audi RS5 and RS7 are way out of many people’s budget, the ’24 Audi A3 is a great alternative that most definitely captures the Audi spirit for a much lower price. On the outside, the A3 isn’t quite as extreme as the S3 or the RS3 trims of the car which also see a fairly steep increase in price, but the car still looks much more stylish and track-ready than so many other 4-door cars on the market.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Audi)

Being one of the smaller cars on this list, the ’24 Audi A3 produces a respectable 201 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, which at first might not seem like much, but the Audi A3 is a super agile, responsive car that will never fail to provide endless fun. With a 0-60 MPH speed of 6.6 seconds, the car can take off from the lights pretty spritely and keep climbing to 130 miles per hour. If you choose the optional Quattro AWD system, performance is boosted slightly to provide a 0-60 MPH speed of 6.3 seconds. The interior also lives up to the Audi standards, with the highest quality materials and the latest tech making up the industry-defining cabin.

Pros

• Manages to capture the spirit of the faster, more expensive Audi models
• A sporty exterior design style.
• A very punchy 1.5-liter engine, providing a solid fuel economy of 32 MPG.

Cons

• The standard front-wheel-drive isn’t as fun as the optional Quattro all-wheel-drive.
• The trunk spaces is rather limited.

5 2024 Acura Integra A-Spec

MSRP: $31,500

With the luxury and performance-focused division of Honda continuously raising the bar in its respective areas, it comes as no surprise that the brand earns a spot on this list. Based on the Honda Civic SI, the ’24 Acura Integra, specifically the A-Spec, ticks just about every box that a four-door sports car needs to excel. With its synonymous triangle-shaped front end being easily one of the best-looking noses on any four-door sports car, the design style continues to the rear, creating a super sporty sedan.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Acura)

As well as the exterior design style, the power produced by the 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four confirms the capabilities of the aggressive body style, making 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, which is more than impressive for being one of the smallest engines on this list. The Acura Integra A-Spec trim also managed a 0–60 miles per hour speed of 7.0 seconds in a test conducted by Car and Driver and a top speed of 135 MPH. The ’24 Integra A-Spec can keep you on your toes on every journey.

Pros

• A fantastic-looking front end.
• It provides a great deal of comfort and interior space.

Cons

• Its overall speed falls short of its competitors.
• The road noise can be loud at times.

6 2023 Hyundai Elantra N

MSRP: $32,900

Out of all the manufacturers on this list, Hyundai may very well take the title for the best comeback in terms of their performance cars, confirming their place at the top end of each category they enter. The ’23 Hyundai Elantra N follows suit with this trend, featuring a futuristic, mean-looking design style that Hyundai has thankfully embraced with open arms. The Elantra N also follows suit with Hyundai cars being affordable against its competitors, making it another ideal high-performance 4-door choice.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Hyundai and Car and Driver)

A big difference compared to other entries into this list is Hyundai only offers the single N trim, but this trim manages to include all the essentials to compete against them. Powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the ’24 Elantra N produces 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque to match the aggressive exterior. The combination of the inside and out allows the Hyundai Elantra N to have a real, unmistakable presence on the road, something that Hyundai hasn’t had for some time. The 6-speed manual which comes standard is silky smooth, maximizing the driving experience the car can provide.

Pros

• A blistering 0–60 miles per hour speed of 4.8 Seconds
• A unique, stunning exterior design style.
• Overall, a super enjoyable car to drive.

Cons

• The car can be a bit too loud inside the cabin at certain moments.
• The suspension may be too firm for many drivers.

7 2024 Kia K5 GT

MSRP: $31,790

Kia is a manufacturer which will always share similarities with Hyundai cars, due to Hyundai Motor Group being the parent company. Despite owning the brand, Kia is still most definitely its own distinct brand, offering unique entries into the 4-door sports car market, such as the new ’24 K5 GT. Alongside the Stinger GT which also features on this list, these models keep Kia competing with its European counterparts, with the two cars focusing on different elements of the driving experience.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Kia)

The Kia K5 focuses more attention on the comfort and luxury of the interior compared to the Stinger, with the Stinger GT outperforming the K5. However, the GT trim that’s available for the K5 features a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that manages to produce 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This keeps the ’24 K5 GT right behind the Stinger GT in terms of power, while maintaining the interior comfort for a sizable decrease in price. The exterior is also much more understated for the K5 GT, but its sleek lines ooze elegance and modernism.

Pros

• A competitive power output with a sub-six second 0-60 MPH time.
• A modern, sleek exterior appearance.
• A fantastic al-round daily driver.

Cons

• The driving position may feel awkward.
• The GT model can suffer from excessive wheelspin.

8 2023 Subaru WRX

MSRP: $30,605

Yet another entry from Japan, manufacturer Subaru most definitely honors the legacy of the WRX nameplate with the 2023 model. The latest iteration of the WRX since it dropped the ‘Impreza’ title, Subaru made sure to not forget just how special the rally cars of old still are, with the ’23 WRX maintaining the boxy, aggressive bodywork and competitive performance stats.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Subaru)

Powered by a 2.4-liter DOHC turbocharged engine, the ’24 Subaru WRX produces 271 horsepower, making it a close rival to the likes of the Elantra N. Its 258 pound-feet of torque also allows for the WRX to be just as responsive and enjoyable to drive, just as the Subaru WRX models that came before this one. Compared to these prior models, the ’23 WRX feels more refined and tamer regarding the ride of the car, making it a little less exhilarating but a much more effective daily driver.

Pros

• Retains the iconic WRX body style.
• Its all-wheel-drive system captures the rally spirit of old.

Cons

• The ride quality can feel stiff at times.
• The car is rather noisy, especially on highways.

9 2024 Honda Civic SI

MSRP: $29,100

A car also similar to another to feature on this list, the 2024 Honda Civic SI, shares quite a few similarities with the Acura Integra, but is still very much its own car at a much lower price. The Civic nameplate is without a doubt one of the most renowned regarding affordable, reliable daily drivers, being one of the best-selling cars in the US for almost a decade. The ’24 Civic SI keeps the legacy alive, being both affordable and practical, along with some solid performance under the hood.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Honda)

Featuring the exact same engine as the Acura Integra, the Honda Civic SI produces 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque from its 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four. This means that the two cars perform rather similarly, but the Civic SI is much firmer and more responsive, being slightly more dialed for performance. The Acura’s higher price tag is due to the upgraded interior compared to the Honda, so if comfort and luxury are vital for you, the Acura Integra A-Type may be the way to go. On the contrary, if you want a more raw, stripped-back driving experience, the Civic SI can most definitely give you that.

Pros

• A naturally reliable everyday driver.
• A super smooth manual transmission.
• The interior features all the kit you’d ever need.

Cons

• The power output falls short of its rivals.
• The exhaust sound isn’t as gutsy as others on this list.

10 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

MSRP: $27,995

Another powerhouse of a manufacturer that has also been producing some of the best affordable cars combined with great performance is Volkswagen. As well as their famous hatchbacks and SUVs, Volkswagen also produces the four-door sports sedan, the Jetta GLI, an iconic nameplate that’s loved by many. In 2024, the VW Jetta GLI undoubtedly offers some of the best specifications for its sub-$30,000 price tag.​​​​​​​

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Volkswagen and Car and Driver)

The Volkswagen Jetta’s excellent 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque are routed through its 2.0-liter four-cylinder, beating out multiple other entries on this list for a lower price. The capabilities allow the ’24 Jetta GLI to be joyous to drive, but VW makes sure to retain the brand’s reputation for making ideal daily drivers. The interior is also modern, kitted out with modern technology that provides all the assistance you’d need for your main car. The exterior also follows the modern yet sporty design philosophy of Volkswagen, a style which you can never go wrong with.

Pros

• A sporty yet understated exterior design.
• Impressive power output for a 4-door sports car under $30,000
• The handling is smooth and responsive.

Cons

• The seats could do with extra support for the longer journeys.