We all love a sports car. They are fast and agile, and while they don’t have the power of supercars, arguably, they are much more fun. Plus, unlike supercars, they are far more affordable as there are plenty available for a reasonable budget.
This list contains ten sports cars that you can buy, used and new, that won’t cost a small fortune. Yet despite that, these all look like they are worth far more than they actually are.
Toyota GR86
Arguably, the finest budget supercar at the moment is the Toyota GR86. Built-in conjunction with the Subaru BRZ, the GR86 currently retails for just $29,950, which is exceptional for such a well-rounded sports car.
The GR86 has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine under the hood, producing 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual or automatic transmission means the GR86 caters to everyone, and it’s an absolute blast in the corners, too.
Toyota GR Supra
The Toyota GR Supra might cost more than the GR86, but it’s worth every penny. Despite its BMW underpinnings, which caused some concern when the car launched in 2019, the GR Supra has become one of the best-loved sports cars on the market.
Currently, the GR Supra retails for $56,250. For that money, you can choose a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque.
Subaru BRZ
While it is, of course, very similar to the Toyota GR86, the Subaru BRZ still deserves a spot on this list. At $30,195, it is more expensive than the GR86, but it is still an incredible price for such a brilliant sports car.
Power comes from the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine as the GR86. This means that the BRZ produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Subaru has given the BRZ its electronics, infotainment, and, of course, its unique exterior design.
Nissan Z
The latest entrant to the Nissan Z/Fairlady range is the excellent 2024 Nissan Z, easily one of the best-looking sports cars of 2024. The Nissan Z takes inspiration from the original Datsun 240Z, most notably with the shape, proportions, and front grille.
The Nissan Z’s power comes from a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission makes it a gearhead’s dream, and there is also a Nismo version that adds a little extra oomph to the sports car.
Mazda Miata MX-5
No matter what generation of the Mazda Miata MX-5 you choose, you will get an exceptional sports car. It’s a car that has stood the test of time for decades, first appearing in the late 1990s and still on sale today.
Currently, the latest Miata MX-5 retails for $28,985, which is an excellent deal for such a good sports car. Turbocharged power makes it a joy to drive, and the MX-5 remains world-beating in the corners.
Mitsubishi 3000GT
For those seeking a second-hand sports car without spending a fortune, the Mitsubishi 3000GT is worth checking out. First appearing in 1990, the 3000GT was also sold as the Dodge Stealth, and it remained in production until 2000.
Power came from a range of V6 engines, including the 3.0-liter 6G72 twin-turbocharged V6. The 3000GT was praised for its acceleration and torque levels and the design, which still looks sleek and modern in 2024.
Mazda-Autozam AZ-1
If you fancy going against the grain when it comes to sports cars, there is always the Autozam AZ-1 to consider. This iconic Japanese Kei car with its gullwing doors is stunning, and its power comes from a Suzuki-sourced 657 cc turbocharged engine that produces 64 horsepower and 63 lb-ft of torque.
The AZ-1 originated as a Suzuki project before Suzuki abandoned it and built its own Cappuccino Kei sports car. Mazda decided to take over the project, giving it the Autozam name and launching the car in 1992.
1984-1999 Toyota MR2
If you are looking for a classic Toyota MR2 to buy, we recommend those built from 1984 to 1999. The first generation was produced from 1984 to 1989, and power came from a range of inline-four engines, including the 1.6-liter supercharged powertrain.
Toyota would continue to evolve the MR2 over the years, with arguably its finest hour in the coming years. The W20/second-generation appeared in 1989, and it remained in production until 1999. The new MR2 was larger than its predecessor, but it had more power thanks to 2.2 and 2.0-liter inline-fours, including the turbocharged 3S-GTE.
Alpine A110
The Alpine A110, introduced in 2017, is easily one of the most underrated sports cars currently on sale. This striking machine pays homage to the original of the 1960s and 1970s, with power this time coming from a Renault/Nissan turbocharged inline-four engine.
Power is rated at 288 horsepower in the A110S and 236 lb-ft of torque. The A110 features a modern-retro design based on the original A110, and it has a perfect power-to-weight ratio. It’s light, agile, quick out of the corners, and one of the best sports cars of current times.
Subaru SVX
If you fancy a sports car with a difference, look no further than the Subaru SVX. The SVX was produced from 1991 to 1996, and it took inspiration from Subaru’s aviation-inspired XT range. It marked the Japanese manufacturer’s first entry into the luxury and performance market.
Power came from a 3.3-liter EG33 G6 engine, and the design had a sleek, curved design and an “aircraft-inspired glass-to-glass canopy. Consequently, the SVX had an incredibly low drag coefficient of just 0.285.
