Sports cars offer a lot of pleasure and excitement. Most have dazzling appearances, track-worthy performance, and razor-sharp handling. Nowadays, we have a diverse range of sports cars, ranging from the affordable Mazda MX-5 Miata to the blisteringly quick and expensive Porsche 911 Turbo S.
If you’re on a budget, these are some of the best sports cars at the lower end of the price spectrum that will match the thrills of their more costly counterparts. Besides their lower starting prices, these sports cars are gorgeous, reasonably powerful, and practical for most enthusiasts.
10. 2023 Chevrolet Camaro – $26,100
The Camaro is a legendary muscle car and a time machine that takes enthusiasts back to the ’60s. It’s available as a two-door coupe or convertible, both good-looking and a blast to drive. While it offers tight accommodations, buyers can choose from an array of punchy engines.
For the 2023 model year, Chevrolet offers eight Camaro trim levels ranging from the base 1LS to the top dog ZL1. The 1LS is the most affordable Camaro with reasonable power and standard features. It uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 275 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
9. 2023 Ford Mustang – $27,770
The Mustang has evolved into a more sophisticated steed over its five decades of existence. For the 2023 model year, the Mustang gets a base turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine producing 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
While that’s impressive for the base model, Ford offers more powerful beasts like the 760 hp Shelby GT500. For a little more money, owners can get the V8-powered Mustang GT. Ford also offers the Mustang in two body styles, a convertible and a hard-shell coupe.
8. 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata – $28,050
The MX-5 Miata is a legendary two-seat sports car. It’s good-looking, agile, quick, and, most importantly, a convertible. The Miata also offers a manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, and a smooth, potent powerplant. All these traits make it fun to drive and a practical daily driver.
The 2023 Miata is available in two styles, the RF and the soft top convertible. While both are convertibles, the RF features a power retractable roof panel. All Miatas use a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque.
7. 2023 Toyota GR86 – $28,400
The 2023 GR86 is one of the most improved sports cars. It’s now an entertaining, rear-wheel drive coupe with a reasonably powerful engine. The new powerplant boasts plenty of mid-range power, boosting its driving characteristics.
Like the MX-5 Miata, the GR86 is an affordable coupe; sadly, it’s not available as a convertible. It also has a 2+2 layout that offers more interior space, unlike the Miata. The GR86 uses a punchy naturally aspirated 2.4-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine producing 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
6. 2022 Dodge Challenger – $30,940
The current Challenger received its last redesign in 2008. However, Dodge made some upgrades along the way, leading to a thriving muscle car lineup. The Challenger competes with muscle cars like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang.
However, unlike these two, the Challenger offers a larger trunk and enough space for adults. The SXT is the entry-level Challenger and a reasonably powered sports car for most people. It uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 303 hp.
5. 2023 BMW 230i – $38,200
The 2 Series is a fun, entry-level BMW luxury car. The lineup consists of two body styles: a two-door coupe and a four-door Gran Coupe. For the two-door coupe, owners can pick between the base 230i and the more powerful 240i.
Both models use turbocharged engines, with the key differences being the displacement and power outputs. The 230i uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, like the Toyota GR Supra 2.0. The result is 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque
4. 2023 Nissan Z – $39,990
After a three-year hiatus, the Z coupe is back with the 2023 model year. The new Z boasts a retro-themed exterior styling while using the same chassis as its predecessor, the Nissan 370Z. However, unlike the 370Z, the 2023 Nissan Z is stiffer and more powerful.
Under its hood is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
3. 2022 Infiniti Q60 – $42,250
The Q60 is a drop-dead gorgeous sport luxury coupe with a 2+2 configuration. It blends the performance of a sports car and the style of a luxury sedan to give an engaging ride. Infiniti offers the Q60 with two powerful engines and standard rear-wheel drive.
The base Q60 gets a punchy twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It sends power to the rear wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission. The combination gives the Q60 plenty of power for twisty roads and highways.
2. 2023 Toyota GR Supra – $44,040
The new GR Supra is a sports car with enough style and performance for most enthusiasts. It has Toyota’s reliability that gives customers extra peace of mind. The GR Supra is also a great daily driver, thanks to the wide selection of standard driver assistance technology. This two-seat sports car is available in four trim levels, the base 2.0, 3.0, 3.0 Premium, and A91-MT Edition.
1. 2023 Lexus RC300 – $45,470
Even though the RC is beginning to show its age, it hasn’t lost its edge as a competitive luxury sports coupe. Like its pricier sibling, the LC, the RC offers a sharply angled exterior and a comfortable ride. Lexus offers two models for the 2023 model year, the RC300 and RC350.
The base RC300 uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.