Summary
- From the affordable Toyota GR86 to the luxurious Lexus LC, there is a sports car for every budget, ensuring that the thrill of driving is accessible to all.
- These sports cars offer a harmonious fusion of speed and design, combining captivating aesthetics with exhilarating capabilities, delivering exceptional value without compromising on the raw, visceral experience.
- With a diverse range of options, including powerful engines, manual or automatic transmissions, and various trim levels, these sports cars cater to enthusiasts of all levels, reigniting the fervor for driving across the entire spectrum.
Welcome to the captivating world of sports cars, a realm where passion and excitement intertwine. These high-performance machines blend captivating aesthetics with exhilarating capabilities, creating a harmonious fusion of speed and design that resonates with enthusiasts of all backgrounds. Whether you're an eager newcomer or a seasoned horsepower aficionado, rest assured – there's a sports car for every budget that can quench your thirst for adrenaline. From the timeless Mazda MX-5, with a mix of driving purity and agility, to the awe-inspiring Porsche 911 Turbo, a masterpiece of engineering prowess and speed, this article embarks on a journey through the diverse landscape of sports cars on sale today.
Our carefully curated compilation spans various financial scenarios, ensuring that the thrill of the open road or the racetrack remains accessible to all. In this article, we'll navigate the intricate synergy between performance and affordability, unveiling hidden treasures that deliver exceptional value without compromising the raw, visceral experience sports cars are celebrated for. So, fasten your seatbelt as we delve into the universe of automotive artistry and unbridled power, unveiling the 10 best sports cars that cater to enthusiasts of every budget, reigniting the fervor for driving across the entire spectrum.
Using data points from MotorTrend, Car and Driver, and Edmunds, these ten sports cars are affordable, fast, and provide fun for any level of enthusiast.
10 2023 Toyota GR86
Starting MSRP: $28,400
The 2023 Toyota GR86 exemplifies a compact, swift, and agile sports car boasting an attractive price point. This iteration showcases a complete redesign, accentuating a more refined interior, heightened precision in handling, and increased power output. The GR86 is tailored for the driving enthusiast, its steering precision and agility elevating the experience. Toyota presents a choice between manual and automatic transmissions, catering to both seasoned aficionados and newcomers. While the manual transmission caters to enthusiasts, the automatic option suits novices adeptly.
Prices
Trims | Original MSRP |
Base | $28,400 |
Premium | $31,000 |
10th Anniversary Special Edition | $34,360 |
Beneath the hood resides a potent 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, harmonizing performance with respectable fuel efficiency, and enhancing the GR86's dynamic acoustics. With its forgiving suspension and razor-sharp handling, the GR86 effortlessly transitions from an impressive sports car to a versatile daily driver. The 2.4-liter engine effortlessly synchronizes with a standard six-speed manual transmission, while an optional six-speed automatic is also available.
9 2024 Ford Mustang
Starting MSRP: $30,920
The Ford Mustang is an instantly recognizable vehicle. It is one of the pillars of muscle cars and provides great performance along with its looks. Ford allows for multiple configurations with the new car to cater to any customer. The base Mustang uses a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, making it affordable and enjoyable. It churns out 315 horsepower, which is an impressive option for most base models.
Prices
Trims | Original MSRP |
EcoBoost Fastback | $30,920 |
EcoBoost Premium Fastback | $36,445 |
GT Fastback | $42,495 |
GT Premium Fastback | $47,015 |
Dark Horse | $59,270 |
Dark Horse Premium | $63,265 |
While it's more powerful than its predecessor, it still falls to the 2023 EcoBoost with the optional High-Performance package that bumps the performance to 330 horsepower. For more power, there's the GT variant with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine and a great blend of drivability and performance. The GT model cranks out 480 horsepower – 30 more than its predecessor. For the 2024 model year, Ford also introduced an all-new Mustang Dark Horse to bring power up to 500 horsepower.
8 2023 Toyota GR Supra
Starting MSRP: $44,640
Toyota's 2023 GR Supra stands as a thrilling counterpoint to the brand's more sedate vehicle lineup. Collaborating with BMW's Z4 roadster birthed various GR Supra iterations, from a 255 horsepower turbo four-cylinder to the fiery 3.0-liter inline-six boasting 382 horsepower. Traditionally, the GR Supra paired an eight-speed automatic with rear-wheel drive, but this year, Toyota welcomed a six-speed manual transmission, exclusively for the robust 3.0-liter engine.
Prices
Trims | Original MSRP |
2.0 | $44,640 |
3.0 | $53,600 |
3.0 Premium | $56,750 |
A91-MT | $59,445 |
While the 3.0 GR Supra offers peak performance, the base model impresses with a 5.0-second 0 to 60 mph acceleration. This stylish sports car not only fills the gap in Toyota's lineup but thrills enthusiasts with its dynamic offerings, reminding us of Toyota's commitment to exhilarating driving experiences.
7 2024 Nissan 400Z
Starting MSRP: $49,990
The 2024 Nissan 400Z embodies the soulful legacy of affordable and exhilarating two-door sports coupes dating back to 1969. Infused with nostalgic elements like the 240Z's quarter-panel insignia and the dramatic LED taillights reminiscent of the 300ZX of the '90s, the new Z prioritizes power and driving pleasure. Its heart beats with a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V-6 borrowed from the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport, while transmission options include a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic.
Prices
Trims | Original MSRP |
Sport | $49,990 |
Performance | $53,990 |
Proto | $53,990 |
Opting for the NISMO Z treatment boosts power to 420 horsepower, alongside performance enhancements and an exclusive nine-speed automatic. While some roots trace back to the 370Z, the interior elevates the experience with improved seats, an expansive infotainment screen, and a telescopic steering wheel. While not as aggressive as the Toyota Supra, the 400Z reignites driving thrills, making its comeback a cherished addition to the sports car realm.
6 2023 Chevrolet Corvette
Starting MSRP: $64,500
In 2020, Chevrolet granted enthusiasts' wishes by introducing the first mid-engine Corvette, a prized jewel that secured the 2020 North American Car of the Year award. The C8, also known as the eighth generation, revolutionized the Corvette narrative by relocating the engine behind the passenger compartment, akin to supercars like Lamborghini or Ferrari, yet maintaining a more accessible price point.
Prices
Trims | Original MSRP |
1T Coupe | $64,500 |
2LT Coupe | $71,800 |
3LT Coupe | $76,450 |
1LT Convertible | $72,000 |
2LT Convertible | $78,800 |
3LT Convertible | $83,450 |
As the Corvette commemorates its 70th anniversary in 2023, Chevrolet marks the occasion with an exclusive 70th Anniversary model, reserved for the 3LT trim. Adorned with distinctive exterior badges, red brake calipers, and 70th-anniversary center caps, this variant pays homage to an illustrious seven-decade history. Under the hood, the 6.2-liter V-8 persists, generating an impressive 490 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, upholding the Corvette's legacy of unwavering power and performance.
5 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster
Starting MSRP: $70,400
Positioned as an entry-level gem within Porsche's prestigious lineup, the 2023 718 Boxster embodies the thrill of driving. With its alluring mid-engine layout and two-seat convertible design, it offers an enchanting balance between power and agility. The mid-engine configuration not only enhances weight distribution but also promises an exhilarating driving encounter. Porsche presents a variety of trim options, each equipped with lively engines and a standard six-speed manual transmission.
Prices
Trims | Original MSRP |
Base | $70,400 |
Style Edition | $76,700 |
S | $82,400 |
GTS 4.0 | $97,300 |
A swift-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is also on offer. Beyond impressive performance, the 718 Boxster boasts a lavish interior adorned with premium materials, power-adjustable seats, and ample storage capacity. Powering the base variant is a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine, while more potent options include a 350-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four and a 394-horsepower 4.0-liter flat-six, ensuring a dynamic driving experience for enthusiasts.
4 2024 BMW M4 Competition
Starting MSRP: $80,940
While the standard 4 Series lineup caters to a broad audience, the 2024 M4 Competition Coupe redefines the driving journey. As a quintessential example of BMW's driving prowess, the Competition variant offers both coupe and convertible styles, boasting outstanding performance and a revitalized suspension equipped with adaptive shocks.
Prices
Trims | Original MSRP |
M4 Coupe | $78,100 |
M4 Competition Coupe | $82,200 |
M4 Competition xDrive Coupe | $86,300 |
The M4 Coupe range boasts a formidable twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, initially generating 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Opting for the M4 Competition elevates output to an impressive 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, translating to an astonishing 3.4-second acceleration from 0 to 60 mph. This infusion of power and meticulous engineering underscores the M4 Competition Coupe as a testament to BMW's unwavering dedication to crafting exhilarating driving encounters.
3 2024 Lexus LC
Starting MSRP: $98,950
Unveiling Lexus' opulent sports car, the 2023 LC, showcasing captivating coupe or convertible options. Rooted in Lexus' unwavering commitment to pleasing its audience, the LC boasts a dynamic, curvaceous exterior merging timeless elegance with contemporary magnetism. Inside, the lavish cabin embraces premium materials and enduring design cues. Enhancing the allure, the 2024 LC incorporates updates such as a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen flaunting the latest user interface, accompanied by standard 21-inch wheels and parking sensors.
Prices
Trims | Original MSRP |
LC 500 | $98,850 |
LC 500h | $102,150 |
LC 500 Convertible | $106,350 |
Beneath the sleek exterior, the 2024 Lexus LC houses a robust 471 horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 engine, yielding 398 pound-feet of torque. Teamed with a seamless 10-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain promises a sophisticated yet exhilarating driving journey, amplifying the LC's stature as a luxury sports car flawlessly uniting aesthetics and performance.
2 2023 Porsche 911
Starting MSRP: $114,400
The Porsche 911 stands as a definitive icon within the sports car realm. From its distinctive engine symphony to its impeccable handling, every 911 variant delivers a gratifying experience. Designed to epitomize the quintessential driver's car, most trims offer daily drivability without compromise. Porsche boasts a diverse lineup, each 911 trim exuding remarkable performance, even the base Carrera. Nestled at the rear, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six engine commands attention.
Prices
Trims | Original MSRP |
Carrera | $114,400 |
Carrera T | $124,900 |
Carrera Cabriolet | $127,200 |
Carrera 4 | $121,700 |
Carrera 4 Cabriolet | $134,500 |
Carrera S | $131,300 |
Carrera S Cabriolet | $144,100 |
Carrera 4S | $138,600 |
Carrera 4S Cabriolet | $151,400 |
Targa 4 | $134,500 |
Targa 4S | $151,400 |
Carrera GTS | $150,900 |
Carrera GTS Cabriolet | $163,700 |
Carrera 4 GTS | $158,200 |
Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet | $171,000 |
Targa 4 GTS | $171,000 |
Edition 50 Years Porsche Design | $200,700 |
Turbo | $197,200 |
Turbo Cabriolet | $210,00 |
Turbo S | $230,400 |
Turbo S Cabriolet | $243,200 |
GT3 | $182,900 |
GT3 with Touring Package | $182,900 |
GT3 RS | $241,300 |
Sport Classic | $272,300 |
Dakar | $222,000 |
Powering the base Carrera is a robust 379 horsepower, with the S and GTS trims elevating output to 443 and 473 horsepower, respectively. Across the board, an agile eight-speed automatic transmission reigns as standard. For the S and GTS models, Porsche extends an invitation to enthusiasts with an optional 7-speed manual transmission, solidifying the 911's status as an unadulterated driving marvel.
1 2024 Nissan GT-R
Starting MSRP: $120,990
In 2009, Nissan unleashed the GT-R, an all-wheel drive, high-performance coupe that took on top sports cars. It marked the model's American debut, tantalizing enthusiasts with its forbidden allure. The GT-R dazzled with groundbreaking technology, pushing the boundaries of performance innovation. Remarkably, Nissan maintained the GT-R's prowess for over a decade, until the 2024 model year emerged with noteworthy enhancements.
Prices
Trims | Original MSRP |
Premium | $120,990 |
T-spec | $140,990 |
NISMO | $220,990 |
A redesigned front end not only augments downforce but also manages drag, preserving the GT-R's prowess. Beneath the hood rests the formidable twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 engine, delivering 565 horsepower and 467pound-feet of torque. The power is harnessed by a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, distributing force to all four wheels. The GT-R's evolution highlights its relentless pursuit of power and handling, securing its esteemed position among the elite sports car echelons.