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13 Affordable Performance Cars We’d Love To Own

Blue Toyota GR86 sports coupe with license plate S-PU158 parked on pavement with dark SUV beside it
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Madison Clark

Madison Clark

For many, a car is more than just a vehicle that gets you from point A to point B. It’s a source of joy, a piece of art, an object of desire, and a symbol of freedom. For driving enthusiasts, it’s all about the thrill of speed, the agility and responsiveness of the vehicle, and the sheer pleasure of a well-engineered machine.

But let’s face it: not all of us can afford a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of fast, fun, and affordable cars that offer a great driving experience without breaking the bank.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

White Mazda MX-5 Miata parked on concrete surface in urban area with trees, buildings, and other vehicles nearby
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The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a favorite among driving enthusiasts. It’s a sports car that offers a thrilling driving experience, yet it’s affordable and reliable. The Miata is known for its light weight, rear-wheel-drive layout, and responsive handling that makes it a joy to drive on winding roads. In addition, it offers a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine and a comfortable, well-equipped interior.

For around $30,000, the base Miata comes with a 181-horsepower engine that delivers quick acceleration. It also comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, which is a rarity in this price range. The Miata is also available with a power-retractable hardtop, which offers the open-air experience of a convertible with the comfort and security of a coupe.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Silver Volkswagen Golf GTI with red brake calibers and distinctive wheels parked near modern building
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The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a hot hatch that combines performance, practicality, and affordability. It’s a compact car that offers a sporty driving experience, thanks to its powerful turbocharged engine, precise steering, and well-tuned suspension. The Golf GTI also offers a spacious, upscale interior and a versatile hatchback design that’s perfect for daily use.

Priced from around $32,000, the Golf GTI comes with a 228-horsepower engine that delivers strong acceleration. It also comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, although a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is available for those who prefer it. The Golf GTI also offers a variety of high-tech features, including a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen infotainment system.

Subaru WRX

Silver Subaru WRX sedan parked in parking lot with hood scoop and sporty body cladding visible
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The Subaru WRX is a performance sedan that offers a thrilling driving experience at an affordable price. It’s known for its powerful turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive, and sharp handling. The WRX also offers a comfortable, well-equipped interior and a practical sedan design that’s perfect for everyday use.

Starting at around $37,000, the WRX comes with a 268-horsepower engine that delivers strong acceleration. It also comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, which offers a more engaging driving experience. The WRX is also available with a variety of high-tech features, including a touchscreen infotainment system and a suite of driver-assistance features.

Ford Mustang EcoBoost

Red Ford Mustang EcoBoost with black wheels and modern styling parked on street next to blue vehicle
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The Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a muscle car that offers a great balance of performance and affordability. It’s powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers strong acceleration, yet it’s more fuel-efficient than the V8-powered Mustang GT. The Mustang EcoBoost also offers sharp handling, a comfortable ride, and a stylish, well-equipped interior.

Priced from around $32,000, the Mustang EcoBoost comes with a 310-horsepower engine that delivers strong acceleration. It also comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, although a ten-speed automatic is available for those who prefer it. The Mustang EcoBoost also offers a variety of high-tech features, including a large touchscreen infotainment system and a suite of driver-assistance features.

Honda Civic Si

Red Honda Civic Si sedan parked on street with distinctive black grille, alloy wheels, and tinted windows in residential area
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The Honda Civic Si is a sporty compact car that offers a great balance of performance, practicality, and affordability. It’s powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers strong acceleration, yet it’s fuel-efficient and reliable. The Civic Si also offers sharp handling, a comfortable ride, and a spacious, well-equipped interior.

Starting at around $31,000, the Civic Si comes with a 205-horsepower engine that delivers strong acceleration. It also comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, which offers a more engaging driving experience. The Civic Si also offers a variety of high-tech features, including a touchscreen infotainment system and a suite of driver-assistance features.

Hyundai Veloster N

Light blue Hyundai Veloster N with red accents and sporty wheels displayed at indoor auto show
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The Hyundai Veloster N is a hot hatch that offers a thrilling driving experience at an affordable price. It’s known for its powerful turbocharged engine, sharp handling, and unique three-door design. The Veloster N also offers a comfortable, well-equipped interior and a versatile hatchback design that’s perfect for everyday use.

While it was discontinued in 2022, there are used ones readily available. The Veloster N comes with a 250-horsepower engine that delivers strong acceleration. It also comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, which offers a more engaging driving experience. The Veloster N also offers a variety of high-tech features, including a touchscreen infotainment system and a suite of driver-assistance features.

Ford Fiesta ST

Red Ford Fiesta ST with sporty wheels and German license plate parked on asphalt near trees
Image Credit: David Villarreal Fernández – CC BY-SA 2.0/Wiki Commons.

The Ford Fiesta ST is a hot hatch that offers a thrilling driving experience at an affordable price. It’s known for its powerful turbocharged engine, sharp handling, and compact size. The Fiesta ST also offers a comfortable, well-equipped interior and a versatile hatchback design that’s perfect for everyday use.

The Fiesta ST was discontinued in the States back in 2018, but you can still get a used one. It comes with a 197-horsepower engine that delivers strong acceleration, and also has a six-speed manual transmission as standard, which offers a more engaging driving experience. The Fiesta ST also offers a variety of high-tech features, including a touchscreen infotainment system and a suite of driver-assistance features.

Subaru BRZ

Blue Subaru BRZ with dark alloy wheels and license plate "HD AU 1111" parked at dealership
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The Subaru BRZ is a sports car that offers a thrilling driving experience, yet it’s affordable and reliable. The BRZ is known for its light weight, rear-wheel-drive layout, and responsive handling that makes it a joy to drive on winding roads. In addition, it offers a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine and a comfortable, well-equipped interior.

For around $33,000, the BRZ comes with a 205-horsepower engine that delivers quick acceleration. It also comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, which is a rarity in this price range. The BRZ is also available with a variety of high-tech features, including a touchscreen infotainment system and a suite of driver-assistance features.

Mini Cooper S

Light blue Mini Cooper S with black roof and mirrors parked on cobblestones among other cars
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The Mini Cooper S is a sporty compact car that offers a great balance of performance, practicality, and affordability. It’s powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers strong acceleration, yet it’s fuel-efficient and reliable. The Mini Cooper S also offers sharp handling, a comfortable ride, and a stylish, well-equipped interior.

Starting at around $35,000, the Mini Cooper S comes with a 189-horsepower engine that delivers strong acceleration. It also comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, which offers a more engaging driving experience. The Mini Cooper S also offers a variety of high-tech features, including a touchscreen infotainment system and a suite of driver-assistance features.

Fiat 124 Spider

Dark gray 2020 Fiat 124 Spider with black soft top and license plate "SH-32903" parked on street
Image Credit: JoachimKohler-HB – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The Fiat 124 Spider is a sports car that offers a thrilling driving experience, yet it’s affordable and reliable. The 124 Spider is known for its light weight, rear-wheel-drive layout, and responsive handling that makes it a joy to drive on winding roads. In addition, it offers a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine and a comfortable, well-equipped interior.

The 124 Spider was discontinued in 2020, but if you buy a used model, you’ll get an open-top sports car with a 160-horsepower engine that delivers quick acceleration. It also comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, which is a rarity in this price range. The 124 Spider is also available with a power-retractable soft top, which offers the open-air experience of a convertible with the comfort and security of a coupe.

Honda Civic Type R

Bright blue Honda Civic Type R with red Honda badge and license plate "TLE" parked on grass field
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The Honda Civic Type R is a hot hatch that combines performance, practicality, and affordability. It’s a compact car that offers a sporty driving experience, thanks to its powerful turbocharged engine, precise steering, and well-tuned suspension. The Civic Type R also offers a spacious, upscale interior and a versatile hatchback design that’s perfect for daily use.

Priced from around $47,000, the Civic Type R comes with a 306-horsepower engine that delivers strong acceleration. It also comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, although a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is available for those who prefer it. The Civic Type R also offers a variety of high-tech features, including a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen infotainment system.

Chevrolet Camaro V6

Red 2013 Chevrolet Camaro V6 with black racing stripes and silver wheels at outdoor car show event
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The Chevrolet Camaro V6 is a muscle car that offers a great balance of performance and affordability. It’s powered by a V6 engine that delivers strong acceleration, yet it’s more fuel-efficient than the V8-powered Camaro SS. The Camaro V6 also offers sharp handling, a comfortable ride, and a stylish, well-equipped interior.

The discontinued Camaro V6 is readily available on the used market, and comes with a 335-horsepower engine that delivers strong acceleration. It also comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, although a ten-speed automatic is available for those who prefer it. The Camaro V6 also offers a variety of high-tech features, including a large touchscreen infotainment system and a suite of driver-assistance features.

BMW 2 Series

Black BMW 2 Series Coupe with blue license plate driving on track, featuring distinctive kidney grille and sporty design
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The BMW 2 Series is a luxury compact car that offers a great balance of performance, comfort, and affordability. It’s powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers strong acceleration, yet it’s fuel-efficient and reliable. The 2 Series also offers sharp handling, a comfortable ride, and a stylish, well-equipped interior.

Starting at around $38,000, the 2 Series comes with a 250-horsepower engine that delivers strong acceleration. It also comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which offers a smooth and responsive driving experience. The 2 Series is also available with a variety of high-tech features, including a touchscreen infotainment system and a suite of driver-assistance features.

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