New sports activities automobiles typically are usually not low cost, however that doesn’t imply you possibly can’t scoop up a extremely good one for a stable worth. The very best sports activities automobiles underneath $50,000 are what we’re bringing to you right here, and the listing is filled with spectacular decisions, although you will not see any luxurious sports activities automobiles right here – these might want to wait for one more listing.
How are we defining a sports activities automotive on this listing? Effectively, by conventional means. There are tons of sporty or efficiency automobiles that aren’t included, however we’re sticking with two-doors that have been solely designed from the outset to fill the function of a stereotypical sports activities automotive. So sure, whereas fanatic darlings just like the Honda Civic Kind R or Toyota GR Corolla would possibly make us completely satisfied like these others do, they’re technically scorching hatches primarily based on extra pedestrian autos, not sports activities automobiles.
The automobiles on this listing prioritize sultry shapes, ship their energy to the rear wheels and don’t concern themselves with such trivial issues as cargo room or (for some) even the presence of backseat. They have been designed with enjoyable in thoughts, and that’s what makes them the most effective sports activities automobiles underneath $50,000.
Finest sports activities automobiles 2024
Subaru BRZ
Execs: Extra comfy than GR86; super-fun to drive all over the place; reasonably priced sports activities automotive
Cons: Inside is primary; infotainment is missing in options and velocity
Learn our Subaru BRZ Assessment
It doesn’t actually get significantly better on the BRZ’s beginning worth level of simply over $31,000. You get a high-revving boxer-four, notchy six-speed guide transmission and a merely joyous chassis. Facilities and tech options are predictably on the low facet of issues, however that’s not what you’re paying for on this low-slung 2+2 sports activities automotive. The controversy between the BRZ and its sister automotive (subsequent on this listing) the GR86 will rage on, however we are likely to favor the BRZ for its improved journey high quality versus the Toyota. No matter which you select, although, the BRZ and GR86 are going to carry quite a lot of smiles for not some huge cash.
Toyota GR86
Execs: Extraordinarily enjoyable to drive in any state of affairs; easy and highly effective engine; very reasonably priced
Cons: Tough journey on poor roads; inside is primary and cheap-looking
Learn our Toyota GR86 Assessment
Most of what we stated concerning the BRZ above applies to the GR86, too. Decide your badge choice, or perhaps simply decide your favourite shade, and go! The GR86 is each bit as enjoyable because the BRZ, and its stiffer rear finish may be to your liking relying in your automotive setup preferences. A few of the Toyota’s particular editions may be sufficient to swing favor in its course, however don’t overlook concerning the extra-spicy BRZ tS both. If you need a (semi-useless) rear seat and a decent quantity of bags house, this automotive might win you over in comparison with the subsequent one on this listing that doesn’t even hassle with utility leanings.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Execs: Pure enjoyable at each nook; super-lightweight; nice guide transmission; fairly design
Cons: Inside is feeling its age; automated is on the boring facet of issues
Learn our Mazda MX-5 Miata Assessment
It’s the oldest sports activities automotive meme within the books by now: The reply is at all times Miata. And truthfully, there’s quite a lot of reality to that. If you happen to don’t want the coupe bodystyle and rear seats of the Toyobaru twins, the Miata might be going to make for a greater, pure sports activities automotive expertise. Its engine is surprisingly spunky, and its lightness makes it drive like a toy which you could virtually do something with. You get an interesting and completely satisfied guide transmission, and whereas the tech takes a little bit of a backseat, it’s laborious to care an excessive amount of. There’s all the above, plus you possibly can put the highest all the way down to carry nature even additional into the equation. And don’t overlook concerning the RF, which could be the most suitable choice ought to inclement climate be a difficulty the place you reside.
Ford Mustang
Execs: Stupendous engine choices; above common dealing with; traditional and interesting design
Cons: Inside is on a budget facet; automated could possibly be rather a lot higher; tech gained’t be for everybody
Learn our Ford Mustang Assessment
The Mustang began to grow to be a sports activities automotive in its earlier technology the place it transitioned from a stable rear axle to an impartial rear suspension design. This introduced the dealing with as much as an elite degree for American “muscle” automobiles, and with variants just like the Shelby GT350, GT500 and others, you possibly can nicely and actually name the Mustang a sports activities automotive. That’s true in its newest technology, too, and whereas the last word efficiency Mustangs are past our $50,000 restrict, even a daily GT or nicely-optioned EcoBoost mannequin would make for a spectacular driver. To get the utmost bang to your buck underneath $50,000, we’d advocate opting for the standard GT, then including the $4,995 Efficiency Bundle to the automotive that tacks on all of the high-po goodies you will get.
Nissan Z
Execs: Massively highly effective engine; top-of-the-line designs on-sale now; nice tech
Cons: Not as enjoyable as a Supra; quite a lot of outdated/carried over components from 370Z; Sport mannequin is under-equipped
Learn our Nissan Z Assessment
You’ll want to stay with the bottom Sport mannequin to remain underneath the $50,000 restrict on the Z, however at a bit of over $43,000, you’re getting a complete hell of quite a lot of automotive. The three.0-liter twin-turbo V6 is a significantly potent engine for this amount of cash, and also you’re getting a beautiful clean canvas that may be simply modified post-purchase. Stepping as much as the Efficiency at $53,450 would get you a much more full bundle, although, so for those who can stretch it, we’d positively advocate splurging on this mannequin. And in case you have been curious the way it compares to the Supra, we’ve already achieved the soiled be just right for you.
Toyota GR Supra 2.0
Execs: Light-weight and playful chassis; engine has loads of energy; spectacular seems
Cons: Sound and character of engine is missing; poor infotainment interface that lacks Android Auto
Learn our Toyota GR Supra 2.0 Assessment
Sadly, the GR Supra 2.0 is the one model of the Supra that slots in underneath the $50,000 most, however it’s nonetheless ok to deserve a spot on this listing. You’re solely getting it with an automated transmission (the inline-six may be spec’d with a guide), however the eight-speed and a couple of.0-liter turbo make for a splendid pairing. It’s lighter than the three.0, and it’s far cheaper too at a beginning worth of simply $47,535. Admittedly, the Z seems fairly dang good whenever you cross-shop it in comparison with the four-cylinder Supra, however the dealing with of the Toyota could be sufficient to sway you over the Z. In truth although, we’d be extra tempted to step down the worth bracket by rather a lot and step into the GR86 if a pure sports activities automotive drive is what you’re after on a price range.
Honorable – simply discontinued – point out: Chevrolet Camaro
Sadly, Chevy simply killed the Camaro, and the final one has rolled off the road by now. That stated, we nonetheless see some new ones on the market on-line, and any reasonably priced sports activities automobiles listing wants to incorporate the Camaro if there’s a option to shoehorn it in. GM’s Alpha platform has spawned dealing with greats like this Camaro and lots of Cadillac sport sedans that merely outdo the quite a few opponents from Germany and elsewhere. An SS loaded up with performance-enhancing goodies isn’t precisely a sleeper, however we are able to assure you it’ll shock others (and maybe your self) at a monitor day with how ridiculously good it actually is. We’re unhappy to see it disappear, however for anybody who picks one up right here in the long run, know you may have a correct efficiency weapon.
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