Top 10 Best Sports Cars for the Money in 2024
Last updated on September 10th, 2024 at 10:20 pm
Sports cars give us a level of driving pleasure that motivates us. We put driver participation and grin-inducing power and handling ahead of more traditional needs like fuel economy, cargo space, and sometimes back seats. Sports cars offer a wide range of excitement, from the cheap but weak Mazda MX-5 Miata to the expensive but powerful Porsche 911 Turbo. Even though they are different, both racing cars, like most in their class, are made to make their owners happy. For sport compacts like the Honda Civic Type R and Hyundai Elantra N, we made a difference between the hatchback and small car markets.
Even though there are many expensive racing cars on the market, you don’t have to go bankrupt to buy one. So, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best sports cars for the money you can buy without going bankrupt. Let’s check them out.
Best Luxury Sports Cars for the Money
Must Check: Older Sports Cars With Good Gas Mileage
#1. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
- Price: $69,995
- Engine: 6.2 L Turbocharged Gas V8
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual Transmission
- Fuel Mileage: 14 MPG city & 20 MPG highway
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 walks the line between being street-legal and being a full-on race car. Compared to the base model Camaro, the ZL1’s tornado-like power makes the monster 455-horsepower LT1 and SS versions of the Camaro seem like light breezes.
The best sports cars for the money have big, sticky Goodyear F1 SuperCar tires, and its supercharged V-8 engine makes 650 horsepower. With the extra 1LE speed package’s bigger, stickier tires and Multimatic’s Dynamic Hinged Spool Valve springs, a very dangerous beast is set free.
The Camaro ZL1 is like a NASCAR Cup Series racecar that has been changed to be driven on public roads.
#2. Chevrolet Corvette
- Price: $65,895
- Engine: 6.2 L Gas V8
- Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Fuel Mileage: 16 MPG city & 24 MPG highway
The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette is an ode to the nameplate’s position as an automotive legend. It has the speed of a supercar, a low price, and a stunning design, but the engine is in the middle of the car.
This generation’s C8 is the first to have a naturally aspirated V-8 engine placed behind the passenger area. This makes it Chevrolet’s most expensive sports car and puts it in the same league as exotic cars.
It’s as sporty as cars that cost tens of thousands more, handles and speeds up just as quickly, and is also nice enough for a cross-country trip. The C8 is offered as both a convertible and a coupe. The hardtop form has a roof panel that can be taken off.
The interior of the Corvette is small but nice, and the trunk has enough room for a week’s worth of food or bags, making it a good car to drive every day. We hope that this regular 10Best winner will be fun for you.
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#3. Toyota GR86
- Price: $29,495
- Engine: 2.4 L Premium Unleaded H-4
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Fuel Mileage: 21 MPG city & 31 MPG highway
The Toyota GR86 would be a strong contender for “Most Improved Sports Car” if we were to give such an award. The second-generation model is powered by a 228-horsepower flat-four engine that provides ample midrange torque; manual transmission is standard, but an automatic is an option. We will not recommend that you go that route.
The best value sports car is a little and inexpensive car, comparable to the Miata, but with a rear seat reminiscent of the Porsche 911, allowing you to bring along small children. It also has more cargo room than the Miata, thanks to its hatchback design.
The Subaru BRZ is mechanically identical to the Toyota GR86 and provides a nearly comparable driving experience; picking one over the other boils down to personal preference for the car’s nameplate.
#4. Ford Mustang
- Price: $29,145
- Engine: 2.3 L Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual Transmission
- Fuel Mileage: 21 MPG city & 29 MPG highway
During its more than 55 years on the market, the Ford Mustang has been made better and better. This version has an EcoBoost inline-four engine with 310 horsepower and a six-speed manual gearbox.
And while the pony car can get as crazy as the 760-horsepower Shelby GT500 (which we reviewed separately), the more standard choice is the 450-horsepower V-8 Mustang GT. The four-cylinder and the V-8 engine can be paired with a six-speed manual or a ten-speed automatic transmission.
No matter what kind of body style a Mustang has (coupe or convertible), they all drive on the back wheels. The rumbling V-8 engine is best for the best luxury sports cars for the money, but the 330-hp High-Performance EcoBoost can be added to the base four-cylinder.
Even though the Chevy Camaro is the Mustang’s closest powerful competitor, it is easier to live with because its interior is better designed. This is true even though the Mustang has a bigger back seat and a better view of the outside.
Must Check: Where Can I Sell My Car for the Most Money?
#5. Nissan Z
- Price: $42,085
- Engine: 3.0 L Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual Transmission
- Fuel Mileage: 18 MPG city & 24 MPG highway
The most expensive of our options is the Nissan Z Performance, which starts at little under $50,000. However, several conveniences are available in this vehicle, such as a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 9-inch touchscreen display, and both wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. The leather and faux suede-covered seats are heated and power-adjustable.
The sports car can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds because to its twin-turbo V6 engine’s 400 horsepower. When compared to the Camaro’s 4.2 seconds and the Challenger’s 4.3 seconds of acceleration, the Z comes in at a very respectable third.
#6. Dodge Challenger
- Price: $32,695
- Engine: 3.6 L Regular Unleaded V-6
- Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Fuel Mileage: 19 MPG city & 30 MPG highway
The Dodge Challenger may be equipped with a wide variety of engines, from those that are merely enjoyable to those that will pin you to the seat. The popular R/T in the middle trim level shares our top pick with the Camaro due to its powerful 375-Hp V8 engine and 0-60 mph of 4.2 seconds. 2024 will mark the end of manufacture for this legendary muscle automobile.
These best luxury sports cars for the money are unique among sports cars due to their roomy cabin and respectable trunk. The inside is not particularly well-designed, but the focus here is on performance. The R/T, however, offers a heated front bench and steering wheel to liven up the cabin.
#7. BMW Z4
- Price: $53,795
- Engine: 3.0 L Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-6
- Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Fuel Mileage: 23 MPG city & 31 MPG highway
The 2024 BMW Z4 is a classic sports car in every sense of the word. BMW and Toyota have collaborated to produce the 2024 Z4 and the fifth-generation Toyota Supra. The model’s front fascia has been given a more aggressive look thanks, in part, to the redesigned kidney grille. The cost is still attractive, though. Many car enthusiasts will still be able to afford the 2024 BMW Z4, which starts at $52,800.
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#8. Subaru BRZ
- Price: $29,615
- Engine: 2.4 L Premium Unleaded H-4
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Fuel Mileage: 21 MPG city & 30 MPG highway
The BRZ sports car is one of the most exciting and reasonably priced vehicles today. It’s a lot of fun to drive, just like its mechanical twin, the Toyota GR86. It is diminutive in size, lightweight, and quick in motion. Well-honed tiny rear-drive coupes are entertaining because of their low seating position, manual transmission, and responsive steering. These qualities are why we ranked the BRZ so highly among the best cars we tested.
The BRZ is powered by a 228-horsepower, 2.4-liter flat-four engine manufactured by Subaru. The BRZ’s interior makes a strong case for the manual transmission thanks to the car’s competent, low-effort shifter. With its quick steering and excellent turning grip, the BRZ is virtually begging to be taken to an autocross event.
#9. Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Price: $29,215
- Engine: 2.0 L Premium Unleaded I-4
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual Transmission
- Fuel Mileage: 26 MPG city & 34 MPG highway
To call the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata an icon would be an insult. When the first convertible small sports car emerged in 1989, it changed the market segment. Since then, its speed and handling have been fine-tuned, so it is now one of the most fun things with four wheels.
Unlike its Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR 86 sisters, the Miata can be either a convertible with a cloth top or a Targa with a movable hard top (called the RF). All of the models have a revvy four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and a six-speed manual gearbox, which is similar to the way old sports cars were made.
These lightweight two-seater sports budget cars can be bought with a manual or an automatic engine. If you want to enjoy your time behind the wheel, go with the manual.
The Miata may not be the best car for daily or long road trips, and its cabin may be too small for tall drivers. However, it comes with everything you need and has a frame that has been fine-tuned for maximum fun.
#10. Audi TT
- Price: $53,295
- Engine: 2.0 L Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
- Transmission: 7-Speed Auto-Shift Manual Transmission
- Fuel Mileage: 23 MPG city & 30 MPG highway
Audi released the TT to an automotive world that was waiting for it, and the famous sports car quickly became a favorite of most sports car fans and a bedroom picture and dream car for young people everywhere. The best thing about the TT lunch was how cheap it was, though. Even though it came out more than 17 years ago, the great racing car is still a good deal.
For the 2024 best-value sports cars, the starting price of a TT is $52,000. It comes as both a car and a convertible, and its 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine gives it its speed. Also, if you want even more power than the normal Audi TT gives you, you can pay a little more and get the TTS model, which has a power output of 288 horsepower.
FAQs About Best Sports Cars for the Money
What is the number 1 selling sports car?
For the past decade, the Ford Mustang has dominated the sports car market. Car fans have flocked to it because of its low price, elegant appearance, and potent engine. The Mustang is offered in several different trim levels, from the standard car to the high-performance Shelby GT350 and GT500 models.
Which is the cheapest sports car in the world?
Mazda’s MX-5 Miata is the world’s most affordable sports car. The price in the US begins at $29,215. The MX-5 Miata is a lightweight, open-top sports car with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
What is the greatest sports car of all time?
Over 50 years, the Porsche 911 has cemented its place in automotive history as a legendary sports car. It has become a cultural icon due to its striking appearance, potent engine, and agile handling.
Is it better to buy a new or used sports car when considering value for the money?
Whether you get more bang for your buck by purchasing a new or used sports car depends on your specific budget, driving habits, and personal preferences.
- Budget. Used sports cars can be a more reasonable option than brand-new ones. A used sports car may be more affordable if your budget is tight.
- Needs. A new sports car may be the best option if you’re looking for a dependable vehicle with a warranty. Used sports cars may have higher repair costs and no warranty.
- Preferences. A brand-new vehicle may be your best bet if you’re looking for a cutting-edge sports car. Used sports cars can be a great option if you’re trying to save money.
Here are some extra things to think about if you’re trying to decide between buying a new or used sports car:
- Depreciation. If you buy a new sports car, you will lose much money because of its rapid depreciation. You will lose less money when you sell a used sports car because of its depreciation.
- Maintenance and repairs. The upkeep and repair of a sports car can be costly. A used sports car might not be the best choice if you don’t have the money to cover these expenses.
- Insurance. Insurance premiums for sports cars are higher than those for other vehicles. You may have to pay more for insurance if you have a history of reckless driving.
Conclusion
Despite their European roots, sports cars are now a global phenomenon. This has led to much debate over what constitutes the “best sports cars for the money 2024.“
However, the philosophy that guides the production of sports cars remains consistent across manufacturers: vehicles built with performance as the primary focus rather than comfort, luxury, or practicality.
However, several manufacturers appear more interested in making trustworthy sports cars, likely increasing their sales.
