Wouldn’t it be nice to drive a cool sports car without breaking the bank? Of course it would be, and since you don’t want to have to contact a lemon law attorney in San Francisco following your purchase, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting quality as well. Thankfully, there are plenty of sports cars out there that balance quality and price, as our following list will show.
The Nissan 370Z
Almost everyone can spot the profile of one of these sleek Nissans, and with the newest iterations, the 370Z, featuring a highly efficient Charge Air Cooler, is packing well over 300 horsepower and roughly 270 pound-feet of torque. That engine is responsive, and it makes zipping around in the 370Z quite the joy, one that’s accentuated by its rather engaging rear drive. The only thing that might bug you about this vehicle is the fact that the aesthetic has not changed much from previous iterations.
The Fiat 124 Spider
The Spider is another one of those sports cars with history, and this iteration lives up to the standard set by its predecessors. If you, like many others, liken the 124 Spider to a fancier Mazda MX-5, you’ll find that it indeed provides a snappier version of what you’d expect from a Miata. Combined with a smoother and quieter interior experience, the 124 Spider makes for a cool and classy way to get around your town. It’s light and handles well, but doesn’t sacrifice so much in power that it loses the fun driving experience.
The Toyota 86
Toyota is no stranger to the sports car game, and their newest model of the Toyota 86 puts much of Toyota’s experience with sports cars into an affordable rear-drive package. It’s lightweight, it responds quickly, it hits corners oh-so-precisely, and it is an absolute joy to drive. You’ll find similarities with the Subaru BRZ, which was developed in conjunction, and you’ll find that the Toyota 86 is, in a similar manner, a value-conscious decision.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata
While the Fiat 124 Spider might strike many as the fancier Miata, that doesn’t mean that the MX-5 doesn’t offer its own unique value. The newer versions of this iconic sports car is nothing if not an incredible bargain. For a six-speed manual experience in a tight package like this, you’ll likely be amazed by the price. Few other roadsters occupy this niche so well, making the MX-5 a titan when it comes to the agile, lightweight option that still has power.
