Fast Car Enthusiasts Can Enjoy Their Need for Speed Without Breaking the Bank
Speed is not only reserved for people with huge wallets. There's a world of budget-friendly rides that can easily get your heart racing while still being light on your wallet. These 11 budget-friendly fast rides show you can have speed on a budget.
Toyota GR86
The GR86 offers a 2.4L flat-four engine that produces 228 hp. It'll make the dash to 60 in about 6.1 seconds, which is quick enough to bring back a smile on your face. It's the budget-friendly sports coupe that still believes driving should be fun.
Subaru BRZ
Think of the BRZ as the GR86’s sibling, but with a Subaru badge. They have the same 2.4L flat-four, same 228 horsepower, same 0 to 60 in the low sixes. For $28K, you get agile steering, low center of gravity, and a vehicle that loves to corner more than go fast in a straight line.
Subaru WRX
If the BRZ is about finesse, the WRX is about grip. For $30K, you are getting a 2.4L turbocharged flat-four with 271 horsepower. Its all-wheel drive means it’s great for weekend blasts or pretending your commute is a rally stage.
Volkswagen GTI
The GTI has a 2.0L turbo inline-4 that makes 241 hp and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. It’s practical, quick, and subtle enough that your neighbors don’t have to know that you’ve been street-corner drag racing after running to the grocery store. It comes in around $30,000.
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The GLI is a GTI in a suit. They have the same 2.0L turbo four, the same 228 horsepower, and it takes just over 6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60. It’s $28K. It’s roomy and comfy, and still lets you have some fun behind the wheel.
Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Turbo
This car is a budget rocket with a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 making 250 hp. You can get into it for about $31K, and it travels from 0 to 60 mph in only 5.6 seconds. Smooth, sleek, and surprisingly quick, this is the high-performance car your neighbors won’t see coming.
Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N is Hyundai's performance sedan with a 2.0-liter turbo four making 276 hp. It is loud, aggressive, and handles like it is on rails. This baby is proof that Hyundai showed up to the sports car party with some fireworks.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata is proof that you don't need monster horsepower to have fun. The 2.0-liter inline-4 produces 181 hp, and it’s a pure top-down delight. Going for $28K, the Miata shows driving fun is about curves, not just horsepower.
MINI Cooper S
Starting at $29,000, the MINI Cooper S has a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 making 189 hp. It takes a little longer to accelerate, going from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds. But many people love its quirky looks, go-kart handling, and personality. Try not to smile when you’re behind the wheel. Oh, right. That’s impossible.
Chevrolet Camaro
The 3.6-liter V6 in the base Camaro produces 335 hp and can reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. It provides muscle car aesthetics, precise, fun handling, and tons of punch at an affordable price. The Camaro is about $30K.
Honda Civic Si
For $31K, you can have a 1.5-liter turbo-four that makes 200 hp. The Civic Si will take you from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. This is the perfect “I’m an adult, but I still love to drive” car. It’s practical enough for groceries, but equally fun enough for canyon roads.
