10 Cheapest Supercars

Is It Possible to Get a Cheap Supercar?

Cheap is a relative term here … no one is claiming that a $60,000 2-seater like the Corvette is a low-budget choice. But when a $60,000 vehicle can go toe-to-toe with supercars five times its price, the term “cheap supercar” seems fair. (If you’re looking for sports cars that are affordable, full-stop, check out our Cheapest Sports Car article.)

We have rounded up a handful of sports cars that offer performance on par with exotic cars costing many times as much. Many are available used with almost identical styling, so you could enjoy the benefits of the new model at a significant discount. These are listed from least-expensive to most. How We Rank Cars

What is a supercar?

Supercars are the highest-performing cars on the market, with eye-popping horsepower numbers and blur-inducing 0-60mph times. They are designed purely for performance, with little regard for price, and are usually made by exotic automakers.

2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray / Credit: Chevrolet

  • Price: $60,900
  • Horsepower: 490
  • 0-60: 3.0 seconds
  • What We Like: Astonishing performance; great price; midengine design; beautiful interior
  • What We Don’t: Huge appetite for gas; small trunk

The ultimate affordable supercar, the iconic Corvette has sported a dramatic mid-engine configuration since 2020, which puts it in the company of exotic sports cars costing hundreds of thousands of dollars more. With its potent 490-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine, acceleration is otherworldly. The mid-engine layout and performance-tuned chassis mean the Corvette feels exhilarating around the track yet stays balanced on everyday drives.

The Corvette has a striking interior design accented with leather and set off by a large ridge running through the middle of the cabin. Seats are well-bolstered and supportive. All trims come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen.

Shopping for a Used Corvette?

The Corvette is in its eighth generation, which was introduced with the 2020 model. Any eighth-generation model (2020-2021) will be broadly similar to the 2022 Corvette in design and feature content. Older Corvettes are front-engine, but otherwise retain the classic recipe of V8, 2 seats, and rear-wheel drive (RWD). Corvettes date back to the 1950s, but older models in good condition will command classic car prices.

2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance

2021 Tesla Model 32021 Tesla Model 32022 Tesla Model 3 / Credit: Tesla

  • Price: $62,990
  • 0-60: 3.1 seconds
  • What We Like: Sedan practicality with supercar speed; modern interior
  • What We Don’t: Handling doesn’t match acceleration

The Model 3 is a top-selling EV in the U.S. and the best-selling EV across the globe. It features lively acceleration, agile handling, lots of cargo space, and a modern, roomy interior. The dual-motor Performance model is one of the fastest vehicles on the road today, due to its all-wheel-drive grip and the massive inherent performance of electric cars.

Nearly every feature in the Model 3 is controlled via the sedan’s large, vertically oriented touch screen. It doesn’t offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration, but it does offer Premium Connectivity, which adds maps, live traffic visualization, in-car internet, music, media, games, and more.

The Model 3 has more range than all similarly priced electric cars, as well as access to Tesla’s proprietary Supercharger network, which provides ultra-fast charging in locations across the country.

Shopping for a Used Model 3?

2017-2021 Model 3 sedans have nearly identical styling but its range and features have changed.

2022 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE

2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE2022 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE / Credit: Chevrolet

  • Price: $70,450
  • Horsepower: 650
  • 0-60: 3.5 seconds
  • What We Like: Great handling and strong engine
  • What We Don’t: Small interior with poor visibility

The Camaro ZL1 is the highest-performance version – by far – example of Chevy’s venerable muscle car. Boasting a 650-horsepower supercharged V8, the ZL1 can hit 60 mpg in a supercar-level 3.5 seconds. With the 1LE track package, it has race tires, a rock-hard suspension, and a huge rear wing.

The Camaro has the presence to match any supercar, but it remains at its heart a Chevrolet, so you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with a 7-inch touchscreen.

Shopping for a Used Camaro?

The Camaro is in its sixth generation, which was introduced with the 2016 model. Chevy gave it a slight styling update in 2019, but any older sixth-generation model (2016-2021) will be broadly similar to the 2022 Camaro.

2022 Audi RS 5

2018 Audi RS 5 Coupe2018 Audi RS 5 Coupe2022 Audi RS 5 Coupe / Credit: Audi

  • Price: $75,900
  • Horsepower: 444
  • 0-60: 3.7 seconds
  • What We Like: Premium quality inside and out; comfortable and quick
  • What We Don’t: Not much

The Audi RS 5 is the top trim of the A5 coupe. The 444-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 can rocket it to triple-digit speeds at a rate that rivals supercars only a few years old.

It also has the understated elegance for everyday commuting. Some high-performance cars make poor daily-drivers because of their stiff suspension settings, but that’s not the case with the RS5. It’s tuned to deliver both comfort and athleticism, making it a unique pick in its class. Its top-notch cabin features a modern look accented with leather upholstery, supportive seats, and premium materials.

All trims get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and the MIB infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The A5 has good safety ratings and an array of optional ADAS.

Shopping for a Used RS 5?

The RS 5’s last full redesign was in 2018. That means any RS 5 from 2018-2022 will look similar and have similar features, so you could save money by choosing an older RS 5.

2022 BMW M4 Competition xDrive Coupe

2022 BMW M4 Competition xDrive2022 BMW M4 Competition xDrive2022 BMW M4 Competition xDrive / Credit: BMW

  • Price: $79,000
  • Horsepower: 503
  • 0-60: 3.4 seconds
  • What We Like: Phenomenal speed and lively handling
  • What We Don’t: Not as luxurious as Audi and Mercedes

The bold design of the BMW 4 Series, with its oversized BMW kidney grille, matches its available power. The M4’s twin-turbocharged inline-6 makes 473 horsepower in the standard M4 or 503 horsepower in the M4 Competition. Adding xDrive AWD gives the M4 the grip it needs to get to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.

Supple synthetic leather seats complement the 4 Series’ handsome interior. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, and a user-friendly iDrive infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen are standard.

Shopping for a Used 4 Series?

BMW introduced a fully redesigned 4 Series for 2021, and it carries over into 2022 unchanged. Before that, the last time the 4 Series was all-new was in 2014. That means any 4 Series model from 2014 to 2020 will look similar and have similar features. If you aren’t a fan of the redesign, you could save money by choosing a 4 Series from the previous generation.

2022 Ford Mustang GT500

2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 / Photo Credit: Ford2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 / Photo Credit: Ford2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 / Credit: Ford

  • Price: $79,155
  • Horsepower: 760
  • 0-60: 3.4 seconds
  • What We Like: Massive horsepower
  • What We Don’t: Interior build quality is not as refined as in other sports cars

We wrestled with this pick, but only because the now sunsetted 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 exists. Ford’s choice to drop the GT350’s glorious 6-speed manual transmission makes us wonder, “Would the GT500 be more compelling as a future classic if you could row through your own gears?”

Ford’s top Shelby features incredible performance, retro styling, and racetrack-ready suspension and braking packages. The 2021 GT500 may lose the GT350’s 6-speed manual, but the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission does an excellent job sending 760 horsepower from the 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine to the rear tires.

Shopping for a Used Mustang?

Ford’s powerful GT500 first appeared on the scene in 1967. Ford has reintroduced the special edition of the Mustang numerous times over the past 50 years. The most recent GT500 version arrived for the 2020 model year.

2021 Lotus Evora GT

2020 Lotus Evora GT2020 Lotus Evora GT2020 Lotus Evora GT / Credit: Lotus

  • Price: $96,950
  • Horsepower: 422
  • 0-60: 3.8 seconds
  • What We Like: Iconic racecar brand for less money than a 911
  • What We Don’t: Limited availability

The Lotus Evora GT features a bold color palette and a 422-horsepower supercharged V6 engine that accelerates with enthusiasm. Its aerodynamic design and light weight add to its impressive cornering ability. With its eye on performance, Evora GT’s cabin is not as plush as rival sports cars.  Its seats lack support, and the back feels cramped. All trims come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 7-inch touchscreen.

Shopping for a Used Evora GT?

The Evora GT was a new model for 2020 and was unchanged for 2021.

2021 Nissan GT-R

2020 Nissan GT-R / Photo Credit: Nissan2020 Nissan GT-R / Photo Credit: Nissan2020 Nissan GT-R / Photo Credit: Nissan

  • Price: $113,540
  • Horsepower: 365-600
  • 0-60: 2.9 seconds
  • What We Like: Like a racing game come to life; exotic car performance from a Nissan
  • What We Don’t: Wish it were priced like other Nissan models

The GT-R delivers 565 horsepower via a twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Reaching 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, the GT-R is one of the fastest sports cars around. Thanks to its precise steering and Nissan’s advanced AWD, the GT-R remains composed around corners, too. The GT-R trails behind its competitors in cabin opulence. Passengers will enjoy well-bolstered seats and leather upholstery. The cabin room is ample in the front, but passengers in the back will find minimal legroom. Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and the NissanConnect infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen come in all trims.

Shopping for a Used GT-R?

If you are looking to save money, consider buying a GT-R from 2017-2020. The styling and features are essentially the same as what you’ll find in a new model.

2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe

2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Coupe2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Coupe2021 Mercedes-AMG GT R Coupe / Credit: Mercedes-AMG

  • Price: $118,600
  • Horsepower: 523
  • 0-60: 3.7 seconds
  • What We Like: Mix of beauty and brawn
  • What We Don’t: Gets pricey with options

The GT Coupe delivers a balanced ride with exceptional handling and 523 horsepower. It’s only available with RWD. Higher-end trims have more power, but the base model has all the beauty and performance anyone would need. Its interior features synthetic leather upholstery, polished metal and carbon accents, supportive seating, and plenty of passenger room. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10.3-inch infotainment screen are standard.

Shopping for a Used AMG GT?

The GT Coupe had several updates for 2021, the most important of which was a horsepower increase.  However, models from 2016-2021 have similar styling and features. If the 2021 updates aren’t essential, you can save money buying a used model.

Next Steps

How We Ranked These Sports Cars & Coupes

At Carfax, data and value drive our vehicle rankings. In order to choose the best sports cars, we looked at the quality and performance a buyer gets for their money. These cheap supercars are in order of price from lowest to highest. Our rankings are based on the latest 2022 models, but since many of these vehicles have remained unchanged from earlier years, our insights apply to used models as well.

Sports Cars & Coupes

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