10 Affordable Sports Cars To Buy In 2023

Just because you can’t afford a brand-new Porsche 718 Boxster doesn’t mean you can’t own a sports car in 2023. The choice of sports cars at the affordable end of the spectrum is now greater than ever, with some models offering more behind-the-wheel excitement than more expensive peers.

Some of these affordable sports cars offer track-ready performance and are as generous as possible with fuel consumption and cargo space. Here are the most affordable sports cars with thrilling performance you can get in 2023.

Related: 10 Awesome American Sports Cars Regular People Can Afford

HOTCARS VIDEO OF THE DAY

10

Toyota GR86 – $27,900

Via Toyota

With its thrilling performance and street-ready appearance, the 2023 Toyota GR86 is not only great to look at, but also fun to drive. To mark its 10th anniversary, Toyota will be releasing a special edition GR86, which is the next trim level after the base, which starts at $27,900.

Via: Pressroom Toyota

Powering the 2023 GR86 is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. You can pair the naturally aspirated boxer engine with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. For improved, track-ready performance, the new GR86 comes with a multi-link rear suspension and Torsen limited-slip differential.

9

Mazda MX-5 Miata – $28,050

Via: Mazda UK

Even while at rest, you get a sense of the 2023 MX-5 Miata’s fluid motion, thanks to its sleek lines of Mazda’s Kodo design. A sports car is supposed to make driving more fun and less of a chore, and Mazda achieves this with the precise steers and better controls of the new MX-5 Miata.

Via Mazda

The price of the 2023 MX-5 Miata has increased slightly from last year’s, but starting at $28,050, it’s still very pocket-friendly. The base Sport trim offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque.

8

BMW 230i – $37,400

Via BMW Blog

The 2023 BMW 230i might be small, but it has a big heart, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that pumps out 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The BMW’s entry-level luxury car is quite quick on its feet, with a 0-60-mph time of 5.5 seconds.

Via BMW Blog

The 230i rewards spirited driving and has a chassis that loves twists and turns. Although a compact coupe, the cargo area of the 230i is quite generous, with a capacity of 390 liters and a through-loading system permitted by the 40:20:40 folding rear seat backrest.

Related: 10 Reasons Why Every Gearhead Should Drive The 2022 BMW 230i

7

Nissan Z – $39,990

via: Nissan

Some may argue that the 2023 Nissan Z is overrated, but you can’t deny its compliant ride and the power of the lively twin-turbo V6. The Nissan Z comes completely refreshed for 2023, but there are plenty of throwback styling elements that remind you of the iconic Z-car’s history.

Via: Nissan

At the heart of the all-new Nissan Z is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that cranks out 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Although the new Z is a bit pricier than the outgoing 370Z, compared to the Audi TT and BMW Z4, it’s still a bargain sports car, starting at $39,990.

6

Subaru BRZ – $28,595

Via Subaru

The 2023 Subaru BRZ is one of the lightest front-engine, rear-wheel-drive 2+2 production sports cars in the market, and it starts at just $28,595. You will prefer its razor-sharp handling and thrilling experience to the front-wheel-drive Mini Cooper S and Volkswagen GTI.

Via Subaru Canada

For serious driving, the 2023 BRZ is fitted with quick ratio steering, track-tested suspension, Torsen limited-slip differential, and heavily bolstered sport seating. The base Subaru Premium produces 228 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder.

5

Chevrolet Camaro 1LS – $26,100

Via Haselwood

The 2023 Chevrolet Camaro sports a bold retro profile that muscle car enthusiasts will appreciate. Its brilliant performance and fun-to-drive nature on the track outshines many pricier rivals. However, its major downsides are the poor rear visibility and the torturously small back seat.

Via StingrayChevrolet

The base 1LS is surprisingly quick and starts at $26,100. It’s a bit cheaper than the base Mustang. At the heart of the 1LS is a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with an output of 275 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Related: 10 Things To Know Before Buying The 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE

4

Toyota GR Supra – $43,540

Via Toyota

Even though the 2023 Toyota GR Supra is reasonably priced, it’s not in the same price bracket as the Toyota GR86 or the Ford Mustang, so you might want to know if it’s really worth the extra dollar. To start with, Toyota finally listened to customers’ demand for a manual transmission, as all previous Supra models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

via Toyota

The base Supra 2.0 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that churns out 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GR Supra is also quite efficient, with an estimated economy rating of 25/31 mpg in the city/highway.

3

Ford Mustang – $30,000

Via Ford

The 2023 Ford Mustang is great to look at with its 1960s-inspired styling, but the real deal is under the hood. The base Mustang EcoBoost is fortified with a 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder that delivers 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

Via Ford

With its impressive performance and better visibility than the Camaro, you can still get it for just about $30,000. For a performance car, the Mustang offers a generous amount of cargo space, accommodating up to 12 carry-on bags.

2

Subaru WRX – $29,105

Planet Subaru

Getting a complete redesign last year, the Subaru WRX comes almost uncommon in 2023. In a bid to protect the WRX’s paint job from chipping off, Subaru adopts body cladding worthy of an SUV. The 2023 WRX handles in a stable and engaging manner with a standard all-wheel drive to enhance traction and performance.

Planet Subaru

Under the hood, there’s no change for the WRX, which pumps out 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The 2023 WRX is still very much affordable, starting at $29,105.

1

Dodge Challenger SXT – $30,545

Dodge.ca

Dodge is discontinuing the Challenger by the end of 2023, as it gears up for an electrified future, so you have the opportunity of grabbing the latest and final Challenger, which starts at $30,545. The base SXT trim pours out 303 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque from a 3.6-liter V6.

Dodge

If the performance of the SXT doesn’t satisfy you — for a few extra dollars — opt for the Challengers with optional naturally aspirated Hemi V8 engines. The Challenger drives around corners like a raging bull dashing after a red flag. As a true muscle car, you will get the most out of the Challenger on the street or drag-strip than on the highway.

Next: We’d Buy These 10 Affordable Modern Sports Cars Over Any Classic Model