10 Sports Cars under 50k

2017 Audi TT ・ Photo by Audi

Sports cars represent the most thrilling experiences to be had behind the wheel. While luxury cars often make sacrifices when it comes to weight, handling, and precision, sports cars are about maximizing performance at all costs. Sometimes a blend of both traits is possible, but it comes with a cost premium.

We can’t all afford $80,000 sports cars, but if we scrape and save, the $50,000 threshold contains some truly great performance machines, many of which cost far less than that. For the cars costing just under the $50K limit, buyers will have to do without additional features, but lower priced models give shoppers room to customize.

Sports cars take on different characteristics based on their country of origin, but this list of 10 best sports cars under $50,000 is filled with motoring fun from all corners of the globe.

Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 - $25,395

Japan charged aggressively into the sports car segment in the late 1980s and early 1990s with vehicles like the Acura NSX and Toyota Supra, but these days, there are only a few analog performance cars left. Fortunately, the co-developed Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 is classic rear-wheel drive fun in a contemporary package.

Superb balance, sharp steering, and a low center of gravity characterize the BRZ/86. Some may consider its 200-horsepower engine underpowered, but accessible performance is not to be undervalued. The sports car is both a great introduction for budding enthusiasts and a blissful throwback for analog drivers. Best of all, the BRZ/86 is one of the cheapest cars on this list, at $25,395 for the BRZ and $95 cheaper for the 86.

Photo by Subaru

Subaru WRX STI - $34,695

Who says sports cars have to be 2-door affairs? For the last several years, Subaru’s WRX STI has outperformed some of the quickest 2-door sports cars in its 4-door and 5-door body styles. Recently redesigned in 2015, the Subaru WRX STI retains its rally-bred heritage, but can tear up any paved road you put beneath its tires.

The WRX STI is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission available is a 6-speed and the only drivetrain option is Subaru’s spectacular all-wheel drive system with three mechanical differentials.

Not many cars can keep up with a Subaru WRX STI in a straight line, and only a handful can match it in the corners. The 2016 Subaru WRX STI also is priced thousands less than our $50K cap at $34,695.

Photo by Subaru

Mazda MX-5 Miata - $25,000

Mazda’s MX-5 Miata may not have the power to match the other performance machines on this list, but it still earns its spot as one of the 10 best sports cars under $50,000 thanks to its peppy powertrain and go-kart like handling. The Japanese automaker, which considers itself a team of enthusiasts building cars for other enthusiasts, knows a thing or two about engineering nimble, attractive cars.

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport employs a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 155 horsepower. Buyers can choose from either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. With a starting price of $25,000, the Miata offers accessible thrills to satisfy the masses, so why not buy two?

Photo by Mazda

Cadillac ATS Coupe - $37,995

The Cadillac ATS Coupe is how America does modern luxury. It’s also how America finds its way onto this list of 10 best sports cars under $50,000. With a stunning design, spunky powertrains, and the best chassis in its segment, the ATS Coupe is a true performance car.

Starting at just $37,995, the ATS Coupe uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder to deliver 272 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque. That’s plenty of power for most, but those who have a need for speed will prefer the 335-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 that retails for $47,750. Paired with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic and GM’s acclaimed Magnetic Ride Control, the ATS throws the challenge flag at its German rivals.

Photo by General Motors

Ford Mustang GT - $32,395

When it comes to horsepower per dollar, it doesn’t get much better than an American muscle car, and the Ford Mustang GT is better than ever. With retro styling, a 435-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 engine, comfortable cabin, and the ability to lay burnouts the length of football fields, the Mustang GT is anything but subtle.

Sports car shoppers may still assume the Mustang is a straight-line specialist, but its new independent rear suspension is made to tackle corners with ease. Choose from either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission, engage launch control, and take off like a rocket to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Prices for the Ford Mustang GT start at $32,395, but if you load on the performance goodies, it quickly turns into a $40k bill.

Photo by Ford

Chevrolet Camaro SS - $37,295

The foil to Ford’s Mustang is back for 2016 with an all-new look, platform, interior, and engine. The Chevrolet Camaro SS, like the Mustang, should be taken seriously as a performance machine in all settings, especially on the track. It deserves its spot on a list of 10 best sports cars under $50,000 for many reasons, but the simple fact that it’s faster around a track than BMW’s M4 should raise some eyebrows.

Powering the Camaro SS is Chevy’s LT1 V8, which churns out 455 horsepower and is linked to either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox. Sure, you can have the Camaro with a turbocharged 4-cylinder, but life’s better with a V8, and nothing howls quite as loud as an 8-cylinder battle cry. The 2016 Camaro SS starts at $37,295.

Photo by Joni Gray

Audi TT - $42,900

And from the land of beer and schnitzel, we have a number of worthy mentions on our list of 10 best sports cars under $50,000. The Audi TT has been freshly redesigned for 2016 and its aggressive design is stunning to behold. Sharp LED headlights, body creases, and wheel designs characterize the TT’s exterior, but supple leather and some of the coolest vehicle technology is hidden within the sports car’s interior.

Let’s not forget Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel drive system and feisty 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder powertrain. In the TT, 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque are available via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The whole package will set you back $42,900, but cool doesn’t come cheap.

Photo by Audi

Audi S4 - $49,200

Audi’s other horse in this race is its S4 sport sedan. Yes, the S4 of 2016 is a bit muted compared to its supercharged and V8 predecessors, but its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 still packs a wallop of 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Equally impressive is its quattro all-wheel drive system which maintains a vice grip on the pavement even during high velocity cornering.

Audi S4 buyers can choose from either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox with an optional torque-vectoring rear differential. 0 to 60 mph takes just 4.7 seconds and an electronic governor will cap the S4 at 155 mph. The S4 just nudges under our $50,000 price limit at $49,200.

BMW M235i - $44,150

A list of 10 best sports cars under $50,000 wouldn’t be complete without mention of a BMW, but as the Bavarian car maker’s prices continue to creep up, our options are limited. The best bet for the money is of the 2 Series variety — specifically, the M235i. Though you can get into a 2 Series for as little at $32,000, if you’re willing to spend more, you can saddle up in the 320-horsepower range-topper M performance car.

With a healthy 330 lb-ft of torque routed through either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox, the M235i can burst to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds and comes in both coupe and convertible body styles. The M235i stickers for $44,150, so be careful when checking those options boxes.

Volkswagen Golf R - $35,650

At the caboose of our list of 10 best sports cars under $50,000 is a hatchback. The Volkswagen Golf R isn’t just any hatchback, though; it’s an all-wheel drive, turbocharged, grin-inducing take on utility. While the VW GTI is the standard of hot hatchbacks, the "R" on this Golf’s grille designates an extra 72 horsepower for a grand total of 292 ponies and 280 lb-ft of torque.

Volkswagen uses a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission to channel power to all four wheels, giving the Golf R plenty of traction for rapid acceleration and excellent handling. Like the Subaru WRX STI, the Golf R starts at a reasonable $35,650, meaning a whole lot of performance for the money.

Photo by Volkswagen