As you might know, there is an ongoing battle among car enthusiasts about whether FWD or RWD is the best drivetrain layout. Or perhaps, a capable but heavy all-wheel-drive car is the best bang for your buck? Front-wheel drive is often used in compact and economy cars while rear-wheel-drive is used in performance, luxury, and sports cars.

Updated October 2022: If you're a car enthusiast looking for the best and most affordable rear-wheel-drive sports cars, we've updated this list with the latest prices and power figures to help you make your decision.

That's why the RWD is the choice of driving enthusiasts who prefer sports car driving dynamics and feel. Of course, sublime handling and performance usually come with a steep price tag, however, there's no need to worry; we've got you covered. There are plenty of cheap and affordable driver's cars out there that make some very convincing arguments as to why rear-wheel-drive is the best option. Just check out these new or used RWD cars that offer handling and performance that'll satisfy most driving enthusiasts.

17 Porsche Cayman 987

Porsche Cayman 987
Via Porsche Club of America

Every gearhead on a budget knows very well that a 2000s Cayman is one of the best bang-for-the-buck RWD sports cars on the market, period. It still easily gives its modern counterparts such as the brand-new Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 a run for their money, offering more power and equally thrilling handling. It will be a while before the Cayman's combination of a 300-horsepower boxer engine, low center of gravity, and luxurious interior is beaten for the price. You can find a used 987 Cayman (or Boxster) in great condition for just around $20,000 nowadays.

16 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG R171

Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG
Mercedes-Benz 

Mercedes-Benz's SLK line has been in production from 1996 until 2020, serving as the smaller and more affordable sibling to the SL-Class roadster. It served that purpose surprisingly well, offering an array of powerful engines and luxurious trims. For a RWD-loving gearhead, a used R171 generation SLK 55 makes an incredibly thrilling daily driver. Despite the car's small size, under the hood is a massive 5.4-liter V8 that pumps out 355 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. It will reach 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds and only stop accelerating when it reaches its electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.

However, one of the best things about these cars is their price. Due to unfair depreciation, a used 2005 SLK 55 AMG in great condition will set you back just about $22,000.

15 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda MX-5 Miata
motorauthority.com

A legendary roadster and one of the best RWD sports cars regardless of price, the Miata has finally shed its "hairdresser" image and offers nothing but driving pleasure. The secret behind the roadster's success is its lightweight body, peppy engine, and perfect weight distribution, all topped out with rear-wheel-drive.

It really doesn't matter which generation you get, they're all fun to drive and deliver a similar driving feel. The brand-new entry-level MX-5 Miata Sport has a starting MSRP of around $26,600, whereas on the used market they can be found for a few hundred bucks and up.

14 Chevrolet Camaro

Chevy Camaro
whichcar.au

The Camaro has one of the best chassis architectures in the muscle car class, a fantastic selection of engines ranging from small turbo four-banger to fire-breathing supercharged V8, and rear-wheel-drive making it a prime example of an American performance car.

Those looking for the maximum amount of power should check out the ZL1. It has a supercharged 6.2L V8 pumping out 650 hp. However, Camaro ZL1 prices start at $63,000 and can easily exceed $72,000 once some options boxes are ticked. On the other end of the scale is the 275 hp 4-cylinder model with a starting price of around $25,000.

13 Fiat 124 Spider

Fiat 124 Spider
caranddriver.com

Built on the same basis as the current Miata, the Fiat 124 Spider has two significant differences: its design and 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, which actually makes it slightly faster than the Mazda. It also comes with exclusive interior trim and more upscale features.

This is probably the cheapest Italian sports car on the market, in fact, it's one of the cheapest sports cars, period. The 2020 base model had an MSRP $25,390, making it cheaper than the Miata.

12 Subaru BRZ

Subaru BRZ
whichcar.au

This little Subaru is all about the driving experience. A lightweight body, rear-wheel-drive, and low center of gravity thanks to the flat-four engine make it exceptionally fun to drive – and that's despite its 200-hp engine. But, we do feel that the car should have a bit more power since the chassis could definitely handle it.

Apparently, there is a new model in the works, and we bet it will be even better and more exciting. The 2020 model had a base MSRP of $28,845, which might be on the higher end of the scale for what is in reality an entry-level sports car.

11 2021 Ford Mustang

Ford Mustang EcoBoost
via Ford

The rear-wheel-drive is one of the Mustang's signature features if you are lucky enough to own one of the V8 models then you have the perfect American muscle combo with everlasting appeal and a glorious soundtrack. However, even the entry-level EcoBoost models will provide much enjoyment and very decent performance, especially with the Performance Pack option box ticked.

The base-model 2021 Ford Mustang starts at $27,155, with the V8 GT model retailing for $36,120. Of course, there are also the Mach 1 and Shelby models, but then we're no longer talking about affordable sports cars.

Related: 2020 BMW M3 Is Getting A ‘Pure’ Rear-Wheel-Drive Option With 454 HP

10 2020 Nissan 370Z

Nissan 370Z
whichcar.au

With its 332 hp from a high-revving naturally-aspirated V6, the Nissan 370Z is one of the purest rear-wheel-drive coupes you can find new or used. The interior features may be a bit outdated, but the driving experience is exciting as ever. The latest news from Nissan state that this model will get a replacement soon and that it will be even better and more powerful.

The 2020 Nissan 370Z had a base price of $30,090, making it one of the most expensive in its class.

9 2021 Kia Stinger GT

Kia Stinger
autorepublika.com

Although the Stinger is offered with an optional AWD system, we believe that the best version is the one featuring rear-wheel-drive. This capable yet practical performance sedan is a big step forward for Kia in terms of performance and image. The handling was tuned by ex-BMW M-Tech engineers which guarantees great driving dynamics.

The base model 2021 Kia Stinger comes with a $33,090 price tag, which makes it one of the cheapest cars in its class. The V6 model comes in at $39,500, and a fully loaded GT2 version costs $52,600.

8 BMW 2 Series

BMW 2-series
thecarconnection.com

If the M2 or M4 is too expensive, you can always get the 228i, which is precisely what an enthusiast's BMW should be. Compact, affordable, and reasonably powerful with sharp steering, signature rear-wheel-drive, and energetic performance. 228 hp is not an insane amount of power, but it is certainly enough for a spirited drive.

There's a choice between four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, with the base model 2 Series Coupe starting at $35,900.

7 Chrysler 300

Chrysler 300
motortrend.com

Combining luxury with performance, the Chrysler 300 with a 363-hp Hemi V8 is a classic American RWD sedan with impeccable road manners. While it's far from agile, it does have a unique driving feel as well as the charm of the old-school V8-powered cruiser.

The Chrysler 300 has been on the market forever, but it is still pretty appealing. Prices for the 2020 Chrysler 300 ranged from roughly $30,000 to $38,000.

6 2020 Toyota GT86

Toyota GT86
via autoexpress.co.uk

Twin brother to the Subaru BRZ, the Toyota GT 86 was designed to bring back the concept of an affordable and fun sports car. With the accent on handling rather than on sheer performance, rear-wheel-drive was an integral part of the package.

The 2020 Toyota GT 86 is one of the most affordable sports cars on the market, with prices starting at $26,985. Even the limited Hakone Edition only cost $29,870.

Related: These Dirt-Cheap Cars Will Reach 60 MPH In Under 5 Seconds

5 Dodge Challenger

Dodge Challenger
topspeed.com

It is impossible to imagine a muscle car with engine choices up to 840 hp without rear-wheel drive. The Challenger is one of the purest muscle cars ever built, especially when equipped with Hemi V8.

Staying true to the muscle car ethos, Dodge has priced the Challenger at a very competitive price, at least for the regular models. While the V6-powered Dodge Challenger SXT starts at $28,295, it's the V8 versions that are the most attractive. For $34,995, you can snag yourself a V8-powered Challenger R/T, although prices can go as high as $80,000 for the top-of-the-line models.

4 2015 Mercedes C63 AMG

Mercedes C63 AMG
topspeed.com

Germans don’t know how to make a muscle car, right? Wrong, and here is proof – the 2008 to 2015 C63 AMG. With the 6.2-liter V8 engine, rear-wheel-drive and insane performance, this is a proper muscle sedan and definitive future classic. Available as a sedan, coupe, or wagon, this is a sports car disguised as practical family transport.

These days, a used C63 AMG model can be picked up for less than $25,000, which is a good deal considering the power and pedigree that comes with it.

3 Mazda RX-8

mazda rx8
mazda.rs

Although controversial, the RX-8 is still one of the cheapest driver's cars you can get. A combination of an insane-revving Wankel engine, lightweight chassis, and rear-wheel drive has many fans all over the world.

Yes, we know the Wankel is not the most reliable engine in the world, but if you've got some skills with a wrench, the RX-8 is well worth the risk. The Mazda RX-8 truly is a bargain these days, with prices starting as low as $5,000

2 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Hyundai Genesis Coupe
khqa.com

Underrated but affordable, the Genesis Coupe is a serious piece of kit. With 363 hp from the 3.5-liter V6 engine, a RWD platform, and the ability to achieve 60 mph in under 6 seconds, this Korean muscle car is worth considering.

With prices starting around the $5,000 mark for older models, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe really is a bargain!

1 Chevrolet SS

2014 Chevrolet SS
hotcars.com

From the outside, it looks like a rental car, but this sleeper hides a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 412 hp. That's BMW M5 performance, and it's all sent to the rear wheels. The Chevy SS received an undeserved reputation as a poor man's Cadillac CTS-V, while in reality, it was one of the coolest Bow Tie performance cars in recent years.

Prices start around $25,000 for a high-mileage example, while $10,000 more will buy you a spotless low-mileage model.