When you think about some best-handling sports cars like the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, Porsche 911, and the Mercedes AMG GT, you immediately begin to notice that they're mostly rear-wheel-drive. For some reason, automotive companies tend to use standard rear-wheel-drive in their sports cars. With rear-wheel drive, the weight transfer is improved, which helps enhance the handling. Handling is an important point in sports cars since they're built for performance and handling. Rear-wheel-drive also aids traction, especially during acceleration. Manufacturers can save space with front-wheel-drive since their configuration is simple, but then, space isn't prioritized in sports cars.
On the other hand, all-wheel-drive improves footing and makes driving in conditions like winter easier. Cars like the Acura NSX, Nissan GT-R, and the Lamborghini Huracan offer standard all-wheel-drive. For example, the Lamborghini Huracan uses an AWD system that's controlled electronically, and reviews from Lamborghini Huracan owners have praised the sports car for being balanced. More manufacturers are beginning to offer AWD on their models, but most of these cars are expensive, with some of the prices running into hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, there are some great AWD sports cars that you can buy on a budget. Here, we'll be highlighting the eight fastest AWD sports cars for $30,000.
8 2016 Subaru WRX ($27,495)
Subaru got inspiration from their STI rally cars for the WRX. The sedan has standard symmetrical AWD and a track-oriented suspension on all trim levels. Active torque vectoring and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) are also standard to enhance steering and cornering. Subaru used their 2.0-liter DOHC turbocharged Boxer engine that produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Compared with competition like the 2020 Honda Civic Si, 2021 Hyundai Veloster N, and the 2021 Volkswagen GTI, the WRX performs better. For the interior, Subaru went with a simple and clean design that suits a sports car. The Subaru WRX was also rated as a 2021 top safety pick by the IIHS. You can get this sports car for a starting price of $27,495.
7 1993 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 ($17,995)
Although the sports car is rare, you should check out the 1993 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 if you have a thing for classic cars. The 1993 3000GT VR-4 is a first-generation car, and it embodies everything a classic car should be. Fitted with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6, the 3000GT VR-4 has 300 horsepower, a top speed of 165mph, and it can accelerate 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds.
The V6 engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission system and active aerodynamics to enhance performance. With just $17,995, you can cop a used 1993 3000GT VR-4.
6 2019 Ford Taurus SEL ($28,462)
The 2019 Ford Taurus has AWD available on the SEL trim and standard in the SHO trim. Ford used a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 288 horsepower, torque of 254 lb-ft, and an acceleration rate of 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds. A lot of features are optional in the Ford Taurus.
Features like keyless start, smart device integration, heated front seats, and the rear spoiler are optional—however, other standard features like the tire monitoring system, cruise control, and electronic stability control. With $28,462, you can get a used 2019 Ford Taurus SEL.
5 2021 Mazda 3 ($23,650)
Instead of a traditional AWD system, the 2021 Mazda 3 uses an i-Activ AWD system. The i-Activ AWD system manages the torque distribution to the tires by using the car's g-sensors to judge weight transfer. Sounds very advanced if you ask us. The Mazda 3 is powered by a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but there's also an available 2.5-liter engine option.
With $23,650, you can get the Mazda 3, which is capable of 250 horsepower and accelerates 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds. Also, the sports car has the Mazda radar cruise control complete with stop and go.
4 2010 Audi RS5 ($25,900)
The RS5 is an evolution of the A5 coupe, and both vehicles look similar from the exterior. Audi used their traditional sedan design for the RS5 with two exhaust outlets at the rear. The RS5 is a direct rival of the BMW M3 Coupe. Unlike its competition, the Audi RS5 has AWD, and a torque-vectoring rear differential is an available option. With the torque-vectoring rear differential, the car gets more weight improving performance.
The 2010 RS5 uses a 4.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine that delivers 460 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Matched with a 7-speed S Tronic transmission system, the RS5 has a top speed of 155mph and can accelerate 0-60mph in 4.0 seconds. A used 2010 RS5 is available at $25,900.
3 2021 Kia K5 GT-Line ($25,390)
We can always count on Kia and its parent company to make quality cars at affordable prices. The 2021 K5 comes in five trim levels, and the highest performing trim is the K5 GT. Now, before the GT trim, there's a high-performing GT-Line trim. The GT-Line shares the same styling and design as the Kia K5 GT. Features like the sport steering wheel and a rear spoiler are also shared between both cars.
The GT-Line has the Kia 'tiger face,' but the design is thinner than what we see in other Kia models. With a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, the GT-Line gets an output of 180 horsepower, 195 lb-ft of torque, and accelerates 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds. The GT-Line has a top speed of 155mph and a starting price of $25,390.
2 2017 Ford Focus RS ($29,981)
The Ford Focus RS (Rallye Sport) is the performance version of the regular Ford Focus. Ford uses front-wheel-drive for the Ford Focus and all-wheel-drive for the performance variant. With a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine, the Ford Focus RS delivers 350 horsepower, 350 lb-ft of torque, and accelerates 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds.
The Ford Focus RS uses a limited differential for its front axle. Most features in the sports car are also track-oriented. A used 2017 Ford Focus RS listing on Edmunds sells at $29,981
1 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 ($29,996)
An icon in the automotive world, the Porsche 911, and its trim levels can be expensive. However, you can get the 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 for as low as $29,996. Despite being an old model, the sports car has enough safety and convenience features to suit modern needs.
The 911 Carrera 4 uses a gas flat-6 engine with 315 horsepower and 273 lb-ft torque. With a top speed of 174mph and an acceleration rate of 0-60mph in 5 seconds, the 911 Carrera 4 is fast even by today's standards. The sports car is equipped with traction control, stability control, a four-wheel ABS, and more.