When it comes to enjoying the little things in life, cruising the open road behind the wheel of an excellent car has to be high up on the list. From striking looks to agile handling and track-worthy performance, few vehicles in the market match the exhilaration and thrill of well-built sports cars. And in recent times, automakers have equipped modern sports cars with impeccable tech features, convenience features, and power than ever before.
Although sports cars are now more well-rounded machines, rarely do pleasant things come cheap. But then again, never has the lineup of sports cars at the affordable end of the spectrum been as impressive as they have been in 2021. With a budget well within the average price for new cars, you could snag a fun-to-drive performance car that matches the thrills of more expensive sports cars, and in some cases, exceeds them. As 2021 draws to a close, let's explore some of the best affordable sports cars of the year.
10 Honda Civic Type R - 39K
The Honda Civic Type R is a next-level hot hatch that delivers one of the best sports car performances on the road. Fitted with front-wheel drive, the Civic Type R steps up to the plate boldly against some of its more expensive peers in the segment.
It has a 306hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that returns an estimated 22/28mpg. In addition to its sterling history of practicality, efficiency, reliability, safety, and high resale value, the Civic Type R offers bang for the buck for a base price of $38,890.
9 Hyundai Veloster N - 33K
The Hyundai Veloster GTI may have been pivotal in popularizing the hot hatch, but the Veloster N has performed remarkably well against segment favorites to carry the torch into 2021. The Veloster N stands out from the crowd through its charisma and liveliness, something that arguably has been gradually fading from hot hatches.
The Hyundai Veloster N comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that delivers 275hp and 260lb-ft of torque to the front wheels through a capable standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Considering Hyundai's small pocket rocket has a $33,255 sticker price for the manual and $34,745 for the automatic, it offers a great alternative to the pricier Honda Civic Type R.
8 Nissan 370Z - 30K
Indeed, the sleek-styled Nissan 370Z stuck around for so long before the new 400hp Nissan Z arrived. And Nissan's lack of interest in redesigning the classic fastback sports car means its competition has better infotainment, technology, safety systems, and interior design.
Nonetheless, the 370Z is undoubtedly a solid performer given its high-revving naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 produces an impressive 332hp. Although the Nissan 370Z is currently sold-out across the U.S., there's no controversy that the 370Z's $30,090 base price was reasonable enough to earn it a spot among the best of 2021.
7 Subaru BRZ - 29K
The Subaru BRZ's sharp steering and agile handling make it a decent choice for any sports car lover. As Subaru prepared to phase in the second-generation BRZ that debuted late this year, the marque did not offer a 2021 model. Nonetheless, the previous year's lightweight rear-drive coupe boasts a better and more authentic driving experience than other overly complex sports cars in its segment.
The BRZ is not the quickest nor the quietest sports coupe, but the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter flat-four-cylinder engine funnels 205hp, enough to encourage a bit of aggressive driving. The Subaru BRZ is available in two trims, a base model starting at $28,845, while the tS version demands $32,395.
6 Volkswagen GTI - 29K
Despite being in the game for nearly 40 years and nearing the end of its current life cycle, the Volkswagen GTI is a staple yet to lose its original sparkle. Admittedly, the VW GTI faced tough competition in its segment this year, but its sober styling, practicality, and athletic handling make it a supreme driving machine.
The Volkswagen GTI offers sprightly performance through a 2.0-liter inline-four, capable of putting out 242hp and 295lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a fun six-speed standard manual or a snappy optional seven-speed DCT, all capable of enabling instant response and solid acceleration. For 2021, the base S trim Volkswagen GTI is available from $28,695, while the mid-level SE starts at $32,665, and the top-ranking Autobahn edition demands $36,945.
5 Dodge Challenger - 28K
The Dodge Challenger is one of the last true muscle cars, well-loved for retaining its relatively large and muscular styling, unlike any other sports car in the market. The Challenger's size is a glaring stumbling block to agile handling, but it makes for a good highway tourer or, when necessary, a drag race demon.
Dodge equipped the Challenger with a standard 3.6-liter V-6 that makes 303hp, arguably one of the more powerful engines in its class. The Challenger would not be a proper Dodge without potent V-8 Hemi options within its wide range of trim levels, but you would have to shell out way more than the attractive $28,295 starting price for the SXT.
4 Subaru WRX - 28K
The Subaru WRX is an oddity in the compact class, but the standard torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive and rally car dynamics make it a proper driver's sports sedan. For what it lacks in modern aesthetic and sophistication, the WRX more than makes up for it through its unique method of entertainment.
Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four that offers 268hp and 258lb-ft of torque, available with an exciting standard six-speed manual or optional CVT. Subaru also provides the more powerful and more expensive WRX STI, but the WRX is surprisingly quicker at a more affordable $27,495 base price.
3 Ford Mustang - 27K
The Ford Mustang might be an iconic muscle car, but its stellar performance affords all the hallmarks of a modern sports car. From its driver-focused cabin to its sure-footed handling, well-poised demeanor, decent size, and intuitive in-car technology, there's not much that the Mustang gets wrong.
The Ford Mustang has an impressive range of engines, but the standard unit is the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, paired to a six-speed transmission with launch control. Considering the high-quality interior, class-leading reliability ratings, and remarkable fuel economy estimates, the base Mustang's $27,155 starting price is a great bargain.
2 Mazda MX-5 Miata - 27K
It doesn't get more fun than the stylish Mazda MX-5 Miata as far as sports car discussions go. And despite several well-recognized compromises, the Miata is unquestionably a hoot to drive. What's even more impressive, four generations and counting, this tiny Mazda still lives up to the original's cheerful driving manner, unparalleled handling capability, and beaming attitude.
The lightweight rear-wheel-drive Miata roadster gets power from a peppy 2.0-liter inline-four, capable of producing 181hp and 151lb-ft of torque. Prices for the Miata start at $27,775 for a Miata Sport, but anyone with deeper pockets can opt for the top-spec $35,755 priced Miata Club.
1 Chevrolet Camaro - 25K
The Chevy Camaro has been around for more than half a century, and it remains true to its nature of prioritizing performance over day-to-day livability. The modern Camaro gets criticized for its confining interior and poor outward visibility, but the pony car's aggressive design, impressive cornering ability, and ride quality make it comfortable enough for the daily commute.
Chevrolet offers a robust lineup of engines for the 2021 Camaro, but a 275hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder coupled with a six-speed manual is standard. Since the Camaro is primarily for those with a passion for driving, Chevrolet offers sweet-sounding V6 and V8 versions further up the trims. However, the most affordable Camaro starts at a friendly $25,000, making it one of the lowest-priced sports cars in 2021.