There's no doubt about it: on the whole, modern sports cars now handle better than ever. An assortment of electronic trickery now comes as standard with most new sports cars, helping to keep the driver firmly on the asphalt even if their skills don't quite match up to their confidence. Not only that, but with decades of experience fine-tuning things like chassis setups and weight distribution, the leading manufacturers can engineer their cars more precisely than ever to really fine-tune them in a way that simply wasn't possible twenty or thirty years ago.

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Of course, anyone looking to enjoy the absolute pinnacle of current sports car engineering will have to shell out as much cash as most people would spend on a house, but not every sports car has to break the bank. A budget of $150,000 is more than enough to buy a car that handles excellently, and in some cases, they'll cost considerably less than that. Japanese, European and American manufacturers all offer their own versions of what they think a top-tier sports car should be, so there are plenty of choices out there. But, for handling alone, these 2022 sports cars simply can't be beaten.

10 Nissan GTR

Nissan GTR 2022 on a highway by the ocean
Nissan

The 2022 Nissan GTR might not be the cut-price bargain that it once was, but it still offers supercar-level performance for significantly less cash than most of its rivals will sell for. Its acceleration is still mind-blowing, and the AWD system and sticky tires ensure that there's always plenty of grip.

Nissan GTR 2022 blue on the highway over the city
Via Nissan

It's equally at home on the road as it is on the track, and it's surprisingly easy to daily drive, too. Despite remaining essentially the same since it debuted in 2009, the GTR remains one of the best-handling sports cars on the market at its price point.

9 Aston Martin Vantage

Aston Martin Vantage
Via Aston Martin

The new Aston Martin V8 Vantage just about squeezes under the $150k mark, with the base level car costing around $145k without options. It's certainly one of the best-looking cars in its price bracket, and it's a blast to drive as well, with 503 hp on tap from the twin-turbo V8 engine.

Aston Martin Vantage
Via Aston Martin

With the new model year, Aston tweaked the car for sharper performance on the track, although it's still tail-happy enough to light the tires up at any given moment should its driver wish. For a track day toy that also doubles up as a long-distance grand tourer, it doesn't get much better than this.

8 Jaguar F-Type

Jaguar F-Type
Via Jaguar Media

After a few years of stagnating sales, it seems like Jaguar have finally got the formula right for the F-Type. They've dropped the underwhelming four-cylinder engine and the mid-spec six-cylinder from the lineup, leaving a 5.0L supercharged V8 engine as the only option.

Jaguar F-Type
Via Jaguar Media

That makes it more fun than ever on the road, and its refined-yet-engaging ride will make long-distance road trips a blast. It's a more GT-oriented car than many of its rivals, and on the track, it's not the sharpest. But, on back roads and highways, the F-Type really shines, and it's among the best in its price bracket.

7 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda Miata RF
Via Mazda USA

By far the cheapest car listed here is the Mazda MX-5 Miata, which to any self-respecting gearhead, will need no further introduction. It's one of the best-selling sports cars of all time, and for good reason.

RELATED: 5 Reasons Why You Should Buy A Miata (5 Cool Sports Cars You May Want To Consider Instead)

Mazda Miata RF
Via Mazda USA

Its lightweight construction and zippy handling make it one of the most fun sports cars to drive, period. It's by no means the fastest, or the most glamorous, but it's still an excellent affordable sports car. In terms of pure driver enjoyment, the Miata can compete with cars that cost triple its asking price and more.

6 Porsche 911

Red Porsche 911 2022
Via Porsche

The Porsche 911 is about as close to a definitive sports car as its possible to get. For decades now, it's remained the industry benchmark that competitors have tried to beat, and some have succeeded, but many have failed.

Red Porsche 911 2022
Via Porsche

The base-spec Carrera starts at a fraction over $100,000, it's worth splashing out and opting for the $137,000 Carrera GTS, especially since it offers a seven-speed manual transmission. Whether it's on the track, the highway or even in the city, the 911 is one of the most versatile sports cars on the market, with very few rivals able to match it.

5 BMW M4

BMW M4 blue
Via BMW

When the latest generation of the BMW M4 was unveiled, most of the attention was given to its divisive looks. That's a shame, as it's a better drivers' car than ever, improving on the already-brilliant formula that the previous generation M3 and M4 won so much praise for.

BMW M4 blue
Via BMW

Like many of the cars featured here, the selling point of the M4 is that it can be used as a daily driver, or a track day toy, and it's just as capable in either situation. Prices start at around $73,000 for a base-spec model.

4 Toyota GR Supra

Front 3/4 view of a blue GR Supra
Via Toyota

After years of teasers and speculation, the new Toyota Supra is finally here, and it's predictably great. It has generated a lot of controversy because of its BMW roots, but that shouldn't matter to anyone whose main priority is getting a top-tier drivers' car.

Rear 3/4 view of a blue GR Supra
Via Toyota

It's quick, it's precise, and yet it's still a genuinely fun car to drive. And, best of all, it starts under $50,000, although most buyers will probably want to pay a little more for the more powerful 3.0L version rather than the base spec 2.0L.

3 BMW Z4

BMW Z4 M40i
Via BMW

The Supra's BMW-badged sibling, the BMW Z4 is an equally great car to drive, and a serious step up from the previous-generation Z4. It's not as sharp as a Supra, with a more refined, smooth handling profile, but it'll still light up the tires if you put your foot down.

RELATED: 10 Reasons Why Every Gearhead Should Own A BMW Z4

BMW Z4
Via BMW

The top-spec M40i comes with a 382 hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, and it propels the Z4 from 0-62 mph in just 3.7 seconds. That's a seriously impressive figure, but even with the extra power, the Z4 makes no compromises on comfort or handling.

2 Chevrolet Corvette

The front of the new Corvette Z06
Via Chevrolet

The C8 Corvette is nothing short of a revelation, being the first mid-engined Corvette and a world away from the previous generation C7. It also handles a lot better than its predecessor, no doubt in part thanks to the revised engine placement.

Rear 3/4 view of the new Corvette Z06
Via Chevrolet

The upcoming Z06 model should be the most track-ready variant, but even in base-spec 1LT form, the Corvette is still a thrill to drive. It's also one of the best value sports cars on the market, with performance that matches cars that cost twice as much.

1 Porsche 718 Cayman

Green 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 Sports Car Front View
Via: Porsche

Despite being somewhat overshadowed by its bigger brother, the 911, the 718 Cayman has evolved into one of the best sports cars on the market in terms of handling. It's a joy both on the track and on the road, with just the right balance of grip and power.

Porsche 718 Cayman GTS
Via Porsche

The GTS 4.0 is a particular highlight in the range, but any variant of the Cayman will be just as exhilarating at speed. While there's no doubt that the 911 remains the more prestigious of the two, there's an argument to be made that the Cayman outclasses its sibling in terms of handling, and perhaps even value for money.