Things such as the number of horses stuffed under the hood or the time a car takes to finish a quarter-mile run matter to some; but to enthusiasts who truly appreciate sports cars by pushing them to their absolute limits, it's all about handling. For them, the feeling of confidence while taking a sharp corner on a canyon road or a track without missing the apex is the biggest reward. Another thing that every enthusiast loves is getting those back road carvers for cheap.
Fast and affordable used to be two words rarely used in the same sentence. Today, a new fun-to-drive sports car can probably break your bank but if you still want to have that driving thrill for cheap then making your way to the used car market will be your best bet. Most of the cars in this list offer exhilarating driving experiences as they come equipped with amazingly tuned suspensions, rigid chassis, and ultra direct and precise steering to take on those corners effortlessly.
So without keeping you hanging any further, here are 10 cheap sports cars that offer incredible handling around corners.
9 2001 Toyota MR2
Since its launch, the Toyota MR2 has been referred to as the 'The Poor Man's Ferrari' for an excellent reason. This tiny but agile sports car from the Land of the Rising Sun has always signified performance on a budget. And for anyone looking to carve those twisty and windy back roads, this is a serious bang for the buck. The third generation MR2 handles like a go-cart with its ultra-precise steering.
Because of its light weight and engine placement, the MR2 offers a very direct and fun driving experience. It is one of the best-handling cars to buy on a budget and still tear up the track or mountain roads with. Also, that bulletproof Toyota reliability is just an added bonus. Here's a 2001 Toyota MR2 in immaculate condition with extremely low miles that can be easily yours for under $15,000.
8 2011 Mazda RX-8
There is no denying that the Mazda RX-8 is one of the most extraordinary modern-day sports cars. Famous for that rotary engine that could easily rev to 9000 rpm, the RX-8 has also been regarded as one of the best-handling vehicles ever created. This marvel of a car offered a nearly perfect 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution thanks to the small rotary engine located behind the front wheels and sending power to the rear wheels.
The Mazda RX-8 offers sprightly performance and engaging drive with sharp and extremely direct steering. It amalgamated all the ingredients that created a recipe for the most thrilling driving experience. Today, a reasonably-priced low mileage 2011 RX-8 can be snatched up for under $13,000.
7 1994 Nissan 300ZX
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The Nissan 300ZX has always been a little underrated, but the handling it offered at the time easily trumps many modern sports cars and muscle cars. The front-engined Z came with a 3.0-liter V6 that sent the power to the rear wheels via a short-throw five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential that helped it in developing a unique driving experience. Nissan gave the 300ZX a rather complex unequal-length control-arm suspension in the front while the rear used a multi-link setup.
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As such, these cars were automotive athletes on a curvy road and a ball to drive. Currently, a 1994 300ZX in good shape can be scooped up for less than $13,000.
6 2012 Nissan 370Z
Next up on the list is another sports car from Nissan. This time around it's the 370Z—the successor to the legendary 350Z. Like the 350Z, the 370Z is also known for its superior driving dynamics. Its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout is a proven formula for astounding handling. It offers ultimate body control and outright grip. The 370Z also gets recalibrated dampers that increase its stability.
Nismo, the tuning arm of Nissan further added five body struts to increase the 370Z's rigidity, and it worked like a charm. Today, a decent used 2012 370Z can be picked up for just under $15,000.
5 2007 Porsche Boxster
The Boxster, much like every other Porsche, proves that it is worthy of the distinctive prancing horse insignia from Stuttgart. It's a great sports car that offers exceptional chassis balance and somehow manages to feel firmly planted and light at the same time. Body roll and mid-corner bumps in this zippy Porsche are absolutely not an issue. Its perfect balance, tight chassis, and incredible interaction with the driver make it an astounding handling machine.
The Boxster is extremely sharp and responsive, and its brakes are among the finest in the business. Although the ride may be a bit too stiff for some in the city driving condition, it's just a tiny price that one has to pay for the sublime handling experience on twisty windy roads. And today a decent used 2007 Porsche Boxster can be picked up for around $25,000.
4 2015 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is one of the most incredible sports cars to pick up on a tight budget. It is about low-speed thrills and developing a deeper relationship with the car's mechanical components, rather than reaching high speeds. Its low driving position, direct steering, and adequate power make it an absolute driving pleasure. The BRZ offers extremely sharp and precise handling without a hint of understeer.
Although at low speeds this Japanese sports car can feel a little sluggish, when pushed to the deep end of the performance, it tends to shine the brightest. A used example of the 2015 Subaru BRZ with fairly low miles can be yours for $17,000 or less if you look hard enough.
3 1983 Porsche 944
The second and last Porsche on this list is the ultimate modern classic Porsche 944. Launched in 1982, the front-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car was regarded as the best handling car of its time. Equipped with hydraulic power steering that was well-weighted and super responsive, the 944 offered an impeccable driving experience. It had an incredibly sharp turn-in and minimal body motion during cornering.
Even today, a ton of enthusiasts prefer the 944 for their weekend joyrides and occasional track days. The 944 is one of those cars that makes us realize what true driving machines are without all the gadgets, gizmos, and tech of the modern-day. Currently, a barely used 1983 944 can be had for just under $19,000.
2 1999 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT
The Ford Mustang was never famous for its handling, but in 1999, Ford did something unexpected; it gave the 1999 Mustang Cobra SVT an independent rear suspension, which until then has never been featured on any Mustang. The IRS made the car feel more supple and thus more readable in corners. Overall, it improved the handling of the coupe by miles, and for the first time, drivers could feel the astounding driving dynamics of a Mustang on twisty pavements.
Even today, it is no slouch as it came powered by a 320-horsepower 4.6-liter V-8. An impeccable example of the 1999 Mustang Cobra SVT with fairly low miles will come in at under $19,000.
1 2005 Honda S2000
The '90s was a glorious era for the JDM car scene as it gave birth to a ton of icons, and one of Japan's greatest sports cars has been the Honda's S2000. It is often regarded as the best-handling car of the time, and even today, it gets nothing but praise from enthusiasts. Over the years, the S2000 has been admired for its extraordinary handling, perfect 50:50 weight distribution, rewarding power band, and appealing looks.
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Known for its naturally aspirated VTEC engine that could rev to 8200 rpm, the S2000 has received numerous accolades over the years. Although this incredible sports car has skyrocketed in value recently, an unmolested 2005 Honda S2000 just like this one can still be yours for $20,000.