What we all want is the perfect trinity. Fast, cheap, and reliable. We've heard the old saying that it's impossible though, and to some degree it's true. Any real speed is going to be associated with additional costs. The fastest car in the world, the Bugatti Chiron costs more than 2 million dollars. Just buying a normal sports car like the Dodge Challenger is a cost that's usually above the value of the average automobile.
The truth is though that you don't have to splurge to enjoy the hobby. Even better, is that if you're willing to put a little sweat equity into the equation then you'll be able to go that much faster without added monetary cost. We're going to look at 15 of the best options out there to go fast on a budget. In addition, each one of these cars can be tuned far further than the original manufacturers were willing to go.
14 Nissan 350Z
Perhaps one of the most lovely things about the Nissan 350Z is that you can beat on it without abandon and it'll just smile and keep revving. Add to that the amazing aftermarket scene and it's easy to see why it's on the list. That VQ rumble is lovely too.
13 BMW 135i
The 135i is the 1M or even M235i killer that very few people know about. They're so tunable from the factory that they've been called the modern 2JZ. If you can find a super cheap one you can simplify the engine bay so that repairs are easy too. You can even swap the twin turbos out for one big one.
12 Dodge SRT-4
The SRT-4 is pretty dang quick from the factory. Take a few thousand dollars and it'll turn into a V8 killer with a bad attitude. In addition, while it looks like an experiment gone wrong in the front, the back looks like a regular old Neon so you can slip under the radar a bit.
11 Mazda Miata
There is no larger aftermarket than that for the Miata. It really doesn't even matter which one you buy either. They're all outstanding. They're all track capable. They're even cheap to run on the track. Brakes, tires, engine parts, etc, they're all low cost. Not low fun though.
10 Honda S2000
The S2000 is a modern marvel. Achieving the power that this car does, in the way it does, is incredibly rare. It's also very capable around a track or even if you'd prefer to turn it into a drift machine. It looks fantastic too. Nothing not to love about it.
9 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The EVO is a world-renowned car because before you even tune it, it's deeply quick. It also fits four folks inside too. As you can see with this one, the sky is the limit when it comes to how far you can go too. It would be easy to see one make 500 horsepower or more, all from a 4-cylinder motor under the hood.
8 Subaru WRX STI
The WRX is one of the most unique cars available on the market today. The motor is wildly special all by itself and it sounds like it. In fact, I can speak from experience when I say that they're capable of stupid power. In fact, you'll find most people on forums telling new owners that 400 whp (which these cars are easily capable of) is tough for most people to handle.
7 Volvo S60 R-Design
Volvo knows how to make a quick car. The S60 R-Design sends power to all four wheels and features a 305 horsepower turbocharged engine. The aftermarket is big and the interior, as well as the drivetrain itself, is pretty special. It even features different suspension settings and perhaps the most special looking shifter ever made.
6 Audi TT
The Audi TT is one of the most capable cars in its space. The Quattro AWD system is the most underrated in the segment too. The 1.8-liter engine available is turbocharged and can be modified to the moon. They're quick-revving engines that are a ton of fun, and they're going to look fantastic even years from now.
5 Honda Civic
The Civic has earned its reputation as an economical way to go fast because of its reputation to go fast and be reliable each and every day. In addition, when it comes to tailoring the car to your own personal tastes, there are few cars in the world that can be as unique after investing a few dollars.
4 Nissan 180SX
The 180SX is the drift machine of the nation because no matter how much you rag on it, it just keeps working hard. Stack on top of that the vast array of parts that are available to make it faster. These things are often turned into works of art by their passionate owners.
3 Ford Mustang
While we're using a Fox-body 5.0 Mustang as the main photo you can really go for any Mustang with a V8 and end up happy. Even the lower output 4.6 will be more than capable of building serious power. They're not wildly complex either so you won't be dealing with a bunch of extra steps.
2 Chevrolet Corvette
The C4 Corvette is super cheap and it's one of the best bargains on the market when it comes to cheap speed. The C5 Z06 is perhaps a better bargain considering its higher output but it does mean a higher barrier to entry. Either one can be converted to a crazy capable Corvette Kart with a little elbow grease.
1 Mini Cooper S
Having owned an R53 and an R60 Mini Cooper I can tell you that they're outstanding. The R56 has a sketchy motor but otherwise, they're a great way to enjoy your drive every day. They're quick, responsive, and very capable. There are parts everywhere and with the right exhaust, they crack and pop like a supercar when slowing down.