The prospect of speeding through country roads with the windows rolled down and songs blasting from the stereo has an unmistakable draw. It's a scene straight out of a 1950s movie. Many people fantasize about driving a fast car on a winding route. But, for many people, owning a sports car remains a pipe dream due to the high cost and impracticality of these vehicles. Still, there is a plethora of inexpensive new and used sports cars that can meet your thirst for speed without breaking the bank.

Sports car buyers in the United States are enthusiastic, and there is a vast range of options to suit every sort of personality. There are convertibles, muscle cars, coupes, and even a lot of hot hatches all competing for buyers. Whatever the conditions, these cars can outrun even the most contemporary supercars, coupes, and convertibles that can thrill. Even the odd, quirky muscle car, with the V8-powered Ford Mustang infusing a touch of Americana taste.

More convenience options, technological innovations, and power are available in modern sports vehicles than ever before. Despite the fact that sports cars have strengthened into more well-rounded machines, consumers may still find sports cars on a budget. Nowadays, getting you into a test drive is as simple as walking down to your local new car dealer. Here are the most cost-effective sports vehicles of 2021 for $35,000 or less.

10 2021 Hyundai Veloster N

Veloster N - Front quarter
Via Hyundai 

The Hyundai Veloster N helped to re-popularize the hot hatch. Moreover, it is on par with segment favorites to continue the flame into 2021. The Veloster N isn't a sports vehicle in the usual sense, but it has nimble handling and plenty of power.

White 2022 Hyundai Veloster N
Via: Hyundai

It will be available in 2021 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. For a little hatchback, 275 horsepower is a lot of muscle. There may be better alternatives, but if you personally like it then you won't regret it either.

Related: 10 Reasons Why The Hyundai Veloster N Deserves More Respect

9 2022 Subaru WRX

2022-Subaru-WRX-via-Stuff.co.nz
Via Stuff.co.nz

The Subaru WRX is without a doubt one of the most well-known sports cars and easily the best sports sedan in its price range, having descended from a long line of legends such as the 22B. Aside from its illustrious heritage, the rally-inspired WRX has a lot to offer.

Subaru WRX on the road
Via thedrive.com

A guarantee of fun handling is one of the primary elements that distinguish the WRX from the competition thanks to its unique AWD system. The new WRX is no slouch when it comes to straight-line performance either. Subaru equipped the 2021 WRX with a 2.4-liter Turbocharged Boxer-4 engine that produces 271 horsepower.

Related: These Are The Coolest Features Of The 2021 Subaru WRX

8 Ford Fiesta ST

Ford-Fiesta-ST-3-1
Via Ford Media

The all-new Ford Fiesta ST is essentially a tamer version of the Fiat 500 Abarth. The Ford Fiesta ST is a very customizable subcompact hatchback that is as quick, powerful, affordable, and thrilling as ever.

Ford-Fiesta-ST-3---Rear-Quarter-1
Via Ford Media

Ford ST's amazing engine has to be its best feature. It produces 197 horsepower. It allows the Fiesta ST to reach speeds of up to 144 mph, which is impressive for a vehicle of this size and price.

7 2021 Dodge Challenger

Dodge Challenegr RT Scat Pack - Front
Dodge

Dodge is the only automaker that can extend the life of a vehicle. One of the last pure muscle cars on the market is the Dodge Challenger, and it's unlike anything else offered to sports car enthusiasts. It has enormous size, powerful engines, and a muscular appearance.

Dodge Challenger RT Scat Pack - Rear
Via Dodge

The Challenger comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 303 horsepower, but options go all the way up to the 807-horsepower Hellcat Super Stock. But even stock, it has one of the most powerful engines at its price point. To add to the list of benefits, the new Challenger has a surprisingly comfortable ride and direct handling.

Related: 10 Obscure Facts Most Gearheads Don't Know About The Dodge Challenger

6 2021 Ford Mustang

The 2021 Ford Mustang.
Via: Ford

The Ford Mustang family has a long and illustrious history, and each vehicle in the lineup has its own distinct personality. In 2021, they will still offer the Mustang as a coupe or a convertible, and its high-performance model lineup will be as broad as ever.

Ford Mustang EcoBoost - Rear
Via NetCarShow

It's available in the turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost or the V8-powered GT and Mach 1 trim. You can equip both versions of the car with track weapons to take on its Chevy or Dodge counterparts. That's why the Mustang remains a classic: it appeals to a wide range of drivers.

5 Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 - Front
Via NetCarShow

If you're looking for a classic sports car that won't break the budget, the Chevrolet Camaro is an exceptional alternative. The base model Camaro lacks the power of some higher-performance vehicles in the lineup.

JDPA_2021 Camaro ZL1 Coupe and Convertible
via JDPA

But it still provides a lot of value thanks to its seductive V6 and V8 sounds and 275 horsepower. Despite its heavier weight than most other sports cars, the Camaro is eager to take curves and has plenty of stability.

Related: 5 Times The Camaro Was Way Better Than The Mustang (5 When It Wasn't)

4 2021 Volkswagen GTI

White 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Volkswagen

The VW Golf GTI 2021 is a practical, affordable, and most importantly, thrilling driving vehicle. This front-driver is lightning fast, thanks to a powerful four-cylinder 228-hp engine. Both automatic and manual transmissions are excellent as well.

White 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI on the driveway
Via Volkswagen

The GTI's agile attitude around turns is due to sharp steering, strong brakes, and compact size. Unlike the other cars on our list, the GTI has room for up to five passengers. They build the GTI to a high standard with high-end materials.

3 Honda Civic Type R

Honda_TypeR_via_Honda.co.za
Via Honda.co.za

Fast four-door FWD hatchbacks aren't all that popular in the United States these days. But the Honda Civic Type R has a moniker that stands out. The Type R has always been more about performance than appearances.

Honda-Civic-Type-R---Rear-1
Via Honda Auto News

It is one of the fastest and most thrilling hot hatches on the market. It's a great deal when you consider it costs roughly the same as a Ford Focus ST but has almost 50 horsepower more. The Type R is a one-of-a-kind purebred FWD racer.

2 Subaru BRZ

A Subaru BRZ In Motion On The Road
Via: CarPixel.net

The Subaru BRZ is a solid option for sports car aficionados. Its powerful engine, nimble handling, and precision steering make it the best alternative for thrill-seekers. A 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque replaces the old 2.0-liter engine.

2022 Subaru BRZ Interior View
Via Subaru

The new powertrain provides a 23-hp and 28-lb-ft improvement over the previous model while retaining a similar curb weight. This motor is quicker, sounds better, and has a much more pleasant midrange punch. It will be an excellent choice for a low-cost performance automobile.

1 Mazda MX-5 Miata

2022 Mazda MX-5 Featured Front
Via: Mazda

When it comes to sports cars, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is hard to beat. Enthusiasts routinely compare other sports automobiles to the Miata, and for good reason. A modern sports car with traditional styling characteristics, the corners are where the Miata really shines.

2022 Mazda MX-5 Rear Quarter View
via Mazda

The handling capability of the sports car is practically unrivaled at this price point. While there is some body roll in the convertible, it is fun and responsive. The Miata's tiny design has only one disadvantage: lack of space.