Cheap sports cars put driver engagement above straight-line performance, and many modern SUVs can give them a run for their money.
Rarely will you find sports cars at the affordable end being greater and offering more thrills than their expensive peers. However, everything isn’t about horsepower and the quickest 0 to 60 mph times. Most sports cars on this list put driver engagement above raw, straight-line performance.
They are affordable and offer ample fun behind the wheel. If you're looking for practicality, there are plenty of performance vehicles on the market, ranging from EVs, crossovers, sedans, and SUVs. These performance SUV options are not only fast but also practical, unlike sports cars.
The Seven 170 is a modern Caterham that features a 660cc turbocharged 3-cylinder Suzuki engine. Besides being the lightest production Seven, the 170 has an impressive 105 mph top speed from its 83 hp engine.
Caterham offers the 170 in a package that boasts poise and agility, making it possible for anyone to have fun. The 170 is available with either an S or R pack. The S Pack offers a great on road experience with its road suspension while the R Pack offers a great track experience.
The Durango SRT Hellcat is one of the most powerful production SUVs on the market. It has room for six passengers and 710 hp under the hood, making it one of the quickest ways to take the kids to school. The Durango features a super-sized powertrain and a bulging body inspired by the brand’s muscle cars.
Even though it shared most of its underpinnings with the Challenger, Charger, and Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, the Durango has a spacious and nicely equipped cabin. It offers near luxury levels of amenities and features, adding an unexpected layer of practicality.
Besides being a style icon, the Audi TT is one of the best two-door sports cars on the market. Currently in its third generation, the TT remains stylish today, and it's available in coupe and convertible body styles. Audi offers the TT with a 228 hp base trim and 288 hp in the TTS trim.
Even though Audi didn't make the TT for the racetrack, it's fun to drive, thanks to the standard all-wheel drive system and 7 speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is powerful enough and helps offer sharpened handling.
The X6 is a sports activity coupe with a transformative design and connected technology. It's one SUV that helps display BMW’s superiority. The X6 M Competition is an extremely polished SUV that easily cuts past the hype and theatrics.
It uses a 4.4-liter twin turbo V8 engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission with an all-wheel drive system. The punchy powerplant produced 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, enough for a 3.7 seconds 0 to 60 mph time and an electronically limited 177 mph top speed.
The 718 is one of the few sports cars that offer a purity of mission. It has an expertly tuned suspension and a mid-engine arrangement that offers a joyful driving demeanor. The 718 is available with a four- or six-cylinder engine with the latter encouraging aggressive driving.
Porsche offers the 718 as a coupe or convertible. The Cayman is a coupe while the Boxster offers a great open air driving experience. The entry level Cayman is available with a 300 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine. Porsche also offers the Cayman with a 4.0-liter flat-six producing over 390 hp depending on the trim. These engines make the 718 one of the most complete mid-engine sports cars on the market.
Since its launch, the Urus has been the world’s wildest performance SUV. The Performante represents a visionary concept of Lamborghini’s first ever super SUV. It features a distinctive sporting design, improved aerodynamics and a plethora of lightweight components.
Under the hood is a roaring 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 producing 657 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. It helps offer an enhanced driving experience thanks to a blisteringly quick 3.3 seconds 0 to 62 mph time. The Performante also received a sport titanium exhaust system to help amplify the sound of the engine.
BMW sports cars are known to give confident handling and strong engine options. They offer an upmarket cabin that’s comfortable enough for daily driving. The Z4 is one of the best BMW sports cars that offers better refinement than the 718 Boxster.
The base Z4 is available with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, the M40i is the racier Z4 with a 382 hp twin turbo inline-six engine. It offers smooth and refined power managing a 3.8 seconds 0 to 60 mph time. It's only available with a soft top roof, but if you’d prefer a hard top, you're better off with the GR Supra, a mechanically identical option.
The Bentayga Speed is the ultimate high performance, super luxury SUV that doubles up as a practical daily driver. It features stunning Bentley craftsmanship and a lovely 6.0-liter twin turbo V12 powerplant. The Speed delivers unrivaled power and supreme sporting style.
This makes the Speed the most powerful Bentayga ever built with 626 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and a 190-mph top speed. Besides offering robust performance, the Speed is available with variable displacement technology that delivers maximum engine efficiency and range.
The Mustang is the only car in Ford’s lineup that’s not a crossover, SUV, or a truck. Even though you might not get a V8 powered Mustang for cheap, you will get the EcoBoost variant for under $30,000. This makes the Mustang one of the last affordable sports cars on the market.
The standard EcoBoost powerplant is enough to embarrass older V8 Mustangs. The engine delivers 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque thanks to twin independent variable cam timing, direct injection and turbocharging. Upgrading to the GT package offers a punchy 5.0-liter V8 producing 450 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque.
Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo GT is one of the best performance SUVs on the market. It's currently the most extreme Porsche SUV you can get with a production SUV lap record at the Nürburgring of 7:38.9. Besides being quick on the track, the Turbo GT is still fabulous on the road.
It's available with a 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission with an all-wheel drive system. The Turbo GT produces 631 hp and 626 lb-ft of torque, enough for a 3.1 seconds 0 to 60 mph time and a 186-mph top speed.
Brian is a husband, father and freelance writer. He's also a tech and automotive junkie passionate about cars and motorcycles. Brian is also an F1 fan – team Mercedes (LH). When he's not writing, Brian goes for impromptu drives and walks.
