Offering superior balance and traction, AWD is quickly becoming a performance car standard. But, you don’t have to pay a fortune to enjoy it.
When searching for a sports car to buy, there are many factors to consider. Most sports cars are made with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration, but some sports cars have all-wheel-drive (AWD). Many auto enthusiasts prefer AWD sports cars, and it's no surprise. For one, AWD vehicles have better traction, which is an admirable trait in a sports car. Unlike RWD sports cars, AWD cars have a slimmer chance of encountering slippage despite the weather conditions. Sports cars with AWD also have better cornering capabilities because their front wheels can steer while pulling simultaneously.
After weighing all these outstanding merits, it makes sense that AWD vehicles are more expensive and complex to build. As a result, AWD sports cars can be pretty expensive. Fortunately, you don't have to break the bank to own an AWD car. These are 8 incredible AWD sports cars that you can buy for $30,000.
The 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 is a mid-size sports sedan with an Active Torque Split AWD system. Since it's completely automated, the system varies the engine's power to the four wheels to optimize handling. There's a limited-slip differential and an electric clutch.
Mazda put in supportive sport seats and the interior finishings have been upgraded to high-grade leather. The 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 uses a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine with 274 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Due to depreciation, a used 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 is listed for $12,995.
If you're interested in getting a cheap luxury sports car, you might want to check this one. Placed in between the IS200t and the IS350, the Lexus IS300 is packed with lots of features. LED headlights are standard for the 2017 model, and the car's ride quality is smooth.
There's a remote touch infotainment interface, but it's only available through the navigation package. The 2017 Lexus IS300 has a market price range of $29,990-$32,000, but we saw a used model for $25,854. For power, the 2017 Lexus IS300 uses a detuned version of the 3.5-liter V6 in the IS350. The V6 produces 260 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque.
Jaguar decided to make their XF luxury sedan more appealing by adding a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine to the power options. The original power options are a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with 340 horsepower and another V6 engine with 380 horsepower. Like a typical Jaguar model, the XF has an upscale interior built with quality materials.
The British carmaker used aluminum to make the sports car's body panels, so the XF is lightweight. Of course, there are a lot of features in this sedan. The Jaguar XF has a sporty ride with the standard suspension setting, but the optional adaptive suspension dampers unlock an even sportier ride. You can get a used Jaguar XF for $23,995.
The 2016 Acura TLX doesn't look different from its 2015 debut model. While the sports car is based on the Honda Accord and shares some features with the Accord, it is more evolved. The Acura TLX shared the same wheelbase as the Honda Accord, but the stance is more poised and athletic. Both models share the same powertrain options, but the TLX has advanced engine options.
The 2016 Acura TLX has a 2.4-liter engine with 206 horsepower and a torque of 182 lb-ft. Drivers can opt for the second version with 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft torque. The Acura TLX is offered in both FWD and AWD, and you can get a used Acura TLX for $22,500.
Genesis did some restructuring in the 2017 model year, and the G80 ended up with many standard features. They made many features from the Signature and Tech packages standard. The remaining features were then put into a new Premium package.
One of the best things about the 2017 G80 Sport is its spacious and quiet cabin. Like all Genesis models, the G80 has a luxurious interior. The sports sedan is fitted with a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine with 311 horsepower and an optional 5.0-liter V8. While this sports car has a starting price of $42,350-$53,800, you can get a used one for $28,990.
How could we complete a list of affordable AWD sports cars without mentioning the Subaru WRX STI which has evolved through the years? The Subaru WRX STI is sporty, and some gearheads have even compared it to a rally car. As part of the updates for the 2019 model year, Subaru bumped the car's power from 305 horsepower to 310 horsepower.
They also got stronger pistons for the Engine Control Unit (ECU). The 2019 model comes with a Hardon Kardon premium audio system, electrically assisted steering wheel, and red seat belts. With $27,995, you can get a used 2019 Subaru WRX STI.
Over the years, the Ford Focus RS has gained a reputation. While the Ford Focus RS looks similar to the Ford Focus ST, the similarities end in the design. The 2017 Ford Focus ST has 252 horsepower, and the Ford Focus RS has 350 horsepower. That's almost a 200 power gap. Since the Ford Focus RS is a hatchback, it has more space than the Subaru WRX STI.
The 2017 Focus RS uses a torque-vectoring AWD system, while the ST model uses an FWD configuration. Also, the 2017 Focus RS has Ford's Sync 3 system, which includes an emergency crash notification feature that can automatically dial 911 when paired with a compatible phone. A used Ford Focus RS is listed for $29,950.
The Ford Taurus has been around since 1986 as a mid-size family sedan. After ending production of the sedan in 2006, Ford started production again in 2007, and this time, the Taurus was a full-size sedan. The high-performance trim is called the Ford Taurus SHO, and it has extra juice.
While the base model produces 263 horsepower from its V8 engine, the 2011 Taurus SHO delivers an impressive 350 horsepower from its 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. Every Ford Taurus SHO model is made as an AWD car. Despite having 350 horsepower, the Taurus SHO still has the same fuel economy as its base model. A used Ford Taurus SHO at $13,798 is actually a bargain.
Hillary Princewill is a Nigerian writer who grew up spending a lot of time in his Dad’s garage. He loves sports car, F1 and military vehicles.
