2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MSRP: $29,330
For as long as the MX-5 has been around, it has been considered one of the best cheap sports cars that money can buy. For 2024, Mazda made some minor tweaks to their little roadster that helped it sit at the top of the stack once again. It truly is one of the most enjoyable cars you could ever drive.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual or 6-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 181 HP |
| Torque | 151 LB-FT |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.5 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 139 MPH |
For those who aren’t familiar with the MX-5, the 181 horsepower engine may seem disappointing. However, considering the Mazda roadster weighs less than 2,500 pounds, it has plenty of power. The star of the show, though, is its finely tuned chassis, which helps the Miata deliver sharp and playful handling.
Pros
- Looks fantastic for its price
- Brilliant open-top design
- The purist sports car around
Cons
- Cabin is pretty tight
- Road noise can get a bit much
- Not the most practical car
2025 Subaru BRZ
MSRP: $31,095
Developed in partnership with Toyota, Subaru took the classic ideology that Mazda established with the MX-5 and created their own affordable sports car. This little 2+2 coupe is a great starting point for new drivers, with enough power to deliver excellent performance without being unforgiving.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 2.4-Liter Naturally Aspirated Flat-Four |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual or 6-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 228 HP |
| Torque | 184 LB-FT |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.5 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 140 MPH |
The BRZ’s horizontally opposed engine produces just enough power to make the 2,800-pound BRZ feel quick. Much like the MX-5, the Subbie coupe’s best trick is how impressive its handling is. It delivers excellent agility, and you can force the tail out for some drifting fun as well.
Pros
- Sports car handling
- Overachieving flat-four
- Looks better than a GR86
Cons
- Some interior bits are low-quality
- Noise easily penetrates the cabin
- Back seat is just for show
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
MSRP: $32,715
There was once an era when Volkswagen was the king of affordable fun, ruling the streets with the Golf GTI. Their image has become somewhat subdued over the years. However, the Jetta GLI proves that the German brand still has it in it to produce something truly exciting.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual or 7-Speed DCT |
| Horsepower | 228 HP |
| Torque | 258 LB-FT |
| Driveline | FWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 6 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 126 MPH |
The regular Jetta is a humble family car, with loads of interior space and some impressive interior appointments. The GLI continues to deliver on those points while at the same time offering thrilling acceleration and fantastic cornering poise. The manual transmission is the option we’d go with, as the automatic can be hesitant to downshift.
Pros
- Impressively good ride quality
- Standard six-speed manual
- Spacious interior
Cons
- Some low-rent interior bits
- Seats are somewhat stiff
- Rivals are a little more spirited around corners
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
MSRP: $33,950
As time has marched forward, performance cars have toned down their looks, with few stepping outside of convention. The Elantra N shatters those expectations, with unique styling that is guaranteed to turn heads. Not only is it comfortable and easy to live with, but it is one of the most raucous choices at this price point.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual or 8-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 276 HP |
| Torque | 289 LB-FT |
| Driveline | FWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.8 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 MPH |
The fact that the Elantra N comes standard with a manual transmission is one of the many signs that this Hyundai is built especially for enthusiasts. Not only is Hyundai’s sporty compact sedan one of the quickest in its class, but it also sounds fantastic when you put your foot down, highlighting the one thing that truly matters with cars like this – fun.
Pros
- Torque-happy engine
- Impressively good cornering abilities
- Fun, boy-racer styling
2025 Toyota GR Corolla
MSRP: $38,860
The golden age of hot hatchbacks is, sadly, well behind us. However, Toyota has refused to let the segment die out altogether. The GR Corolla is an absolute marvel of engineering, producing an immense amount of power out of its three-cylinder engine.
