10 Performance Cars that Won’t Break Your Bank

Many car enthusiasts dream of owning a performance car that exudes premium engineering and speed. When you think of performance cars, most people think of Ferraris and Lamborghini. These cars, while at the forefront of automotive engineering, come with eye-watering price tags. They are out of reach for many people, so many enthusiasts dream of owning a performance car and end up staying just that, a dream. 

We are here to change that! Within this review, we have researched and detailed 10 performance cars on the market that will not break the bank and are arguably the best. You can still have excellent construction and a need for speed without investing hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

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Chevrolet Camaro

The Chevrolet Camaro has always blurred the line between being classed as a sports car and a muscle car. Still, with a price tag of less than $40,000, it is a great choice for any automotive fan who enjoys excellent craftsmanship and an iconic growl. It has three engine options, outstanding handling, and speed to rival any performance car. There is a minimal difference in horsepower between the newest models and the older ones. So, even if you invest in an older Camaro, you are not sacrificing any power under the hood. 

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2023 Subaru BRZ

While performance cars may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Subaru, get ready to be pleasantly surprised. The newest Subaru BRZ contains a 2.4-liter engine that can produce 228 horsepower and 184 foot-pounds of torque. It has excellent handling due to an excellently designed transmission and double-wishbone rear suspension. It has a reasonable starting price of $28,595, which will get any consumer a vehicle that is full of fun and pleasant surprises. 

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Ford Mustang GT

The Ford Mustang is known worldwide for its iconic growl and immense power. Its popularity with customers has never waivered in the 58 years it has been on the market, and now it is in every car enthusiast’s collection. Under its bonnet, it has a 5.0L V8 engine producing over 400 horsepower. This power, coupled with a smooth transmission, is perfect for high performance and speed. Along with excellent engineering, it is one of the best cars to own if a problem occurs, as it has been on the market for so long any part can be easily sourced. It has a starting price of $38,000, higher than other cars on this list but so worth it!

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Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a secret performance car that everyone knows about. Its affordability and whimsy make it the perfect Sunday drive car that all consumers need. This convertible carries 181 horsepower and 151 foot-pounds of torque, but where this car shines is within its handling. It is small, lightweight, and has an expertly balanced chassis, which gives it the excellent handling it is known for. This car has been sold over 1 million times worldwide, making it one of the most successful performance cars ever. 

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Chevrolet Corvette C6

To some enthusiasts, the Chevrolet Corvette is one of the best cars ever made. It has been in production for over 70 years, and Chevrolet has produced eight different generations of this iconic car. Most Corvettes can run into hundreds of thousands depending on the model, but you can add a Chevrolet Corvette C6 (sixth generation) to your collection for an affordable price.  

It was unveiled in 2005 with a revamped design, which included removing its iconic pop-up headlights and had a 6.0L V8 engine capable of producing 400 horsepower. Even now, that is impressive for a performance car. 

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Nissan 370Z

The Nissan 350Z contains high-quality handling, excellent exterior and interior design, and a 3.5L V6 engine. What more would you expect from Nissan, who over the last several decades have become the experts in performance (see Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift)? With 287 horsepower, this car offers nearly as much power as the Porsche 911 without the spine-tingling price.  Experts say the engine within this car is suitable for over 300,00 miles with regular maintenance. The newest models are incredibly affordable, but you can pick up a second-hand model for as low as $12,000.

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2010 Audi TT RS

When the Audi TT was first released, it wowed automotive consumers with its individual design and excellent engineering, but many people thought it was underpowered. 

So, Audi brought out the Audi TT RS, which contained a 2.5L turbocharged inline-five engine with 330 horsepower. It has more speed, better handling, and a sportier design that delighted many Audi enthusiasts, so much so it is still one of the most popular Audi models.

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2004 Porsche Boxster

In the 90s, Porsche sales dropped as small Japanese sports cars took over the performance car market as they were cheap, fun, and fast to drive. To keep up interest, Porsche created their own small, “cheap” sports car, the Porsche Boxster. This model was uber-successful for the automotive brand, opening up a new demographic to Porsche.  

The Boxster has a design and performance remnant of the 911 but does not have its high price point. Its mid-engine layout made it a dream to drive, which made it even more popular. A 2004 Porsche Boxster can now be acquired for approximately $15,000, which is a steal for the opportunity to own a Porsche. 

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2008 Maserati GranTurismo

In the late ’00s, Maserati designed and produced the Gran Turismo in a record-breaking nine months. Many would think that a car made in this short period would not last the test of time. Well, Maserati proved everyone wrong; not only did they make a Pininfarina-designed car with a V8 engine in a short space of time, but it is still one of the best-performing cars on the market. And even better, you can buy older models of this car for less than $30,000.

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Honda S2000

In the 90s, Honda gave their customers several excellent models, including the Honda S2000. It has a 2.2L naturally aspirated engine with 237 horsepower and 151 foot-pounds of torque for plenty of high-revving. Along with excellence under the hood, it was one of the most beautifully designed small convertibles of its time. It is known for being light, easy to maneuver, and reliable. Due to these reasons, the price of the Honda S2000 is increasing, and for a 2003 version, it will cost around $28,000.