10 Best Affordable Sports Cars for Real Driver Entertainment
In today’s world, finding affordable sports cars that deliver genuine driver entertainment can be a challenge. However, they do exist, and Autocar has compiled a list of the top 10 options that won’t break the bank. These cars range from mid-engined two-seaters to front-engined roadsters, big-engined muscle cars, and lightweight specials.
What sets these cars apart is their affordable price tag, with most of them priced at £50,000 or below. Despite their affordability, they offer incredible driving experiences that will light up your motoring whenever the mood strikes. While some of these cars can serve as daily transport, others are best enjoyed by true driving enthusiasts.
Leading the pack is the Alpine A110, which offers accessible road and track performance, huge character, and a perfectly executed retro design. Despite its steering not being as brilliant as the chassis and some lackluster cabin components, the A110 delivers an immersive driving experience that rivals cannot match. With its all-aluminium body, mid-mounted engine, and double wishbone suspension, the A110 feels like more than the sum of its parts.
Next up is the Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman, which remain the most complete mid-engined sports cars on the market. While some critics have raised concerns about the downsized four-cylinder turbo engine, the Boxster and Cayman still offer excellent performance and handling. The introduction of a naturally aspirated flat-six engine in certain models has further enhanced their appeal.
For those seeking a truly exhilarating driving experience, the Ariel Atom 4 is hard to beat. This lightweight two-seater is part motorbike, part car, and delivers rampant pace and unrivaled excitement. Its turbocharged Honda four-cylinder engine, coupled with its adjustable chassis, allows it to excel on both the road and the track. Driving an Atom is a challenge like few other sports cars can offer.
Toyota has improved on perfection with the GR86, the successor to the popular GT86. With increased power and grip, refreshed looks, and a more muscular flat-four engine, the GR86 offers strong performance and crisp handling. While it may lack some of the previous model’s handling tactility, it remains an excellent choice for enthusiasts.
The Mazda MX-5 has always been a fan favorite, and the fourth-generation model surpasses its predecessor in every aspect. It is shorter, lighter, more spacious, and better laid out. With its spirited performance, balanced handling, and excellent packaging, the MX-5 continues to offer one of the best pounds-per-smile ratios on the market.
The Morgan Super 3 takes an old-world charm and cleverly modernizes it without losing its character. While it may be expensive for a toy and have limitations in wet conditions and on the track, it offers endless fun on the road. Its lightweight construction and zippy handling make every drive a joy.
The Ford Mustang may not be the most sensible choice, but its brawny V8 engines and value for money make it hard to resist. Despite its American size and higher fuel consumption, the Mustang’s powertrain and rear-wheel-drive balance give it a likability that few rivals can match.
For those seeking a serious driving experience, the Caterham Seven is a fantastic option. Its lack of refinement and poor ride quality may deter some, but its fun performance and engaging driving dynamics make up for it. The Caterham Seven has been setting the standard for pure driver thrills for over 70 years.
The BMW Z4 offers a drop-top option and a range of powertrain choices. Its improved handling and ride make it better than ever, while the availability of a manual transmission adds to the driving experience. While it may feel more like a cruiser than a true sports car at times, its performance is still impressive.
Finally, the Morgan Plus Four rounds out the list. While it may stretch the definition of affordability, Morgan offers attractive finance deals that make it more accessible. The Plus Four combines fun and loveable characteristics with old-world charm and a modern chassis and engine.
In conclusion, affordable sports cars that offer real driver entertainment are still available. Whether you prefer the retro charm of the Alpine A110 or the raw excitement of the Ariel Atom 4, there is a car on this list to suit every enthusiast’s taste and budget. So, if you love nothing more than an empty road and the time to enjoy it, these affordable sports cars deserve your attention.
