15 Most Popular Sports Cars under $50k

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all afford a Bugatti La Voiture Noire? However, this nearly $19 million price tag isn’t part of the common person’s budget. Does this mean we shouldn’t get to enjoy a little on-road excitement? No! Even when working on a budget, it’s possible to find some of the most exciting rides on the market. We have 15 top-rated sports cars below 50k that you can consider.

Today’s automakers have gotten good at creating a powerful sports cars for the budget-friendly demographic. Whether it is the Alfa Romeo Giulia, the Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody, or the Subaru WRX STI, it’s possible to get a cheap sports car that thrills. 

Sure, some of the vehicles that made our cut aren’t coupes. However, there’s no reason to look down on a sedan, especially with the power that some of these offers. 

The Best Sports Cars Below $50.000

1. Alfa Romeo Giulia – $42,950

Although we would love to own the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Spider, it costs over $65k so we settle for the Guilia. However, this sedan isn’t lacking any power.

You will find the turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder engine that produces 280 horses. It is fully-loaded and ready for action. It is a unique package thanks to its elegant handling and stunning style. 

• Horsepower: 280
• Engine Type/Size: A turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-liter 4-liter.
• 0-60 MPH: Time in 5.4 Seconds

2. BMW M240i Coupe – $46,350

The M240i Coupe is a more affordable option than the M3. The 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine produces 382-horsepower and can accelerate to 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. 

You can enhance your experience by adding all-wheel-drive. M240i xDrive Coupe is just under $50k. 

• Horsepower: 382
• Type/Size of the Engine: 3.0-liter Inline-six
• 60 MPH: Time in 4.1 Sekunden

3. Acura TLX – $37,500

The Acura TLX is more than just a sporty car, but it’s also a premium luxury model. It has a spacious interior and more storage space than other cars on this list.

You will feel acceleration when you press the accelerator pedal in your TLX. You will feel the acceleration in every turn and curve. The Type S model is available for those who have the funds. 

• Horsepower: 272
• Type/Size of Engine: Four-cylinder turbocharged, 2.0-liter engine
• The time between 0-60 MPH is 5.9 seconds

4. Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody – $49,185

While this Dodge Challenger model is pushing the budget a little, it’s worth every penny. This muscle car comes equipped with a 392 Hemi V8 engine that produces 485 horsepower.

Sure, it’s not the Hellcat or Redeye model, but you do what you can with what you have. For an exceptional level of performance, even at the low price you will still get the Bilstein adaptive suspension with six-piston Brembo brakes. 

• Horsepower: 485
• Type/Engine Size: Hemi V8 6.4 Liter
• Time to go from 0-60 MPH: 4.2 seconds

5. Chevy Camaro 2SS – $42,500

While there are many better Camaro models available than the 2SS model, none of them will fit your budget. There are some improvements you can make the 2SS perform better.

The 2SS should be purchased with the 1LE suspension. Your price will still stay below $50k. Don’t overlook the fact that this sports car has a 6.2-liter V8 engine, ready for a spirited drive. 

• Horsepower: 455
• Engine Type/Size: 6.2-liter V8
• The time between 0-60 MPH is 3.5 seconds

6. Ford Mustang GT – $40,285

Some Mustang trims are very affordable while others go well beyond it. We would all love to drive the Shelby GT500, but that’s not practical. 

The GT was the best choice as it is within our budget. This model is high performance and features a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 460 horsepower. It also has a six speed manual transmission. The limited-slip differential is standard, as well as six-piston Brembo braking and the option to be customized in Twister Orange.

• Horsepower: 460
• Engine Type/Size: 5.0-liter V8
• The time between 0 and 60 MPH is 4.2 seconds

7. Subaru WRX STI – $38,170

Subaru's model is the gentler of the lot. Although it might not appear ready to race, it's there.

For plenty of acceleration, the 2.5-liter engine produces 310 horsepower. All-wheel drive is also standard. This makes it ideal for driving on rough terrain. 

• Horsepower: 310
• 2.25-liter flat four
• Time to go from 0-60 MPH: 4.4 seconds

8. Mazda MX-5 Miata – $33,045

Don’t let the lack of a turbocharger keep you from looking at the low-cost MX-5 Miata. The car still produces incredible power. 

It is quick and agile, thanks to its lightweight design. You can have a lively ride with a manual transmission. 

• Horsepower: 181
• Engine Size/Type: 2.0-liter four cylinder
• 0-60 MPH: Time in 5.7 Seconds

9. BMW Z4 – $49,900

The collaboration between the BMW Z4 model and Toyota Supra is a great one. While it’s pushing the boundaries of the budget, going over just a little would be well worth it. 

While it doesn’t handle like a Porsche Boxster, it does come close. For optimal highway cruising, the model includes an eight-speed auto transmission as well as rear-wheel drive. 

• Horsepower: 255
• Type/Size of Engine: Four-cylinder turbocharged, 2.0-liter engine
• 0-60 MPH: Time in 5.2 Sekunden

10. INFINITI Q60 – $41,750

An INFINITI Q603.0T PURE can be yours for as low as $50k, with plenty of room to spare, especially when you opt for rear-wheel drive. There are still options for upgrades if you wish.

Naturally, we'd rather drive the Q60 Red Sport 400 due to its strong engine and dual intercooler water pumps. Sadly, that’s not allowable with this list. 

• Horsepower: 300
• Type/Size of Engine: 3.0-liter V6
• Time to go from 0-60 MPH: 5.4 seconds

11. Lexus IS 350 F Sport – $42,950

This might seem less enjoyable than some other choices at first. It’s true that this Lexus is a tamer sports car, but it still shouldn’t be overlooked. 

This engine, which produces 311 horsepower, will get you from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. You can also travel further if you have all-wheel drive. 

• Horsepower: 311
• Type/Size of the Engine: V6 3.5-liter
• 0-60 MPH: Time in 5.5 Seconds

12. Honda Civic Type R – $37,895

You can choose the Civic Type R if you are looking for something unique.

You can also reach 60 mph in under 5 seconds thanks to its responsive powertrain. However, it’s also a sports car that offers you a relaxing and enjoyable commute for your daily drive. 

• Horsepower: 306
• Engine Type / Size: A turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-liter 4-liter.
• 0-60 MPH: Time in 5.5 Seconds

13. Hyundai Veloster N – $32,500

Hot hatches might not be as popular, but this one shouldn’t be overlooked. The 2.0-liter turbo-four engine produces 275 horsepower for a fun and efficient ride.

It used to have a manual transmission but now it only has a dual-clutch automated transmission. This setup provides superior control and handling. 

• Horsepower: 275
• Type/Size of Engine: Four-cylinder turbocharged, 2.0-liter engine
• 0-60 MPH: Time in 5.1 Seconds

14. Cadillac CT5-V – $37,295

Although the Blackwing offers more thrills, the CT5-V is more affordable. The engine is a powerful 360-horsepower unit that's ready to roll.

What’s different from this model compared with the rest is the level of luxury you will enjoy. The car can be described as a luxury sedan and has all the features you want to feel connected while on the road. 

• Horsepower: 360
• Engine Type: Twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter V6
• Time to go from 0-60 MPH: 4 seconds

15. Tesla Model 3 Long Range – $49,990

Because the electric segment deserves our attention, we have to include it. The EV can be likened to a lion, ready for its prey.

It can accelerate silently to 60 MPH in less than 4 seconds. The rear-wheel-drive EV can go faster than both the Q60 or the Veloster N, and it also delivers an EPA-estimated 85 MPGe. It is the super hero of the group. 

• Horsepower: 449
• Engine Size/Type: Electric
• The time between 0-60 MPH is 3.9 seconds