Top 10 Most Affordable Fast Cars

  1. Research Center
    2. /
  2. Car Buying Research Articles
    3. /
  3. Top 10 Most Affordable Fast Cars
Do you enjoy cars that offer white knuckle thrills in performance and handling? Do zero to 60 mph times of five seconds or less get your heart racing? Well, look no further than Lithia Motors' collection of low-priced high-performance vehicles.
 
The fastest production car in the world is currently the Swedish Koenigsegg Gemera which has clocked a zero to 60 mph time of a staggering 1.9 seconds. The four-seater produces 1,700 horsepower and 2,581 pound-feet of torque. It also costs 1.7 million dollars. But we're looking to go fast for a whole lot less than that, aren't we?
Low-priced High-Performance
For our list of today's Top 10 Most Affordable Fast Cars, we'll keep the budget at 40K or less and these are all new car prices. Some have a starting MSRP of under 30K! These are quality cars that get you the most revs for your rations on the market today. There's an old racing adage that says, "Speed costs. How fast do you want to go?" But you'll find a variety of howlin' hot rods here for less than you might think for your hard-earned buck.
Top Ten Road Warriors
This listing is ranked from least to most expensive and starts at just $27,900.

 

2023 Toyota GR86

  • Starting MSRP $27,900.
  • Zero to 60 mph - 6.0 seconds
We start off with a sports car for under 30 grand. The sexy GR86 had a total redesign in 2022 and now offers a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that offers up 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It will get you from zero to 60 mph in 6 seconds and top speed is 140 mph. We say it's a very impressive speedster for the price and feels like a go-kart in the corners, like it's running on rails.

2023 Subaru BRZ

  • Starting MSRP $28,595.
  • Zero to 60 mph - 6.0 seconds
Sharing the same platform as the GR86, Subaru's bad boy BRZ brings you the very same engine, six-speed transmission, zero to 60 mph times, and top speed as its Toyota brother. However, some prefer the styling of this rear-wheel drive hot rod over the Toyota and think its sleek looks are worth the slightly higher price tag. Both cars are of the 2+2 variety that offer a back seat, but only small kids will fit back there.

2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport

  • Starting MSRP $29,215.
  • Zero to 60 mph - 5.7 seconds
The last great affordable roadster in America is the mighty Miata. This two-seater convertible is pure fun! With a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission, the car only weighs 2,341 pounds and takes corners like a four-wheeled motorcycle. With 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, the Miata will get you from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and top speed is 143 mph.

2023 Volkswagen GTI

  • Starting MSRP $30,530.
  • Zero to 60 mph - 5.1 seconds
Known as the ultimate hot hatchback, the GTI is legendary for its performance and handling. Its front-wheel drive turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque taking you from zero to 60 mph in a quick 5.1 seconds. Top speed is a healthy 155 mph. and an all-new differential improves handling in the corners. At just over 30K, it's a pure performance bargain!

    2023 Dodge Charger SXT

    • Starting MSRP $33,200.
    • Zero to 60 mph - 6.5 seconds
      America's last four-door sport sedan muscle car, the Charger, is in its final year of production. The base SXT model comes with a rear-wheel drive 3.6-liter V6 that offers 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque that can take you from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. However, the snarling V8 R/T version drops that time to just 4.3 seconds at a cost of about $10,000 more.

      2023 Kia Stinger GT

      • Starting MSRP $36,690.
      • Zero to 60 mph - 5.3 seconds
      Here's a sporty four door sedan that offers 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque in a pleasing package for everyday driving but will get your heart racing when you put the pedal down. The base trim turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is married to a smooth eight-speed transmission and is offered in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. This is the last year for the Stinger, so get yours now.

      2023 Chevrolet Camaro LT1

      • Starting MSRP $37,795.
      • Zero to 60 mph - 4.3 seconds
        The Camaro base model LT1 brings you a lot of go for the dough. For just 36K and change, this beast offers a 6.2-liter V8 that delivers 455 horses and 455 pound-feet of torque taking you from zero to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. Top speed is an impressive 165 mph. There's also stellar handling due to Chevy's superb chassis tuning but the overall visibility is definitely limited.

        2023 BMW 230i

        • Starting MSRP $38,200.
        • Zero to 60 mph - 5.5 seconds
        A two-door BMW stylish sedan for under 40K? Yes! The 230i brings you all the thrills of the Ultimate Driving Machine without having to sell the farm. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 255 horsepower and 294 pound-feet of torque. A silky smooth eight-speed transmission and rear-wheel drive gets you from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

        2023 Ford Mustang GT

        • Starting MSRP $38,345.
        • Zero to 60 mph - 4.4 seconds
        The original pony car lives on in this GT muscle car package. We're talking zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds for under 40K! Powered by a mighty rear-wheel drive 5.0-liter V8 engine and your choice of a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission, the 'Stang delivers 450 horses and 410 pound-feet of torque. Steering is precise, the brakes inspire confidence, and the sound this thing makes is worth every penny.

        2023 Dodge Challenger R/T

        • Starting MSRP $39,940.
        • Zero to 60 mph - 5.0 seconds
        The muscle car that starred in Vanishing Point is still hot with a meaty 5.7-liter V8 that manages 375 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. That V8 produces a throaty rumble and a magnificent roar, smoking the tires in the best Mad Max tradition. This performance coupe will get you to 60 miles per hour in five seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. Like it's brother the Charger, this is the last year for the Challenger.
        Let Lithia Help
        With over 75 years of experience in serving our customers' personal transportation needs, Lithia Motors has a dealership near youm and we'll get you into the car of your dreams. Whether you're in the market for a sedan or crossover, a family-oriented SUV, a pickup truck, an all-electric vehicle, or a rebel rousing high performance machine, Lithia has you covered.