The Best Sports Car Under $50,000
Best Sports Cars Under 50k
Audi S4 – $49,200
We’re a big fan of the S4 sports sedan. Yes, the S4 of 2018 is a bit quieter compared to its supercharged V8 predecessors, but its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 still packs 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque into its beastly frame. Equally impressive is its Quattro all-wheel-drive system which maintains a fantastic grip on the pavement even during high-velocity cornering.
Audi S4 buyers can choose from either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox, with an optional torque-vectoring rear differential. 0 to 60 mph takes just 4.7 seconds, and an electronic governor will cap the S4 at 155 mph. The S4 is just under our $50k price limit at $49,200. This vehicle is definitely one of our favorite sports cars under 50k dollars.
BMW M235i – $44,150
A list of the 10 best sports cars under $50,000 wouldn’t be complete without mention of a BMW, but as the German car maker’s prices continue to rise, our options are incredibly limited. The best bet for your money is the 2 Series variety — specifically, the M235i. While you can get into a 2 Series for as little as $32,000, if you’re willing to spend more, you can saddle up with the 320-horsepower range-topper M performance vehicle.
With a solid 330 lb-ft of torque routed through either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox, the M235i can get up to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds, and it comes in both coupe and convertible body styles. These features make the BMW M235i one of the best sports cars under 50k dollars. The M235i sells for $44,150, so be careful when checking those extra option boxes.
Audi TT – $42,900
We have a number of worthy mentions from Germany on our list of the 10 best sports cars under $50,000. The Audi TT has been freshly redesigned for 2019, and its aggressive design is something to marvel over, especially in comparison to previous models. Sharp LED headlights, strong body creases, and fresh wheel design characterize the TT’s exterior, while genuine quality leather and some of the coolest automotive technology lines the interior.
Let’s not forget Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system and feisty 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder powertrain. In the TT, 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque are available through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission system. The whole beasty machine runs for $42,900, but the additional cool factor may run the price up even higher.
Best Sports Cars Under 40k
Ford Mustang GT – $32,395
When it comes to horsepower per dollar, it doesn’t get much better than buying an American muscle car, and the Ford Mustang GT is better than ever. With retro styling, a 435-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine, a comfortable cabin, and the ability to lay down burnouts the length of a football field, the Mustang GT is anything but subtle.
Sports car shoppers may still think that the Mustang is a straight-line specialist, but its new independent rear suspension is made to handle anything you throw at it. You choose from either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission, engage launch control, and take off like a rocket to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Prices for the Ford Mustang GT start at $32,395, but if you load on the performance package, it quickly becomes a $40k bill.
Chevrolet Camaro SS – $37,295
The combatant to the prior vehicle is the Camaro. Its back in 2019 with an all-new look, platform, interior, and engine. The Chevrolet Camaro SS, like the Mustang, should be taken seriously as a performance machine in all settings, especially on the track. It deserves its spot on the list of the 10 best sports cars under $50,000 for many reasons. Believe it or not, it is faster on the track than BMW’s M4. This fact alone speaks to the sheer power that this vehicle has to offer for under $40k.
Behind the Camaro SS is Chevy’s LT1 V8, which churns out 455 horsepower and is linked to either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox. Sure, you can have the Camaro with a turbocharged 4-cylinder, but trust us, life’s always better with a V8, and nothing howls quite as loud as an 8-cylinder engine. One of the best sports cars under 40k, the 2019 Camaro SS starts at $37,295.
Cadillac ATS Coupe – $37,995
The Cadillac ATS Coupe is the definition of American luxury. It’s also how America finds its way onto this list of the 10 best sports cars under $50,000. With a stunning design, amazing powertrains, and the best chassis in our list, the ATS Coupe is a true performance vehicle. One of the best options for under 40k.
Starting at just $37,995, the ATS Coupe uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder to deliver 272 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque. That’s plenty of power for most, but for those who have a real need for speed will prefer the 335-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 that retails for $47,750. There are options for 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission, and using GM’s acclaimed Magnetic Ride Control, the ATS holds its own against the Germans in this mashup.
