Luxury sports cars like the Lamborghini Murcielago, the Bugatti Veyron, and the Koenigsegg have insane price tags (anywhere from a quarter-million to two million dollars.) Did you catch the Birdman´s purchase of a $2.1 million Veyron this week? Interestingly enough, you can experience nearly the same satisfying cut-rate handling and explosive acceleration with cars up to a million dollars less.
Here is a list of affordable sports cars that could give those high-priced cars a run for their money:
Mazda MX-5
Still referred to as the ¨Miata¨ by enthusiasts, the newly named Mazda MX-5 is a roadster´s dream, with an impressive build and nimble direction change ability. An uglier cousin of the Porsche Carrera, it hits hard with a convertible top, a leather strapped steering weel, and four trim options. Plus, its statline is impressive with 22 to 28 mpg fuel economy, plus a $22,000 base price for its lightweight version (Sport) and a $28,000 base price for the Grand Touring model.
Nissan 370Z
The Nissan 370Z is defined by its incredible rev-matching system and its explosiveness (60 mpg in less than 5 seconds). It looks incredible with a sharp body ending in a grill pattern, chrome handles, and a very steep roof. When you look at luxury sports cars like the Porsche Cayman ($65,000 MSRP), you´d be surprised that the $35,000 Nissan 370Z´s 0 to 60 time is only a tenth of a second slower! If that is not a testament to value and performance, we don´t know what is.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is a perfect hybrid of the conventional two-seat roadster and four-seat family sedan. There are only a few four-passenger, front-wheel sporty convertibles on the market, and Mitsubishi leads the pack. It comes loaded with bells and whistles, including an impressive top drop speed of 19 seconds, a top of the line Rockford system, and an MP3 player. Best of all, it is attractively priced at $27,000 for the GS version and $32,000 for the GT version.
Chevy Cobalt SS
The Chevy Cobalt is a testament to acceleration, with its very, very low weight to horsepower ratio and its impressive fuel economy. Interior features include front bucket seats that resemble the feel of luxury sports cars. The downside to the Chevy Cobalt is that it´s American, its interior (one of the worst I´ve seen) is made out of cheap plastics, and occasionally the brakes squeak. At most $21,000 with all upgraded versions, you might not mind taking a gamble on this one.
In a world where constant worship is placed on the Porsche 911 and the Carrera, it is good to look towards $20,000 and $30,000 sports cars every once in a while. When a Nissan 370Z´s 0-60 is a tenth slower than the Porsche Cayman´s time, you may be inclined to rethink the possibilities.
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