Sports cars are the dream of many people, and it’s a car that they would like to get behind the wheel of at least once. However, they are often seen as expensive, and some people feel that they are out of reach.
In fact, in recent years, the number of sports cars that can be purchased at relatively reasonable prices has been increasing. So , this time, we have carefully selected 18 affordable sports cars that can be purchased new as of 2025. We will explain in detail the price range, features, maintenance costs, etc. and explore the appeal of each model.
Read this article to find the perfect one for your budget and preferences.
The benefits of choosing a cheap sports car
Why choose a cheap sports car in the first place? There are several benefits.
- Affordable price : Enjoy the charm of a sports car with ease
- Low maintenance costs : Fuel efficiency, taxes, insurance premiums, etc. are reduced.
- Customization fun : Modify your car to suit your tastes
- Driving pleasure : Enjoy sporty driving with ease
- Joy of ownership : The satisfaction of owning your dream sports car
Tips for choosing a cheap sports car
When choosing a cheap sports car, consider the following points:
- Price : Choose a car that fits your budget and is within your budget.
- Maintenance costs : Consider fuel economy, taxes, insurance premiums, etc.
- Driving performance : Check engine performance, handling, braking performance, etc.
- Design : Choose a design that suits your taste
- Practicality : Consider seating capacity, luggage space, etc.
- Safety : Check safety equipment and crash safety performance
[2025 Latest] 18 Cheap Sports Cars
Now, let’s take a look at 18 affordable sports cars that you can buy new as of 2025. We’ve picked a wide range of models, from domestic to imported.
Mazda Roadster
Mazda Roadster
The Roadster is a representative lightweight sports car that Japan boasts to the world. It is a two-seater open-top car that offers nimble handling and an exhilarating open-air drive. Its relatively reasonable price and low maintenance costs are also appealing.
Features : The epitome of a nimble open-top car. Its appeal lies in its handling, which allows you to feel one with the car, and the exhilarating open-air driving experience.
Appeal : Relatively reasonable price and low maintenance costs, plus a wide range of custom parts available to make it your own.
| Specifications | New Roadster | New Roadster RF |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,915mm | |
| Overall width | 1,735mm | |
| Overall height | 1,235mm | 1,245mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,310mm | |
| engine | SKYACTIV-G Straight 4DOHC 1.5L | SKYACTIV-G Straight 4DOHC 2.0L |
| Maximum power | 131ps/7,000rpm | 158ps/6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 15.3kgm/4,800rpm | 20.4kgm/4,600rpm |
| transmission | SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed MT / 6EC-AT | |
| Vehicle weight | 990-1,060 kg | 1,100-1,130 kg |
Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ
Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are jointly developed FR (rear-wheel drive) sports cars. They pursue excellent handling performance and driving pleasure, and are suitable for a wide range of uses, from sports driving to everyday use. Their relatively low prices make them popular with younger generations.
Features : A FR sports car jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru. Its appeal lies in its balanced performance, which is designed to be fun to drive.
Appeal : Enjoy the thrill of a front-wheel drive vehicle at an affordable price. The GR86 is sportier, while the BRZ offers a more refined ride.
| Specifications | New GR 86 |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,265mm |
| Overall width | 1,775mm |
| Overall height | 1,310mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,575mm |
| engine | 2.4L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine with port fuel injection (TOYOTA D-4S) |
| Maximum power | 173kW (235ps) / 7,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 250Nm (25.5kgm) / 3,700rpm |
| transmission | 6-speed MT/6-speed AT |
| Drive system | FR |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 11.7-12.0km/L |
Nissan Fairlady Z
Nissan FAIRLADY Z
The Fairlady Z is Nissan’s signature sports car with over 50 years of history. It underwent a full model change in 2022, and the latest model retains the traditional long-nose, short-deck style while combining a powerful engine with a sophisticated design.
Features : A classic sports car reborn with cutting-edge technology. The car boasts beautiful long-nose, short-deck styling and powerful driving.
Appeal : Equipped with the latest driver assistance systems and improved safety, this sports car combines tradition with the latest technology.
| Specifications | Fairlady Z NISMO |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,410mm |
| Overall width | 1,870mm |
| Overall height | 1,315mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,550mm |
| engine | 3.0LV type 6-cylinder twin turbo “VR30DDTT” |
| Maximum power | 309kW (420PS) / 6,400rpm |
| Maximum torque | 520Nm (53.0kgm) / 2,000-5,200rpm |
| transmission | 9AT/6MT |
| Drive system | rear-wheel drive |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 9.2km/L |
| Wheels/Tires | Front 255/40R19 Rear 285/35R19 |
Honda Civic Type R
Honda Civic Type R
The Civic Type R is Honda’s pride and joy, a high-performance sports car. Despite being a front-wheel drive (FF) car, it boasts overwhelming speed and has great potential for circuit racing. Its practicality, designed for everyday use, is also appealing.
Features : A high-performance sports car that holds the title of the fastest FF car. It combines performance honed on the circuit with practicality that makes it suitable for everyday use.
Appeal : It combines overwhelming driving performance with practicality for everyday use. Recommended for those who want to enjoy circuit driving.
| Specifications | New Civic Type R |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,570mm |
| Overall width | 1,875mm |
| Overall height | 1,400mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,735mm |
| engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine |
| Maximum power | 243kW (330PS) / 6,500rpm |
| Maximum torque | 420Nm (42.8kgm)/2,600-4,000rpm |
transmission |
6MT |
| Drive system | 2WD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 12.5km/L |
| Passenger capacity | 4 people |
Toyota GR Yaris
Toyota GR Yaris
The GR Yaris is a compact sports car developed by Toyota using feedback from the technology it has cultivated in the World Rally Championship (WRC). Equipped with a powerful engine and 4WD system, it delivers incredible acceleration and cornering performance.
Features : A compact, high-performance sports car incorporating technology developed in the WRC. The powerful engine and 4WD system deliver impressive acceleration and cornering performance.
Appeal : Incredible performance hidden in a compact body. A genuine sports car with rally car pedigree.
| Specifications | GR Yaris |
|---|---|
| full length | 3,995mm |
| Overall width | 1,805mm |
| Overall height | 1,455mm |
| Wheelbase |
2,560mm |
| tread | Front 1,535mm , rear 1,565mm |
| Passenger capacity | 4 people |
| Vehicle weight | 1,280 kg (1,300 kg for models equipped with GR-DAT ) |
| engine | 1.6L inline 3-cylinder intercooler turbo G16E-GTS |
| Maximum power | 224kW (304PS) / 6,500rpm |
| Maximum torque | 400Nm (40.8kgf) / 3,250~4,600rpm |
transmission |
iMT (6-speed MT) GR-DAT (8-speed AT) |
| Drive system | Sports 4WD system “GR-FOUR” electronically controlled multi-plate clutch (3-mode selectable) |
| Differential device | TORSEN® LSD |
| suspension | MacPherson strut double wishbone |
| brake | Ventilated discs (18-inch aluminum opposed 4-pot calipers) Ventilated discs (16-inch aluminum opposed 2-pot calipers) |
| wheel | BBS forged aluminum wheels 8J inset 45mm |
| tire | 225/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S |
| Fuel tank capacity |
50L |
Toyota GR Corolla
GR Corolla
This 5-door hot hatchback boasts high driving performance thanks to the technology developed in the WRC.
Features : A five-door hot hatchback. Utilizing technology developed in the WRC, it boasts high driving performance.
Appeal : A high-performance model that combines practicality and sporty performance, making it suitable for everyday use.
| Specifications | New GR Corolla Japanese model |
New GR Corolla Morizo Edition |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,410mm | 4,410mm |
| Overall width | 1,850mm | 1,850mm |
| Overall height | 1,480mm | 1,475mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,640mm | 2,640mm |
| engine | 1.6L inline 3-cylinder DOHC direct injection turbocharged |
1.6L inline 3-cylinder DOHC direct injection turbocharged |
| Maximum power | 224kW (304PS) / 6,500rpm |
224kW (304PS) / 6,500rpm |
| Maximum torque | 370Nm (37.7kgfm) / 3,000~5,550rpm |
400Nm (40.8kgfm) / 3,250~4,600rpm |
transmission |
6 speed iMT | 6 speed iMT |
| Drive system | 4WD (Sports 4WD system “GR-FOUR”) |
4WD (Sports 4WD system “GR-FOUR”) |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | 5 people |
| tire | 235/40ZR18 | 245/40ZR18 |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 12.4km/L | – |
Toyota Daihatsu GR Copen
Toyota GR Copen
Toyota will receive OEM supply of the new Copen GR SPORT from Daihatsu and begin selling it at Toyota dealerships, Toyopet dealerships, Toyota Corolla dealerships, and Netz dealerships nationwide, as well as Toyota Mobility Tokyo Co., Ltd.
Features : A light open-top car that lets you easily enjoy the refreshing feeling of an open-air ride.
Appeal : Combines the low maintenance costs of a minicar with the fun of an open-top car.
| Specifications | New Copen GR SPORT |
|---|---|
| full length | 3,395mm |
| Overall width | 1,475mm |
| Overall height | 1,280mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,230mm |
| engine | Inline 3 660cc turbo engine |
| Maximum power | 47kw (64ps) / 6,400rpm |
| Maximum torque | 92Nm (9.4kgm) / 3,200rpm |
| transmission | CVT/5MT |
| Drive system | FF |
| WLCT mode fuel economy | 19.2km/L (CVT) 18.6km/L (5MT) |
Nissan Note Aura NISMO
Nissan Note Aura NISMO
This sporty model is based on the Note Aura and features specially tuned suspension and interior/exterior.
Features : A sporty model based on the Note Aura. It features specially tuned suspension and interior/exterior.
Appeal : Powerful acceleration thanks to e-POWER and the sporty feel that only NISMO can offer.
| Specifications | New Note e-POWER |
New Note e-POWER |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,045mm | |
| Overall width | 1,695mm | |
| Overall height | 1,505mm | |
| Wheelbase | 2,580mm | |
| engine | In-line 3-cylinder 1.2L engine “HR12DE” type + motor “EM47” type |
|
| Maximum power | 60kW (82PS) / 6,000rpm |
|
| Maximum torque | 103Nm (10.5kgm) / 3,600-5,200rpm |
|
| Motor maximum output |
85kW (116PS) / 2,900-10,341rpm |
|
| Motor Max Torque |
280Nm (28.6kgfm) / 0-2,900rpm |
|
| Rear motor maximum output |
– | 50kW (68PS) / 4,775-10,024rpm |
| Rear motor maximum torque |
– | 100Nm (10.2kgm) / 0-4,775rpm |
transmission |
Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) |
|
| battery | Lithium-ion battery (1.57 kWh) |
|
| Minimum turning radius | 4.9m | |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | |
| Drive system | 2WD (FF) | 4WD |
| JC08 mode fuel economy |
38.2km/L to 34.8km/L |
28.2km/L |
| WLTC mode fuel economy |
28.4km/L to 29.5km/L |
23.8km/L |
Honda Fit RS
Honda Fit RS
A sporty model based on the Fit, it features sporty interior and exterior styling and specially tuned suspension.
Features : A sporty model based on the Fit. It features a sporty interior and exterior and specially tuned suspension. Appeal : Based on the highly practical Fit, it adds sporty driving performance.
| Specifications | fit | Fit e:HEV |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,990mm (4,090mm) | 3,990mm (4,090mm) |
| Overall width | 1,695mm (1,725mm) | 1,695mm (1,725mm) |
| Overall height | 1,515 to 1,565 mm (1,545 mm) | 1,515 to 1,565 mm (1,545 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 2,530mm | 2,530mm |
| engine | 1.5L i-VTEC engine | 1.5L i-VTEC engine + new i-MMD (e:HEV) |
| Maximum power | 96kW (131PS)/ 6,600rpm |
72kW (98PS) / 5,600-6,400rpm |
| Maximum torque | 155Nm (15.8kgfm)/ 4,600rpm |
127Nm (13.0kgfm) / 4,500-5,000rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
– | 80kW (109PS) / 3,500-8,000rpm |
| Motor Max Torque |
– | 253Nm (25.8kgfm) / 0-3,000rpm |
transmission |
CVT | Electric continuously variable transmission |
| Drive system | 2WD (FF) / 4WD |
2WD (FF) / 4WD |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | 5 people |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 20.2km/L (2WD) 18.2km/L (4WD) |
29.4km/L (2WD) 24.0km/L (4WD) |
Subaru WRX S4
SUBARU WRX S4
The WRX S4 is equipped with a newly developed 2.4L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine . It is built on the next-generation platform , the SUBARU GLOBAL PLATFORM (SGP) , and employs a full inner frame structure that contributes to high rigidity.
Features : A representative Subaru sports sedan. Its stable driving performance and powerful acceleration are its main attractions.
Appeal : Powerful performance thanks to the turbo engine. Recommended for those looking for a sporty sedan.
| Model | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT-H EX | Horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 2.4L direct injection turbo |
Subaru Performance Transmission |
AWD | 4,477,000 yen |
| STI Sport R EX | 5,027,000 yen |
| Specifications | WRX S4 |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,670mm |
| Overall width | 1,825mm |
| Overall height | 1,470mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670mm |
| engine | 2.4L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine |
| Maximum power | 271HP (275ps) / 5,600rpm |
| Maximum torque | 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) |
| transmission | Subaru Performance Transmission (CVT) 6MT |
| Drive system | AWD (4WD) |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people |
| Vehicle weight | 1,590-1,600 kg |
| JC08 mode fuel economy | 12.7km/L |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 10.8 km/L |
Suzuki Swift Sport
Suzuki Swift Sport
This compact sports car is popular for its excellent handling and high cost performance, and its practicality makes it suitable for everyday use.
Features : A popular compact sports car with excellent handling and great value for money.
Appeal : Lightweight handling and practicality suitable for everyday use.
Volkswagen Golf R
The Golf GTI is synonymous with hot hatches. It combines sporty driving with practicality, making it comfortable for everyday use and long-distance driving.
Features : The epitome of a hot hatch. It combines sporty driving with practicality, making it comfortable for everyday use and long-distance driving.
Appeal : Well-balanced performance and a high-quality interior.
Abarth 595
ABARTH 595
A unique compact sports car born in Italy. Based on the Fiat 500, it features a sporty interior and exterior and a powerful engine.
Features : A unique compact sports car born in Italy. Based on the Fiat 500, it features a sporty interior and exterior and a powerful engine.
Appealing features : A pleasant engine sound and unique styling.
BMW 2 Series Coupe
This FR sports coupe is positioned as BMW’s entry model. Despite its compact body size, it offers BMW’s signature sporty handling and a high-quality interior.
Features : A FR sports coupe positioned as BMW’s entry model.
Appeal : Despite its compact body size, it offers BMW-like sporty handling and a high-quality interior.
Mini Cooper S
It features go-kart-like, nimble handling and a unique design, making it a versatile vehicle that can be enjoyed on a wide range of roads, from city driving to winding roads.
Features : It features crisp, go-kart-like handling and a unique design.
Appeal : Unique British style and go-kart feel when driving.
Hyundai IONIQ5 N
This high-performance hatchback from Korean car manufacturer Hyundai is attractive for its excellent performance and value for money.
Features : Hyundai’s high-performance electric vehicle. It boasts the powerful acceleration and sporty handling that only an EV can offer.
Appeal : A sports car of the future that combines environmental friendliness and driving performance.
Renault Megane RS
megane rs
This high-performance hatchback from French car manufacturer Renault is characterized by its exceptional handling and sporty design.
Features : A French hot hatch with exceptional handling and a sporty design.
Appeal : Despite being a front-wheel drive vehicle, it boasts high driving performance and is enjoyable for circuit driving.
Chevrolet Camaro
Chevrolet Camaro
This American sports car is known as a rival to the Mustang and is characterized by its sporty design and powerful driving performance.
Characteristics : A representative American sports car. Known as a rival to the Mustang, it is characterized by its sporty design and powerful driving.
Appeal : Powerful acceleration thanks to a large-displacement engine and a design reminiscent of an American muscle car.
Bargain sports cars found on the used car market
Search for used sports cars under 1 million yen
- Toyota MR-S : Mid-engine open sports car. (Production ended in 2007.)
- Honda Beat : A mid-engine sports car (production ended in 1996).
- Mazda RX-7 : A pure sports car equipped with a rotary engine. (Production ended in 2002.)
Affordable used sports cars
- Toyota 86 (ZN6 model) : The first generation 86 can sometimes be found in good condition at a relatively low price.
- Subaru BRZ (ZC6 model) : The first generation BRZ is also worth considering, just like the 86.
- Nissan Fairlady Z (Z33 model) : The previous generation Fairlady Z is also an attractive option.
Reliable, well-maintained used sports car
- Certified Pre-Owned : A used car that is guaranteed by the manufacturer or dealer.
- Specialty store : A store with specialized knowledge and skills for sports cars.
The cost of maintaining a sports car
When owning a sports car, you need to consider not only the price of the vehicle but also the maintenance costs. The main maintenance costs include the following items:
- Taxes : Automobile tax, automobile weight tax, etc.
- Insurance premiums : Car insurance premiums
- Fuel cost : Gasoline cost
- Maintenance costs : vehicle inspection costs, oil changes, tire changes, etc.
- Parking fee : Monthly parking fee
Sports cars generally have poor fuel economy and tend to have higher taxes and insurance premiums. Also, because they are equipped with high-performance engines and brakes, maintenance costs can be high.
summary
This time, we’ve introduced 18 affordable sports cars that can be purchased new as of 2025. There is a wide range of models available, from domestic to imported, and each has its own appeal.
When choosing a sports car, consider not only the price but also maintenance costs, driving performance, design, and practicality.
Please use this article as a reference to find the perfect car for you and enjoy driving a sports car to the fullest!
