Have you ever thought, “I want to drive a sports car someday?” The exhilarating feeling of cutting through the wind, acceleration that feels like you’re gripping the ground, and a presence that draws attention from those around you. Sports cars are the object of many people’s aspirations.
However, supercars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis are out of reach for most people. If you’re starting to give up on your dream, wondering if it will just remain a dream, we have good news for you!
In fact, there are many attractive sports cars that are available at affordable prices. In this article, we will introduce 25 recommended sports cars that are affordable for the average person, both domestic and imported.
We’ll explain the features and appeal of each car in an easy-to-understand way and help you find the perfect car for you. We’ll also cover the history of sports cars, how to choose one, and information on maintenance costs.
Reading this article will surely get your sports car life started.
What is a sports car?
What kind of car is a sports car? There is no clear definition, but generally speaking, a car with the following characteristics is called a sports car.
- Excellent driving performance : Excellent driving performance including acceleration, cornering, and braking.
- Sporty design : It has a sporty appearance with a streamlined body, low ride height, and large aero parts.
- Driving fun : Equipped with features that make driving fun, such as a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.
The history of sports cars
Sports cars have a long history, dating back to the early 1900s. Early sports cars were luxury vehicles for the aristocracy and wealthy. However, in the 1950s, sports cars for the masses began to appear. Typical examples include the British MG and Triumph, and the American Chevrolet Corvette.
In Japan, domestically produced sports cars such as the Honda S600 and Toyota Sports 800 appeared in the 1960s. Following this, famous cars that gained worldwide popularity were born, such as the Nissan Fairlady Z and Mazda Roadster.
In recent years, sports cars that take environmental friendliness and safety into consideration have also appeared. They continue to evolve with the times, such as the Honda NSX equipped with a hybrid system and the Toyota GR86 equipped with advanced safety technologies such as automatic braking.
25 Recommended Sports Cars That Everyday People Can Afford
Now, let’s finally introduce some recommended sports cars that ordinary people can afford. We will divide them into domestic and imported cars and explain the features and appeal of each.
Top 13 Japanese sports cars
1. Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ
GR86 Special Edition RZ 40th Anniversary Limited
This FR sports car was jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru. It is equipped with a 2.4L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine, and boasts nimble handling and powerful acceleration. Although they are siblings, each has its own unique character.
- Price range: 3 million yen and up
- Engine: 2.4L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder
- Drive system: FR
2. Mazda Roadster
Mazda Roadster
This lightweight open sports car is designed to create a “Jinba Ittai” (oneness between man and horse) driving experience. Its nimble handling and the joy of open-air motoring are unlike any other car. Its attractively affordable price makes it the perfect introduction to sports cars.
- Price range: From 2.6 million yen
- Engine: 1.5L inline 4-cylinder
- Drive system: FR
3. Honda Civic Type R
Honda Civic Type R
This authentic sports hatchback was developed with the aim of being the fastest front-wheel drive vehicle. It is equipped with a 2.0L VTEC turbo engine and boasts impressive acceleration performance. It is a car with great potential that can also be enjoyed on the circuit.
- Price range: 5 million yen and up
- Engine: 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbo
- Drive system: FF
4. Nissan Fairlady Z
FAIRLADY Z
This is Nissan’s signature sports car, with its traditional long-nose, short-deck style. Its 3.0L V6 twin-turbo engine delivers powerful performance. The new model boasts a retro-modern design that will satisfy even fans of the classic car.
- Price range: 5 million yen and up
- Engine: 3.0LV 6-cylinder twin turbo
- Drive system: FR
5. Toyota GR Yaris
2024 Toyota GR Yaris
This authentic rally machine was born to win the WRC. Its 1.6L 3-cylinder turbo engine and 4WD system deliver impressive traction. Its practicality makes it suitable for everyday use.
- Price range: 4.5 million yen and up
- Engine: 1.6L inline 3-cylinder turbo
- Drive system: 4WD
6. Suzuki Swift Sport
Swift Sport
This hot hatch features a compact body and a 1.4L turbo engine. With its nimble handling and powerful acceleration, it’s a joy to drive on winding roads. Its affordable price makes it a popular choice among young people.
- Price range: from 2 million yen
- Engine: 1.4L inline 4-cylinder turbo
- Drive system: FF
7. Daihatsu Copen
Toyota GR Copen
This open-top light sports car features an electrically operated hardtop, allowing you to enjoy open-air motoring with ease. Its unique design is also appealing, and it’s sure to attract attention even when driving around town.
- Price range: from 2 million yen
- Engine: 0.66L inline 3-cylinder turbo
- Drive system: FF
8. Honda S660
S660
A mid-engine sports car with a compact design. Its agile handling and open-air motoring enjoyment rival the Roadster. Although it is no longer in production, it remains popular on the used car market.
- Price range: From 2 million yen (used car)
- Engine: 0.66L inline 3-cylinder turbo
- Drive system: MR
9. Lexus RC F
LEXUS RC F-Performance package
This high-performance coupe from Lexus is equipped with a 5.0L V8 engine, delivering overwhelming power and sound. It’s a sports car for adults, combining a luxurious interior with sporty driving.
- Price range: 10 million yen and up
- Engine: 5.0L V8
- Drive system: FR
10. Nissan GT-R
NISSAN GT-R 2025
This is a world-renowned Japanese supercar. Its 3.8L V6 twin-turbo engine delivers impressive acceleration. Its state-of-the-art 4WD system ensures high driving stability on any road surface.
- Price range: 10 million yen and up
- Engine: 3.8L V6 twin turbo
- Drive system: 4WD
11. Toyota GR Supra
2024 Toyota GR Supra
This FR sports car was jointly developed with BMW. It is equipped with an in-line 6-cylinder engine, providing smooth and powerful acceleration. Its beautiful styling also makes it a car that will satisfy the joy of ownership.
- Price range: 5 million yen and up
- Engine: 2.0L/3.0L inline 6-cylinder turbo
- Drive system: FR
12. Mazda RX-7
RX-7
A legendary sports car equipped with a rotary engine. Its unique engine feel and beautiful styling have captivated many fans. Currently, only used cars are available, but it boasts enduring popularity.
- Price range: 1 million yen and up (used cars)
- Engine: 1.3L rotary turbo
- Drive system: FR
13. Honda NSX
NSX Type S
This high-performance sports car is equipped with a hybrid system. It combines a V6 twin-turbo engine with three motors to achieve both impressive acceleration and environmental friendliness. It’s a supercar killer that brings together the best of Japanese technology.
- Price range: From 24 million yen
- Engine: 3.5L V6 twin-turbo + motor
- Drive system: 4WD
12 Imported Sports Cars
1. Abarth 595
ABARTH 595
The Abarth 595 is a small Italian bombshell. Based on the Fiat 500, it’s a hot hatch tuned by Abarth. Its small-displacement turbo engine delivers explosive power and a sensual exhaust sound. From city driving to winding roads, it’s a car you can enjoy driving in any situation.
- Price range: 3 million yen and up
- Engine: 1.4L inline 4-cylinder turbo
- Drive system: FF
2. Volkswagen Golf GTI
Volkswagen-Golf-GTI
The Golf GTI is synonymous with hot hatches. It combines well-balanced driving performance with high practicality. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of uses, from everyday use to sports driving.
- Price range: 4.5 million yen and up
- Engine: 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbo
- Drive system: FF
3. Mini Cooper S
The Mini Cooper S is popular for its go-kart feel. Its compact body and powerful engine make for a lively ride. Its unique design is also appealing, and it’s sure to turn heads when driving around town.
- Price range: 3.5 million yen and up
- Engine: 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbo
- Drive system: FF
4. Ford Mustang
Mustang
The Ford Mustang is America’s iconic muscle car. Models equipped with a V8 engine are known for their powerful sound and acceleration. In recent years, models equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine have also been released, improving fuel efficiency.
- Price range: 5 million yen and up
- Engine: 2.3L inline 4-cylinder turbo / 5.0L V8
- Drive system: FR
5. Chevrolet Camaro
Chevrolet Camaro
The Mustang’s rival is the Chevrolet Camaro. This model also features a V8 engine, allowing you to enjoy the powerful driving performance of an American muscle car. Its stylish design is also appealing, making it popular with the younger generation.
- Price range: 5 million yen and up
- Engine: 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbo / 6.2L V8
- Drive system: FR
6. Renault Megane RS
Renault Megane RS
This French hot hatch was developed to be the fastest front-wheel drive vehicle. Equipped with a 1.8L turbo engine and 4CONTROL system, it demonstrates high competitiveness on the circuit. It combines sporty design with practicality, making it ideal for everyday use.
- Price range: 5 million yen and up
- Engine: 1.8L inline 4-cylinder turbo
- Drive system: FF
7. BMW 2 Series Coupe
2025 BMW M2
This compact sports coupe features a rear-engine, front-wheel drive (FR) layout. Its well-balanced driving performance and sophisticated design are its attractions. You can enjoy BMW’s signature sporty handling at an affordable price.
- Price range: 4 million yen and up
- Engine: 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbo / 3.0L inline 6-cylinder turbo
- Drive system: FR
8. Audi TT Coupe
The Audi TT Coupe is popular for its stylish design. It is equipped with a quattro 4WD system, which boasts high driving stability. Its premium interior is also attractive, allowing you to enjoy comfortable, sporty driving.
- Price range: 5 million yen and up
- Engine: 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbo
- Drive system: FF/4WD
9. Porsche 718 Cayman
2022-Porsche-718
This is a pure sports car with a midship layout. It is equipped with a horizontally opposed 4-cylinder turbo engine, and boasts nimble handling and sharp acceleration. You can experience the driving performance that only a Porsche can offer at a relatively reasonable price.
- Price range: 7 million yen and up
- Engine: 2.0L/2.5L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder turbo
- Drive system: MR
10. Lotus Elise
Lotus Elise Sprint
This lightweight British sports car was designed with the utmost in weight reduction. Its nimble handling and direct steering feel are unlike any other car. It also features a spartan interior, making it a great choice for drivers who want to focus on driving.
- Price range: 7 million yen and up
- Engine: 1.8L inline 4-cylinder supercharged
- Drive system: MR
11. Alpine A110
A110 R Turini
This lightweight sports car is made by French sports car manufacturer Alpine. Its beautiful design and nimble handling are its attractions. It is a car that has been carefully crafted to pursue the joy of driving.
- Price range: 7 million yen and up
- Engine: 1.8L inline 4-cylinder turbo
- Drive system: MR
12. Caterham Seven
The Caterham Seven is a current production model of the Lotus Seven, which first appeared in 1957. Its thorough lightweight design and simple structure provide the ultimate driving experience. It’s also available as a kit car that you can assemble yourself, making it a must-have for car enthusiasts.
- Price range: 5 million yen and up
- Engine: Various engines available
- Drive system: FR
Tips for choosing a sports car
So far, we’ve introduced a variety of sports cars, but what should you pay attention to when it comes to actually choosing one? Use the points below to help you find the perfect car for you.
- budget :
- Consider not only the price of the vehicle but also the maintenance costs (tax, insurance, fuel, etc.).
- Usage :
- Think about how you’ll use it: daily use, weekend drives, or track days.
- Passenger capacity :
- The passenger capacity is also an important point, such as one-seater, two-seater, or four-seater.
- engine :
- Choose the engine that suits you best by taking into consideration engine displacement, power output, torque, fuel economy, etc.
- Drive system :
- Driving characteristics vary depending on the drive system, such as FR, FF, MR, and 4WD.
- transmission :
- Manual transmission (MT) and automatic transmission (AT) are available.
- design :
- Choose a car with a design that suits your taste.
- Fitment :
- Make sure you have all the necessary safety and comfort equipment.
Sports car maintenance costs
Sports cars tend to be more expensive to maintain than regular cars for the following reasons:
- Taxes : The larger the engine capacity, the higher the car tax.
- Insurance : Sports cars tend to be more expensive to insure due to their higher accident rates.
- Fuel costs : Sports cars tend to have poor fuel economy.
- Tires : Sports cars come with high-performance tires, which means you’ll pay more for tires.
- Maintenance : Sports cars require regular maintenance.
A word from the editorial department
In this article, we have introduced 25 recommended sports cars that are affordable for the average person. There are many different types of sports cars, from domestic to imported, so be sure to find the one that’s perfect for you.
Sports cars are special vehicles that offer the joy of driving. Why not use this article as a reference and start your own sports car lifestyle?
