8. FIAT 500 Abarth
Sure, the FIAT 500 lineup is tiny, minute even. However, the Abarth manages to deliver the driving experience that adrenaline junkies crave. Rev the engine and the exhaust positively snarls. The 160 HP might not sound like much when stacked up next to the likes of the Camaro and the Challenger, but this road rocket will do the job on the pavement, delivering one of the best driving experiences available. And you get to pay less, too – pricing starts at just $23,000, making this one of the most affordable options when it comes to sports cars.
7. Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Hyundai might be more familiar as a budget brand than as a sports car maker, but the company is working hard to change that image. The Genesis Coupe manages to be both affordable and powerful. It costs just $26,350 and you get a lot for it. Under the hood, you’ll find a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine mated to an 8-speed transmission for some of the smoothest shifting in the market. It also comes with 18-inch wheels and a full suite of airbags for protection.
6. Subaru WRX
You simply can’t leave the WRX off the list of affordable sports cars. It brings a lot to the table and doesn’t cost a fortune, at $26,295. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, capable of propelling this compact car at high speeds. It also comes with 17-inch wheels and a 6-speed manual transmission. It sees 20 MPG in town, and 27 MPG in highway driving, while providing nimble handling and an agile, road-eating stance that will definitely get your heart pounding.
