When you hear the word “sports car,” your brain might jump to posters of cars in rooms like Porsches, Ferraris, Lamborghinis. These cars are not available as new and don’t become very affordable as you get older. But you don’t have to pay for your child’s college education to enjoy driving.
There are a few sports cars available, but they are not as affordable as they used to be. And some of them are all new in 2022. If you can promise to pay around $30,000, which is a lot cheaper than the current average price of a new car, you can get a high quality manual transmission driver’s car. Impressive handling and ideal performance on public roads. We know we spent a lot of time taking almost all of them through science.
Best cheap sports car
Chevrolet Camaro 1LT 2022
The Camaro is Chevrolet’s iconic vehicle. As GM turns into an electric vehicle maker, it’s about to go out the door in 2024. But as long as it remains, it may still be the best sports car on the market.
Pros: The Camaro sounds like a sports car. It has powerful V6 and V8 engines. You can buy it for less than $30,000 and $40,000 respectively. The addition of the 1LE package makes it an underrated track performer. A manual transmission can be installed with all three engine options.
Cons: The Mustang looks good, but the Camaro’s design lacks visibility. These factors are enough to prevent transactions for many buyers.
Power train: 3.6-liter V6; 6-speed manual (10-speed automatic); rear drive
Strength: 335
0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds
Fuel economy: 18 mpg city, 29 mpg highway.
Starting price: $28,490
Ford Mustang Eco Boost 2022
The Ford Mustang is an icon. The Mustang EcoBoost is an entry-level model with a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine that costs less than $30,000, about $10,000 less than the V8 GT model.
Pros: The Mustang EcoBoost is lighter and more nimble than the GT and has better weight distribution. The 4-piston engine continues to pull with 1 ton of torque. You can level up with the high performance processing package. And you can get it with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Cons: Rollin’in 5.0 is a bit more fun. EcoBoost is not a 5.0-liter V8 engine. It doesn’t look like a 5.0-liter V8. And you will remember this every time you are in the car.
Powertrain: 2.3 liter turbocharged I-4; 6-speed manual (10-speed automatic); rear-wheel drive
Power: 310
Torque: 350 ft lbs
0-60mph: 5.0 seconds
Fuel economy: 21 mpg city, 32 mpg highway
Starting price: $ 27,205
Hyundai Velostar n2022
The Veloster N is Hyundai’s compact 3-door hatchback coupe. This is the only second generation version of Velostar still sold in the United States.
Pros: Veloster N is very fast and agile. In the best way, it sounds mania. “Wet” dual clutch automatics can be better than manuals. There is also a custom “N” performance mode.
Disadvantages: The Velostar N looks very strange and has a three-door body that isn’t practical (this is the only Velostar left for a reason). The ride is sometimes quite uncomfortable.
Powertrain: 2.0 liter I-4 turbo; 6-speed manual (8-speed dual clutch automatic); front
Power: 275 horsepower
Torque: 260 ft-pounds
0-60mph: 4.8 seconds
Fuel economy: 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway
Starting price: $ 32,500
