Many people want to drive a fast and fun car, but not everyone can afford the six figures many of these vehicles demand. Of course, you get what you pay for, and the best sports cars under $60k provide a good balance between performance and relative affordability. These vehicles are primarily 2-door coupes - the most traditional sports cars - but there are 4-door sedans and hatchbacks, too, and even the occasional wagon. Just take a look at our list of the best sports cars for under $60,000 to see the variety.
Characteristics of the Fastest Cars Under $60k
Since sports cars under $60k can take a number of shapes and forms, the defining characteristics are just as broad and hard to pin down. Still, there are some constants and a few expectations that need to be met in order for a car to earn a spot on our list.
- Performance: This is a given, of course, since this is the fastest cars under $60k subsegment. However, sheer power isn’t all that matters. A fun driving experience is equal parts speed and handling, and while RWD is the norm in these types of cars, many come with AWD for improved traction. At this price point, you’re looking for more than just cheap thrills.
- Comfort: A certain degree of luxury is expected at the $60k mark, but since these are performance cars first and foremost, that’s where most of the investment is going. Still, leather or high-quality cloth upholstery is to be expected, as well as electric front seats and automatic climate control. A few advanced driver-assistance features are usually standard, too, for those times when you don’t want to be completely hands-on.
- Price: Obviously, a sports car has to come in under $60,000 to slot into this category. Whether or not this is affordable depends on the buyer, but these vehicles can be very good value for money. It is worth noting that since more attention is paid to performance than efficiency, fuel economy won’t be great. This pushes up the cost of ownership.
What to Consider When Buying Sports Cars Under $60k
Now while $60k is a far cry from the hundreds of thousands some exotic cars ask for, it’s still a hefty chunk of change. So, before you sign on the dotted line, be sure that one of these beauties will meet your needs by considering the pros and cons of each:
Pros
- High levels of performance
- Definite focus on curb appeal
- A fair degree of luxury in the cabin
- Decent list of standard features
- Comparatively affordable
Cons
- Still too expensive for most people
- Similarly priced exec sedans are more luxurious
- Fuel economy not great for sports cars
FAQs
What is the best sports car under $60,000?
There is no shortage of options, but some of the best cars near the $60k mark include the BMW 4 or 5 Series, the Audi TT, and the Ford Mustang Mach 1. The racier Audi TTS is an honorable mention since it starts at just over $60k.
What cars are cheap but look sporty?
There are plenty of highly affordable sports cars that look as good as they ride. The Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang are American classics. But at around the $60,000 range, the Mercedes C-Class is very stylish, while the Porsche 718 Cayman is a more traditional sports car and one of the best handling cars in its segment.
What is the fastest car under $60,000?
In terms of maximum speed, the Audi RS 3, with its limiter removed, can reach 180 mph, while the Ford Mustang Mach 1 tops out at 168 mph. By comparison, the BMW 3 Series can only go up to 142 mph.