For the average Joe, the idea of owning a supercar is all but a pipe dream. Thankfully, for those of us with more humble-sized pockets, there are cars on the market with similar performance stats but at afraction of the cost.
Granted, exotic cars like the Audi R8, Lamborghini Huracán, and Nissan GT-R can hit 60 mph in the blink of an eye and reach upwards of 200 mph. The problem is, though, these illustrious and elusive exotics have sky-high price tags to match their horsepower figures.
So unless you’ve got $150,000 to $300,000 burning a hole in your pocket, it’s probably never going to happen. The vehicles that feature on this list may not look as exotic as the aforementioned fabled cars, but the vast majority are way more practical.
to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book. The following entries were chosen for their performance and low starting prices.
102025 Ford Mustang GT
MSRP: $42,860
Kicking off our list is the Ford Mustang, which is not only a fast sports car but also an American icon. Muscle car roots aside, the Mustang’s huge V8 engine sends just shy of 500 horsepower to the rear wheels.
5.0-liter V8
6-speed manual
486 hp
418 lb-ft
Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
4.2 seconds
155 mph
92025 Nissan Z
MSRP: $42,970
Next up is the Nissan Z, which is a steal of a sports car. For way under $50,000, you get a sports car equipped with a twin-turbocharged engine offering plenty of low-end grunt ideal for daily driving and a lot of top-end power for those track days.
6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic
400 hp
350 lb-ft
3.9 seconds
Top Speed
165 mph
Although it’s an out-and-out sports car, that doesn’t mean the Nissan Z isn’t practical. In fact, it has plenty of space for two people and a decent amount of cargo space. It also has many safety features and plenty of tech features for entertainment.
82025 BMW Z4
MSRP: $54,500
There’s no denying that most supercars are fun to drive, but the BMW Z4 offers something a little extra. With a power-folding soft top that folds back within seconds, occupants can be at one with the outside world. Further, the Z4’s turbocharged engine and athletic suspension combine to deliver the exciting driving dynamics the German automaker is synonymous with.
Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six
382 hp
369 lb-ft
152 mph
Another area BMW is reputed for is its interiors, and the Z4 is no different, coming equipped with a cabin built with the finest materials and trim. There’s also plenty oftech on show, including a large infotainment screen and wireless phone connectivity. It’s common knowledge supercars don’t make great dailies, so the BMW Z4 could be a more comfortable option.
72025 Toyota GR Supra
MSRP: $56,250
If ever there was an excellent substitute for a supercar, it’d be the Toyota GR Supra, thanks to its striking style and stout turbocharged engine. It’s a two-seater that’s comfortable enough for two people to commute daily, and its BMW-sourced engine makes it a hoot to drive.
6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
368 lb-ft
161 mph
The Toyota GR Supra is available with an automatic transmission, or if you’re seeking a more involved drive, it can be had in manual guise. Music heads can rejoice, knowing it comes with a premium audio system and it has an adequately sized cargo area, big enough to be practical for everyday use.
62025 Cadillac CT5-V
MSRP: $56,995
Although Cadillac is best known for its floaty sedans and large SUVs, the brand aims to change that perception with the CT5-V. Granted, it’s acomfortable sedan, but under the hood lies a twin-turbocharged V6 packed with performance rivaling sports cars twice its price.
10-speed automatic
360 hp
405 lb-ft
Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
4.8 seconds
168 mph
Okay, it might not achieve 0-60 in two seconds, but it’s a versatile vehicle. On the one hand, it’s a streetworthy race car, and on the other, it’s a comfortable commuter.
52024 Audi RS3
MSRP: $62,300
Audi may have a reputation for producing luxurious commuter sedans and SUVs, but theGerman automakeralso builds some of the fastest sports sedans on the market. Take the RS3, for example—a small, four-door sedan based on the more sedate A3.
Turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
401 hp
All-wheel drive
3.3 seconds
159 mph
Don’t be fooled, though, as the RS3’s unconventional five-cylinder engine pumps out over 400 horses sent to its wheels via its Quattro all-wheel drive system. Plant your right foot, and you’ll reach highway speeds in supercar times.
42025 Mercedes-AMG C43
MSRP: $62,500
It doesn’t seem that long ago that turbocharged four-cylinder engines struggled to break the 300-horsepower mark. The Mecedes-AMG C43 shows how times have changed, with its force-fed four-pot engine making over 400 horsepower.
Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four
9-speed automatic
416 hp
Impressive, to say the least, especially considering the small, high-performance C-Class sedan can reach highway speeds just as quickly as a supercar with twice the power. Then again, said supercar would cost twice the price, which makes the Mercedes-AMG C43 that much more of a compelling buy.
32025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
MSRP: $68,300
The C8-generation Chevrolet Corvette debuted a few years ago, and critics and the public alike were in fierce debate about whether it should be considered a supercar or a mere sports car. But what’s the difference? Supercars typically have an astronomical price tag, a powerful engine, and exceptional handling characteristics.
6.2-liter V8
8-speed dual-clutch automatic
495 hp
470 lb-ft
2.8 seconds
184 mph
But the C8 Corvette bucks the trend, as it ticks all of those boxes, with the exception of a hefty price tag. Further, it even has a mid-engine, rear-drive layout like some supercars. Is it a supercar then? Performance-wise, certainly, but its price tag says something different.
22025 Porsche 718 Cayman
MSRP: $72,800
When you think of Porsche, the 911 is probably the model that immediately springs to mind, and for good reason—it’s an icon. That doesn’t mean the Porsche 718 Cayman shouldn’t be any less thought of, though. Despite being the entry-level car in the automaker’s lineup, it is no less exciting to drive than its pricier and more powerful stablemate.
4.0-liter flat-six
394 hp
309 lb-ft
3.4 seconds
182 mph
With just shy of 400 horses on tap being sent to the rear wheels, the 718 Cayman embodies everything a sports car should be. Its chassis and suspension are well-crafted, delivering the type of smile-inducing engagement gear heads crave when enjoying a spirited drive on a twisty road.
12025 Audi RS5 Sportback
MSRP: $79,900
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a car that offers the type of performance, precision, and practicality the Audi RS5 Sportback does. Not only is it supercar-fast thanks to its unique twin-turbocharged V6, but it’s also incredibly practical.
8-speed automatic
444 hp
443 lb-ft
All-drive drive
The RS5 Sportback is based on the five-door Audi A5 platform, meaning it offers ample space for four adults and all their belongings. Its trunk area isn’t just large, but it also opens up with a hatch door, making loading larger cargo a doddle while maintaining its sporty driving dynamics. If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a supercar on a long weekend road trip but need more space (or can’t afford one), the Audi RS5 is a great alternative.
