The Best Five Sports Cars Under $45K

Sports cars have stylish designs, quicker acceleration, and give the driver a fantastic performance. But many people think that you must pay a lot of money to become the owner of one of these monsters. Oh, that is not always true! Some fantastic, quick, dynamic sports cars aren’t expensive to buy. Let’s face it; we all enjoy that adrenaline rush that comes with driving, and for those who want to experience that without breaking the bank, here's the list. Let's discover five fabulous sports cars you can buy today for $45,000 or less.

1. Mazda MX-5 Miata

Price: Starting at $29,215

It’s impossible to assemble a list of affordable sports cars without including the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Miata has been popular for a long time because of its cheerful nature, precise steering, open-air motoring, and the fun factor that comes with it. Under the hood, it boasts a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produces 181 horsepower. 

It is not a muscle car by any stretch, but that is because the Miata is all about balance and control and the ability to engage the driver very actively. This roadster weighs a mere 2,450 lbs and was born to tackle corners, which makes it ideal for winding roads. And with only a six-speed manual option, you know that you are in charge behind the wheel. In this aspect, Mazda has done a great job ensuring that the Miata is well-connected and enthusiastic for a sub-$30,000 car.

The Miata’s interior has bare-bones aesthetics with simple designs and a functional layout. The entertainment system is friendly and well-designed, and the seating arrangements prove suitable for long journeys. However, if you wish to travel with lots of luggage in your car, you must know that the Miata is not very spacious, especially in the boot. But come on—this car is for the fun of driving and with the top down, not loading up for a country drive.

Quick Facts:

• Price: Starting at $29,215
• Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four, 181 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Weight: 2,450 lbs
• Driving Experience: Fun, balanced, and precise, ideal for cornering and winding roads
• Interior: Simple, functional design, suitable for long journeys
• Drawback: Limited cargo space
• Ideal for: Open-air motoring and an engaging driving experience on a budge

2. Ford Mustang EcoBoost

Price: Starting at $32,515

Regarding American muscle, the Ford Mustang is undoubtedly one of the first cars that comes to mind. The EcoBoost variant offers a sports car with the needed power and performance while being pocket-friendly. Powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the EcoBoost Mustang produces 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, which are impressive figures for any driver.

Another feature that has also been very appealing about the Mustang is its flexibility in customization. There are numerous bolt-on performance upgrades on the market, so you can add a larger turbocharger, upgraded suspension, and even bigger brakes and still stay below your $45,000 budget. These options help the Mustang stand as a car that the ‘Average Joe’ can use for his daily commute without compromising his weekend racetrack aspirations.

The EcoBoost Mustang has a comfy, well-equipped interior with comfort and connectivity options, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Ford’s SYNC infotainment system. The seats are comfortable, making long journeys comfortable. The backseats are a little constricted, so if you plan on constantly moving people around, that could be something to look into. 

Quick Facts: 

• Price: Starting at $32,515
• Engine: 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 315 horsepower, 350 lb-ft of torque
• Customization: Bolt-on performance upgrades like larger turbochargers, suspension, and brakes are widely available.
• Driving Experience: Suitable for both daily commutes and weekend racetrack aspirations
• Interior: Comfortable and well-equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Ford’s SYNC
• Drawback: Backseats are tight and not ideal for frequent passenger transport.
• Ideal For: Drivers wanting muscle car performance on a budget with room for upgrades

3. Chevrolet Camaro LT1

Price: Starting at $44,095

The Chevrolet Camaro LT1 is the best option for a high-performance V8 engine car for under $45,000. Some people may consider it just slightly below $45,000, but the value of the Camaro cannot be compared with anything in today’s world. However, the Camaro is not a car restricted to fabulous straight-line acceleration. With its sport-tuned suspension, this model also offers a good ride, and with the Performance Package, it can handle bends, sharp turns, and high-speed curves. The Camaro LT1 is a perfect car for any driver and offers one of the most remarkable driving experiences for less than 45k.

However, the Camaro’s bold, sleek design and low profile have one major drawback—sightseeing. The high window sills and thick pillars, for instance, limit visibility through the car, especially in confined areas. For a regular user, this is just a disadvantage, but for people who care about the performance and style of their car, this is not a big deal.

Quick Facts:

• Price: Starting at $44,095
• Engine: V8 engine, offering a high level of performance
• Performance: Sport-tuned suspension for handling sharp turns, bends, and curves
• Driving Experience: Excellent acceleration and performance for under $45,000
• Interior: Stylish design, but limited visibility due to high window sills and thick pillars
• Drawback: Restricted visibility in tight spaces
• Ideal For: Drivers looking for a powerful V8 muscle car with a performance edge at a competitive price

4. Toyota GR86

Price: Starting at $31,490

For those who enjoy details and focus on a driver-oriented experience, the Toyota GR86 is perfect. With a 2.4-liter flat-four engine producing 228 horsepower, the GR86 may not sound like a powerhouse, but it shines with its balance and lightweight design. The GR86 was designed for people who appreciate driving, offering optimal grip, low weight distribution, and rear-wheel drive. The GR86 comes equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, and this car is quite responsive while driving through curves. It is designed to offer the character of an excellent driver's car by offering instant and precise steering input and reaction that every bend on the road offers with passion. It is a perfect companion for spending a budget-friendly weekend ripping up the back roads.

One thing that makes the GR86 genuinely outstanding is that its creators have opted for a thrilling driving experience. It has been designed to offer a lot of feedback to the driver, extraordinary handling, quick and accurate acceleration, good grip, and an ideal weight distribution needed for spirited driving. This means that regardless of whether you are cruising on the highway or a hilly and winding road, the GR86 offers control.

The interior of the GR86 is also simple and functional, with basic interfaces and a clean aesthetic. The interior is not over-the-top fancy, but it does the job, and one does not feel that anything is out of walking distance. If you want a car that offers a fun drive rather than having all the flashy aspects, then the GR86 is perfect for you. 

Quick Facts: 

• Price: Starting at $31,490
• Engine: 2.4-liter flat-four, 228 horsepower
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Driving Experience: Driver-focused, with exceptional handling, balance, and traction for a rear-wheel-drive sports car
• Performance: Lightweight design, low center of gravity, ideal for cornering and backroad driving
• Interior: Simple, functional, and clean design without over-the-top features
• Ideal For: Drivers prioritizing handling, control, and driving feedback over luxury and raw power.

5. Subaru WRX

Price: Starting at $31,625

The Subaru WRX has been established in the automotive market as quite a popular car, capable of providing a rally-car-like experience at a relatively low cost. This all-wheel-drive beast comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, giving it plenty of punch for any driving scenario. Whether speeding along highways or driving in bad weather, the WRX's AWD provides maximum grip and stability.

The exterior of the WRX, particularly the body kit, is more performance-oriented and looks like the mean part compared to some of its competitors. But when you combine it with excellent handling, standard 6-speed manual transmission, and rally car roots, you get something that can be utilitarian and entertaining all at once. It is ideal for someone who desires sports car performance but must be fitted with all-season capability.

The WRX offers more practicality and space than most sports cars, with 5 seats and a decent boot at 13 cubic feet. Not as pretty as some other models, the cabin is utilitarian for the most part and comes with a comfortable array of technology that includes an 8-inch infotainment with a touchscreen, smartphone integration, and more.

Quick Facts: 

• Price: Starting at $31,625
• Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 271 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque
• Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD) for maximum grip and stability, especially in bad weather
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Driving Experience: Rally-inspired handling and performance, ideal for both daily driving and spirited driving
• Interior: Utilitarian design with 5 seats, 13 cubic feet of cargo space, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Ideal For: Drivers seeking sports car performance with year-round all-season capability

You don’t have to spend hundreds of thousands to get behind the wheel of a fast, fun, and highly stylish sports car. All these five options provide something different, be it the muscle of the Ford Mustang EcoBoost and Chevrolet Camaro LT1, the agility of the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota GR86, or the all-out rally feel of the Subaru WRX. These cars show that it is possible to have the freedom of the open road, the sharp turns of a country road, and the feeling of acceleration without spending much money.

Drive Fast, Spend Smart: Thrills with Pedal Commander

What makes this group of sportscars even more eye-catching is the vast availability of different performance upgrades. The Pedal Commander throttle response controller is the simplest and most effective way to tune up these cars. Having a Pedal Commander installed in your sports car can instantly enhance the experience for those who wish to get a quicker throttle response and improved acceleration. Rather than purchasing expensive performance packages for your car, this simple-to-install plug-and-play upgrade transforms your car’s throttle behavior, making driving much more exciting.



Think about reducing throttle delay before getting away from the stop light or requiring immediate responsiveness as you overtake another car on the highway. For that reason, Pedal Commander allows you to configure the modes and match them with your desired driving style—the Sport+ Mode is more for sporty use, and the Eco Mode is more for fuel-efficient driving.

Pedal Commander is not expensive, like turbochargers, engine tunes, or suspension kits, but installing one significantly boosts performance. Also, installation is easy; no special mechanical skills or tools are needed. Just connect it, and you are good to go. Therefore, the Pedal Commander would be perfect if you want to adjust your car for a better driving experience without investing in complex performance upgrades. That’s good because it is a very speedy and efficient way to apply it to any sports cars listed above, making them feel even quicker and more engaging.

So, if you’re in the market for a sports car that gives you outstanding performance without an overwhelming price tag, take one of these for a spin with Pedal Commander. You’ll be surprised at how much fun you can have for under $45,000!