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Sports cars may not be as popular as they were a decade or two ago, but there are still plenty of amazing late model options available for $40,000.
Although sports cars don't come cheap, there are a handful of cool ones you can pick up without breaking the bank. Sports cars are characterized by speed, and most enthusiasts don't think twice before parting with large sums to satisfy their need for speed. The exhilaration that lies behind the wheel of an attractive supercar and the feeling of the ponies under the gas pedal is second to none.
While rising prices force the average potential buyer to reconsider his choices, there is a glimmer of hope in the used car market. Every year, high-performance cars, which still offer the same jaw-dropping performance they did when new, are being offered at more affordable prices. Secondly, since there is no rule that budget-friendly sports cars should be boring, there are quite a few new ones that are fast and fun to drive. Read on for a list of some of the best new and used sports cars you can buy for $40,000 in 2022.
Apart from poor outward visibility and tight rear seats, the 2021 Camaro SS impresses with a powerful engine, deft handling, and an excellent reliability rating. Under the hood, it boasts a 6.2-liter V8 power mill that sends 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels.
The Camaro SS sprints from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with this cocktail and clears the quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds. Starting at $37,500, the 2021 Camaro SS coupe delivers exhilarating acceleration and an easy-to-use infotainment system.
For 2022, the Ford Mustang GT, offered at $37,275, delivers a balance of all the features that make for a great sports car. While it is refined and comfortable enough for use as a daily driver, it also delivers an engaging drive thanks to brilliant handling and precise steering.
The 2022 GT relies on a 5-liter Coyote V8 that churns out 450 hp and 420 lb-ft for power. Hooked to a slick 10-speed automatic transmission, it sends the GT from zero to 60 mph in 4 seconds and on to a top speed of 155 mph.
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Although the $37,625 Dodge Challenger R/T is not as nimble as some rivals, you won't fault its practicality or the excellent predicted reliability ranking. The 2022 Challenger R/T is a large car that comfortably seats five passengers while treating them to fury from a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine.
With 375 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque on tap, the big car thunders from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and hits the quarter-mile in 13.2 mph. Apart from the standard and optional array of tech features offered, several available packages can further enhance the Challenger's aesthetics.
The Mazda MX-5 has evolved into a small, light, and rear-wheel drive roadster that delivers lots of driving fun for a starting price of $27,825. While the 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque produced by the 2-liter 4-cylinder engine may not seem like much, it sends the Miata to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
Springing for the Club trim grants you access to more tech features and performance options like a limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, and Recaro sports seats. Sticking with the standard 6-speed manual transmission elevates the driving experience and shows why the Miata is a best seller.
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The Subaru BRZ and its mechanical twin, the Toyota GR86, return for 2022 fully redesigned, more modern, and more powerful. Under the hood, the former generation's 2-liter engine is replaced by a new 2.4-liter flat-4 with 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Weighing in at 2,843 pounds, the new BRZ launches to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds at 101 mph. Starting at $27,995 and boasting a near-perfect front/rear weight distribution, a lower center of gravity, and a well-weighted/responsive steering, the BRZ is affordable and fun to drive.
Arriving for the second generation, the BMW 230i Coupe is offered, fully redesigned, bigger, and more powerful, at a starting price of $36,350. Power is supplied by a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that sends 255 hp and 294 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels.
The new BMW 230i goes from zero to 60 mph in a respectable 5.5 seconds and delivers an engaging performance and comfortable ride. Furthermore, it comes equipped with driving aids, convenience features, and a well-balanced warranty package with complimentary maintenance for three years.
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Although there may be better ways to spend $38,910, few will match the Civic Type R's blend of fun driving dynamics, practicality, and comfortable ride. Available in 2 trims, the 2021 Type R is powered by a turbocharged 2-liter I-4 engine with an output of 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Thus powered, it can hit 60 mph from rest in 4.8 seconds and blast through the quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds at 110 mph. For your money, the Civic Type R rewards you with great gas mileage, an excellent reliability rating, and a long list of driver-assist features.
Although, in terms of performance, the Corvette Grand Sport is not in the same league as the Z06 and the ZR1, it is still a very fast car. Power is supplied by a 6.2-liter V8 powerplant that pumps 630 hp and 624 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels.
The 2013 Grand Sport hits 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, the quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds at 116.8 moh, and tops out at 190 mph. You can find a used model for $37,450 that is still as riotous as it was when new.
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In 2015, the Camaro ZL1, pushed by a 580 hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 mill, was the most powerful production Camaro. Sent to the rear wheels, this is enough power for a 4.1-second sprint to 60 mph and a 12.4-second quarter mile at 117 mph.
The ZL1 boasts technologically enhanced chassis, suspension, and brake systems to handle that much power and performance. Surprisingly, among all the 2015 Camaros, the ZL1 offers the most comfortable ride quality and can be found on the used market for $37,995.
The 2018 Audi TT is a good luxury sports car that impresses with an elegant cabin, a state-of-the-art infotainment system, and a 12.3-inch screen. Power is supplied by a 220-hp 2-liter turbo-4 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro AWD system.
While the base trim may not blow doors away with its acceleration, the TT RS top trim does just that with a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds. Today the sophisticated 2018 Audi TT, which had an original MSRP of $44,450, can be had for $39,590.
Jay Moren is a car enthusiast who loves everything with an engine. When he's not writing about cars, he plays the saxophone and keyboard. He also plays as a goalkeeper for a non-league side in his native Nigeria