10 Best Affordable Sport Cars

There are the 10 best affordable sport cars, and then there are just "affordable sport cars." What is affordable? Well, they can't be your run of the mill racer, nor an overpriced exotic with chrome rims that weigh the body down. No, the best affordable sport cars are notorious for their sleek looks, sporty design and prices that won't make your wallet too light. So, check out what we came up with as the top affordable sport cars in the world!

1. The Nissan 350 Z. Ranking top in the list of best affordable sport cars is the 350 Z. The Z has already been outdated by a newer generation (particularly the 370); yet, the 350 Z is both stylish and sporty and very affordable to drive. Since all 350 Z's are used, you won't be paying anything near what you would for a brand new Mustang.
2. The Mazda 3. Entry-level sport has never been so thrifty. Affordable sports cars don't come near the Mazda 3 in terms of price. Mazda really has hit a key demographic of people who want bang with the buck, bringing the rise of the "3." Penny-for-penny, expect to pay half of a new GT Mustang's MSRP for this beauty.
3. The Mitsubishi Eclipse. Coming in neck-and-neck with the "3," the Eclipse runs about the same price. It offers an above satisfactory level of performance, handling and looks and an even more satisfying "full wallet" feeling to your pockets.
4. The Mazda MX-5 Miata. Very cost-conscious, yet a step up from the Mazda 3, the Miata is great for sport car enthusiasts tight on the cash, and even compares to some more luxurious models out there. No wonder U.S. News gave it an 8.8/10 for performance!
5. The Mazda RX-8. So you say the 3 is much too cheap, and the Miata is almost there, well, how about investing in an RX-8? Sure, they run on the upper level of affordable sport cars, but you won't be sorry. The legendary RX-8 packs one of the strongest punches out there in terms of horsepower and torque.
6. The Ford Mustang. Let's be honest here for a second. If it wasn't for the fact that every tool in a wife-beater owns one, the Ford Mustang and Mustang GT would be the best of the best affordable sport cars. Still, no matter if it is the vehicle of choice for every wannabe this side of the Mississippi, the Mustang rocks.
7. The Nissan 370 Z. Barely making the cut, the 370 Z is one of the affordable sport cars out there available for purchase. The price borders on "affordable," but would wipe the floor clean with the rest of the competition if a few $1,000's were taken off of its MSRP. Beyond that, power, reliability and looks can't get any better than this 3.7 liter Nissan.
8. The Toyota Solara. Since all Solaras are now used vehicles, they are also affordable sport cars. Admittedly, the Solara is easily outperformed by Zs and Mustangs, though it still retains the practicality of being a Toyota. Driving this vehicle is more fun than you can shake a retired automotive series at.
9. The Chevy Cobalt SS. Light on its feet (errr... tires) and light on the cash, the Cobalt SS races from 0 to 60 in 4.7 seconds with manual gear shifting. Practicality has its price though, and the Cobalt doesn't really look or feel that great. Yet, it still is an affordable sport car that bears testament to simplicity.
10. The Chevy Camaro. Making its triumphant return in 2010 (and with a cool intro thanks to the "Transformers" movie), the Camaro has greatly outsold the Mustang. Aside from its price differential, the Camaro has both the looks and the power to outperform most affordable sport cars.

Now, will a Bugatti beat every single one of the above in any sort of automotive competition? Yes, but its over-a-million dollar price tag separates it from almost everyone in all four corners of the globe. Luckily, the best affordable sport cars are there to save the middle class from shame, and let us know that we, too (no matter our wealth) can drive in style.