THE FASTEST SPORTS CARS UNDER $100,000

When it comes to sports cars, there are, thankfully, quite a lot of options on the market over a wide range of starting prices. In this article, we are going to be taking a look at the fastest sports cars that can be bought today for under $100,000 base MSRP. Top Speed was the main criterion in creating this list, but we hope our readers will see that each car is unique in its own right and has something other than just speed to offer its drivers.

Fastest Sports Cars Under $100,000

Nissan Z Performance: 155 MPH (electronically controlled)

$52,970 MSRP

A staple in the sports car scene with enough street cred to be respected by most enthusiasts, the Nissan Z delivers the best bang for the buck in this list. Its top speed is limited to 155 MPH, but without the limiter and a little tuning in the ECU software, it can easily go as high as 177 MPH.

Specs and Features

The current generation has a sleek, clean exterior design that's mesmerizing from all angles until you get to the rear. It seems to move away from the modern design philosophy of the whole car and harks back to design cues of the past Z, and yet somehow manages to feel just right for the car. A brilliant metric sports car, the Nissan Z also offers a six-speed manual transmission. The Nismo variant has a more powerful engine and more aggressive performance tuning, but its speed is also limited to 155 MPH, it only comes with an automatic gearbox, and it costs a lot more than the Performance trim.

Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium: 155 MPH (electronically controlled)

$59,400 MSRP

An outstanding sports car built by one of the most reliable brands out there. The GR Supra from Toyota also adhered to the gentlemen's agreement originally made by the Germans from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz to limit the top speed of their cars to 155 MPH. Without the limiter, some sources claim it could go a little higher, at 163 MPH.

Specs and Features

The GR Supra 3.0 Premium AT is the sort of sports car built just right. It's light, with a wet weight of 3,400 pounds, it's RWD, and it has a six-speed manual transmission available for those who want it. It offers good, manageable performance, especially in acceleration, great dynamic behavior, looks gorgeous, and it's built by Toyota. What more can one ask for?

Audi RS3: 159 MPH

$63,095 MSRP

The Audi RS3's unique turbocharged five-pot makes a sound you are unlikely to hear from another car - and that should be reason enough to shell out money for the Audi RS3, the last-surviving car with a five-cylinder mill. Featuring stiffer suspension, upgraded brakes, a loud exhaust, and performance tires, it is a sportier version of the tamer S3.

Specs and Features

There's little doubt that the RS3 can go faster than 159 MPH: Audi previously offered a Performance variant of the current-gen RS3 that had a top speed of 184 MPH. It's a shame that the German company no longer offers the trim. Unlike the RS5, which gets a Competition Package that boosts its top speed, the RS3 gets a slate of cosmetic packages. The RS3 is fast, but it could be faster.

Acura Integra Type S: 167 MPH

$51,800 MSRP

For nearly half the price of some of its top competitors, the Acura Integra Type S should be on every speed enthusiast's radar. The 2024 model year utilizes Acura's most advanced tuning and performance-ready components to deliver a blood-pumping experience, while surrounding occupants in today's most sought-after features. This includes premium cabin upholstery, a premium sound system, a heads-up display, and more.

Specs and Features

While not the fastest of the bunch, the Integra Type S does boast respectable performance figures. 0 to 60 MPH takes a pokey 5.1 seconds, and it races to a top speed of 167 MPH. Pair that get-up-and-go with its superb drive dynamics, courtesy of Acura's top-spec chassis setup, and you've got a sleek, sub-$55,000 sports car.

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Coupe: 167 MPH

$65,400 MSRP

The M139 engine powering the AMG CLA 45 S is an engineering marvel: the geniuses at Affalterbach have somehow managed to draw 200+ horsepower per liter from the turbo-four. Despite it being an all-wheel drive vehicle, the CLA 45 can morph into a rear-wheel drive machine thanks to a torque control system that can send all 416 ponies to the rear axle.

Specs and Features

The increase in power output from 2023 to 2024 may reduce fuel efficiency, but we doubt anyone who buys this fantastic car will worry much about more stops at the pump. Other changes to the 2024 car include an aerodynamics package that adds downforce parts like a fixed rear wing. The CLA AMG 45 S may look like a civilized car, which, during normal usage, it is. However, it also has the potential to release the inner child within you, especially with Drift drive mode activated.

Lexus LC500: 168 MPH

$99,800 MSRP

Lexus is the type of brand that has the luxury of enjoying high customer loyalty. To leverage that, they can offer a wide range of vehicles, from compact sedans to big SUVs, and even sports cars such as the Lexus LC. Whatever its loyal customer base desires, Lexus has on its portfolio.

Specs and Features

The engine note of the naturally aspirated V-8 is a more familiar tune. Lexus tuned the LC's transmission to be performance-biased at the 50 to 70 percent open throttle positions, allowing the engine to reach higher revs before shifting up.

While slowing down for cornering, the transmission will downshift to second gear instead of third and be ready for a strong corner exit should the driver desire. All the luxury bits and build quality make this quite a heavy sports car, unfortunately, with a wet weight of 4,340 pounds. Nevertheless, the LC is rapid and has some of the hallmarks of a future classic.

Honda Civic Type R: 170 MPH

$44,795 MSRP

Like the Acura Integra Type S, the Honda Civic Type R offers enthusiasts a relatively low-cost pass to some of today's most thrilling driving experiences. The Civic Type R is expertly tuned, spec'd, and finished to deliver superb performance, whether just having fun, negotiating a tough course, or simply enjoying the daily commute. Aside from the performance, the cabin provides occupants with a slew of contemporary comforts, from wireless charging and smartphone connectivity, to heated, power-adjustable seating. Not to mention, the hatchback layout is coming back into fashion in a big way, and not just because of its added utility.

Specs and Features

Taking the cake as the fastest Civic ever, the 2024 CTR is motivated by a turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC that pumps out 315 horses and 310 pound-feet of torque. The highly responsive turbo-four boasts a superb power-to-weight ratio, which, along with the other lightweight components, aids in its overall agility. Dual-axis MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension work in concert with the adaptive damper system to provide confident, sharp handling, which is made more precise thanks to the large Brembo brakes and helical limited-slip diff.

Lotus Emira i4: 171 MPH

$99,900 MSRP

Given all the rightful clamor surrounding the Emira V-6, you might dismiss its stablemate, the i4, as a lesser-powered alternative for those who can't afford the range-topper. However, the i4 is a remarkable sports car. Powered by a detuned M139 engine from Mercedes, it is only 0.1 seconds slower to 60 MPH than the V-6-powered variant.

Specs and Features

The Lotus Emira i4 lacks the six-speed manual offered with the V-6 trim. However, it features a dual-clutch auto that changes shifting behavior according to the drive mode selected. You can also take control of the gear changes using the metal shift paddles installed behind the helm.

Jaguar F-Type R Dynamic: 177 MPH

$77,900 MSRP

Adding a little bit of British flavor to this list, and heating things like a good English tea, the F-Type R Dynamic is the best bang for the buck within the British automaker's lineup. Said to be the final F-Type, this car is a celebration of British racing and sports cars pedigree.

Specs and Features

This one comes in at a lighter weight, tipping the scales at 3,760 pounds wet, despite having a sizable V-8 engine. With a 0-60 MPH time of 4.4 seconds, this British beauty is not only fast, but quick at getting there. The interior is luxurious and accommodating for the driver and passengers. While not exactly in league with luxurious interiors like Bentley's or Rolls-Royce, this is no commoner car and deserves to be cherished as quite the jewel for those who own it.

BMW M2: 177 MPH

$64,900 MSRP

The BMW M2 has only gotten better since it debuted in 2016, becoming one of the best sports coupes money can buy. The second-gen M2 caused a stir when it premiered, as it featured a boxier body compared to the first-gen model. BMW designs have polarized fans over the past few years, so it wasn't surprising that the M2's exterior raised some controversy.

Specs and Features

That said, there were no complaints about the M2's performance. Powered by a twin-turbo inline-six, the BMW M2 is an absolute rocket. The M Driver's Package that unlocks the M2's full potential is costly, but worth it: It moves the car's performance closer to larger and pricier 'M' cars like the BMW M4.

Audi RS5 Coupe: 180 MPH

$79,600 MSRP

With a base MSRP of $79,600, even most Audi aficionados would have to think a little about paying the high price asked for the competition package that basically bumps the speed limiter from 155 to 180 and improves 0-60 time by 0.1 seconds. For that kind of money, one would expect a hell of a lot more of a performance increase, but alas, this is the same engine used in the base trim Porsche Panamera but makes considerably more horsepower and torque. Maybe Audi engineers thought it best not to push it much further.

Specs and Features

Its Quatro AWD system is the best feature this car has going for it. That and two-year or 18,641 mile service intervals, whichever comes first. That is coincidentally the time Audi warranties the vehicle. The RS5 coupe is a good-looking car and Audi is a brand with good street cred, but the RS5 seems to miss that touch of something special which is not lacking in most other cars on this list.

BMW M4 Competition xDrive Coupe: 180 MPH

$98,605 MSRP

Now the M Drive package will set the buyer back another $2,500 and not only increase the top speed from 155 to 180 MPH, but also include a 1-day driving class at a BMW performance center. That seems like a reasonable deal, and with the type of performance the BMW M4 competition delivers, some expert advice on sports driving is well warranted.

Specs and Features

The ever-increasing size of kidney grills on the front fascia has been the subject of a lot of controversy, and BMW still seems to be experimenting with it looking into its future. If one can overlook that, it becomes easy to see what a brilliant sports car the M4 Competition Coupe is. BMW AWD XDrive comes as standard and 0-60 MPH is reached in only 3.4 seconds. The 0-60 time doesn't change despite a 20-horsepower increase in power output from 2024 to 2025.

For the purists, BMW has a six-speed manual gearbox available, and the interior design of the car, although comfortable and well done as is expected of a BMW, has a clear sports bias. From the padded bucket seats to the color scheme, everything inside the M4 competition screams GO.

Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0: 182 MPH

$99,700 MSRP

One thing most sports car enthusiasts have in common is that they all agree that Porsche makes some of the best sports cars out there, and it's not simply about raw brute power, though the GTS 4.0 has plenty of that. It's often about the driving dynamics of a light car with a mid-engine and a slightly biased rear weight distribution.

Specs and Features

Porsche also likes to cater to purists and often has a six-speed manual gearbox available on a lot of its cars. In the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, the six-speed manual is standard. With this transmission, the car can reach the aforementioned top speed of 182 MPH, while the one equipped with the PDK transmission will reach 179 MPH. The 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 with the PDK transmission is faster from 0-60 MPH, though, making it in 3.8 seconds against 4.3 seconds on the manual.

The manual transmission model also has its max torque slightly reduced from 317 pound-feet to 309 pound-feet, while maintaining the same top horsepower output. All things considered, this is one of the best sports cars one can buy in this price range.

BMW M3 Competition xDrive: 188 MPH

$85,300 MSRP

The Venerated BMW M3 is likely among many driving purists' top choices, either in classic form or current form. The current M3 Competition xDrive Sedan features track-ready components, chosen and tuned by the iconic performance brand to deliver the most refined road manners (and track manners) that have ever been displayed under the well-known nameplate. This includes the mighty 523-horsepower M TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder and the crisp M xDrive AWD.

Specs and Features

Forgetting the incredible performance for a moment, which is hard to do, allows us to appreciate the refinement of BMW beyond their tuning prowess. This is best expressed in the premium, sporty cabin appointments and contemporary tech, including a large, curved digital cluster, lightweight bolstered seats, and plenty of carbon fiber accents. For under $100,000, the M3 Comp xDrive sedan is almost too tempting, if you've got the dough.

Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing: 189 MPH

$62,195 MSRP

The Cadillac CT4-V is one of the most affordable fast sports cars you can buy. $60,000 is no pocket change, we concede. However, considering it costs significantly less than some of the cars it competes with, the CT4-V is a bargain. It also offers a manual transmission, which further sets it apart from most of its competitors.

Specs and Features

Granted, you do not get the superior build quality and luxury offered by the likes of BMW and Mercedes. However, Cadillac offers a slew of cosmetic and luxury extras you can buy to spruce up the vehicle's interior. Thanks to the magic of adaptive dampers, the CT4-V is an all-rounder capable of daily trips to work and weekend slaloms around your local track.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: 190 MPH

$72,100 MSRP

Sadly, for the time being, the 2024 model year will be the last for the Chevrolet Camaro - at least in sixth-gen form. That said, there has been a grand send-off, which includes multiple packages and options to make sure the long-loved nameplate remains atop the "American classics" podium. Making a return for the final ride is the ZL1 trim, which is the top dog of the final line-up, and its supercharged LT4 V-8 comes ready to bark.

Specs and Features

Folks may have a hard time choosing between the Camaro and the Corvette, considering the ZL1 can be equipped with the Track Performance Package, which adds forged aluminum wheels with Goodyear Eagle SuperCar G:2 staggered summer tires, even larger Brembo brakes, spool-valve dampers, and even more aggressive aero body molding, which includes a carbon-fiber spoiler. All of which serve a purpose beyond making sure you're the most eye-catching machine on the road, though you will get plenty of stares.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio: 191 MPH

$83,570 MSRP

The Giulia Quadrifoglio is simply the most powerful sedan ever conceived by Alfa Romeo. As a midsize mass-produced sedan, it has best-in-class specs and performance. Quite a feat for the Italian brand that has struggled to boost sales in recent years. Being in the Stellantis portfolio certainly helps.

Specs and Features

The Giulia makes extensive use of carbon fiber to lower its weight and achieve a perfect 50/50 weight distribution between the two axles. Alfa Romeo offers a limited warranty for 48 months or 50,000 miles, which is something that should put the minds of many would-be customers to rest. With low sales numbers, owning one means it's going to be one of the hottest sedans on the road at any given time. The brand, however, still seems to suffer from a good deal of depreciation, so a buyer should be aware of that before committing to this little beast of an Italian sports car.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 3LT Coupe: 194 MPH

$80,050 with Z51 Performance Package

For what it delivers in terms of performance and driving dynamics, the Chevy Corvette Stingray can almost be considered to be a bargain. It has a mid-engine layout and the Corvette pedigree, which means, it is purpose-built to be as fast as possible, without resorting to super-expensive solutions.

Specs and Features

With the included Z51 performance package, it goes from 0-60 MPH in less than three seconds and produces the most horsepower and torque of any Stingray that came before it. Powered by a big, naturally aspirated, direct injection V-8, with a mid-engine layout, the Chevy Corvette embodies everything a true American sports car should be.

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak: 203 MPH

$91,295 MSRP

While the Dodge Challenger and its big Hemi are leaving the building, there's a lasting legacy that was imprinted in the automotive world, and like many other discontinued legends, the send-off was epic. In particular, the exclusive high-output supercharged Hemi-powered variants, including the SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak and Super Stock, are among the most ghastly machines to ever chew pavement. Upwards of 800 horses rests the Super Stock, while the Redeye model caps out at 797 horsepower, which is still more power than you'd ever need.

Specs and Features

To aid its boisterous powertrain, the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye includes such features as an SRT Power Chiller to help keep the engine cool, Line Lock function, Launch Assist and Control, and Race Cooldown mode. All of these ensure this bad boy tears up the track, and keeps coming back for more.

The cabin is well-equipped, but not in the typical fashion. While contemporary, the focus is obviously on the driving experience, as the non-race-oriented features are modest. That said, the Challenger's interior is nothing short of badass, with ample Hellcat signage to remind you that this isn't your grandad's Dodge.

2023-06-16T17:12:55Z dg43tfdfdgfd