Could you imagine an “affordable sports car list” that didn’t include the Mazda MX-5? We shudder at the thought! It features an internal combustion engine, a rear-wheel-drive platform, and a manual transmission, just as it did when the model was first introduced in 1989. The drawback is that you probably won’t win a lot of drag races against turbocharged competition, but the rewarding and well-balanced driving experience more than compensates for the trophies that won’t adorn your living room shelves.
3. Porsche 718 Cayman
9/10
The Porsche Cayman is a rear-wheel-drive, mid-engine sports car that is truly one-of-a-kind. The base model might lack the six-cylinder wail that you’ll hear coming out of more expensive versions, but it is still a great sports car with excellent handling and performance. The only downsides are the uninspiring four-cylinder noise and the jump in price if you want it fully loaded. But overall, the Cayman is a great sports car that is sure to please any driver.
