Ever since the 20 horsepower Vauxhall racer hit the streets in 1910 with rave reviews, sports cars have had a certain appeal: They’re fast, sleek, and ferocious, turning heads wherever they’re seen. Nothing compares to the sensation of speed, the sound of the engine reaching its power band, and the scent of rubber meeting the asphalt.
In recent years there has been a push by automotive manufacturers to produce white-knuckle sports cars that are specifically marketed to the average driver. No longer is owning one of these a privilege of being in a higher tax bracket; now, anyone with a modest income and the stomach for thrills can own their very own sports car, sans pomp. Listed below are the top 5 sports cars for under $35,000:
1. The 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI – This hot hatch has been in production since 1976, and is still able to give any driver the same goofy grin. With a 200 horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder pushing out 207 ft/lbs of torque, this car has been rated the #1 Upscale Small Car by the U.S. News and World Report in its latest edition. Expect 21 city / 31 highway gas mileage. MSRP: $23,500.
2. The 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata – The Miata has been a staple of any budget-conscious sports car enthusiast for well over a decade. While the same basic design hasn’t been changed in years, there’s a reason for that: It doesn’t need to be changed. This is an agile, quick-footed machine that excels in handling. It’s a bit underpowered with its 167 horsepower 4-cylinder, but with fuel economy almost touching 30 mpg (22 city / 28 highway), you won’t care. Base MSRP: $22,810.
3. The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe – When you think Hyundai, you don’t always think “sports car.” But with the new Genesis Coupe, Hyundai has put out a very respectable effort to change that attitude. The Genesis is slightly more powerful than the GTI, featuring a 210 horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder putting out 223 ft/lbs of torque. Expect gas mileage to average a very reasonable 21 city / 30 highway, with a sticker price of $22,000 for the base model.
4. The 2010 Mazda RX-8 – The rotary-powered Mazda RX-8 is still just as strong as ever for the 2010 model year. It features quick handling and very respectable acceleration thanks to its 212 horsepower 1.3 liter rotary engine, revving to a heart-stopping 7,500 RPM. Expect gas mileage to remain at 16 city / 22 highway, with a base MSRP of $26,495.
5. The 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT – Another Japanese offering, the Eclipse has seen significant style revisions in its long history. The latest model features a neck-snapping 265 horsepower 3.8 liter V6, which is just perfect to take out in the twisty back roads. Expect lower gas mileage, with 16 city / 24 highway being the norm. MSRP for the GT: $32,599.
Test drive any one of these hot new cars, and you won’t be the same again.
