9 Proper Sports Cars Under $20K That Can Keep Up With A Porsche 718 Cayman

The Porsche 718 Cayman is meant to represent one of the more affordable entries into the world of exotics; yet with a starting price that still clears $70,000, it remains well out of reach for most enthusiasts. The good news is that the used market is full of alternatives capable of delivering similar thrills and driving dynamics without demanding a second mortgage. These vehicles don’t replicate the pedigree of a Porsche experience outright, but they come surprisingly close in terms of performance — and they’ll make the feeling of keeping up with a Cayman all the sweeter.

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From sporty German roadsters to classic Japanese coupes, there are plenty of options for drivers who want the excitement of a genuine performance car without the Porsche price tag. We’ve searched high and low to find some of the most affordable candidates, considering only bona fide sports cars in our efforts to point you toward attainable driving enjoyment.

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2013 BMW Z4 sDrive35i

Used Price: $18,978 – $20,201

2013 BMW Z4 sDrive35i Specs

BMW

Although the E85 generation Z4 allows for more affordable BMW fun, it’s a touch too slow to make a compelling alternative to the Porsche 718. For that reason, we’d suggest going just a little newer with a 2013 example from the E89 series. The sDrive35i is the trim to target: its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque — more than enough to push the car to 60 mph in under five seconds. If that’s still not quick enough, there’s always the Z4 sDrive35si; MotorTrend managed a 4.4-second 0-60 sprint thanks to the on-demand boost. Finding one for less than $20k will take some patience — the si variant typically averages closer to $30,000.

In any case, if you like the feel of the wind in your hair, it’s hard to go wrong with a Z4. The BMW has become synonymous with the roadster segment for a reason; it’s earned a reputation as one of the best convertibles (used or new) you can buy today.

2013 BMW Z4 sDrive35i Sales

• Classic.com Average Sale: $20,201
• Classic.com Most Recent Sale: $16,250

2010 Audi TTS

Used Price: $15,222 (Coupe) | $15,867 (Convertible)

2010 Audi TTS Specs

Audi

If you’re after German build quality, but you can’t stomach the price of Porsche’s Cayman, never fret — this pick from Audi should do just the trick. A step above the standard TT, the S-spec coupe is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 265 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Because the TTS comes with Quattro all-wheel drive, that power translates to a very capable 4.8-second 0-60 mph sprint — even when paired with a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

From a styling perspective, the second-generation TT skews much more like the Audi R8 than its predecessor. The angled headlights and grille, the roofline, and even the spoiler all give it the air of a scaled-down supercar.

2010 Audi TTS Sales

• Classic.com Average Sale: $13,321
• Classic.com Most Recent Sale: $5,300

2001 Chevrolet Corvette C5

Used Price: $15,186 – $24,779

GM

2000 Chevrolet Corvette C5 Specs

GM

Chevrolet’s C5 Corvette is one of the better ways to buy cheap speed, and that proves especially true when hunting for affordable Cayman competitors. The 20-plus-year-old American won’t match a modern German coupe for technology, but it remains a proficient machine through the corners and delivers compelling straight-line performance. Even the base model reaches 60 mph in 4.8 seconds; if you want to chase Porsches with more authority, the Corvette Z06 shaves a further half second off that time.

Along with serious torque, the ‘Vette brings a healthy dose of retro styling. You’d have to go much older to get pop-up headlights in a Porsche, and it certainly wouldn’t be able to keep up with a current Cayman.

2000 Chevrolet Corvette C5

• Classic.com Average Sale: $19,931
• Classic.com Most Recent Sale: $28,000

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

Used Price: $13,685 – $22,777

Mercedes-Benz

2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Specs

Mercedes-Benz, MotorTrend

Depreciation tends to hit used Benzes pretty hard, making even AMGs affordable secondhand. Of course, do your research before buying — you don’t want to inherit a car that’s expensive to maintain. The SLK 55 AMG ranks among the cheaper Mercs on the used market, which means you can access seriously potent performance for the money. The naturally aspirated 5.4-liter AMG V8 puts down 355 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 4.5-second 0-60 mph sprint and a 13-second quarter-mile.

Even though this Mercedes-Benz is now more than two decades old, it still delivers a luxurious interior experience with plush leather and a central infotainment system. With SLR-like looks and raw AMG power, it’s a decidedly brawnier option than Porsche’s 718 Cayman.

2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Sales

• Classic.com Average Sale: $22,577
• Classic.com Most Recent Sale: $13,000

2010 Nissan 370Z

Used Price: $12,132 – $19,267

Nissan 

2010 Nissan 370Z Specs

Nissan Nissan’s new Z is pretty pricey to justify for anyone but the most hardcore of enthusiasts. Thankfully, the older 370Z can give you much of the same fix for about half the price. The naturally aspirated V6 made 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, and the car could be specified with either a 7-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual. On the road, this translated to impressive performance for the era — MotorTrend clocked a 4.8-second 0-60 in the 370Z roadster, making the coupe a few tenths quicker still.

The 370Z is a car that every gearhead should drive, especially if you consider yourself a true JDM fan. The 2010 model year tends to be the most affordable on the used market, though it’s possible to find some newer examples for similar prices.

2010 Nissan 370Z Sales

• Classic.com Average Sale: $19,267
• Classic.com Most Recent Sale: $7,700

2004 Pontiac GTO

Used Price: $12,102 – $19,083

GM

2004 Pontiac GTO Specs

Pontiac, Hagerty

Because of its subdued styling — certainly compared to its predecessor — the 2004–2006 Pontiac GTO tends to fly under the radar for anyone but those in the know. What the Holden-based coupe lacks in visual drama, it more than compensates for with raw performance. Under the hood, GM fitted the car with a Corvette-sourced 5.7-liter LS1 V8 for the 2004 model year. Though it’s slightly down on power compared to the 400-horsepower LS2 fitted in 2005 and 2006, that also means it’s a somewhat cheaper buy — the 2005 and 2006 Pontiac GTOs each average over $20,000.

0-60 mph times vary from publication to publication, but all reviews have Pontiac’s modern GTO putting down a 5-second sprint or quicker, and Car and Driver even managed a 4.8-second display. If Porsche-beating performance is what you’re after, the LS2 is worth the premium. The upgrade brings more displacement, more power, and more torque.

2004 Pontiac GTO Sales

• Classic.com Average Sale: $19,083
• Classic.com Most Recent Sale: $7,000

2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6

Used Price: $9,068 – $17,270

Bring A Trailer

2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Specs

Stellantis

If you think that the Chrysler Crossfire looks similar to the above Benz, the connection runs deeper than appearances. Born out of the Daimler-Chrysler merger, the Crossfire shared as much as 40% of its parts with Mercedes, including its platform, suspension, and drivetrain with the SLK. With the up-spec SRT-6, Chrysler opted for an AMG-sourced supercharged 3.2-liter V6 making 330 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. On the road, this made the Crossfire a seriously quick car, especially for its era — 0-60 mph in 5 seconds is easily achievable, and several accounts report even quicker times.

Unfortunately, a manual gearbox wasn’t available on the SRT-6, and the performance-focused suspension means the ride can be a touch firm. However, if you’re after a domestic sports car with European flair, the Crossfire is hard to beat.

2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Sales

• Classic.com Average Sale: $17,270
• Classic.com Most Recent Sale: $9,900

2008 BMW 135i

Used Price: $8,103 – $16,041

Bring a Trailer

2008 BMW 135i Specs

BMW, C&D

BMW’s 3 Series remains the gold standard in performance sedans, but we wouldn’t recommend it to those wanting a true sports car. Instead, we’d suggest its smaller sibling, the BMW 135i — you get the same twin-turbocharged inline-six as the 335i, packaged in a significantly more compact body. BMW trimmed roughly four inches from the 3 Series wheelbase and up to 8.4 inches from its overall length to create the 1 Series. The resulting weight savings pay dividends on the road: 0-60 mph arrives in just 4.7 seconds.

Because BMW enthusiasts recognize the appeal of the 135i, you’ll find that Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price can be a little optimistic. Even so, Classic.com prices for the 2008 model year tend to fall well under $20,000. The average sale comes in at $16,041, and the most recent example sold for a mere $7,150.

2008 BMW 135i Sales

• Classic.com Average Sale: $16,041
• Classic.com Most Recent Sale: $7,150

1992 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4

Used Price: $5,942 – $16,695

Mecum Auctions

1992 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 Specs

Mitsubishi

Beyond being the oldest car on this list, the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 is also one of the most underrated. That’s a shame, because it deserves just as much appreciation as better-known Japanese classics like the Mazda RX-7 and Toyota Supra. Beyond a rally-derived all-wheel-drive system, it boasted innovations including electronically controlled suspension, cockpit-adjustable Active Exhaust sound control, and automatically adjusting front and rear Active Aero spoilers.

On the road, the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 could rocket the 3000GT VR4 to 60 mph in as little as 4.8 seconds. Though the second generation from ’94 onward adds roughly 20 horsepower, the 1992 model makes for a more affordable entry point.

1992 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 Sales

• Classic.com Average Sale: $16,695
• Classic.com Most Recent Sale: $33,500

Sources: Classic.com, Hagerty, KBB