10 Sports Cars Under Half The Price Of A 911 That Are Just as Fast
When Porsche introduced the 991.2-generation 911 for the 2017 model year, the German luxury automaker ushered in a new era of refined turbocharged performance by introducing a new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine that became standard across the entire range. This marked the first time a base Porsche 911 model was powered by a turbocharged engine, and a version of this same engine family still powers the current-generation 911 today.
According to current Classic.com one-year data, the average price of a 991.2 Porsche 911 Carrera is $85,286 across 20 confirmed sales, with the lowest sale being $68,500 and the most recent being $70,512. While the 991.2 Carrera is an amazing sports car, here are ten alternatives that can match its appeal for about half the cost.
Models are listed in ascending order based on their one-year average sale price, from the least expensive to the most expensive.
10
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (C205)
Classic.com One-Year Average Sale Price: $34,250
The C205 C-Class Coupe debuted for the 2017 model year, and one of the hottest variants you could buy was the AMG-tuned C63. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 produces 469 horsepower, sent to the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.
While the C63 may not be a pure sports car like the 991.2 Carrera, it provides substantial power output and a delightful soundtrack in a refined luxury grand-touring chassis for less than half the price of the 991.2. The overall performance capability is there with this German GT, and with some grippy tires, the C205 C63 can attack a corner with the best of them.
9
BMW M2 Coupe (F87)
Classic.com One-Year Average Sale Price: $38,227
From the same era as the C63 is the F87-generation BMW M2 Coupe, which debuted for the 2016 model year. Wider and more aggressive than a standard 2 Series, the F87 M2 was powered by a highly upgraded 365-horsepower variant of BMW’s 3.0-liter turbocharged N55 inline-six.
Power was sent exclusively to the rear wheels, and the M2 was available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The BMW M2 is one of the lightest modern turbocharged BMW options, and it feels like a genuine sports car that provides a similarly rewarding driving experience to the 991.2. Considering how good the turbocharged powertrain and driving dynamics feel in the M2, it’s amazing that you can obtain one for less than half the cost of the 991.2.
8
Jaguar F-Type R (1st Gen)
Classic.com One-Year Average Sale Price: $41,646
From the same era as the M2 is the Jaguar F-Type R, which debuted for the 2015 model year with both coupe and convertible versions. The absolute star of the show is the 550-horsepower 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 engine, which is perhaps the most dramatic power unit on the list relative to its price point.
This intoxicating engine could only be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, so the F-Type R still has more of a luxury GT feel than that of a pure sports car like the 991.2. The bigger brakes and increased performance hardware of the R model help with the F-Type’s overall dynamic capability. In the end, the driving experience is so intoxicating and visceral because of the character of the supercharged V-8 that you simply cannot go wrong with a price point still under half the cost of the Porsche.
7
Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE (Sixth Gen)
Classic.com One-Year Average Sale Price: $43,117
If you want an outright strong track performer with an impressive performance-per-dollar ratio, look no further than the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE, which debuted in 2017. At the heart of the SS is the 455-horsepower LT1 V-8 engine, which was exclusively mated to a six-speed manual transmission in the 1LE-equipped model.
This $6,500 performance package included notable upgrades, such as Recaro seats, upgraded Magnetic Ride Control suspension, and six-piston front Brembo calipers that allowed the sixth-gen Camaro to achieve a stunning 1G of lateral grip. The Camaro’s shifting feel is also top-notch and is known to be confidence-inspiring even near the limit, thanks to its rigid chassis and strong mechanical grip. In terms of track prowess, the SS 1LE could give the 991.2 a run for its money, if not beat it on the track, while costing just about half the overall price.
6
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C7)
Classic.com One-Year Average Sale Price: $44,228
The C7-generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is a close relative to the Camaro SS 1LE, as both vehicles share the same 6.2-liter naturally aspirated LT1 V-8. Where the two differ is that the Corvette is a purpose-built sports car, rather than a muscle car with track-focused components bolted on.
For a one-to-one comparison, the C7 would ideally have the Z51 package, as it adds performance-oriented cooling, brakes, suspension, and an electronic limited-slip differential. The Corvette weighs about 300 pounds less than the Camaro, but still has less overall lateral grip than the SS 1LE with its massive wide tires front and rear. The Corvette will still offer better straight-line acceleration due to its lower weight, while the manual shifter feel is slightly less rewarding due to the rear-mounted transaxle that requires a long linkage system. When considering a contemporary 991.2 Carrera competitor, few sports cars fit the bill better than the C7 Stingray while still costing about half the price of our reference Porsche.
5
Lotus Evora S
Classic.com One-Year Average Sale Price: $44,997
If you want the exotic feel that only a lightweight mid-engine chassis tuned to perfection can provide, the Lotus Evora S may be one of the most complete alternatives to a 991.2. It may not be the first sports car that comes to mind, but its 345-horsepower, 3.5-liter supercharged V-6 provides a similarly engaging experience to the 991.2 Carrera’s turbocharged powerplant, despite lacking the same immediate low-end torque.
Where the Lotus outright beats the Porsche is in terms of steering feel, thanks to its legendary hydraulic steering rack. If you want an unfiltered driving experience where every occasion feels like a moment worth celebrating, the Evora S ticks all the right boxes. If you must have an automatic, the Porsche’s PDK transmission surpasses the Lotus’ automatic in virtually every relevant metric. And if you can’t deal with a lower-quality interior as a tradeoff for the exotic looks and analog driving feel, the 991.2 Carrera is by far the more refined option. Let’s just not forget that it costs nearly twice as much.
4
Lexus RC F
Classic.com One-Year Average Sale Price: $48,644
You might think there is no way that a Lexus can go toe-to-toe with a 991.2 Carrera, but for about half the price, the Lexus RC F, which debuted for the 2015 model year, makes a convincing argument. The RC F combines luxury, comfort, and reliability with a 467-horsepower, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 and a killer soundtrack.
The RC F is a luxury GT at heart, so in typical Lexus fashion, it is only offered with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. While its overall driving athleticism doesn’t match that of the 991.2 Carrera, its power output is more than enough to provoke exciting dynamics. And in terms of peace of mind regarding upkeep costs and reliability, there isn’t a better choice on our list. Considering this Japanese GT costs less than $50,000, it delivers a near-perfect blend of power, style, and comfort while still providing that satisfying naturally aspirated experience.
3
Porsche Cayman S (981)
Classic.com One-Year Average Sale Price: $52,451
That’s right, sometimes the best alternative to a Porsche is a different Porsche. In terms of overall driving philosophy, the 981-generation Porsche Cayman S is perhaps as close as it gets to a 991.2 Carrera for a lot less money. Debuting for the 2014 model year, the Cayman S features a 3.4-liter flat-six that produces 321 horsepower, with power sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK transmission.
In terms of driving feel and build quality, the 981 Cayman S does not feel like a compromise and ensures that every drive feels special simply because of how well put together it feels behind the wheel. In terms of dynamics, many drivers prefer the Cayman’s mid-engine balance to the 911’s rear-engine layout, which can feel more challenging to control at the limit. Considering the Cayman S costs more than $30,000 less than the 991.2 Carrera, it’s amazing how similar the overall quality level is. The Cayman S feels worth every penny when you consider just how refined and rewarding it is to drive.
2
Toyota GR Supra 3.0
Classic.com One-Year Average Sale Price: $53,119
If you haven’t considered the Toyota GR Supra 3.0, there simply isn’t another two-door, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that feels more directly competitive with a 991.2 Carrera. While the GR Supra launched for the 2020 model year exclusively with an eight-speed automatic and 335 horsepower, output was bumped to 382 horsepower for 2021, while a six-speed manual became available starting in 2023.
The full experience requires the Premium trim, which adds a 12-speaker JBL audio system, upgraded infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay, full-leather heated seats, carbon-fiber trim, wireless charging, and a full-color head-up display. With the right modifications, a GR Supra can easily match the performance capability of a 991.2 Carrera, and it already has the Porsche beat in terms of straight-line acceleration. As a refined, one-size-fits-all sports car, you simply won’t find a better direct alternative to a 991.2 around the $50,000 mark.
1
Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 (Third Gen)
Classic.com One-Year Average Sale Price: $57,728
The third-generation Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 may be the most expensive option on our list, but there is a reason for that. The GT350 offers arguably the most exotic and exhilarating engine on the entire list: the 526-horsepower, 5.2-liter flat-plane-crank Voodoo V-8. The GT350 is not just another special-edition Mustang; this coupe-exclusive model is a full-fledged analog performance car with an intimidating exterior appearance. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, and the 8,250-rpm redline of the Voodoo V-8 makes it the highest-revving production V-8 engine in Ford history, as well as one of the most powerful naturally aspirated production engines ever built by the company.
With its massive Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and track-focused chassis, the GT350 has the performance credentials to challenge a 991.2 Carrera while still saving you more than $20,000 on the entry price alone. The sound alone is enough to make you a believer, but the performance-per-dollar ratio is real. When you consider what you’re getting, the GT350 makes the 991.2 Carrera look like a significantly more expensive way to achieve a similar level of driving excitement.
Sources: Mercedes-AMG, BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, Chevrolet, Lotus, Lexus, Toyota, Ford, Classic.com
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