10 Dirt Cheap Sports Cars With Better Power-To-Weight Than A Mazda Miata

The Mazda Miata has long been the benchmark for affordable driving thrills — a featherweight roadster that punches far above its price class. Its secret is no secret at all: keep the car light, and even a modest two-liter engine delivers a serious power-to-weight ratio — specifically 168.5 hp/ton. That formula has made the MX-5 an icon, but it doesn’t have the budget performance crown all to itself.

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Dig into the used market and you’ll find forgotten gems that out-muscle the Miata on that same metric — often for less money than a new set of tires on a modern sports car. These 10 dirt-cheap sports cars deliver more thrills per dollar than you might expect, and every one of them will make your heart race faster than an MX-5 on a drift track.

2002 BMW Z3 3.0i: 170 HP/Ton

Used Price: $8,879

2002 BMW Z3 Specs

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Power	225 hp
Torque	214 lb-ft
Curb weight	2910 lbs
Power-to-weight ratio	170 hp/ton
0-60 mph	5.9 seconds

(Sources: BMW)

Kicking off our list is a textbook example of German engineering on a budget. With classic roadster styling from a brand synonymous with performance, the 2002 BMW Z3 had Porsche squarely in its sights. A compact, well-balanced chassis was the foundation for responsive handling — and the ideal home for a three-liter straight-six.

Though it’s bursting with power, BMW treated the Z3 to the same levels of luxury as the rest of the range, fitting it with a premium interior and technology to make it a comfortable daily driver.

1996 Nissan 300ZX Turbo: 180 HP/Ton

Used Price: $7,824

Nissan

1996 Nissan 300ZX Specs

(Sources: Nissan)

Moving to another part of the globe, the 1996 Nissan 300ZX Turbo is an awesome Japanese sports car wearing a timeless design. This cool ’90s styling would look right at home on any enthusiast’s wall. Packing a twin-turbo V6, performance comes naturally — and the deep aftermarket support makes it an ideal tuner platform as well.

2003 Nissan 350Z: 183 HP/Ton

Used Price: $8,740

Via: Mecum

2003 Nissan 350Z Specs

(Sources: Nissan, fastest lap, zero to 60 times)

The Nissan 350Z is another favorite among Japanese car enthusiasts and a perennial recommendation as a first drift car for beginners. Its durable body takes a beating before it breaks, and replacement parts are easy to source. Aftermarket components for 350Z builds are everywhere, and the V6 engine is refreshingly straightforward compared to some rivals — meaning fewer things to go wrong, simple maintenance, and a genuinely great exhaust note.

2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP: 186 HP/Ton

Used Price: $10,348

Pontiac

2007 Pontiac Solstice Specs

(Sources: fastest laps, zero to 60 times)

Here’s a genuine head-turner. Only a limited number of Pontiac Solstice GXPs were produced, giving owners a real sense of exclusivity. The 2007 Solstice’s styling drew comparisons to far pricier roadsters, with two eye-catching streamliners running along the roof lid. There were also just 40 examples of a GXP Nomad shooting brake — a variant that almost nobody knows about.

The design was as purposeful as it was attractive, channeling airflow across the body to extract every last drop of performance from the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The interior wasn’t overly impressive, but that’s easy to forgive when the exterior looks this good. The GXP remains a great budget alternative to a genuine exotic.

2006 Infiniti G35: 187 HP/Ton

Used Price: $5,486

Infiniti

2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe Specs

(Sources: Infiniti)

There’s no shortage of affordable V6 sports cars on the used market, but few check as many boxes as the G35. Slender styling, rear-wheel drive, and an upscale interior with premium features made the 2006 Infiniti G35 coupe popular — and it carries the second-largest engine on our entire list.

While an automatic transmission was available, our pick is the 6-speed manual: it weighs less than the auto and makes every drive more engaging. We couldn’t find an official zero-to-60 figure for the G35 coupe, but it’s estimated at around 5.2 seconds — which would make it one of the quickest entries here, and it’s also the most affordable car on the list.

2007 Saturn Sky Red Line: 191 HP/Ton

Used Price: $9,880

BringATrailer

2007 Saturn Sky Red Line Specs

(Sources: Saturn)

The 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line shares its platform — and much of its styling — with the Pontiac Solstice, which is good news for parts availability. But there are plenty of things we like about the Saturn Sky that give it an edge over its sibling, starting with a better power-to-weight ratio. GM trimmed 84 pounds from the Sky relative to the Solstice, and with the same turbocharged engine under the hood, that diet pays off directly in performance.

2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS: 192 HP/Ton

Used Price: $6,035

Chevrolet

2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Specs

(Sources: Chevrolet)

Sticking with four cylinders, the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS adds a supercharger to the mix — making it a compact rocket with capabilities that catch most people off guard. Its understated looks cement its status as a dirt-cheap sleeper car, as well as a budget performance coupe.

Track-tuned suspension, high-performance brakes, and anti-roll bars let the SS dance right at its limit, delivering maximum performance without drama. There’s a lot of fun to be had here, without a doubt.

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe: 195 HP/Ton

Used Price: $7,148

Hyundai

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Specs

(Sources: Hyundai)

The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a well-equipped sports coupe whose potent V6 delivers smooth, robust power that rivals far more expensive machinery. Sharp lines and a menacing stance make clear that this car is serious about speed.

But one thing we really love about the Genesis Coupe is its excellent foundation for modification. Whether you plan to enjoy it stock or build it up, this Hyundai delivers genuine performance on a tight budget.

2008 BMW 135i: 196 HP/Ton

Used Price: $8,617

BMW

2008 BMW 135i Specs

(Sources: BMW)

True to the brand’s DNA, the 2008 BMW 135i pairs a luxury interior with authentic driving dynamics that define what a driver’s car should feel like. This missile carves through corners with precision, propelled by a twin-turbocharged inline-six that delivers serious, linear power.

2009 Audi S5: 198 HP/Ton

Used Price: $10,884

Audi

2009 Audi S5 Specs

(Sources: Audi, fastest lap, zero to 60 times)

Stealing the crown for the highest power-to-weight ratio on our list is the 2009 Audi S5 Coupe. Built on the sleek A5 platform, this is where performance meets genuine refinement. A reliable naturally aspirated V8 produces an intoxicating soundtrack — music to any enthusiast’s ears — while Audi’s renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system keeps it planted in any weather.

Step inside and you’re greeted by a luxurious cabin with technology that still holds up well today. Even now, this coupe turns heads with its elegant yet muscular proportions. Enthusiasts and gearheads with a family should also consider the Audi S5 Sportback, which adds practicality to the same compelling blend of power and luxury.

Sources: Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Infiniti, Nissan, Kelley Blue Book, Fastest Laps, Zero To 60 Times