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Rev Up Your Engines: Our Top Picks for the Best Sports Cars Under R300K
Every car enthusiast has a list of dream cars they'd love to own, but with today's sky-high prices, it can seem impossible to make that dream a reality. But fear not, fellow petrolheads – there are still some affordable options in the sports car world that will make your heart race without breaking the bank. In fact, for the same price as a brand-new Toyota Starlet, you could drive something considerably more impressive. To help you out, we've compiled a list of the best sports cars you can buy on a budget.
5. Mazda MX-5
The Mazda MX-5 is the benchmark for sports cars. It uses the age-old power-to-weight equation. This tiny two-seater is popular, but the earlier generations are the most sought-after models. Specifically, the models with pop-up headlights were named the Miata and have seen a resurgence in popularity.
The MX-5 doesn't have lots of power, but it does have plenty of character. It's an agile little car that's lively in the corners and fun to drive. It is known for its affordable price, but the current models are starting to get rather pricey, like any in-demand car. However, with an average price tag in the region of R300k, you will have a wide variety of good models to choose from; it all depends on what look you prefer on your MX-5.
For under R300,000, you can get your hands on any pre-2010 models. I would go for the 2.0-litre option in the 2009 variant, as you get a little more power than the older models at 118 kW with a 0-100 time of 8.3 seconds. Plus, you can find a few options with low mileage. Making it a great, fun little driver's car.
4. Toyota GT86
I may be biased here since I am the proud owner of this incredible little sports car, but the GT86 is exciting and affordable. One of the reasons this car is so popular is that when new, the going rate was around R300,000. Prices have risen slightly, and this car holds its value well. You can get mint GT86s with low milage for R300,000, and it's worth every cent.
It's a fun driver's car that thrives when going sideways and it's a blast around the mountain passes. Yes, it might be underpowered, but you don't need the power to enjoy this car. The GT86 is known for its ability to drift and its incredible amount of fun, even at lower speeds. This car is solid. I have owned mine for nearly four years, and it's approaching 110,000 km with no issues.
The GT 86 comes with a naturally aspirated high-revving 2.0 litre Boxster engine pushing 147 kW and 205 Nm with a 0-100 time of 7.6 seconds. It also comes standard with a limited-slip diff.
3. Nissan 370Z
The Nissan 370Z is a car cherished by the JDM community for some time now. Like the Toyota GT86, it's a lightweight rear-wheel-drive coupe with an LSD. I have driven a few of these odd-looking coupes, and although they aren't the fastest cars around, they too are a lot of fun to drive.
One of the biggest selling points of the 370Z and its predecessor, the 350Z, is that these cars are amazing at going sideways. They have enough power to keep a slide going with plenty of control. Plus, there is considerable aftermarket support for this car.
The 370Z has 261 kW and 374 Nm of torque with a 0-100 time of around 5.5 seconds.
2. BMW N54 335i
The 335i, or more specifically the N54 335i, from the early 2000s, is a car you either love or hate. The N54 335i is a car I have nearly bought three or four times. Traditionally, this engine has been known for being unreliable. However, you can do a few things to make it bulletproof and capable of powering upwards of 500 kW on its standard block. The trick is replacing the plastic parts, Like the water pump and charge pipe.
Overseas, this car has been nicknamed the modern 2JZ, which is a bold claim, but the inline-six is strong in this BMW. You also get a 50/50 weight distribution and an exciting driving experience. This car will win you races, and you can pick one up for less than R300k with decent mileage. A word of warning: you must look after this engine by implementing preventative maintenance, but if you keep on top of it, you will have a weapon in your garage.
The 335i comes with an inline 6-cylinder twin-turbocharged motor, pushing 225 kW and 400 Nm as standard, which is impressive for the price.
1. Porsche Boxster S
I know for a fact that for under R300k, you can buy yourself a Porsche. Typically reliable and powerful, it looks good and drives better. The Boxster is the entry-level Porsche which doesn't perform quite like a 911, but this little coupe isn't a slouch. Porsche has built a good reputation for reliability, so buying an older second-hand model is still a good choice.
The Boxster S comes with a 3.4-litre flat-six engine which produces 220 kW and 340 Nm, which is decent. It also has a 0-100 time of 5.4 seconds. The best part of the Porsche Boxster is, of course, the fact that it is a Porsche for under R300,000.
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