10 Sports Cars that Look Way More Expensive Than They Are

10 Sports Cars that Look Way More Expensive Than They Are

10 Sports Cars that Look Way More Expensive Than They Are

There is nothing better than driving around in a car that makes you feel like a million dollars, and there is no better car to help you feel this than the beloved sports car. Whether drivers want to slalom around a track, hit the country roads, or simply want to cruise; sports cars are the driving enthusiast’s choice.

With manufacturers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Maserati dominating the sports car segment, it may seem to many that they will have to part with tens and tens of thousands of dollars, potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars, to buy a sports car that not only looks the part but also performs. But have no fear, as there are currently plenty of sports cars on the market that not only look like they should be worth a lot of money but are relatively cheap. So what could be better; an expensive, sleek-looking sports car that turns heads but costs a fraction of the price?

Here at TopSpeed, we are proud to provide readers with the most up-to-date and interesting information on all things cars. To bring you the most accurate data about 10 sports cars that look more expensive than they are, we have looked up information from automakers, and trusted sites like Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, Car & Driver, Top Gear, and Fueleconomy.gov. Models have been arranged from the most affordable to the most expensive.

Related: 10 Cheap Sports Cars That Are Outrageously Reliable

10 2012 BMW Z4

Average Price: $17,800

2012 BMW Z4 in black posing in parking lot
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The 2012 BMW Z4 is a mean-looking machine, thanks to its sultry curves and aggressive, low stance. This drop-top roadster combines stunning aesthetics with thrilling performance, making it a true head-turner. Boasting a long hood, pronounced kidney grille, and sleek headlights, it’s a sports car that allows the driver to make a statement when they hit the road.

Specifications and Performance

Model

sDrive 28i 2.0 Liter, Inline Four, RWD

sDrive 35i 3.0 Liter Inline-Six, RWD

sDrive 35is 3.0 Liter, Inline Six, RWD

Horsepower

240 Horsepower

300 Horsepower

335 Horsepower

Torque

260 Pound-Feet

300 Pound-Feet

332 Pound-Feet

Transmission

Six-Speed Manual

Six-Speed Manual

Seven-Speed Automated Manual

Driveline

Rear-Wheel Drive

Rear-Wheel Drive

Rear-Wheel Drive

Fuel Economy (CMB)

27 MPG

27 MPG

27 MPG

0 – 60 MPH

5.5 Seconds

5.1 Seconds

4.8 Seconds

Top Speed

130 MPH

130 MPH

130 MPH

All information was gathered from Edmunds, Fueleconomy.gov, and BMW.

Under the hood, the Z4 offers a range of engines that deliver power and performance. From the peppy four-cylinder to the growling inline-six, this roadster doesn’t just look good; it goes fast too. The precise steering and sharp handling make every twisty road an exhilarating ride.

9 2012 BMW M3

Average Price: $23,600

2012 BMW M3 Coupe Competition Package in silver Posing in parking lot
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The 2012 BMW M3 is like a perfectly tailored suit for car enthusiasts. It’s all about the muscular appearance that screams power and performance. Featuring flared wheel arches, an aggressive front bumper, and signature quad exhaust pipes, it’s a visual symphony of sportiness. Inside, the cabin provides a perfect blend of comfort and support with carbon fiber trim and M-specific seats.

Specifications and Performance

Model

2dr Coupe/Convertible 4.0 Liter, V-8, RWD

Horsepower

414 Horsepower

Torque

295 Pound-Feet

Transmission

Six-Speed Manual

Driveline

Rear-Wheel Drive

Fuel Economy (CMB)

16 MPG

0 – 60 MPH

4.3 Seconds

Top Speed

174 MPH

Information gathered from Edmunds, Fueleconomy.gov, and Car & Driver.

The M3’s distinctive power dome hood hints at the beast lurking beneath. Its 4.0-liter V8 engine delivers a raucous 414 horsepower, providing exhilarating performance. With its stunning appearance, luxurious interior, and heart-pounding performance, the 2012 BMW M3 offers a lot for less than $25,000!

8 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Average Price: $24,000

2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK in red posing in front of city scene
Mercedes-Benz

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK offers a huge amount of luxury and style for the price. With an average used price of $24,000, drivers not only get exquisite German engineering but also a classic-looking sporty roadster. The SLK’s sleek lines, iconic front grille, and elegant contours give it a refined charm that turns heads wherever it goes.

Specifications and Performance

Model

SLK 300 2.0 Liter, Inline Four, RWD

SLK 350 3.5 Liter V-6, RWD

AMG SLK 55 5.5 Liter V-8, RWD

Horsepower

241 Horsepower

302 Horsepower

335 Horsepower

Torque

273 Pound-Feet

273 Pound-Feet

332 Pound-Feet

Transmission

Nine-Speed Shiftable Automatic

Seven-Speed Shiftable Automatic

Seven-Speed Shiftable Automatic

Driveline

Rear-Wheel Drive

Rear-Wheel Drive

Rear-Wheel Drive

Fuel Economy (CMB)

27 MPG

24 MPG

22 MPG

0 – 60 MPH

5.8 Seconds

5.6 Seconds

4.5 Seconds

Top Speed

155 MPH

Unpublished

155 MPH

Information gathered from Edmunds, Fueleconomy.gov, and Car & Driver.

Beneath the stunning exterior, the SLK offers a range of punchy engines that deliver power and efficiency, making it a breeze to go top-down and hit the road with the wind in your hair. With its precise steering and sharp handling, every drive in the SLK is exhilarating.

7 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti

Average Price: $26,000

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti in blue Posing on woodland road
Stellantis Media

In typical Italian fashion, the 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti is an absolute beauty that oozes class and style. The cockpit features luxurious leather upholstery and trim that wouldn’t look out of place in a Bentley or Ferrari, providing a comfortable and elegant driving experience.

Specifications and Performance

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Model

Ti 4dr Sedan 2.0 Liter, Inline Four, RWD & AWD

Horsepower

280 Horsepower

Torque

306 Pound-Feet