While Ferraris have traditionally remained exotic items with matching exotic prices, the world has changed its mind on what looks, sounds, feels, and drives interesting these days. Culturally, some makes/models have grown in strength over the years, and in some cases, being weird is in. With new manufacturing/fabricating processes, and well-developed engineering, creating groundbreaking vehicles has never been easier for automakers. As such, some incredible models have emerged that shake up the industry from brands not typically associated with competing with the very best. It really is quite the era to be an automotive enthusiast and some of the world’s current offerings will pleasantly surprise the average driver.

While we recognize that not all the models listed are extremely affordable, comparatively to Ferrari’s current lineup and other supercar makers, here is a list of much less expensive, but extremely popular vehicles that will garner attention and most likely spark conversation for a myriad of reasons. These are some of the most talked about vehicles in the world starting at under $100,000, and here’s why they will turn heads just as much as your super exclusive $570,000 Ferrari SF90 Spider. Each one has a unique story leading to their rise to fame (or infamy).

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10 Kia Stinger

Kia still makes interesting vehicles and one of the most surprising models was the stunning Stinger GT. The allure of the Stinger early on was an attractive design inside and out, with a spicy turbocharged V-6 powertrain to match. Add in the fact that it was engineered by folks from BMW, and it’s easy to see why the Kia Stinger GT is such an inherent winner. Surprisingly enough, the Stinger also felt just as comfortable and commanding as the new BMW 5 Series at the time.

Even when the Stinger received a mid-cycle refresh in 2020 onlookers still don’t know what it is half the time and are shocked when told it’s a Kia. The update included new exterior lighting, a more modern infotainment system, and a new set of wheels. The real highlight of the 2020 facelift, however, was the new optional 2.5-liter engine and the new variable exhaust for the 3.3-liter V-6.

For shock value alone, the Kia Stinger is worth its relatively low starting price of under $37,000. The Kia may not provide the mind-bending performance of a Ferrari, but it will raise more eyebrows in curiosity as a red 296 GTB leaves very little to the imagination. Get one while you still can, because 2023 is the Stinger’s final model year.

Performance Specifications

9 Toyota Supra

It’s tough to argue the Toyota Supra isn’t at least muscular in appearance. Its aggressive stance lends well to the rowdy reputation set by the previous model. The Supra name now carries weight in ways even Ferrari can’t. The older Supras are legends, and the new one still causes a stir within the community with its BMW roots.

The truth is, though, the A90 Toyota Supra is a well-engineered machine sticking to its straight-six roots with styling that snaps necks every time. By partnering with BMW everyone wins. Toyota and BMW get to continue selling interesting vehicles, and we get to keep driving/celebrating legends in real-time.

The biggest downside to the Supra, outside of the fact that there are some old BMW parts scattered throughout the cabin, is the fact that it wasn’t available with a manual transmission at launch. In fact, it wasn’t until the 2023 model year that the Toyota Supra was finally offered with a much-needed six-speed manual. There is one caveat to mention, however, as the manual transmission is only available on the six-cylinder Supra.

Performance Specifications

8 BMW M2

The BMW M2 is back, and whether you like its controversial styling or not, it is making waves with enthusiasts. The F87 or “OG” as it’s called, was well received by owners and the press, so the G87 had substantial shoes to fill. Luckily, despite its funky bumpers, it is a fully baked M car with reserves of effortless power, giving us a worthy successor to the highly regarded F87.

Particularly in the signature Zandvoort Blue or Toronto Red, it will be tough not to notice the wicked little BMW. There’s no denying the M2 has a unique design that will stand out even from afar leading enthusiasts to point it out with ease.

When it comes to performance, the BMW M2 is also hard to beat. Reviewers have praised it for its responsive chassis, crazy acceleration, and (of course) that standard six-speed manual transmission. With a starting price just a hair north of $63,000, the BMW M2 is the most affordable M you can buy, but that doesn’t mean you’ll sacrifice performance. The 453-horsepower inline-six will get you to 60 mph in less than four seconds and up to a top speed of 177 mph with the M Driver’s Package.

Performance Specifications

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7 Nissan Z

The new Nissan Z is genuinely fascinating to look at. It’s a car you can spend hours visually digesting. Rather than creating a radically different design, Nissan drew from all the Z’s greatest hit eras, and it actually worked. The designers executed the retro-inspired form extremely well with proportions that other much more expensive cars couldn’t pull off.

It’s been so long since the last generation car was launched making the new Z something of a treat and an occasion to find out in the wild. The new Z is Nissan’s only new sporty car in more than a decade, and it’s got the performance chops to turn heads too. It’s powered exclusively by a twin-turbo V-6 that’s good for 400 horsepower and 4.3-second sprints to 60 mph. It’s also relatively affordable with a starting price of just $40,990.

Performance Specifications

6 Honda Civic Type R

The radical-looking 10th-generation Civic Type R brought the boy-racer Honda back to the States in 2017 and it brought a massive following with it. The last time the USA saw the Type R badge was on the Acura Integra, back in 1997. For 2023, we have a new Civic Type R and an oddly reserved look. It seems Honda is relying less on styling, and more on a well-engineered machine to do all the talking.

With its new Nurburgring record, a new FWD record at Suzuka, raving press reviews, and a reputation for being consistently at the top of its class, the Type R is as hot as ever. Although it’s not as silly in appearance as the last car, the Civic Type R’s reputation precedes it, bringing even more attention to Honda as a performance-minded brand than ever.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get the big power upgrade that we hoped for with a new generation, but the 2.0-liter under the hood is still good for 315 horsepower, which is enough for a sub-5 second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of 169 mph. At the same time, you can achieve 30 mpg on the highway, so the Civic Type R is both fun and economical while still turning heads. It’s literally the best of both worlds.

Performance Specifications