Best sports cars for daily driving around $35k-$45k

Do you dream of driving a sports car every day? With so many affordable options on the market today, your dream can be a reality. But with so many choices, it can be tough to know which sports car is right for you. But worry less because we got it all covered for you.

In this blog post, we will discuss the factors to consider when choosing a sports car for daily driving, an in-depth information for each car and we will list the best sports cars in the $35k-$45k price range. We will also provide additional tips for choosing and maintaining a sports car for daily driving.

Factors to consider when choosing a sports car for daily driving:

  • Performance: Sports cars are known for their thrilling performance, but it is important to choose a car that has the right level of performance for your needs. If you are looking for a car that is fun to drive on winding roads, you will need a car with good handling and acceleration. If you are looking for a car that is also practical for everyday driving, you may want to choose a car with more power and torque.
  • Comfort: Sports cars often have a reputation for being uncomfortable, but there are many sports cars on the market today that offer a comfortable ride. When choosing a sports car for daily driving, be sure to consider the comfort of the seats, the suspension, and the noise level.
  • Fuel efficiency: Sports cars are not typically known for their fuel efficiency, but there are a few options on the market that offer decent fuel economy. If you are concerned about fuel efficiency, consider choosing a sports car with a turbocharged engine or a hybrid powertrain.
  • Price: Sports cars can range in price from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. When choosing a sports car for daily driving, it is important to set a budget and stick to it.

Here are the best sports cars for daily driving around $35k-$45k. We will be looking at the following cars:

  • Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86
  • Mazda MX-5 Miata
  • Hyundai Elantra N
  • Honda Civic Si
  • Ford Mustang EcoBoost

 

The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86

Two of the most popular sports cars on the market, and we’d like to tell you why it is also on the top of our list for a good reason. Aside from being very affordable, starting at just under $30,000. These cars are powered by a 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission, or an optional six-speed automatic transmission.

A blue car which is a Subaru BRZ facing forward and running down the road
Subaru BRZ
Source: https://www.subaru.com/vehicles/brz/gallery.html

The BRZ and GR86 are both rear-wheel drive, and they come standard with a limited-slip differential. This helps to improve traction and handling, especially in corners. Moreover, weighing in at just under 2,800 pounds. They are both very light cars and this helps to improve the performance and fuel economy.

An orange car facing backwards which is a Toyota GR86
Toyota GR86
Source: https://www.toyota.com/gr86/

And when it comes to comfortability, both cars are considered the best to drive even on long trips. It is because the seats are supportive, and the suspension is tuned for a balance of comfort and performance. I know that you’re keen to know if these cars are fuel efficient. And the answer is yes, both of them get decent fuel economy for sports cars. The manual transmission models get an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The automatic transmission models get an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is another great option for a daily-driven sports car. It is known for its nimble handling and fun-to-drive personality. It is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. And this engine is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission, or an optional six-speed automatic transmission.

A car with red and black combination which is a Mazda MX-5 Miata sitting at a road with green grass and trees
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Source: https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/mx-5-miata

It weighs at just over 2,400 pounds which makes it a very light car. And the Miata is a rear-wheel drive, and it comes standard with a limited-slip differential. Very comfortable on long trips and like the cars I mentioned earlier the Miata as well is tuned for a balance of comfort and performance.

The Miata gets an excellent fuel economy for a sports car. The manual transmission model gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The automatic transmission model gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Hyundai Elantra N

The Hyundai Elantra N is a new entry to the sports car market, but it has quickly become a favorite among enthusiasts. It offers excellent performance, a comfortable ride, and a long list of standard features. The Elantra N is also very affordable, starting at just under $30,000. The Elantra N is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission, or an optional eight-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.

A sky blue car running down the road which is the Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai Elantra N
Source: https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/elantra-n/gallery

It is a front-wheel drive, but it comes standard with a limited-slip differential. A very light car, weighing in at just over 3,000 pounds. And like the others, very comfortable to drive on long trips and tuned for a balance of comfort and performance.

The Elantra N gets decent fuel economy for a sports car. The manual transmission model gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The automatic transmission model gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Honda Civic Si

The Honda Civic Si is another great option for a daily-driven sports car. It offers excellent handling, a comfortable ride, and good fuel economy. The Civic Si is also very affordable, starting at just over $25,000.

A car in Aegean Blue Metallic Color and is a Honda Civic Si
Honda Civic Si
Source: https://automobiles.honda.com/civic-si-sedan#gallery-exterior

The Civic Si is front-wheel drive, but it comes standard with a limited-slip differential. Powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission. Weighing at just over 2,800 pounds, a very light car and comfortable to drive even on long trips.

It is also excellent in fuel economy for a sports car. The manual transmission model gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

Ford Mustang EcoBoost

The Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a great option for those who want a stylish and powerful sports car without breaking the bank. It offers good performance, a comfortable ride, and decent fuel economy. The Mustang EcoBoost is also very affordable, starting at just under $28,000.

A black and yellow color combination of a car which is a Ford Mustang EcoBoost

Like the most cars mentioned it is decent in fuel economy for a sports car. The manual transmission model gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The automatic transmission model gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. A very light car, weighing in at just over 3,300 pounds. A rear-wheel drive, that comes in a standard with a limited-slip differential. And comfortable even on long trips.

The Mustang EcoBoost is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission, or an optional ten-speed automatic transmission.

Which car is right for you?

The best sports car for daily driving around 35k-45k depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a car with excellent handling and a comfortable ride, the Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86 or the Mazda MX-5 Miata are great options. If you are looking for a car with more power and performance, the Hyundai Elantra N or the Ford Mustang EcoBoost are great options. If you are looking for a car that is both affordable and fuel-efficient, the Honda Civic Si is a great option.

Here is a table that compares the five cars:

Car

Engine

Horsepower

Torque

Transmission

Drive type

Starting price

Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86

2.4L boxer four-cylinder

228 hp

184 lb-ft

Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic

Rear-wheel drive

$27,995

Mazda MX-5 Miata

2.0L four-cylinder

181 hp

151 lb-ft

Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic

Rear-wheel drive

$27,650

Hyundai Elantra N

2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder

276 hp

289 lb-ft

Six-speed manual or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic

Front-wheel drive

$29,995

Honda Civic Si

1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder

200 hp

192 lb-ft

Six-speed manual

Front-wheel drive

$26,550

Ford Mustang EcoBoost

2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder

310 hp

350 lb-ft

Six-speed manual or ten-speed automatic

Rear-wheel drive

$27,800

 

 

Additional tips for choosing and maintaining a sports car for daily driving:

  • Choose a car that is the right size for you. If you have a family, you may want to choose a sports car with a back seat. If you have a long commute, you may want to choose a sports car with good fuel economy.
  • Take the car for a test drive before you buy it. This will give you a chance to experience the car's performance, comfort, and handling.
  • Have the car inspected by a mechanic before you buy it. This will help you to identify any potential problems with the car.
  • Be prepared for higher insurance ratesSports cars are typically more expensive to insure than other types of cars.
  • Get the car serviced regularly. This will help to keep the car in good condition and extend its lifespan.

Conclusion:

Choosing a sports car for daily driving can be a tough decision, but there are many great options on the market today. By considering the factors discussed in this blog post, you can find the right sports car for your needs and budget.

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