18 of the Best Machines Most Speed Freaks Can Afford

2. Full-Size ’60s American Sedans

Most people know that U.S.-built full-size sedans from the ’60s are not particularly fast or sharp-handling cars. However, most enthusiasts crave them because they are still immensely fun and interesting cars to own. The point is that those big, heavy-land yachts offer a unique driving feel. They are a window to a long-gone era when bigger was better and domestic car manufacturers competed for luxury and style.

There are so many interesting models from practically every U.S. manufacturer that fall into this category. From those cool Chevrolet Impalas to those elegant Ford Galaxies and from the Dodge Monaco to those luxurious Cadillacs. All those legendary machines come with V8 engines, often with a big block that guarantees power and torque under your right foot.

If you concentrate on the cars from the ’60s, you can find nicely equipped sedans for under $15,000. They will provide a nice driving experience with affordable maintenance and unlimited fun.

3. Porsche 944 Turbo

This forgotten gem from Stuttgart is one of the best affordable sports cars you can buy. They are still inexpensive, but if you don’t act fast, chances are that the prices will go stratospheric soon. Designed as an entry-level Porsche, the 944 had an interesting layout with a front-mounted engine and rear-mounted transaxle gearbox. The handling was sublime and even though the base 170 HP engine wasn’t slow, the real treat was the Turbo.

It had a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that put out 250 HP. Due to its low weight, good transmission and aerodynamics, the 944 Turbo was a fast car. The 0 to 60 mph took only 5.9 seconds and this car could top 162 mph. Even today, this little Porsche can outrun some modern sporty cars.

4. Mercedes E55 AMG

The W201 generation of the venerable Mercedes E Class caused some controversy when it debuted due to the strange front end with four round headlights. However, soon the buyers accepted it. In 1998, AMG released its ultimate version in the form of the E55 AMG. From the outside, the E55 AMG looked like any other E-Class with just minimal changes. But, underneath the body, there was a 5.4-liter supercharged beast just waiting to be released.

With 349 HP and 391 lb-ft of torque, E55 AMG could accelerate from 0 to 60 in just 5.4 seconds, which was late ’90s Porsche Turbo territory. AMG built over 12,000 examples, which makes them relatively plentiful today. You can pick up a decent example for around $10,000, which is a steal.

5. Jeep Willys

If you want to understand the essence of off-road driving and see where it all began, there is no better way to do so than to buy a classic World War II Jeep Willys. It was the first mass-produced all-wheel-drive vehicle they conceived just before the Second World War. It was a light military vehicle capable of going over any terrain.

It was durable enough to withstand bullets and explosions, as well as harsh conditions. One of its biggest, most important features was the simple yet robust all-wheel-drive system, which made it extremely capable on rough terrain. Despite being a military vehicle, this Jeep proved its worth after the war as a practical machine that owners could equip to do numerous things.

This jeep could do anything, from towing and plowing, and even for use as agricultural equipment. The unique concept of rugged, compact and extremely capable off-road machines evolved the Jeep brand, making it the biggest producer of off-road vehicles and SUVs as well as a true legend of the segment.

6. Classic Muscle Cars

It seems like everybody is looking for those famous muscle cars. They are those classic Mustangs and Corvettes that resulted in those models being out of reach of the average classic car buyer. Chargers, Challengers and GTOs are already expensive machines, but don’t let that discourage you. There are still plenty of interesting classic muscle machines you can buy on a budget to thoroughly enjoy.

The idea is to feel the thumping power of naturally aspirated V8 engine sending all its power to skinny rear tires. You can control a big coupe through manual steering and drum brakes. That will teleport you back to the late ’60s when gas was inexpensive and Steppenwolf was playing on the eight-track player.

7. Ferrari Mondial

The Mondial is not the most desirable, fastest or exclusive Ferrari. However, if you thought you couldn’t get a Ferrari at Toyota Camry prices, think again. You can and you should, just so you can say you drive a Ferrari, even if you have to live on a budget. Despite the fact the Mondial was more practical and somewhat less expensive, it wasn’t particularly popular.

Today, it is one of the rare, poorly regarded models in the Ferrari community. With the typical ’80s design and 2+2 seating, you could use a Mondial as a daily car. Still, don’t expect a vivid performance, although those cars are not slow. However, you will still get a dated manual shifter and leather interior.

8. BMW M3 E46

In October 2000, BMW presented the E46 M3 featuring an all-new engine, drivetrain and components. Since then, people have regarded it as one of the finest BMW M cars and the perfect driving machine. All M cars are a blast to drive, but the E46 M3 was a big improvement over the E36 M3 from the ’90s.

Also, it is one of the last analog sports cars you can buy. With a 343 HP straight six-cylinder engine, almost ideal weight distribution, great chassis, six-speed manual transmission and still respectable performance, the E46 M3 has won the hearts of car enthusiasts all over the world. It was a sales success and remains one of the best second-hand performance cars you can buy today.

9. Mazda Miata

Small roadsters are among the car fan’s favorite types of cars. So, what is better than a classic Miata? The Miata’s secret was simplicity, lightweight and balance. Mazda didn’t try to invent something new, they just copied the basic concept of a classic British roadster. They added modern materials and design to make the whole thing reliable and agile.

With only 116 HP from the twin-cam 1.6-liter engine, it may not sound like much. but in a 2,200-pound car, it’s more than enough. If you are looking for the most affordable model, the first-generation Miata can provide many memorable moments for just a few thousand dollars. Also, there are many aftermarket options that can transform your little Miata into a sports car killing machine, too.

10. Lancia Fulvia Coupe

If you want something that is rare as well as a blast to drive with Italian charm and a strong allure of a bygone era, look no further than the Fulvia Coupe. The Fulvia Coupe was a little 2+2 two-door car with a narrow-angle V4 in the front powering the front wheels. This unique layout handled fantastically.

With the small weight of the car, it presents a vivid performance. Despite having from 85 to 115 HP, the Lancia Fulvia Coupe was a rally champion and an extremely rewarding car to drive fast on winding roads. Today, you can find decent examples starting from around $20,000. They imported the Fulvia Coupe to the U.S. when it was new, so you can find dozens for sale right now.

11. Acura Integra Type R

If you are a fan of the Japanese car industry and want to own something equally important historically as well as a blast to drive, the Acura Type R is a car for you. As one of the most brilliant front-wheel-drive cars they ever produced, the Acura Integra Type-R is a definitive JDM legend. It is still especially popular among car fans for its swift performance and fantastic handling.

The front-wheel drivetrain was the main reason the Integra Type R is so universally loved and highly sought-after. The engineers at Honda managed to design and produce a front-wheel-drive set up that worked with the rear axle in perfect balance. This is why the Integra handled neutrally.

In fact, it had few understeering problems and great steering feedback. Despite just 187 HP coming from its high-revving 1.8-liter engine, the Integra Type R offered a great performance, even by today’s standards. This is a definite future classic and a car you should buy today.

12. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The classic C1 to C3 Corvettes are already too expensive for the average car buyer. Also, the standard C4, despite its great handling, may be low on power for some owners. So, the solution is the ZR1, the mighty C4 Corvette that could outrun most of the supercars in the early ’90s.

They called it the “King of the Hill,” and the Corvette ZR1 was exactly that. The king of all Corvettes they made by 1990 when Chevrolet presented the ZR1. Immediately, it was obvious that Chevrolet hit a home run. Under the hood, there was the LT4, a Lotus-engineered V8 engine producing 375 HP, and later 400 HP. They also added quad-cam heads and 32 valves.

The engine was an engineering marvel, performing exceptionally well. With a beefed-up suspension, gearbox and a pair of extra-wide rear tires, the Corvette ZR1 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. That made it one of the fastest cars of the era and a true modern classic today.

13. Chevrolet Blazer

If you are attracted to the concept of a classic off-road vehicle but the Jeep Willys is too basic for you and the Jeep Wrangler is too common, why not look for a Chevy Blazer? Debuting in 1969, Chevrolet took an existing pickup truck chassis and mounted a full interior and roof. Then they named it the Blazer or GMC Jimmy.

The Blazer soon became popular with civilians, as well as the U.S. military. It sold well in America as well in the rest of the world, especially with the 6.2-liter diesel V8 engine. The Blazer was so popular, the second generation stayed in production from 1973 to 1991 with minimal modifications. So, if you are looking for an honest classic SUV and you don’t have a lot of money for a Grand Wagoneer or a Toyota FJ 40, the Blazer is a perfect choice.

14. Dodge Viper RT 10

The Dodge Viper RT 10 is one of those legendary cars that everybody likes. To be perfectly honest, this car isn’t perfect. It is huge, hard to drive, dangerous and wants to burn rubber in any gear. This is exactly what makes it so irresistible. You may feel like you need a Viper, just to see how it is to drive an untamed beast without any electronic nannies.

When Dodge released it, the 8.0-liter fully aluminum V10 produced 400 HP and 465 lb-ft of torque. That was unheard of at the time and secured the Viper’s place as one of the most powerful new models on the market. The original sticker price was around $50,000 but today you can get yourself a nice Viper for half of that.

15. BMW M5 E39

Most people consider the BMW M5 they offered from 1998 to 2003 one of the best-performance sedans of all time. It is the best M5 model and a prime example of a German muscle car. You are probably asking what this model did to receive such high praise from car fans and motoring press. The BMW M Power department transformed the E39 5-series into a fantastic driver’s machine with numerous upgrades.

The heart of the car was a glorious S62 4.9-liter V8 engine with 400 HP. It sent all of its power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual, which was the only transmission choice. The result was the ultimate driver’s sedan and an instant classic. It could jump from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and top 155 mph, even when they electronically limited it. Today, the E39 M5 is still obtainable. Decent examples cost around $18,000, but you should hurry since the prices will probably go stratospheric soon.

16. Honda S2000

This model was a true driver’s car with all the important features like lightweight construction and ideal weight distribution. Honda topped it off with a powerful, rev-happy engine and razor-sharp handling, putting it in an elegant open-top package. Under the hood was a 2.0 or 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with 240 HP, which was the main selling point of the car.

This little gem of an engine featured a 9,000 rpm redline, four valves per cylinder and the famous Honda V-Tec system. It provided power in the high RPMs with a wonderful screaming sound. Thanks to intelligent engineering and low weight, the S2000 provided a respectable performance. With its perfect handling, it was universally praised.

17. Modern Muscle Cars

In the last decade or so, people have witnessed the resurrection of American performance vehicles in the best possible way. For the first time since the early ’70s, Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge are again in the horsepower wars. Each company is busy introducing better muscle cars each year. For any car enthusiast, modern muscle cars are the perfect treat since they are extremely capable, powerful, dependable, good looking and affordable.

Forget all the prejudices you may have about those classic models and their handling or braking since the new Camaros and Mustangs are capable of battling Europe’s finest sports cars. If you look at the numbers, you will see that today’s muscle cars can even outrun those supercars from the late ’90s. That just shows how good and competent those machines are.

18. Volkswagen Golf R32

This list wouldn’t be complete without one proper hot hatch. There are lots of interesting compact cars with high power to choose from, new or used. In most cases, when it comes to the hot hatch class, the newest and the fastest is always the best choice. This list includes a forgotten gem: the Golf R32.

In 2003, Volkswagen took the Mk4 body shell and installed the best hardware it had in the early 2000s. That meant the R32 had intelligent all-wheel drive, 240 HP from a 3.2-liter V6 engine, a luxury interior and a host of electronic aids. This wasn’t the first AWD hot hatch or the fastest despite its 0 to 60 mph time of 6.4 seconds. However, it was the first “Uber” hatch that combined luxury and effortless high-speed cruising with exciting driving dynamics.

Also, this was the first hot hatch to use a DSG transmission, which is standard today in this class. All of this makes the R32 a definitive future classic and an extremely capable everyday car. So, buy one now while they are still affordable.

These are 18 of the best machines most speed freaks can afford, even on a tight budget. If you want any of these gems, you need to move quickly since the prices are sure to rise soon.