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20 Retro Sports Cars That Can Compete With The New Nissan Z

Cameron Eittreim September 21, 2021

12: Scion FR-S

The now-defunct Scion brand was once the hip new thing in the automotive world. Shortly before Toyota dropped the ax on the Scion brand, the FR-S hit the market. Designed in partnership with Subaru, the FR-S is a solid-performing sports car. The spirited engine will handle just about anything you throw at it. The styling still seems glorious to this day, and the interior is fairly modern (via Driving).

For the price, the FR-S has a brilliant rear-wheel-drive chassis. The FR-S is the final car to have a Scion badge. Toyota’s youth-focused brand fell out of favor as Gen X aged. Naturally, when you drive a car like the FR-S, you feel the urge to speed. The design is competitive with the Nissan Z, and the car has remained popular.

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11: BMW Z3

You just can’t argue with BMW engineering. The Z3 is the hidden gem of the sports car segment. The design was top-notch at the time it hit the market. BMW has a long history of performance and racing heritage. This technology and development went into the Z3. The compact roadster took all the fun elements of the M-Series. Combined with a luxurious interior, the Z3 performs well (via Motor Trend).

The Z3 has a zippy engine and a refined suspension. The depreciation of the Z3 means you can get an excellent price on one. The reliability is well-received and there weren’t many recalls with this model. There is also a rare M-Series model of the Z3 that’s worth considering if you have a little extra to spend.

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10: C4 Chevrolet Corvette

The C4 Corvette is an iconic part of the 1980s. The late 1990s model incorporated a new fuel injected engine and a modern interior. The Corvette has always been a performance icon, but the C4 especially fits the mold. The LT1 engine is one of the best to come out of Detroit. The lightweight design of the C4 ensures a quick off-the-line response. The handling is the best of a GM vehicle from this era (via Auto Trader).

Whether you get the stick shift or the automatic, the C4 will perform well. The interior is only two seats, but the targa top is an excellent option. Cargo space is also abundant in the C4 Corvette thanks to the hatchback. Prices for the C4 Corvette have come down considerably, as the C5 is more desirable nowadays.

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9: SN-95 Ford Mustang

The SN-95 is the last Fox-Body Mustang you can buy. The SN-95 hasn’t aged well and isn’t as popular as the previous model, which means you can get a great deal on one of these Mustangs. The GT model can be had for less than $10,000, and prior to 1995, there was a 5.0. The design of the SN-95 is modern enough that you can enjoy it for everyday driving (via Driving Line).

The SN-95 provides cheap thrills and power for half the price. The model is less popular than the GM F-Body from this generation. When it comes to performance and value, the SN-95 Mustang has it in droves. The off-the-line performance of the Mustang is better than many cars from this era.

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8: 2002 Subaru WRX

Known affectionately as the “bug eye”, the 2002 Subaru WRX is an unqualified value. The AWD design separates the WRX from the competition. The boxer engine is world-renowned for its quality and off-the-line performance. The reliability of this generation of the WRX is among the best in its class. Whether you buy the WRX to compete with a Z or you are simply an enthusiast, this car is as solid as it gets (via Auto Evolution).

Subaru has come a long way in design since the WRX hit the streets. But the 2002 model is among the most coveted by collectors. The interior is cheap, but the performance you get for the price is unparalleled. The WRX is by far one of the best competitors for the Nissan Z, especially for the inexpensive price.

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7: Honda S2000

The S2000 was designed and sold by Honda at the start of the new millennium. It’s no slouch on the track and gives the Nissan Z a serious run for its money. The roadster is precision designed to conform around the driver. The engine is bulletproof, and its reliability is in line with what you’d expect from a Honda model (via Motoring Research).

The later models were scarce, and there was a refreshed design. The S2000 isn’t as expensive as you’d expect a Honda from this generation to be. Its build quality is top-notch, and the parts are cheap to replace. On the heels of a new Acura Integra hitting the market, there has never been a better time to check out the S2000.

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6: Mazda Miata

With a little bit of ingenuity, the Miata can destroy a Nissan Z fairly easily. The Miata is a lightweight roadster, but you already knew that. But did you know that pricing on the Miata is cheaper than it has ever been? The Miata is built for the driver, and this tiny roadster hugs corners like you wouldn’t believe. Mazda designed the Miata from the ground up decades ago, and it has held the test of time (via Auto Evolution).

You can find a late 1990s early 2000s example of the Miata for a fantastic price. The build quality is top-notch, especially when you compare it to other roadsters from this era. The Miata is an excellent overall value for the price. There are very few sports cars that you can get for the price of a Miata that will perform as well as it does.

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5: BMW E36 M3

The E36 M3 is the forgotten member of the BMW family. The 1990s model is not the high-tech gem that the 2000s car was. But for the price, you can’t go wrong with the signature BMW performance. The E36 is fairly common when it comes to finding replacement parts for it. The interior is impeccable with high-quality leather and comfortable seating (via Top Speed).

The four-door model is practical for a modern family, while it still performs well. The M3 is a hallmark of BMW design and engineering. The E36 stands out from the crowd for its timeless design. No matter what year of the M3 you get, the car has a lot of potential. A stock M3 can definitely give a Nissan Z a run for its money.

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4: BMW M3 (E46)

The next generation and more advanced of the M3 still offers bang for the buck. The E46 is the next generation of the M3 sports car. Also fairly affordable in price, you can find the E46 M3 on the used market easily. Depending on the year and model you want, the price will fluctuate. The E46 BMW was one of the most popular models. There was a pleasant mixture of modern technology and comfort in the E46 (via Spanner Rash).

You can drive one of these today and not feel like you are driving something out of date. The M3 E46 is different than other sport sedans from this era. The naturally aspirated engine has stood the test of time. The E46 M3 had a unique blend of luxury and performance that still holds true today.

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3: Mazda RX-8

The Mazda RX-8 was a sports car Mazda sold during the mid-2000s. It was released as the unofficial successor to the RX-7. There was a lot to like about the RX-8, most notably the unique styling and rotary engine. The RX-8 is the only sports car you can get with a rotary engine for an affordable price (via Car & Driver).

If you can’t afford an original RX-7, the RX-8 is an outstanding alternative. The hidden third passenger door makes access to the rear seating a breeze. Cargo space is also a lot better in the RX-8 than many other sports cars. There are few sports cars that can perform at the level that the RX-8 does.

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2: 2000 Porsche 911 (996)

If you can’t afford a new Porsche 911, why not go for an older model? The 2000 model is exactly as classy and fun to drive as a new one. The blistering performance of the 996 will put most cars, including a Nissan Z, to shame. You can find a Porsche 911 from this generation for a fairly cheap price tag (via New Car Test Drive).

Generally speaking, these Porsche models have been well maintained over their life. You can find one with low mileage, and you still won’t break the bank. The timeless styling is quintessential Porsche, and it has aged well. The 911 was one of the best Porsche models ever to grace the roadways.

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1: Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is one of the best compact sports cars you can get. For next to nothing, you can get an Eclipse with a turbocharged engine. The Eclipse competes with the Nissan Z nicely and offers a tremendous amount of bang for the buck. There were multiple models of the Eclipse that were sold, which included the Plymouth Laser (via Car Gurus).

With an all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine, the Eclipse is a stellar deal. You can find a used Eclipse for far less than $5,000, and it will compete with the Nissan Z. There is also an enthusiast community behind the Mitsubishi Eclipse. With plenty of pep for the price and a modern style, the Eclipse is an excellent bargain for the price.

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