Buyers Guide: The Best Entry-Level Sports and Muscle Cars for 2023

There are multiple options spread across different budget capacities within each mainstream automobile segment. The performance segment is no exception.

An exhilarating and athletic experience behind the wheel does not have to be expensive. The cars featured here are proof that you can still have loads of fun behind the wheel as you extract the maximum performance from their mechanical setup.

They are great entry-level options to consider for the enthusiast who is interested in performance driving without breaking the bank.

1. Mazda MX-5 Miata
2. Toyota GR Supra
3. Nissan Z
4. Toyota GR86
5. Subaru BRZ
6. Hyundai Elantra N
7. Chevrolet Camaro 1LT
8. Dodge Challenger SXT
9. Dodge Charger GT
10. Ford Mustang EcoBoost

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Image Credit: Top Gear

Specifications

• MSRP: $28,050 USD /  $38,315 CAD
• Engine: 2.0-litre naturally aspirated 4-Cylinder
• Power / Torque: 181 hp /  151 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: RWD
• 0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 26 MPG (City) /  35 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  36,000 miles (60,000 km)

Our Take

There’s a reason this quirky little sports car has been in the market now for over three decades, outlasting most of its direct rivals. The Japanese car is low on the power scale, but then it relies more on its crisp handling and rev-happy engine to put a smile on the driver’s face. It’s a winning combination that will satisfy most entry-level sports car enthusiasts.

Toyota GR Supra 3.0

Image Credit: GuideAutoWeb

Specifications

• MSRP: $54,500 USD /   $74,450 CAD
• Engine: 3.0-litre Inline-6
• Power / Torque: 382 hp /  368 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: RWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 23 MPG (City) /  31 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  36,000 miles (60,000 km)

Our Take

The GR Supra does not enjoy the cult status of its predecessor, the MK4 Supra. However, for a modern sports car, it’s still a pretty great option. The latest iteration shines with a punchy turbocharged inline-6 plus a refined suspension and steering system. The best part is that the GR Supra is available with a no-cost 6-speed manual transmission option.

Nissan Z

Image Credit: CarBuzz

Specifications

• MSRP: $43,305 USD /  $59,150 CAD
• Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6
• Power / Torque: 400 hp /  350 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: RWD
• 0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 18 MPG (City) /  24 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  36,000 miles (60,000 km)

Our Take

This sports car refreshes Nissan’s ‘Z’ performance line that’s been around for decades. The modern-era Nissan Z benefits from a potent power plant, manual transmission option and some well-needed tech updates. The Nismo version dials up the performance, but even the base model is still pretty decent.

Toyota GR86

Image Credit: Car and Driver

Specifications

• MSRP: $28,400 USD /  $38,790 CAD
• Engine: 2.4-litre naturally aspirated 4-Cylinder
• Power / Torque: 228 hp /  181 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: RWD
• 0-60 mph: 5.4 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 20 MPG (City) /  27 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  36,000 miles (60,000 km)

Our Take

The GR86 sports car is one of the most successful automotive collaborations between carmakers. There is an automatic option, but the standard six-speed manual pairs best with the preppy flat-four engine. There are only a few proper RWD sports cars that are also affordable, like the GR86.

Subaru BRZ

Image Credit: Carscoops

Specifications

• MSRP: $31,315 USD /  $42,812 CAD
• Engine: 2.4-litre naturally aspirated 4-Cylinder
• Power / Torque: 228 hp /  184 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: RWD
• 0-60 mph: 5.4 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 20 MPG (City) /  27 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  36,000 miles (60,000 km)

Our Take

The Subaru BRZ is the twin of the Toyota GR86. It checks most of the boxes for an affordable sports car – RWD, lively demeanour, and, of course, there’s a manual transmission. There’s even some attempt at practicality with a reasonable boot space, storage bins in the cabin and enough modern technology for daily driving.

Hyundai Elantra N

Image Credit: Motor Authority

Specifications

• MSRP: $32,900 USD /  $44,980 CAD
• Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-Cylinder
• Power / Torque: 276 hp /  289 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: FWD
• 0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 22 MPG (City) /  31 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 5 years /  60,000 miles (100,000 km)

Our Take

The Veloster N may be gone, but the Elantra N is more than able to fill the slot left by the spritely hot hatch. Hyundai’s performance sports car has four doors but is surprisingly agile thanks to its feisty turbocharged engine with a Boost function. It also grips like a sports car, and the rich exhaust note will tempt you to push the car hard at all times.

Chevrolet Camaro 1LT

Image Credit: Wood Wheaton Supercentre

Specifications

• MSRP: $28,295 USD /  $38,680 CAD
• Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4
• Power / Torque: 275 hp /  295 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: RWD
• 0-60 mph: 5.4 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 19 MPG (City) /  29 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  36,000 miles (60,000 km)

Our Take

The Camaro 1LT is one of the more affordable variants of one of America’s most recognizable muscle cars. However, even the base level still packs a noteworthy punch and delivers a well-balanced ride. It is unfortunate that the carmaker is pulling the plug after the 2024 model year. This is one car that feels like it’s still got a lot to give.

Dodge Challenger SXT

Image Credit: Autoweek

Specifications

• MSRP: $30,545 USD /  $41,760 CAD
• Engine: 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6
• Power / Torque: 303 hp /  268 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: RWD
• 0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 19 MPG (City) /  30 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  36,000 miles (60,000 km)

Our Take

Like the Chevrolet Camaro, the Dodge Challenger is also on its last legs and is set for a completely new replacement, possibly one with an electric powertrain. Before then, though, it still remains one of the most affordable muscle cars in the market, especially in this entry-level trim. It lacks the V8 of the pricier model variants, but the V6 still packs north of 300 hp.

Dodge Charger GT AWD

Image Credit:  Autoevolution

Specifications

• MSRP: $35,345 USD /  $48,320 CAD
• Engine: 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6
• Power / Torque: 300 hp /  264 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 6.0 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 18 MPG (City) /  27 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  36,000 miles (60,000 km)

Our Take

The versatile Charger is a delightful mix of practicality and athleticism. It boasts 4 doors, decent boot space and room for 5 adults. There are also several options to pick from, with the base models catering to budget-conscious enthusiasts. The V6 engine for the GT lacks the potency of the big V8 engines, but it does come with the option of all-wheel-drive.

Ford Mustang EcoBoost

Image Credit: Ford Pro

Specifications

• MSRP: $30,920 USD /  $42,272 CAD
• Engine: 2.3-litre turbocharged 4-Cylinder
• Power / Torque: 310 hp /  350 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: RWD
• 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 21 MPG (City) /  30 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  36,000 miles (60,000 km)

Our Take

The Ford Mustang EcoBoost has several advantages that make it a popular choice among car enthusiasts. It offers an excellent balance of performance and fuel efficiency thanks to its turbocharged four-cylinder unit. The interior has also been upgraded, giving the muscle car a modern feel and daily usability.