9 Proper Sports Cars Under $20K That Can Keep Up With a Porsche 718 Cayman

Sports Cars Under $20K: If you’ve ever dreamt of keeping pace with a Porsche 718 Cayman without draining your bank account, you’re in luck. While the Cayman starts around $75,000, there’s a surprising number of sports cars on the used market that can deliver similar thrill for a fraction of the price.

We’ve rounded up nine standout sports cars under $20K that prove you don’t need an exotic badge to have a blast behind the wheel. From German engineering to Japanese classics and American muscle these ride pack performance, style and a grin inducing driving experience.

1. 2013 BMW Z4 sDrive35i

• Cost range: $18,978–$20,201
• 3.0-liter inline-6 turbocharged engine
• Capacity 300 HP
• 5.0 second to reach 60 miles per hour

The E89 generation BMW is the perfect blend of modern performance and classic roadster style. The sDrive35i turbocharge inline six produce enough power and torque to reach 60 mph in rough five second. Want something more quickly? Although it’s more difficult to get one for less than $20K, the Z4 sDrive35is can reach 60 mph in 4.4 second. In any case, this BMW is a roadster that makes every turn unforgettable.

2. 2010 Audi TTS

• $15,222 to $15,867 in price range
• 2.0L I4 turbocharged engine
• 265 HP of power
• 4.8 seconds to reach 60 mph

The Audi TTS is a perfect Cayman substitute because it blends German accuracy with AWD grip. Its six-speed dual-clutch transmission and turbocharged four cylinder engine enable it to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than five second. The TTS is both fashionable and enjoyable to drive with elegant appearance evocative of the R8 and Quattro all wheel drive.

3. 2001 Chevrolet Corvette C5

• $15,186–$24,779 is the price range
• 5.7L LS1 V8 engine
• 350 horsepower
• 0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds

If American muscle is more your style the C5 Corvette is a steal for under $20K. With a 5.7L V8 producing 350 HP, this car can rocket to 60 mph in under five second. Sure it’s older but the C5 prove that raw performance doesn’t always require a European badge.

4. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

• Cost range: $13,685–$22,777
• 5.4L V8 engine
• 355 HP of power
• 4.5 seconds to reach 60 mph

The SLK 55 AMG is evidence that speed and luxury can coexist. This AMG is shockingly inexpensive on the used market due to depreciation. With a 5.4L natural aspirate V8 engine that can reach 60 mph in just 4.5 second the vehicle offer SLR inspire styling and a fancy interior without going over budget.

5. 2010 Nissan 370Z

• $12,132-$19,267 is the cost range
• 3.7L V6 engine
• 332 HP of power
• 4.7 seconds to reach 60 mph

One of the easiest ways to experience a true Japanese sports vehicle is still with Nissan’s 370Z. The coupe’s classic looks make it stand out on any street and its naturally aspirated V6 engine gives plenty of power for a 0-60 mph pace of less than five second. It’s the ideal combination of performance and affordability for enthusiast.

6. 2004 Pontiac GTO

• $12,102 to $19,083 was spent.
• 5.7L LS1 V8 engine
• 350 horsepower
• 4.8 seconds to reach 60 mph

The Pontiac GTO is a hidden hit that is frequently disregarded. It can achieve high-speed thrills comparable to more costly sports vehicles because to its current appearance and LS1 V8 engine from Corvette. For those who enjoy muscle cars, it’s a wonderful deal because it’s raw, unsophisticated, and shockingly fast.

7. 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6

• Expense: $9,068–$17,270
• 3.2L V6 supercharged engine
• 330 horsepower
• 5.0 seconds to reach 60 mph

The Crossfire SRT-6, which originated from the Daimler-Chrysler union, has several parts with the Mercedes SLK. It is a powerful and swift ride thank to its performance suspension and supercharged V6 engine. This automobile offer European style at a domestic price but the manual is not an option.

8. 2008 BMW 135i

• $8,103 to $16,041 in price range
• 300 horsepower 
• 3.0L inline-6 twin-turbo engine
• Reaching 60 mph takes 4.7 second

For half the price the 135i is virtually a miniature M3. It is quick, entertaining, and reasonably priced. It is small, agile, and equipped with BMW’s twin-turbo inline-six. It is among the best handling cars under $20K on the used market because of its compact size and light weight.

9. 1992 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4

• Price range: $5,942–$16,695
• 3.0L V6 Twin-Turbo engine
• 300 HP of power
• 4.8 seconds for 0–60 mph

The 3000GT VR4 is a Japanese classic with electronically adjustable suspension, active aero, and AWD that frequently goes unnoticed. Its twin-turbo V6 can still compete with contemporary sports cars despite being the oldest on the list and it’s a great deal at less than $20,000.

Why You Should Consider These Vehicles

It’s not hard to find a sports car under $20,000 that can compete with a Porsche 718 Cayman; all it need is a little investigation. Every vehicle on this list demonstrates that thrill don’t always require a six-figure budget by offering distinctive performance, appearance and driving experiences.

FAQs

Q: Can these car actually keep up with a Porsche 718 Cayman?
A: Yes while they may lack Porsche’s refinement or prestige these cars offer comparable 0-60 mph time and handling thrill for a fraction of the price.

Q: Are these cars expensive to maintain?
A: Maintenance varies by model. German cars like BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz can be pricier to upkeep while American and Japanese option are generally more affordable. Always check service history before buying.

Q: Are these car safe to drive daily?
A: Most are safe for daily driving, but some older model may lack modern safety feature. Daily practicality depend on comfort, visibility and reliability.

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