The Morgan Plus Four has returned to the US for the first time since 2006, allowing Americans to experience the joys of classic British motoring with a modern twist. The car has recently been reworked, featuring new modern amenities and design touches in a decidedly retro body, and offers BMW’s 255-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four turbo under the hood with your choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed auto. It’s a 2,200-lb roadster with the soul of a BMW Z4. What’s not to like?
Well, two things, actually. First, the car is only making it stateside thanks to the Replica Car Bill, passed in 2022. This caps production at 325 units a year, which will make the Plus Four a hot commodity, but even if you do get an allotment, pricing starts at $84,995 and can quickly go up from there. With that in mind, we wanted to explore 10 great sports cars you could get for half the price of the new Plus Four, to once again show you that depreciation is simply unmatched.
These 10 convertibles and roadsters have been chosen due to their performance, driver engagement, and approximate $40,000 used prices. They’ve been ordered from oldest to newest according to the model year chosen.
Engine
3.4-liter flat-six
Power
315 hp
Torque
266 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Transmission
6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK
0–60 mph
4.5 seconds (PDK)
Top Speed
172 mph (Sport Chrono)
Few cars hold their value like a Porsche, which is why the oldest half-priced model on this list is the 2014 Boxster S. This was the second year of the 718 Boxster, a comprehensive redesign that has aged wonderfully over the years, thanks to the 981 generation sharing the same general looks as the 982.
However, one thing the 2014 has that the current Boxster S doesn’t is a flat-six engine, tuned to produce 315 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Paired with either the manual or the PDK, it’s pure drop-top Nirvana, and a model we only see gaining value in the coming years since the 718 is finally being laid to rest.
Engine
5.5-liter V8
Power
415 hp
Torque
398 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Transmission
7-speed automatic
0–60 mph
4.1 seconds
Top Speed
155 mph
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, then might we suggest the 2014 Mercedes-AMG SLK 55 AMG. This often-forgotten German roadster was known for packing something no one else had: a hand-built, naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8. The powerplant was bespoke to this car, and this car only, and it allowed it to be a little rocket whenever you mashed the throttle.
The car is more of a GT rather than a pure sports car; the folding hardtop roof makes sure of that. However, it’s still a willing canyon carver, and will coddle you in luxury throughout every drive in ways only a Mercedes can. The exhaust note alone will convince you that you made the right choice.
Engine
3.0-liter supercharged V6
Power
380 hp
Torque
339 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Transmission
6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
0–60 mph
4.8 seconds (RWD auto)
Top Speed
171 mph
We know the Jaguar F-Type only just left us, but we still miss it every day. It was never the sharpest tool in the shed, but throughout its life, it never stopped looking gorgeous, and it offered enough performance in every trim to make you grip the steering wheel a bit tighter than most.
While the V8 versions get a lot of love (deservedly so), we say the 2017 Jaguar F-Type S Convertible is the way to go in this instance because it pairs a supercharged V6 producing nearly 400 horsepower with either an 8-speed auto or the rare 6-speed manual. AWD is an option if you need it, but you’ll want RWD if you care about performance. Top up or down, it pops and crackles with excitement, and we doubt you’ll ever tire of looking at it.
Engine
6.2-liter V8
Power
455 hp
Torque
460 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Transmission
7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
0–60 mph
3.8 seconds
Top Speed
181 mph
The C7 Corvette proved that the Corvette could truly hang with supercars. It had everything: looks, performance, and style all in a package you could easily live with every day. If you have any doubts, just look at how well they’re currently holding their value, as only the Stingray has depreciated enough to fit on this list.
However, the “base” model can barely be considered one, as it still produces 455 horsepower from its LT1 V8, and is often paired with high-downforce packages and even Magnetic Ride Control that changes the car’s character on the fly. It’ll still embarrass sports cars today, plus it’s a true Targa, unlike some other wannabees.
Engine
3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six
Power
365 hp
Torque
343 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Transmission
6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch
0–60 mph
4.1 seconds (DCT)
Top Speed
168 mph (M Driver’s Package)
The BMW M2 distills the magic of BMW’s M division into a compact, agile package. The current generation is a monster, but the previous one was just as excellent, and still looks better in our eyes, as it has a lithe profile that the current one lacks.
The 2018 BMW M2 was the second year of the model, and features a 365-horsepower engine paired with your choice of a manual or 7-speed DCT, and it sends that power strictly to the rear wheels. No, you can’t take the top off, but the car drives so well you’ll hardly care. It also lacks the big screens or modern cars, and will give you a more succinct driving experience, the perfect alternative to the bare-bones Morgan, in our eyes.
Engine
1.75-liter turbocharged inline-four
Power
237 hp
Torque
258 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Transmission
6-speed dual-clutch automatic
0–60 mph
4.1 seconds
Top Speed
160 mph
The Alfa Romeo 4C deserves more respect than it gets. It was a wonderful entry into the sports car segment of the 2010s, with looks so striking and attractive, you can’t help but stop and stare as it passes you on the street. The proportions were excellent, a roofless Spyder version was offered, and it packed nearly 250 horsepower from a truly high-strung four-cylinder engine.
This may not seem like much, but thanks to its low weight, it was still capable of hitting 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, which is right on par with the Morgan. The interior was also very spartan, as it was a car completely focused on the driving experience. It’s tactile and raw, more so than any other car on this list, and it’s a future classic worth investing in.
Engine
2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five
Power
400 hp
Torque
354 lb-ft
Drivetrain
All-wheel drive
Transmission
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
0–60 mph
3.6 seconds
Top Speed
174 mph
The 2018 Audi TT RS is a different kind of compact performance. It combined a classic design, albeit not as unique as the first generation, with a turbocharged 5-cylinder powerplant that produces 400 horsepower. It sends all of that power through a 7-speed DCT to all four wheels through Audi’s famed torque-vectoring Quattro AWD system.
The best way to describe the driving experience is dominant. It isn’t as agile as other cars on this list, but it puts down its power with an aggression, and grips with a precision that many sports cars only dream of. It’s rare, interesting, and comfortable enough to drive every day, plus you won’t get another two-door car with an engine like it.
Engine
3.7-liter V6
Power
350 hp
Torque
276 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Transmission
6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic
0–60 mph
5.0 seconds (Auto)
Top Speed
155 mph (limited)
If you’re looking for something shockingly different, then might we suggest you take the 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo for a spin. This rare, high-performance version of the regular 370Z didn’t just look crazy, it drove crazy too, thanks to extra horsepower from its naturally aspirated engine, better brakes, stiffer suspension, and the ability to control it all through a six-speed manual transmission.
It’s an engaging, exciting drive, one that will constantly invite stares due to its wild body kit. If you’re looking into buying a Morgan, this is what you want, so save half your money and look into getting the Nismo a little more power.
Engine
2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6
Power
505 hp
Torque
443 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Transmission
6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
0–60 mph
3.8 seconds (Auto)
Top Speed
191 mph
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is the only option on this list with four doors, and we included it simply because it’s one of the best used sports cars on sale today. The Giulia is a nearly perfect sports sedan; it has everything one could want, and very little you don’t.
The Quadrifoglio only improves this formula with a 505-horsepower 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, better brakes, gorgeous looks, and a driving experience you’ll still be thinking about for days. We say this 2018 model could be sold today and still be considered one of the best-looking cars on sale. Grab one up while they’re still somewhat affordable.
Engine
5.0-liter V8
Power
460 hp
Torque
420 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Transmission
6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic
0–60 mph
4.4 seconds (Auto)
Top Speed
155 mph (limited)
The final option on this list is steeped in American pedigree, as the Mustang GT is a classic anyone can get behind. The 2019 Ford Mustang GT Convertible is our final pick because it’ll give you the performance and engagement you’re looking for in an unpretentious package with tons of aftermarket support. The Coyote V8 is a gem, one that is best wrung out with the 6-speed manual transmission, and it’s best enjoyed daily, whether it be your morning commute or a spirited back road drive home. It’s a car with broad appeal, and you can really fit people in the back seat, giving you the flexibility the Morgan only dreams of.
Source: Ford, Alfa Romeo, Nissan, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche
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