Looking for a sports car that delivers serious thrills without breaking the bank? In 2025, one standout model proves you don’t need a six-figure budget to enjoy a true driving experience. With a perfect blend of sharp handling, responsive power, and aggressive styling, it brings the excitement enthusiasts crave into a surprisingly attainable package.
What makes this car special is how well it balances fun and everyday usability. It’s not just a weekend toy — the cabin is comfortable, the tech is modern, and the driving dynamics feel connected and engaging, making it practical enough for daily drives while still offering adrenaline-pumping performance when you want it.
For buyers seeking a genuine sports car experience under $50,000, this car emerges as the top choice. It proves that you don’t need a supercar price tag to get heart-racing thrills, precise handling, and a driving experience that will keep enthusiasts smiling mile after mile.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA.
Fun, affordable, luxurious, and dependable – what more could you want?
Nissan has been responsible for some of the most iconic sports cars to ever come out of Japan. When they announced that they were bringing the Z back, people were incredibly excited. However, the success of the new GR Supra and a couple of issues at launch really brought down the public perception of the coupe. However, we think that it is incredibly underrated, and that it offers an intense amount of performance for the price that you pay.
Model
Average used price
Sport
$42,970
Performance
$52,970
Heritage Edition
$55,910
NISMO
$65,750
With the current iteration of the GR Supra coming to the end of its production run, Toyota decided to drop the option of the turbocharged four-cylinder option. This means that a new GR Supra will cost you well over $50,000. This means that the Z is left with fewer competitors in this price range than ever before. The only other real rival left is the Ford Mustang GT, which is a fantastic car in its own right. Still, we think that the Z edges ahead. You can also, obviously, choose to shop more conservatively and grab a Toyota GR86 or a Mazda MX-5, which we wouldn’t blame you for.
The Sport trim offers some really impressive value, starting closer to $40,000 than it does to $50,000. It comes with a decent amount of standard kit and delivers tons of power. However, if you can stretch your budget a little, we’d take a look at the Performance trim. Not only does it come with some comfort upgrades, such as faux-leather upholstery and power-adjustable seats, but it also gets a ton of extra performance features. This trim comes with a limited-slip differential, bigger brakes, stickier summer tires, and a sportier suspension tune.
New for 2026 is the Heritage Edition model. It pays tribute to the iconic 300ZX, also known as the Z32. This model is based on the Performance trim and comes with all the same kit, plus a little more. As well as some interior and exterior decals, the special edition model comes with unique Midnight Purple paint, bronze 19-inch RAYS wheels, and a carbon fiber rear spoiler. It may cost a bit more, but we can see this holding its value a little better over time.
Nissan’s warranty package is pretty typical for a new car. Both the bumper-to-bumper coverage and the powertrain warranty are average. However, the 2026 Z does benefit from Nissan’s new Nissan Maintenance Care program, which offers up to three free oil changes in the first two years or 24,000 miles.
A performance car that satisfies your sensible side.
Another big reason that the new Z was looked down upon when it first launched was due to the fact that it’s a little slower off the line than the new GR Supra, as well as some of the segment’s other top performers. We think that’s an unfair comparison, though, as the Z costs thousands of dollars less. For the price you pay, Nissan has actually managed to deliver a pretty impressive amount of performance, both in a straight line and around bends.
Engine
3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6
3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6
Transmission
6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic
9-speed automatic
Horsepower
400 HP
420 HP
Torque
350 LB-FT
384 LB-FT
Driveline
RWD
RWD
0-60 MPH
4.3 seconds
3.9 seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH
165 MPH
Under the hood of ever new Z is a twin-turbocharged V-6, as would be expected. Most models make a pretty fantastic 400 horsepower, shooting that power exclusively to the rear wheels. You can choose between either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic. Even though rowing your own gears is a little slower, we think the added engagement is worth it. The NISMO model comes with a more powerful version of the engine, but can only be had with the automatic transmission, though that will soon change.
The Z may be a little slower off the line than some of its more expensive rivals, but the gap is much smaller than some might have you believe. The Mustang GT is its main competitor at this price point, and both get up to 60 miles per hour in around the same amount of time. The Z feels generally well composed and handles fantastically, though it isn’t quite as precise as some other sports cars when pushed to its absolute limits. We think the average buyer won’t ever come close to said limit, though.
This forgotten sports car has more to than its badge might suggest.
One glance at the updated Z will tell you that it is retro-inspired, pulling design elements from the Zs of days past. While it shares a lot of its layout and components with the outgoing 370Z, Nissan has managed to make meaningful updates that allow the new coupe to feel like its own car. It is sharp and sporty, but also comes with plenty of creature comforts, from seats that you can live with on long journeys to a long list of tech features.
Front Row Headroom
38.2 Inches
Front Row Legroom
42.9 Inches
Cargo Capacity
6.9 Cubic Feet
In terms of space, the Z delivers about exactly what you would expect from a performance coupe. There is plenty of room for you to stretch your legs and get comfortable, and tall drivers shouldn’t have too much of an issue fitting. Cargo space is about average for the segment, with the trunk offering enough room for a weekend bag or two. It’s worth noting that some rivals, like the Mustang GT, offer small rear seats which can be useful in a pinch.
The layout of the cabin in the new Z will be really familiar to those that have sat behind the wheel of a 370Z. Though, things have been upgraded in ways that do help the new Z feel fresh and modern. Nissan has used premium materials throughout, with things like leather and alcántara upholstery being available. We also like the analog touch of the three gauges that sit on top of the dashboard, showing boost pressure, turbo speed, and battery charge.
One of the main upgrades that Nissan has made to the Z is in the tech department. The base model comes equipped with an eight-inch infotainment screen, while a nine-inch unit is available as an option. The larger unit comes with navigation built-in. The system delivers crisp graphics and responds quickly to inputs, and we like that Nissan has kept the climate controls separate, with analog dials underneath the screen.
Things like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is SiriusXM and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display. A six-speaker sound system is standard, but those looking for something more premium can upgrade to a 12-speaker Bose setup instead. Other optional extras include on-board Wi-Fi.
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