The most affordable track day cars for 2020

Driving on the highway is the dream of many motorists around the world. Speed, overload, thrill and engagement are hard to find in any other form of hobby. However, owning a race car can prove to be very costly - most coveted sports cars are beyond the reach of most people.

However, not all. Luckily, there are affordable cars on the market that can be used on track days. It is these attributes that adorn the next forty cars. So, let's dive into this question and find you a new or used inexpensive track day car, shall we?

Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ ($27,985 / $28,845)

The duo of Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ is synonymous with track driving. Both machines have been specifically designed for handling and responsiveness, desirable qualities when it comes to tracking. At the moment, there is no other coupe in this price range that can offer the same excitement and engagement on a twisty track.

The 86 and BRZ are powered by the same 2.0-hp 200-liter naturally aspirated engine, which isn't very fast in a straight line. It doesn't sound like much, and it isn't. However, the engine is super responsive - there is no turbo lag. In addition, the motor is powerful enough to create long slides. In other words, you may not be the fastest racer on the track, but you will undoubtedly have the most fun.

The next car uses the same recipe but cuts off the roof!

Mazda MX-5 Miata ($26,580)

The Mazda MX-5 Miata uses almost the same recipe as the Toyota and Subaru pair. However, the legendary Japanese roadster drops the roof for an even more joyful experience. And you will definitely love the MX-5 Miata - the roadster weighs just over a ton, which means very direct and fun handling.

The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated unit in the MX-5 Miata produces 181 hp. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission that will surely add to the thrill. Fit tires with maximum performance and upgrade the brakes, and you have a pleasant and attractive machine for track days.

Fiat 124 Spider Abarth ($29,930)

Fiat, the largest Italian car manufacturer, took the MX-5 Miata platform and applied its own approach to it. The model they created is called the 124 Spider Abarth, which means it was developed with the help of an in-house performance department. The Italian-Japanese roadster is built according to the same recipe - a light body and a tiny but peppy engine.

However, unlike the Miata, the 124 Abarth uses a 1.4-liter turbocharged unit with 164 hp. That's a little less power compared to the Japanese cousin, but the Italian boasts higher torque at 184 lb-ft compared to 151 lb-ft. Opt for the 6-speed manual transmission and you're sure to enjoy the ride.

There is a used roadster nearby that is even faster than the Abarth!

Honda S2000 (≅$20,000 used)

The S2000 may be over a decade old, but it can still easily compete with similarly priced new roadsters like the MX-5 Miata and 124 Abarth. Honda's most iconic convertible is known for its flashy 2.0-liter and 2.0-liter naturally aspirated units. Both engines rev to the stratosphere and reach almost 250 hp.

Thanks to its light body, the S2000 is a fairly fast straight-line roadster. More importantly, Honda's chassis design has made it one of the most drivable roadsters of all time. Add to that the easy-to-shift 6-speed manual transmission and you have a recipe for fun on the track.

Caterham Seven 160 ($28,900)

You certainly didn't expect to see an exotic roadster on this list, but it's affordable! Caterham is not a very popular manufacturer in North America, but it's a shame because their models are driving cars. Oh, and they're also mega adorable on the outside, which certainly adds to the drama.

The 160 is the company's entry-level model, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's not ready for track day. This retro roadster weighs just 1080 pounds (490 kg), which is less than a Formula One car. This translates into outstanding handling and responsiveness. Oh, and thanks to a lightweight body, a 1cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine. CM and the power of just 660 horsepower is enough to accelerate it to 80 miles per hour in just 60 seconds!

Toyota Corolla SE 6MT ($23,705)

Wait; which? Small Corolla for track day? Listen to us first, then jump to conclusions. The 2020 Toyota Corolla is based on the all-new TNGA platform and has nothing to do with the old one. The most significant upgrade to this platform is the handling, which is much better than the old one.

Of course, the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated unit with 169 hp. may not seem impressive, but it will push you forward as it accelerates into the red zone. But wait, you haven't heard of the most notable feature yet - the six-speed manual transmission has automatic rev selection! Oh yes, heels and toes are a thing of the past with the new Corolla, and we're certainly happy about that.

Mazda 3 Hatchback ($23,700)

Continuing the theme of economical cars, we present you the most pleasant hatchback in the corners - Mazda 3 Hatchback. The Japanese compact car not only looks super aggressive and cool, but also has several technologies that make it a great driver's car.

Here we're talking about the G-Vectoring Control Plus system, which adjusts engine torque and braking for a natural feel in corners. With Mazda 3 you will feel like Ayrton Senna behind the wheel. Also, the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine with 186 horsepower is far from slow. However, there is one caveat - Mazda is no longer offering a manual transmission for the 2020 model year. However, you can at least manually select gears on the 6-speed automatic.

Next comes the affordable yet sporty coupe.

Honda Civic Si Coupe ($25,200)

Honda's compact coupe may not be the most powerful model in the lineup, but it still packs enough power for an exhilarating day on the track. At the front, the Civic Si Coupe has a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 205 hp. mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. In our book, these are the minimum requirements for active driving.

The Civic Si combines exceptionally direct steering with agility. Here again, Honda's chassis design comes into play - the Si is one of the most popular front-wheel drive cars. What's more, the low seating position will make you feel like you're in a race car, which is great for track days.

Kia Forte GT ($22,490)

Kia's compact economy car may not cross the mind of most enthusiasts when it comes to track days. However, Kia offers a GT package that offers a lot of value for the money, especially when compared to similarly priced models.

Under the hood of the Kia Forte GT is a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol unit with 201 hp. The car even has a sports exhaust system for a better sound experience and an available smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission for better traction. The sport-tuned suspension also greatly improves handling over the standard version - the Forte GT is a real driver's car.

Hyundai Elantra N Line ($20,650)

The Elantra N Line may be based on the same platform as the Kia Forte, but Hyundai has chosen to offer it in hatchback form. In our opinion, the shorter and lighter the car, the better it behaves in corners. Suspension tuned from Hyundai's N division further helps the Elantra feel alive in corners - it's an interesting car to play with.

1.6-liter turbocharged petrol unit with 201 hp. also does not disappoint - it is enough to give you breakneck acceleration. Hyundai offers both a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, both of which perform very well on the track.

Do you need a retro charmer with great features?

Fiat 500 Abarth ($20,495)

Fiat's tiny hatchback was primarily designed for European roads, but there's no reason it won't work in America. The 500 Abarth is light as a feather and has a very advanced suspension system. This makes the car very agile in corners and a lot of fun to drive.

The 1.4-liter turbocharged engine develops 160 hp. and a torque of 170 Nm. Of course, this is not much, but the acceleration is fast thanks to the lightweight body. In addition, a sports exhaust system makes this retro charm even more enticing for track riding. Fiat offers the 500 Abarth with a 5-speed manual transmission that puts more control in the hands of the driver.

Ford Fiesta ST ($31,990)

Ford's answer to the 500 Abarth is the ST version of the Fiesta. The small dynamic hatchback is by far one of the most drivable front-wheel drive cars today. It's nimble, direct and responsive, and on top of that, it provides great steering feel. All these qualities undoubtedly help to increase the efficiency of driving on the track.

Under the hood is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 197 horsepower. That's enough to get a small hatchback to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds. Additionally, Ford offers the Fiesta ST with a 6-speed manual transmission, adding to the excitement. The engine also sounds quite powerful for a small device for a complete racing experience.

Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop ($33,400)

The Mini three-door hatchback is a lot of fun to drive even in the standard version, but John Cooper Works models are best suited for track driving. This trim comes with a sport-tuned suspension that elevates handling to sports car levels, no doubt helped by the light weight of just 2,932 pounds.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine features an angry-sounding exhaust pipe that adds to the drama. More importantly, it develops 228 horsepower. For now, Mini only offers this model with an automatic transmission, but they will soon release the Knights Edition with a 235-speed manual transmission.

Audi S3 2015-2016 (≅$25,000 used)

Switching to a used car can always give you more options for less money. A great example of this is the 2015-2016 Audi S S, the car that destroys most of the new cars on this list when it comes to straight-line acceleration.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the S3 makes a healthy 292 hp. and 280 lb-ft. The engine is paired with the Quattro all-wheel drive system, which significantly improves traction when accelerating. Overall, the S3 isn't as nimble as some of the smaller, lighter hatchbacks, but the Quattro system makes the car very easy to drive. Unfortunately, Audi only offered this generation of S3 with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The next coupe can drift all day!

BMW 230i coupe ($35,300)

BMW is a manufacturer that literally earns its living through performance and driving pleasure. Our pick for the best affordable BMW for racing days is the 230i Coupe. We know it's far from the fastest BMW on offer, but it's still fast enough to give you a thrill.

More importantly, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is lighter than the faster inline-six, making the car more agile and responsive. The engine develops 249 hp. and accelerates the car to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. BMW offers the 230i Coupe in manual and automatic transmissions, as well as in RWD and AWD configurations.

Subaru WRX ($27,495)

Subaru WRX (formerly Impreza WRX) is a car developed on rally tracks around the world. Today, Subaru no longer competes in the WRC championship, but the WRX is still associated with rally racing. Equipped with a symmetrical all-wheel drive system, the WRX provides traction on dry and wet pavement, as well as on snow and gravel.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine sits very low in the engine bay, which lowers the center of gravity. It helps a lot in handling and handling when combined with the AWD system. The engine is rated at 268 hp, enough to propel the car to 60 mph in about five seconds. The 6-speed manual transmission only adds to the excitement.

Ford Focus RS (≅$30,000)

Ford doesn't offer a great RS hatchback for the 2020 model year, but don't worry - you can find low-mileage used examples. More importantly, you get one of the nicest sporty hatchbacks on the planet.

The Focus RS has an all-wheel drive system, but focused on fun and agile handling. The car even has a special "Drift" mode - that's how fun it is. The turbocharged 2.3-liter engine is no slouch either. It develops an impressive 350 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, which is enough to accelerate the car to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The RS only comes with a 6-speed manual, which we think is a great solution.

Volkswagen Golf GTI ($28,595)

Volkswagen is the company that coined the term "hot hatch" with the first Golf GTI. Now, more than three decades later, the Golf GTI is still the most revered hot hatch in the world. When it comes to driving, the GTI is to be commended for its composure, traction and agility.

It's no fool in the performance department either. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine develops 228 hp. Volkswagen offers the car with a slick 258-speed manual transmission or a great 60-speed DSG automatic with paddle shifters.

Next comes the most ferocious front-wheel drive car

Honda Civic Type R ($36,995)

Honda's take on the hot hatch is the craziest to date. Race-tuned suspension, ultra-responsive steering, advanced LSD and great chassis dynamics make the Civic Type R the best race car in its class right now. The Type R is so good at cornering that it can beat some supercars. Interestingly, Honda has achieved incredible driving dynamics by driving only the front wheels.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is another marvel of engineering - it develops 306 hp. and has virtually no turbojams. The cabin of the Civic Type R has bucket seats to keep you in place through corners, and the 6-speed manual transmission is the highlight of this wonderful cake.

Volkswagen Golf R ($40,395)

The Golf R is on the high end of what you would call affordable, but we still couldn't help mentioning it here. Volkswagen's most powerful hatchback is a complex device - on the road it behaves almost like a premium car.

However, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which develops 288 hp. The Golf R is exclusively equipped with the 280Motion all-wheel drive system, which improves traction and overall handling, especially on slippery pavement. Volkswagen offers both a 60-speed manual transmission and a 4-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission.

Mercedes A220 Sedan ($34,500)

If you want a car that's stylish on the street but fun to drive on the highway, you can't go wrong with the Mercedes A220 sedan. Arguably one of the prettiest sedans around right now, the A220 drives as well as it looks. This trim only comes with the FWD configuration, but don't let that fool you - the car is still very nice to drive in corners.

Under the hood of the A220 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with 188 hp. and 221 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes doesn't offer a manual transmission, but the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is quick and pleasant to use in manual mode.

Kia Stinger ($33,090)

A few years ago, Kia decided to compete with the German Stinger executive sedans. The car wasn't a big hit in terms of sales, which is a shame: the Stinger is the ultimate rear-wheel-drive sedan that drives as well as a BMW 3-Series.

Behind the wheel, the Stinger feels direct and composed, the way a rear-wheel drive sedan should feel. Kia offers two engines for the Stinger. A 2.0-liter turbocharged engine develops 255 horsepower, while a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 365 horsepower. Both engines will perform well on the track, but we'd go for the V6 if money wasn't an issue.

Dodge used a similar recipe to create their own sedan.

Dodge Charger ($27,390)

Dodge is the American equivalent of BMW - each of their cars is good for cornering and fast in a straight line. A perfect example of this is the Charger, a rear-wheel drive sports sedan with agility and outstanding stability at high speeds. These qualities make the Charger an excellent choice for highway driving.

The Dodge Charger is available with a range of powerful engines. The entry-level V6 has 292bhp, enough to keep you having fun on the track. However, if you want a real blast, we recommend the HEMI V9 with a meaty 370bhp. The Hellcat version comes with a dizzying 707 horses but is not very affordable.

Mini John Cooper Works Clubman ALL4 ($39,400)

A four-door version of the Mini's small hatchback called the Clubman offers a lot more practicality and room inside. Thankfully, the company still managed to give the Clubman the John Cooper Works treatment that turns the small car into a true track-day weapon.

In this model, Mini increased the engine power to 301 hp. and 331 lb-ft. Combined with an all-wheel drive system for better traction, the engine can propel the Clubman to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds! In addition, the John Cooper Works Clubman ALL4 has a sport suspension for better handling, making it even better for track riding.

Toyota GR Supra 2.0 (≅$40,000)

The fifth-generation Supra hasn't been well received by everyone, but Toyota still sells them in large numbers. Starting this year, the company will offer a new Supra with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 255 hp. and a torque of 295 Nm. The engine is paired with an 8-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels.

It doesn't sound like much, but the GR Supra 2.0 can still hit 60 mph in just 5 seconds. More importantly, a lighter engine up front makes the car more agile and agile. In our opinion, this also makes the 2.0-liter model more comfortable to drive around the track, especially in corners.

Get ready for a turbocharged muscle car.

Ford Mustang EcoBoost ($33,000)

The Ford Mustang is the obvious choice for track days. Looks menacing; it has a rear-wheel drive configuration and stable handling. The Mustang EcoBoost version is probably the best when it comes to handling thanks to the lightweight engine under the hood. This makes the muscle car more nimble in corners and more responsive.

Even though the 2.3-liter turbocharged engine has only four cylinders, it still has enough power for high performance. In this model, it develops a power of 332 hp. It also comes with a 350-speed manual or 60-speed automatic, which we welcome.

Hyundai Veloster N ($26,900)

The Veloster is a one-of-a-kind coupe with one door on the left and two doors on the right. Hyundai chose this design to increase practicality for rear passengers without losing the sporty look. What you should know is that the Veloster N is the perfect choice for track days.

The quirky coupe is nimble and stable through corners and features a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission that will make your days on the track even more enjoyable. In addition, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine also has plenty of power. With a power of 250 hp or 275 hp if you opt for the performance package, the lightweight coupe can hit 60 mph in less than 6 seconds.

Chevrolet Camaro 1LS ($25,000)

The Chevrolet Camaro 1LS is one of the most affordable muscle cars on the market today. However, you won't notice it while driving. The entry-level model comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that makes a healthy 275 hp. and 295 lb-ft. That's enough to propel the evil muscle car to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.

Oh, and because the tiny engine is so light, the Camaro 1LS doesn't slouch around corners. Handling is predictable, the steering is responsive, and the tires hold the road well. Track day fans will be happy to hear that this engine is available with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Audi unveils new Quattro sports car for track day enthusiasts

Audi TT Coupe ($45,500)

The Audi TT Coupe isn't as affordable as most of the cars on this list. However, it is also not very expensive, but still has several qualities that make it a weapon on the track. The obvious ones are the short wheelbase and lightweight bodywork, which give the car super-agile handling and superb responsiveness.

The entry-level model comes standard with Quattro all-wheel drive for better traction and stability. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine develops 228 hp. Audi only offers the TT Coupe with an S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, but as far as automatics go, it's one of the best.

Nissan 370Z ($30,090)

The Nissan 370Z is one of the oldest sports coupes on the market. However, Nissan originally designed this car with racing days in mind, and that remains true even today. The 370Z features a V6 engine up front that sends power to the rear wheels for balanced and predictable handling.

The 3.7-liter unit develops 337 hp, which is enough to accelerate to 0 km / h in about 60 seconds. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, which is always the right choice. Plus, the 6Z is easily upgradeable with superb aftermarket solutions designed for racing days. In other words, you can get even more performance out of this machine.

Dodge Challenger ($27,995)

The Dodge Challenger is one of the most powerful muscle cars on the market. Aggressive and muscular styling combined with Dodge's know-how in building high performance machines makes the Challenger a competent track day machine.

This is true even for the entry-level model, which is equipped with a Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine with 305 hp. and 268 lb-ft. We love the fact that Dodge didn't put a turbocharged engine on the Challenger. The naturally aspirated unit is more responsive and comfortable to drive on the track, and there is no turbo lag. The chassis is well-mannered too, and the 8-speed automatic works great for aggressive driving.

Shhh, the next machine doesn't make a sound, but shows exhilarating performance.

Tesla Model 3 ($41,190)

The most popular electric car on the planet is not only efficient, but also very fast. Of course, when it comes to straight-line acceleration, the higher-end models are much better, but it's the entry-level models that deliver the most driving pleasure. The 50 kWh battery is lighter than other models for more agile cornering.

In addition, the Standard Range Plus model has a single electric motor on the rear wheels, which adds even more fun. With a capacity of 353 liters. The only thing you have to put up with is complete silence, even with sharp acceleration.

Lexus RC ($41,295)

The Lexus RC Coupe is one of the most aggressive looking coupes on the market, enthusiasts are divided. That said, while we can't agree on styling, everyone agrees that the RC is an enjoyable coupe to drive, even in an entry-level model.

The cheapest Lexus RC comes with a 2.0 hp 4-liter turbocharged inline-241 engine. mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Lexus no longer offers a manual transmission in its models, but an automatic transmission should work on the track. More importantly, Lexus has massaged the chassis of the 2020 model so it handles better in corners, and it shows behind the responsive steering wheel.

Infiniti Q60 ($41,350)

The Q60 is a direct competitor to the Lexus RC. However, unlike the Lexus, the Infiniti Q60 is more focused on luxury and refinement than pure performance. However, we still think it's a very good solution for people who don't ride track days that often.

When it comes to track driving, the Q60 lacks performance. The twin-turbo V6 has 300 hp, which is enough for breakneck acceleration. The chassis is also nimble and well-behaved in corners, especially thanks to the all-wheel drive configuration. However, the steering feel isn't up to par with the competition, but it's a price to pay for luxury.

BMW Z4 ($49,700)

If you didn't know it already, the Z4 is the half-brother of the new GR Supra - they share the same platform. The BMW is more expensive, which is to be expected, but it also drops the roof to please roadster enthusiasts.

Under the hood, the Z4 shares the same turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine found in the GR Supra 2.0. The engine develops 254 horsepower, enough to propel the light roadster to 60 mph in about 5 seconds. Like the GR Supra, the Z4 isn't available with a manual transmission, but the 8-speed automatic is perfect for track riding. The BMW Z4 also handles very well in corners, but you already know that.

Don't stop there - the next V8 muscle car at an affordable price!

Ford Mustang Bullitt ($48,905)

We chose to include two different Mustang trims on this list simply because they ride differently. While the EcoBoost model is all about pleasant handling, the Bullitt is all about aggressiveness, noise and straight-line speed. It's not that it handles badly - the sporty suspension is designed for track days and makes the Mustang very nimble in corners.

Under the hood of the Bullitt is a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine with 480 horsepower. This means you don't have to worry about wobble when downshifting, making it easier to drive around the track. Plus, this trim comes with a quad-tail performance exhaust that sounds amazing.

Porsche Cayman 2012-2016 (≅$40,000 used)

The Porsche Cayman is arguably the best coupe in the world when it comes to handling. Porsche's lead car turns with a snap that few cars can replicate, yet it's supremely balanced and composed. The steering in this generation is razor-sharp and gives plenty of road feedback.

These qualities should be enough to make you buy a Cayman, but wait, there's more! The naturally aspirated 3.5-liter flat-six engine sounds nice and also puts out a healthy 325 hp. Paired with a precise 6-speed manual transmission, this motor propels the Cayman to 60 mph in just 5 seconds.

Chevrolet Corvette (≅$40,000 second-hand)

Switching to a used car can greatly improve your chances of buying a car with real features. Of course, the maintenance of these cars is not very affordable, but most people can still handle it if they pay enough attention. One of the best used GT supercars is the Corvette Stingray, which handles almost like an Italian classic from Ferrari.

The best thing about this car is that it was designed to be driven on the track, so there is no need for upgrades. Under the hood of the Vette is a 6.2-liter V8 with 455 hp, which is enough to accelerate to 0 km / h in about 60 seconds. The Corvette Stingray also handles beautifully and even comes with a rev-matched 4-speed manual transmission.

Luxurious yet fast and sporty. The next model should be a Mercedes, right?

Mercedes-AMG A35 (≅$45,000)

Mercedes-AMG has just launched a mild version of the A-Class sedan called the A35. This model is not a top model - later the company plans to introduce a version of the A45, which will be a real hell on wheels. However, the A35 is still powerful enough for most people and well suited for track driving.

Equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with a capacity of 4 hp. The model comes standard with an all-wheel drive system, which should give the driver better traction and cornering stability. The 302-speed dual-clutch transmission is also track-ready with paddle shifters.

Porsche Boxster 2012-2016 (≅ $40,000 used)

The latest generation Boxster is mechanically similar to the Cayman. However, the Boxster loses the roof, which should appeal to people who want more road or track feel. By removing the roof, Porsche also removed the sharp reflexes of the Cayman.

However, the Boxster is still very enjoyable to drive on its own and is certainly better than almost any other roadster of its generation. The 3.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-six also sounds fantastic, especially with the roof open. It also gets the Boxster to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds. In addition, the 6-speed manual transmission shifts gears smoothly and delivers a delightful ride.