Tradition says pure sports cars are equipped with “nothing that doesn’t make them go faster.” Long ago, that meant roll-up side windows and a heater were extravagances. Today, however, they are both sports car norms, along with power-folding convertible tops, power door locks and automated climate controls. Such amenities are now lightweight enough not to slow a car down and are considered indispensible in this fast-paced, luxury-minded world of ours.
Furthermore, some time ago, sporty coupes reached par with traditional two-seat sports cars in terms of performance while offering sedanlike practicality. Thus, a “sports car” today can be everything from a swoopy two-seat convertible to a boxy sedan look-alike that hides a powerful engine and road-gripping suspension under its family-friendly fenders.
With such diversity to choose from, fun-loving drivers can find themselves in a pleasant quandary when deciding what to buy. Should they opt for a dashing convertible when they could have just as much driving fun in a sports sedan that also offers a usable rear seat?
That decision is often compounded by the expensive, impractical nature of traditional two-seat sports cars. Their minimal seating and lack of storage space means the thoroughbred sports cars are tough to justify in single-car households. Such limited use excludes them as everyday cars for regular working folk. As a result, the sports car market often drifts very upscale — think Aston Martin or Porsche.
But the rich needn’t have all the fun. For $35,000 there are a handful of capable traditional sports cars and a wider selection of performance-oriented coupes and even sedans. We’ve gathered 10 of the best of these sub-$35,000 sportsters for your review.
Our criteria value convertible tops, sharp handling, strong performance and rear-wheel drive, but are not blind to other possibilities as long as the intent is grin-inducing driving. Enjoy!
Furthermore, some time ago, sporty coupes reached par with traditional two-seat sports cars in terms of performance while offering sedanlike practicality. Thus, a “sports car” today can be everything from a swoopy two-seat convertible to a boxy sedan look-alike that hides a powerful engine and road-gripping suspension under its family-friendly fenders.
With such diversity to choose from, fun-loving drivers can find themselves in a pleasant quandary when deciding what to buy. Should they opt for a dashing convertible when they could have just as much driving fun in a sports sedan that also offers a usable rear seat?
That decision is often compounded by the expensive, impractical nature of traditional two-seat sports cars. Their minimal seating and lack of storage space means the thoroughbred sports cars are tough to justify in single-car households. Such limited use excludes them as everyday cars for regular working folk. As a result, the sports car market often drifts very upscale — think Aston Martin or Porsche.
But the rich needn’t have all the fun. For $35,000 there are a handful of capable traditional sports cars and a wider selection of performance-oriented coupes and even sedans. We’ve gathered 10 of the best of these sub-$35,000 sportsters for your review.
Our criteria value convertible tops, sharp handling, strong performance and rear-wheel drive, but are not blind to other possibilities as long as the intent is grin-inducing driving. Enjoy!
