Best affordable sports cars for 2014 and 2015

For the dreamers, the more than $1 million worth of new Ferraris (including a California, Spider, FF and F12 Berlinetta) might have been the coolest exhibit at the 2014 Portland (OR) International Auto Show. But for the more practical speedsters, the best new affordable sports cars and tuners (like the Subaru WRX, Scion FR-S and Hyundai Genesis Coupe) were worth the price of admission alone.  

Yes, the Portland International Auto Show had enough Maseratis, BMW M models and Corvette Stingrays to make a grown man cry, but for many, these cars are just pipe dreams – pipe dreams that cost well over $60,000. For the serious racer on a budget, the real show was found in places you might not expect, like the Hyundai and Toyota exhibits.

Tuner cars and affordable sports cars have become a major market segment, especially among baby-boomers with more disposable income and, perhaps, an obviou attempt to hang onto their youth. Several automakers are going all in to produce the fastest and most efficient rides that appeal both to the dedicated racing enthusiasts and those overwhelmed with the need for speed for the first time. Use this guide to the best affordable sports cars on display at the 2014 Portland International Auto Show to find out if these models suit your driving desires. Then use Reply! to find the best local quotes for these fast-yet-affordable cars. 

2015 Subaru WRX

For years, the Subaru WRX has been the de-facto tuner car for racing enthusiasts. Its utility, efficiency and flat-out excellent engineering was a dream come true for anyone looking to go fast for cheap, or for drivers wanting to put their own personal touch on a racer. With a base price around $26,000, it's affordable for many budgets.

The Subaru WRX is entirely retooled for 2015. Some longtime WRX enthusiasts might not be impressed with the changes (because why change a classic?), but Subaru has done an outstanding job equipping its latest model with the most modern performance features, mechanics and expanded technology.

The WRX’s 2.0L turbo four-cylinder is outfitted with a turbocharger and direct injection to push out 268 horsepower and 258 lb.-feet. For the first time ever, the WRX is available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT transmission has eight pre-selected transmission modes, including the Sport Sharp mode, giving the WRX the same feel as a manual transmission. The Intelligent mode gives the WRX even better fuel economy. 

Of course, the WRX isn’t just about performance; it comes with the peerless Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, capable of handling all types of road conditions and doing so in style. The goodies don’t stop there. A 440-watt Harmon Kardon audio system (with nine speakers) lets you jam to your favorite tunes as you whip through the turns. A 4.3-inch display helps you keep track of performance gauge functions, as well as navigation and all the other tech features you’ll find on fully appointed cars these days. 

2014 Subaru BRZ

The Subaru BRZ is a stripped-down, no-frills racer. A light body, strong engine, and well-tuned suspension are all this car offers, and really, that's all a speed demon needs. The 200 horsepower pushed out by the 2.0 L direct and port-injected SUBARU BOXER engine might not sound overly impressive, but given the BRZ's 2,776 pound curb weight, it's a surprise this car doesn't take off and fly. The BRZ also gets a respectable 22-MPG in the city and 30-MPG on the highway. 

The Subaru BRZ comes well equipped and can get you into this class for a modest starting price of $25,595. It comes with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and High Intensity Discharge headlights that give it a sleek and powerful look. The Subaru BRZ is definitely a hobbyist car. This isn't a car you want to take out every day in poor weather conditions or grinding stop-and-go traffic. It's something you'll want to keep in your garage during the week and take it out to the racetrack or winding country roads on the weekends. 

2014 Scion FR-S

The Scion FR-S is virtually the same car as the Subaru BRZ. It features the same rear-wheel drive engine, curb weight, interior and exterior dimensions. The only things that set these two racers apart are the marketing campaigns and the badge on the hood.

Toyota (and for those who don’t already know this, Scion is a Toyota product) wanted to produce an entry-level racer for young enthusiasts dipping their toes into the new-car-buying process for the first time. The FR-S has no trim levels or advanced packages, giving it a no-haggle/no-hassle price point. This helps young car buyers easily navigate the treacherous purchasing process. Like other Scion models, the FR-S does offer a growing list of a la carte extras that can be added to help customize your ride.

If you’re comparing, the BRZ, on the other hand, is intended to draw more experienced drivers and buyers. The Subaru BRZ is really designed to be that second car for gearheads who might already have a daily commuter car, but want something fun to tune in the garage and spin on the weekend. The BRZ has multiple trim packages and price points, and is sold in fewer numbers to foster a sense of exclusivity for its buyers. If you think about it, Scion’s FR-S might actually be the base model to Subaru’s BRZ and its advanced package with a slightly higher price tag.

To add flare and excitement to the new FR-S, and let it stand out against the BRZ, a SEMA Scion Tuner Challenge entry was on display at the Portland International Auto Show. Converted to a wider body, the one-of-a-kind FR-S featured carbon fiber accents that gave it a mean, menacing look to match the mean, menacing sound of the engine. All stock components were removed from the interior, making it as light as possible to get every last drop of performance out of that BOXER engine. 

2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Yeah, it's a Hyundai, but so what? If you can look past the badge on the hood, you'll find a direct injection, 3.8L V6 rear wheel drive engine that pumps out a powerful 344 horsepower while still retaining a respectable 18-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. The Genesis has the biggest and most powerful engine of any affordable sports car on display at the Portland International Auto Show.

The Genesis Coupe's suspension can easily be calibrated to suit your specific racing needs, and the paddle-shift SHIFTRONIC transmission provides precise, race-inspired handling. Brembo brakes and a Torsen limited-slip differential give you unprecedented control over this powerful racer. 

This is a racecar that can handle everyday use. It includes a laundry list of upgraded features and options to keep you comfortable during your commute. It's packed with technology goodies, including an advanced navigation system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity and USB port(s). The cabin is spacious for a sports coupe and the seats are comfortable enough for long rides and commutes. (Taller drivers might have issues with the somewhat cramped headspace, however.) 

With a starting price ringing in at $28,750, the V6 Genesis Coupe is slightly more expensive than the other affordable sports cars. (An in-line, four-cylinder option is also available for $24,250, but for what you get with your investment, you'll find the V6 to be the better value.) 

Get the lowest local quotes on the best new affordable sports cars now!

It's hard not to be impressed with the engineering that goes into these affordable sports cars. How can they pack such powerful small engines, such lightweight body and sport-tuned handling, all into a $25,000 price tag? These cars offer you all the fun on the track and out on the country roads as you’ll find in cars with twice their price range, allowing virtually any car enthusiast to feel the sensation of a true race car. If you have a need for speed, turn to Reply! for the best local price quotes on the best new affordable sports cars now!