Edmunds: Five great budget performance cars for under $35,000

By JOSH JACQUOT Edmunds New car prices continue to rise for the latest high-performance sports cars Even a new Chevrolet Corvette long considered a performance bargain compared to the likes of the Porsche has a starting price of almost But that doesn t mean driving enthusiasts on a budget can t find a car that s both fulfilling to drive and genuinely capable The auto experts at Edmunds have come up with their five favorite performance vehicles for under True you won t be able to buy anything with a V The same applies to electric power the best-value electric performers cost more But the vehicles listed here have other distinct advantages All of the following prices include destination fees Dodge Hornet GT There s selected irony in the first automobile in a list of budget-performance cars not being a car at all But Dodge s Hornet isn t your usual small SUV First off it has an Italian heritage Though you wouldn t know it by its styling the Hornet shares much of its mechanical design with the Alfa Romeo Tonale small luxury SUV Second it s genuinely powerful for a pint-size SUV The GT version has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cranks out horsepower and is good enough to get you from to mph in about seconds Another bonus It has standard all-wheel drive for all-season driving and more cargo space than the typical performance car Hornet starting price This photo provided by Edmunds shows the Mustang Buying an entry-level Mustang EcoBoost is an inexpensive way to get behind the wheel of an American icon Courtesy of Edmunds via AP Ford Mustang EcoBoost A Ford Mustang GT with its rumbly V is well beyond our price cap But the less expensive Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a viable substitute Having a turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood might seem like heresy but you can t argue with the output of horsepower and lb-ft of torque With its -speed automatic spinning the rear wheels the Mustang EcoBoost can sprint from to mph in a quick seconds The newest Mustang provides a classic American driving experience while being relaxed stylish and well equipped with the latest tool features Mustang coupe starting price This photo provided by Mazda shows the MX- Miata The Mazda MX- Miata is a roadster that not only offers a fun driving experience without sacrificing fuel efficiency but is also affordable Courtesy of Mazda North American Operations via AP Mazda MX- Miata You re as likely to see a Mazda MX- Miata roadster in the hands of a cool-headed retiree on lonesome canyon roads as you are spotting one ripping through cones at an autocross In both cases the Miata s appeal comes down to the fun-to-drive fundamentals A four-cylinder engine directs horsepower to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission That s not much but you don t need much when the car is as light as the Miata A manual-equipped Miata went from to mph in seconds at the Edmunds test track Beyond the numbers the Miata is all about playfulness Quick steering nimble handling and an easy-to-lower top combine to make any drive worthwhile MX- Miata starting price This photo provided by Toyota shows the GR The GR is a textbook example of a fun reasonably priced sport coupe Courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U S A via AP Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR The Subaru BRZ and Toyota are mechanically related Both use a four-cylinder rated at horsepower that sends its power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission Edmunds exposed these cars can sprint to mph in about seconds when equipped with the manual There s enough power to be entertaining but not enough to get a new driver in too much trouble making these fantastic beginner s sports cars And there s a low center of gravity and classic rear-wheel-drive balance to help drivers enjoyably learn about car control But the Toyabaru twins don t stop being fun once you master them Toyota GR starting price Subaru BRZ starting price This photo provided by Volkswagen shows the Golf GTI The GTI is fun to drive and has a hatchback design that s great for everyday practicality Courtesy of Volkswagen of America via AP Volkswagen GTI The Volkswagen GTI is the quintessential budget performance hatchback It s fun and engaging to drive yet practical and peaceful day to day Sparse cars can do as multiple things as well as the GTI Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces horsepower For every GTI has a seven-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive Edmunds has discovered it s good for a -second - mph sprint Besides performance the GTI has a spacious cabin and a generous cargo area for its size The original hot hatch that traces its American lineage all the way back to is a solid performance value Starting manufacturer s suggested retail price Edmunds says Spending less than can get you a fun car to drive in Each model here has distinct advantages You ll likely prefer the Hornet or Golf GTI if space and practicality are priorities The Miata BRZ and GR all provide a great feel and connection to the road picking one of these comes down to whether you want a convertible top or the extra assurance of a coupe The Mustang can t be beat for its classic pony car styling and heritage This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds Josh Jacquot is a contributor at Edmunds