If you want to try track diving and have some extra money for such a hobby, there are many used sports cars on the market. The truth is that the market is cooling down and there are actually a lot of great finds. Drivers may want to buy a more handling-oriented vehicle whether they visit the track or not. For those of you who need a car that not only performs well on the track but also takes care of you on the road, below is a list of the 10 most approachable sporty cars to start your performance driving journey. is shown.
10/10 mazda miata
From the NA generation to the latest ND Miata, learning about your driving habits and your ability to get behind the wheel is inevitable. How this translates into vehicle limits is inherently relevant when driving a car like the Mazda Miata. As an excellent all-around entry-level track car, the Miata is your friend. NA-generation Miatas are available for as low as $10,000, sometimes even less. The ND generation cars are also competitively priced for a compelling driving experience both on and off the racetrack.
Front 3/4 view of a parked 2013 gray Mazda Miata
9/10 Ford Mustang GT
The Ford Mustang GT sits somewhere between a classic V-8 muscle car and a precision truck rat weapon. A properly equipped Mustang can handle quite well, despite the stereotype that they are all mob killers. A Performance Pack Mustang factory or expertly modified Mustang can usually prove to be a very capable machine on the track, posting impressive lap times without being beaten on the road. increase. With sticky tires and proper alignment setup, the S550 generation Mustang GT offers reliability and plenty of track ability to back up smooth lap times. Gone are the days of the slippery Mustang losing control, and Ford is now competing with the Mustang GT.
Front 3/4 view of a red Ford 2015 Mustang GT parked
8/10 Chevrolet Camaro V-6 1LE
Friendliness is key. High speed is smooth. These are his two key factors that make the driver and car go fast on the track. Within five minutes of driving the 1LE Camaro, especially his V-6 and SS models, you can sense a familiarity that other sports cars don't immediately give drivers. Equipped with an all-manual transmission, the Camaro is very easy to get used to. Drivers often complain about the Camaro's physical disability, but this car has a circumscribing effect that helps a lot on the track. .
Green 2017 Chevrolet Camaro V6 1LE Driving Front 3/4 View
7/10 toyota 86
The Toyota 86 or any version thereof (Subaru BRZ, Scion FRS) is one of the funniest little sporty cars. Unlike the Mazda Miata, the Toyota 86 can hit the road without the high horsepower that often puts drivers in trouble. With very balanced handling and predictable limits, the 86 is a great way to explore your limits on track in relative safety. Replacing the factory-equipped tires with sticky rubber is known to completely transform the 86 from a playful car into a handling machine.
Front 3/4 view of a parked blue 2017 Toyota GT86
6/10 BMW 135i
Combine BMW's signature straight-six engine with a minimal chassis and you have a surprisingly capable mid-horsepower car that can explore slightly higher limits quite safely. The 135i/135iS can handle relatively fast tracks with the right tires, brakes, brake fluid and track-specific training. Never underestimate the propulsion of a BMW straight-six.
Front 3/4 view of a parked 2010 BMW 135i
5/10 Honda S2000
Honda drivers have had a lot of success chasing the S2000. You'll find a happy, free-spirited chassis and a wild little inline 4-cylinder engine revving up to 9,000 RPM that's a sight to behold in an AP1 car. Note that AP1 cars tend to be tail happy. But if you prefer a more organized chassis, the AP2 solves many of your problems. In either version, the Honda S2000 was and will undoubtedly be the star of Trackday.
Front 3/4 view of a parked 2008 Honda Gray S2000
4/10 Porsche Cayman (987)
The smallest Porsche is also the most affordable model, and the mid-engined design allows this sports car to achieve incredible grip and overall performance. This is often a very capable sporting his car for the money that offers a higher level of handling than the driver can afford, making the 987 generation Cayman a true rock star on the circuit. Honestly, doing it in a car with the Porsche coat of arms is an added perk, and when you drive a Porsche, including the 987 Cayman, there aren't too many mods needed to work on the track. A true all-around performance car for everyday use with few compromises.
Front 3/4 view of a yellow 2007 Porsche 987 Cayman driving
3/10 Volkswagen Golf GTI
GTI loves to dance and is a great dance partner. Yes, believe it or not, his GTI equipped with his performance pack can handle track work like a champ. A performance pack car with a limited slip differential, added power and bigger brakes is what you are looking for as these additions allow him to throw his GTI in just about any driving situation. These models are priced in the sub-$20,000 range, and many hot hatches sell.
Front 3/4 view of a red 2014 Volkswagen GTI driving
2/10 Hyundai Veloster N
Much of BMW's M awesomeness has been superseded by Hyundai's N offerings. This is no surprise, as we have been working with BMW engineers and designers for several years. The Veloster N is the result of Hyundai pouring resources into the project and leveraging the best of BMW. The Veloster is priced very competitively considering the level of performance on offer. The manual for the N model is very accurate and I am happy with the operation. It was named Car of the Year for a reason. It's fast, engaging, and handles limitations well on and off the course.
Blue Front 3/4 View 2019 Hyundai Veloster N Driving
1/10 the car you are driving now
Surprisingly, yes. As long as your vehicle meets track safety requirements, you should consider improving your skills in the very vehicle you have access to. You can always find everything from the latest and fastest McLaren to his mid-90s minivan on Open Track Day. It doesn't matter what you drive as long as you are safe, willing to learn and respectful of the truck and your fellow drivers. Don't forget to have a great day while improving your precision and driving skills.
Front 3/4 view of a red 2013 Ford Fusion parked