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Top Five Affordable High Performance Cars In Australia
28 August 2024
AutoMarket, Tips & Advice
Affordable high performance cars are no longer a dream.
Ever thought about getting behind the wheel of a fire-breathing machine but held back by budget worries? Leave those thoughts behind because we're here to show you that owning high performance cars doesn't have to break the bank.
At Motor Matcher, we empower your ride, and that includes helping you find affordable high performance cars that'll have you grinning from ear to ear on every drive.
So, buckle up as we unveil our top 5 picks for affordable performance beasts that will satisfy your need for speed without emptying your wallet.
What’s Inside?
- Why Are These High Performance Cars Affordable?
- The Five Affordable High Performance Cars
- Find Your Affordable High Performance Car With Us!
Why Are These High Performance Cars Affordable?
They might be named high performance cars, but they take just a little from your pocket! Here are the reasons why these high performance cars coming up later are priced are made more affordable to the market.
Relatively Smaller Engines
Compared to high-powered sports cars with V8 or even V12 engines, these cars often have smaller 4-cylinder or turbocharged engines. This keeps the initial purchase price down and can also improve fuel efficiency.
Focus on Handling Over Luxury
These affordable high performance cars prioritise performance through good handling and a lightweight build, rather than packing in luxurious features like heated seats or premium sound systems. This significantly bumps the price down.
Economy Of Scale
Some of these models you'll see later are built on platforms shared with other vehicles. This shared platform development reduces production costs compared to a unique high-performance car.
Used Car Market
Particularly for the performance sedans on the list, looking at the used car market can open doors to significant savings compared to a brand new high-performance car.
It's important to note that 'affordable' is relative. While these cars offer good performance at a lower price point than some top-tier sports cars, they will still likely be more expensive to purchase, insure, and maintain than your average everyday car.
The Five Affordable High Performance Cars
Mazda 3 MPS
The Mazda 3 might not be the first high performance car that comes to mind for driving enthusiasts. Showrooms are often filled with tamer trims, leaving the true potential of the Mazda 3 MPS undiscovered.
But this hidden gem offers a surprising amount of performance under a deceptively ordinary exterior. While larger wheels, slightly tweaked bumpers, side skirts, a rear wing, and a hood scoop differentiate the MPS from its less exciting siblings, the real excitement lies beneath the surface.
Pop the hood and you'll find a fire-breathing 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine churning out a healthy 196kW of power to the front wheels. And for those seeking even more, a wealth of aftermarket modifications are readily available to push the power even further.
While the popularity of the Mazda 3 MPS might be lower in Australia compared to the US, you can still snag this popular high performance car around the country. For a mere $5,000 to $9,000 depending on mileage and condition, it's already a good steal. The second-generation model, meanwhile, sits comfortably in the $12,000 to $16,000 range.
Renault Megane Sport and Cup
French performance cars may not be for everyone, but upon seeing what these Renault Megane Sport and Cup can offer for your daily drive, you'd throw those assumptions away.
Often overshadowed by its competitors, the Renault Megane Sport and Cup offer a compelling proposition for budget-minded performance enthusiasts. Both the earlier 225 Sport (2004-2010) and the later RS250/265 (2010-2014) represent some of the most thrilling and affordable used car options available.
Under the hood of all three variants (225, 250, and 265) lies the potent F4R-T, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine. While the power figures might not seem earth-shattering (165kW for the 225, 184kW for the 250, and 195kW for the 265), the real magic lies in the accompanying performance upgrades.
The most surprising aspect? These cars are astonishingly affordable on the used car market. You can find a Megane 225 Sport for a steal between $4,000 and $7,000, with 250 Cups fetching around $10,000. Even the top-of-the-line 265 Cup comes at a very reasonable $14,000 to $18,000.
Ford Mondeo XR5
When it comes to sporty, small Fords, the Fiesta and Focus seem to get all the attention. However, there's a car that offers the same performance drivetrain but without the pricey tag–the Ford Mondeo XR5. This can be your new affordable high performance car favourite.
The Mondeo XR5 is for those who want a little more interior space in their sporty small car. Under the bonnet is a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo-petrol made and developed by Volvo.
It also carries a seriously capable engine that outputs an impressive 162kW at the front wheels but can do much more with some modifications. The beauty of having an engine from the more popular Focus XR5 means that you can modify it and bump it from 162kW to 200kW and beyond.
You can easily pick one up for $5000-$7000 compared to the premium seen on the Focus XR5 which is usually around the $10,000 and above mark for what is fundamentally the same car underneath.
Mitsubishi Airtrek Turbo R
The affordable high performance cars list wouldn't be complete without a surprise entry–the Mitsubishi Airtrek Turbo R.
Its calling card lies under the hood. The Airtrek Turbo R boasts the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that powers its nearest cousin Lancer Evolution VII, pumping out a healthy 173kW. And that's just the beginning – with aftermarket Evo parts readily available, this SUV has the potential for even more explosive power.
The Japanese carmaker didn't skimp on handling either. The Airtrek Turbo R employs a similar all-wheel-drive system as the Evo, translating into impressive acceleration for a small SUV. For the ultimate enthusiast, converting to a manual transmission is theoretically possible with parts sourced from Australian-delivered models.
Looks can be deceiving, and the Airtrek Turbo R is a prime example. It boasts a far more stylish exterior than its Outlander counterpart, featuring a unique front end and a factory-fitted body kit that screams performance.
The best part? These stealthy performance SUVs can be had for a steal, typically priced between $8,000 and $10,000. Compare that to the skyrocketing prices of Lancer Evolutions, which now fetch upwards of $35,000.
Audi TT Quattro
Wrapping up our impressive list of affordable high performance cars is the first-generation Audi TT Quattro This stylish coupe packs a surprising punch and boasts impressive engineering chops beneath its sleek exterior.
The heart of the TT Quattro lies in its 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, churning out a healthy 165kW and channelling that power through its all-wheel-drive system. Sharing its platform with the sportier A3 and S4 models, the TT Quattro benefits from a wealth of aftermarket parts readily available for those seeking more power.
While the Quattro trim doesn't boast a massive performance leap over the base TT, it offers significant handling improvements. The chassis is already a well-tuned and enjoyable platform, and the Quattro adds wider wheels and sportier seats for a more performance-oriented feel.
With a price range of $6,000 to $8,000 on the used market, the TT Quattro's combination of a potent engine, capable all-wheel drive, and stylish design makes it an absolute steal. And for the ultimate budget option, keep your eyes peeled for a convertible TT – a rare find at an even more attractive price point.
Find Your Affordable High Performance Drive With Us!
So there you have it! Our top 5 picks for affordable high performance cars that will surely exceed your expectations. Remember, these are just a starting point – there's a whole world of exciting options out there in the world of affordable high performance cars.
The key to finding your perfect match is browsing a wide selection and getting a feel for what truly ignites your passion. That's where Motor Matcher can help you. We have a massive range of cars listed, so you can search by make, model, features, and of course, price.
Whether you're buying or selling, we’re your one-stop shop for all things automotive in Australia. Discover our online platform and get ready to experience the thrill of the hunt – or the satisfaction of a quick and easy sale.