What's your best sports car under $20k?

[Geronimo]

I ponder stupid little things all the time...

Often out of frustration with my 911, I wonder "how much fun could I have for X dollars."

Street car, not track toys.

My build I think, would look something like this:

Gen 1 Miata 90-97

Honda K24 engine and assorted bits
BMW 6spd swap
Torsen Diff
Tien Suspension
Chassis bracing

Total budget sub $20K for sub 2200lbs, and 230+RWHP with Honda reliability.

I can't think of a better smile per mile build. A Corvette might be better, but I think it lacks the character of gen 1 miata's

[911 Rod]

Why not just put a turbo on a Miata?

[stevej37]

Maybe a red 1998 Honda Prelude 5 speed in excellent condition.
Comes with an extra 75hp Zex nitrous kit.
Brand new tires and interior is in showroom condition.
$19,995

[MRM]

This is a fun and interesting question. Car and Driver just did a somewhat video in their Window Shopping series where the challenge to the editors was to find the fastest car available for $10,000 or less. It's a fun watch if you have a few minutes to spare. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a34389097/quickest-used-cars-under-dollar10000-window-shop-with-car-and-driver/

My suggestion for an all around fun daily driver that could be tracked would be a BMW 335, which should fit into the budget easily, or a 340 if you could find one for under $20,000.

Of course an older Boxster or Cayman would be right up there too. Have current generation Mustangs gotten down to the sub-$20,000 range? That's a lot of car for the money.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Geronimo

Street car, not track toys.

My build I think, would look something like this:
Gen 1 Miata 90-97
Honda K24 engine and assorted bits
BMW 6spd swap
Torsen Diff
Tien Suspension
Chassis bracing

Total budget sub $20K for sub 2200lbs, and 230+RWHP with Honda reliability.

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

Why not just put a turbo on a Miata?

Right, the above seems like a lot of work on a miata. I don't get the engine swap. I'm not sure that the Honda motor reliability is buying you anything over the miata motor reliability. It seems like a lot of expense and trouble for more power which you can get with bolt-ons. If you're going to go to that trouble, may as well do an LS (but that would kill the budget). I think you could do just as well with a turbo or supercharger miata motor. They were built on a turbo bottom end, so they aren't lacking in strength.

Not my choice, but another interesting option in the same direction would be an MR2. Then you'd have Toyota engine reliability.

[ckelly78z]

2015+ Mustang GT with 420+ HP, a 6 speed, and 4 wheel independent suspension.

[cabmandone]

My 911

I bought in at the right time and put a lot of sweat equity in the car.

[legion]

Originally Posted by ckelly78z

2015+ Mustang GT with 420+ HP, a 6 speed, and 4 wheel independent suspension.

Shhh!

Don't let the secret out!

[911boost]

I think I just saw a black cat walk by...

Maybe I will search and find the other times this has been asked in 2020.

[GH85Carrera]

It is a question asking for opinions, and will have many varied opinions.

I do not think of the Mustang as a sports car anymore than a 911 Turbo S is a sports car.

A Miata is hard to beat if you want a basic sports car, and don't want some old British car with the Lucas electrics. A decent 914 should still be under 20K and don't mind a car that is over 44 years old for the newest ones. A modern Miata is a better car than a 914 of similar price.

[Geronimo]

I get the turbo option, a stock BP 1.8 is a good turbo motor, but you are looking at 230RWHP wip a turbo, a "good" kit is $3-6K

I well tuned stock internals K24 can make 240+ RWHP with all the glory of a NA power.

Either would be fun, bu I think the K24 would be very fun.... if I was going to boost a car i'd look at an EVO I think.

[Seahawk]

90's RX-7.

I tried to buy my Dad's back - no dice.

[Geronimo]

I have a sick desire for an FD3, but with an NA 3 rotor build.... angry chainsaw!!

[1990C4S]

For $20k I would fix the 911 in my garage. If I had one sitting there...

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Geronimo

I get the turbo option, a stock BP 1.8 is a good turbo motor, but you are looking at 230RWHP wip a turbo, a "good" kit is $3-6K

I well tuned stock internals K24 can make 240+ RWHP with all the glory of a NA power.

Either would be fun, bu I think the K24 would be very fun.... if I was going to boost a car i'd look at an EVO I think.

Seriously doubt you can do an engine swap to a totally different make for less than a Miata turbo kit. Maybe if it’s a total hack job. You’d be better off with one of the varieties of Miata V8 swaps, way more power. If you want a K24 why not an early S2k, strip it out to add lightness?

[fastfredracing]

Me, Ive been dreaming about pouring 20-25 k into my old 914, and making a wicked autocross/street weapon.
This would of course mean , no porsche powerplant, if I wanted to stay on budget , and make any real power .

[911boost]

Hahahahaha 1990C4S good one.

[908/930]

I could not do a Miata, something about the hairdresser thing, always think that when I see one. But a Subaru BRZ/ Toyota 86 with a turbo kit could be fun.

[Tobra]

The answer is, The Answer

Originally Posted by Seahawk

90's RX-7.

I tried to buy my Dad's back - no dice.

That was a sweet car. When I heard you let it go I thought, WTF?

Miata
Is
Always
The
Answer

[Geronimo]

The K24 wouldnt be cheaper than a turbo... but in some ways better. The LS Miata would be crazy but big $$$

I've seen some people swap the F20C for a K24 in S2K's when the F20 blew up... cheaper and more power.

C4S $20K into my 911 it would still be slower and more breaky than said Miata.

I also think a C4 Corvette could be fun, I mean it beat the 911CS in 1989 A 1996 LT4 is an under rated beast