In the world of automotive enthusiasts, the search for the perfect blend of speed, style, and practicality often leads to the domain of 4-door sports cars. These vehicles offer the experience of high-performance driving without sacrificing the convenience of additional seating and cargo space.
What makes them even more valuable is their affordability. After exploring a number of new and also used 4 door sports across the automotive industry, we have chosen top picks for you after analyzing their performance, speed and most importantly their price which is under $40k mark.
To provide you with a full accurate price range, we have taken price data from car manufacturing websites and other car price listing websites.
These vehicles promise a harmonious blend of power, style, and practicality, catering to both speed enthusiasts and everyday commuters alike. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at 8 such contenders that exemplify affordable sports car excellence.
We reviewed expert analyses and buyer’s guides from reputable sources such as Car and Driver, Edmunds, and MotorTrend to identify high-performing models within your budget. Additionally, we checked current prices and availability on platforms like Kelley Blue Book and AutoTrader to ensure our recommendations were up-to-date and realistic.
1. 2024 Toyota GR Corolla
- Price: $37,595 (Base trim – Core)
- Engine: 1.6-liter, three-cylinder
- Horsepower: 300 HP
- 0-60 MPH: 4.9 Seconds
In the world of affordable sports cars, the GR Corolla stands out with its striking design. With sporting aerodynamic enhancements that not only turn heads but also enhance its performance on the road.
Powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, this compact dynamo churns out impressive 300 horsepower and torque, making every drive an adrenaline-pumping experience. Inside, the cabin is driver-centric, boasting sporty seats and advanced infotainment technology.
As part of the Toyota family, the 2024 GR Corolla inherits a reputation for reliability and quality, ensuring you not only get excitement but also peace of mind. It’s a compelling choice for those seeking a perfect blend of affordability, style, and dynamic performance for the modern enthusiast.
According to the car and drive speed test, it achieved 0 to 60 MPH speed in just 4.9 seconds and covered 100 mph in 11.4 seconds making it speedier than Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R.
2. 2020 Honda Civic Type R
- Price: $37,950 (Base trim)
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 306 HP
- 0-60 MPH: 5.4 Seconds
The 2020 Honda Civic Type R is a fantastic option for you to drive high on the road. It’s a hot hatch that packs a punch, thanks to its turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering an impressive 306 horsepower.
This means it’s not just practical for everyday driving but also a blast to take on winding roads. From a style perspective, the Civic Type R stands out with its sporty body kit and eye-catching design.
What’s more, Honda’s known for building reliable cars, so you can enjoy the Civic Type R’s performance without constantly worrying about maintenance.
With a used price under 40K, 2020 Honda Civic Type R comes with powerful, fun to drive super responsive powertrain that makes you king of the road.
3. 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
- Price: $33,190 (Base trim – S Automatic)
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 241 HP
- 0-60 MPH: 5.65 Seconds
In the hot hatchback market, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has always been a dependable old labrador. The most versatile hot hatch remains the most recent 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
It performs all the same functions as a typical Golf, but with more tempo, style, and driver appeal. It still has a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and a manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The Golf R boosts performance by 74 horsepower and adds all-wheel drive and extra standard amenities. The nicest thing about purchasing one of these four-door sports cars is that for less than $40,000, you can acquire a brand-new model with a variety of luxuries.
With automatic transmission, GTI covers 0 to 60 MPH speed in 5.9 seconds, on the other hand, manual-equipped GTI takes 6.5 seconds for 0 to 60 MPH speed.
The cutting-edge driver aids in the GTI are similarly stunning. The adaptive cruise control operates without a hitch, keeping a small distance in traffic and maintaining speed.
4. 2024 Honda Civic Si Sedan
- Price: $30,195 (Base trim)
- Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 200 HP
- 0-60 MPH: 6.6 Seconds
The 2024 Honda Civic Si is a standout in the world of compact sports cars. It combines affordability with exhilarating performance, making it a top choice for enthusiasts on a budget.
Under the hood, you’ll find a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers an impressive punch, providing quick acceleration and agile handling. Inside, the cabin is thoughtfully designed, offering comfort and convenience for both the driver and passengers.
Supportive seats and advanced technology enhance the overall driving experience. With a price tag below 40K, the 2024 Civic Si is a compelling option. While doing your drive test, we find that Civic Si gives a sporty and engaging drive and above-average braking performance which you seek from a performance oriented sedan.
5. 2018 Audi RS3
- Price: $36,850 (Base trim)
- Engine: 2.5-liter turbo I-5
- Horsepower: 400 HP
- 0-60 MPH: 3.9 Seconds
The 2018 Audi RS3 is a high-performance compact luxury sport sedan that offers premium features and sophisticated styling. It is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five engine, producing 400 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque.
It boasts a sport-tuned suspension, adaptive dampers, and precise steering, making it a true driver’s car. The engine note is a delight, with a distinct five-cylinder growl that enthusiasts will appreciate.
The steering is sharp and responsive, providing a direct connection between the driver and the road. On the interior side, you get a well-crafted cabin, featuring high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7-inch retractable display.
The rear seats are relatively spacious for a compact sedan, offering enough room for adult passengers.
6. 2020 Acura TLX Type S
- Price: $34,025 (Base trim)
- Engine: 3.0-liter V6
- Horsepower: 355 HP
- 0-60 MPH: 5.7 Seconds
The 2020 Acura TLX Type S is a performance-oriented version of Acura’s midsize luxury sedan. It is known for sportiness, style, and technology. One of the key highlights of the 2020 TLX Type S is its powerful engine.
It is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged engine that produces 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the SH-AWD system, the TLX Type S provides excellent grip and stability, even during spirited driving.
The adaptive suspension further enhances the driving experience, allowing you to switch between comfort and sport modes to suit your preferences. Given its performance-oriented nature, the TLX Type S’s fuel economy is reasonable but not exceptional.
It typically achieves around 19-20 mpg in the city and 25-26 mpg on the highway, which is on par with other vehicles in this class.
7. 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35
- Price: $34,500
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
- Horsepower: 302 HP
- 0-60 MPH: 4.6 Seconds
The 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 offers a well-rounded package, combining sporty performance, a luxurious interior, and the latest technology features.
It’s an attractive option for buyers looking for a stylish and fun-to-drive compact luxury sports car with the prestigious AMG badge. You will get a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that produces 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
This power is sent to all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. It offers sharp and precise steering, and the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system provides excellent traction, especially in adverse weather conditions.
The suspension setup strikes a good balance between sportiness and comfort, allowing for confident cornering while still delivering a comfortable ride for daily driving.
8. 2015 BMW M5
- Price: $26,977
- Engine: 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8
- Horsepower: 560 HP
- 0-60 MPH: 4.1 Seconds
The 2015 BMW M5 is a high-performance 4 door sports car that sits at the top of BMW’s 5 Series lineup. Known for its powerful engine, precise handling, and luxurious interior, the 2015 M5 is a compelling choice for those seeking both speed and sophistication.
Under the hood of the M5 lies a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that generates a whopping 560 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. The result is blistering acceleration, with the M5 capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just around 4 seconds.
The 2015 M5 offers exceptional handling for a sedan of its size and power. It features an M-tuned suspension, precise steering, and an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, all of which contribute to its sporty and responsive nature.
FAQ
Q. 1) Are 4-door sports cars practical for everyday use?
Ans. 1) Yes, many of them are designed to be practical daily drivers with comfortable seating, decent cargo space, and advanced features while still delivering sports car thrills when desired.
Q. 2) Are there all-wheel-drive options?
Ans. 3) Yes, these cars provide all-wheel-drive variants, providing improved traction and handling, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Q. 3) Are these cars suitable for families?
Ans. 4) While they may not have the space of larger SUVs or sedans, many of them offer rear seats that can comfortably accommodate passengers and are suitable for smaller families or those who value performance.
Final Thought
4-door sports cars opens up a thrilling realm where performance meets practicality. These cars offer an exciting fusion of speed, agility, and everyday usability without breaking the bank.
As you explore this category, remember that the “best” choice ultimately depends on your individual preferences, needs, and priorities.
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