Look, we know there are plenty of people out there who don’t like the Mazda MX-5 Miata. It’s a crazy opinion to us, because the Miata has consistently been one of the best sports cars on sale since its debut, but everyone is entitled to have a wrong opinion from time to time. So if you’re in the market for an affordable sports car, what do you do?
There aren’t many new options out there, but this is why you turn to the used market, where you can get a lot of car for much less than the price of a new Miata. In this article, we go over 10 great alternatives to one of the greatest sports cars ever made, and since we’re focusing on affordability, these are mostly slightly older options that still have plenty of life left in them. Open-air fun on a budget doesn’t sound too bad to us.
We’ve picked 10 affordable convertible sports cars/muscle cars over the last 30 years that would make great alternatives to a Mazda Miata and placed them in order according to age. Their average used pricing has been determined by consulting marketplaces and aggregators like AutoTempest and Classic.com.
Pontiac Firebird (Fourth Generation Convertible)
Average Price Range: $18,000 – $30,000
Engine Options
3.8L V6 / 5.7L V8 (LT1 or LS1)
Horsepower
200–325 hp
Torque
225–350 lb-ft
Transmission
5- or 6-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
Production Years
1993–2002
Boom! Starting strong with a car out of left field. Look, when you’re making a list of 10 cars that people should consider as an alternative to a Miata, you have to have fun with one of the entries, and it turns out our fun choice is coming at the very start. Back in the day, Pontiac was a well-respected brand that GM squandered until it was too late. It came out with plenty of incredible models over the years, models that were often better than their Chevy counterparts, and we assert the last generation Pontiac Firebird was one of them.
It sat on the F-Body platform and utilized independent front suspension, a solid rear axle, and the same plethora of engines and transmissions as the contemporary Camaro, but it improved upon it by looking better from every angle and offering some serious performance from its LT1 and later LS1 engines. We know it won’t turn and stop like a Miata, but the Miata won’t be able to scorch the rear tires while your Pearl Jam cassette blasts out of the speakers, so who’s the real winner?
BMW Z3
Average Price Range: $8,000 – $13,500
Engine Options
1.9L NA I4 – 3.0L NA I6
Horsepower
138-225 hp
Torque
133-214 lb-ft
Transmission
5-speed manual or 4/5-speed auto
Drivetrain
RWD
Production Years
1996–2002
If you don’t want a Miata, why not go with the car that attempted to beat it out? When the MX-5 arrived, BMW took notice and started wondering why it hadn’t come out with a small roadster in decades. Soon, the Z3 was born, built right here in the US, in South Carolina, and it was aimed directly at the American open roads with a range of inline-four and six engines that gave most variants much more power than the first and second-gen Miata.
Reviewers immediately noted its similarity to the Miata, with its communicative steering, perfect proportions, and playful driving style, but it was more buttoned down, refined, and comfortable over long drives. Today, clean examples of these 1990s and early 2000s gems can be found for about $10,000, and we say that’s well worth their peak analog driving experience.
Toyota MR2 Spyder
Average Price Range: $8,000 – $15,000
Engine
1.8L I4
Horsepower
138 hp
Torque
125 lb-ft
Transmission
5-speed manual / 5-speed sequential manual
Drivetrain
RWD
Production Years
2000–2005
The first two generations of the Toyota MR2 are icons. The third? Not so much, but we’re telling you it’s about time that changed, because it’s easily one of the most overlooked cars of the past 25 years. The goal with the MR2 Spyder was to take the model back to its core strengths, which meant a lightweight design, excellent handling, and communicative steering.
It delivered in all three areas, offering one of the most enjoyable driving experiences of its time, but many got caught up in its lack of power and less-than-stellar looks. The former wasn’t as big a problem as many made it out to be, because it only weighed around 2,200 lbs, and at least the latter can now be fixed thanks to the aftermarket. They’re an excellent option, and rather cheap, plus the MR2 Spyder is backed by that famed Toyota quality.
Mercedes-Benz SLK (First Generation)
Average Price Range: $9,000 – $16,000
Engine Options
2.0L I4 – 3.2L supercharged V6
Horsepower
190–349 hp
Torque
207–332 lb-ft
Transmission
5-speed automatic / 5/6-speed manual
Drivetrain
RWD
Production Years
1997–2004
The original SLK-Class took a different approach to the sports car formula, and while some loved it, others were less thrilled. The bones of it were good, as it used double-wishbone front suspension with a multi-link rear, hydraulic steering, a short wheelbase, and taut proportions. It came with a host of engines, with the bulk being supercharged inline-four and six offerings, plus the right transmission choices.
However, the company did make the peculiar decision to go with a hard-top retractable roof instead of a regular cloth version, which increased its already hefty weight. Due to this, it didn’t have the agility or feedback of its competitors, and we would also venture to say the design was a little too restrained. It was more of a tiny GT car with some solid moves, but also plenty of power, especially in the rare SLK32 AMG Kompressor. The good news is they’re cheap today, but we recommend finding the cleanest version you can find if you’re pulling the trigger.
Audi TT Roadster (Mk1)
Average Price Range: $6,000 – $13,000
Engine Options
1.8L turbo I4-3.2L VR6
Horsepower
180–250 hp
Torque
173–236 lb-ft
Transmission
5- or 6-speed manual / DSG
Drivetrain
FWD / quattro AWD
Production Years
1999–2006
Few models of the past 30 years have been so bold in their approach to design as the Mk1 Audi TT. The brainchild of Freeman Thomas, with help from J. Mays, and under the guidance of Peter Shreyer, which Audi debuted in 1998, immediately took the world by storm. It was so simple, the combination of three half-circles, inspired by Bauhaus and Auto Union vehicles of the 1930s, it was just the car to get buyers excited about the brand heading into the 21st Century.
It could be paired with either FWD or AWD, and a choice of turbocharged engines up to the now-famed VR6. It wasn’t as sharp as the Miata, but it never tried to be, even if the driving experience is more than enjoyable. Roadster or Coupe, it belongs in a museum, but at least you won’t have to pay museum prices to acquire one.
Chrysler Crossfire Roadster
Average Price Range: $9,000 – $15,000
Engine Options
3.2L V6 / 3.2L supercharged V6
Horsepower
215–330 hp
Torque
229–310 lb-ft
Transmission
6-speed manual / automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
Production Years
2004–2008
The Chrysler Crossfire is one of the stranger and more obscure sports cars of the past 25 years. It came out of the infamous Daimler-Chrysler “merger of equals” and was built using the bones of the Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster we’ve previously talked about. However, this time around, there was no retractable hardtop; instead, you had a coupe and a convertible version, both sporting retro looks that were very much “love it or hate it.”
While we won’t say either was as satisfying to drive as the Miata, both offered solid power from either a naturally aspirated or supercharged 3.2-liter V6. It was calm and composed, but definitely more of a GT than some of the other true sports cars on this list, and if that’s what you’re looking for, it could be a great alternative to the run-of-the-mill models.
Ford Mustang (S197 Convertible)
Average Price Range: $10,000 – $20,000
Specification
Details
Engine Options
4.0L V6 / 4.6L V8 / 5.0L V8
Horsepower
210–420 hp
Torque
240–390 lb-ft
Transmission
5- or 6-speed manual / automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
Production Years
2005–2014
When Ford redesigned the Mustang for 2005, it was a triumphant return to form for one of the brand’s most iconic models. The S197 generation took a nostalgic approach that immediately resonated with buyers thanks to its strong, muscular proportions and potent powertrain options. The convertible version didn’t take anything away from the base design and only allowed drivers to experience an American icon with the wind in their hair.
It also gave you full access to the car’s exhaust notes, which ranged from fine to downright excellent once the 5.0-liter Coyote was introduced after the 2010 update. Personally, we like the pre-updated Mustang Convertible look a bit more, and these versions are also much cheaper, so there are pros and cons to both that you’ll need to consider.
Pontiac Solstice / Saturn Sky
Average Price Range: $12,000 – $17,000 (Solstice) / $10,000 – $17,000 (Sky)
Engine Options
2.4L I4 / 2.0L turbo I4
Horsepower
177–260 hp
Torque
166–260 lb-ft
Transmission
5-speed manual / automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
Production Years
2006–2010
Ah, the Kappa platform twins. Pre-recession GM really was something else, and these two cars were a couple of the highlights. The idea was simple; Bob Lutz took over Global Product Development, and demanded the engineers come up with a roadster for Pontiac. The concept arrived only a few months later, and it was determined that Saturn was also going to get in on the action. The Solstice and Sky were born, and they were glorious with long hoods, short decks, and low-slung stances.
The base engines were decent enough to compete with the Miata head-on, but the turbocharged versions really kicked things up a notch. However, despite the positive press, and the introduction of a Coupe version in the case of Pontiac, they were destined to be short-lived. The good news is they’ve aged remarkably well, and there’s strong aftermarket and enthusiast support. They’re the Miata alternatives you’ve been looking for (we just hoped you aren’t too married to trunk space).
Nissan 370Z Roadster
Average Price Range: $15,000 – $26,000
Engine
3.7L V6
Horsepower
332 hp
Torque
270 lb-ft
Transmission
6-speed manual / 7-speed automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
Production Years
2009–2020
The Nissan 370Z has always been a wonderful, if not flawed, sports car. An evolution of the 350Z, it improved the looks at nearly every angle, and Nissan found some more power out of the famed naturally-aspirated VQ V6. When it debuted, it was an immediate hit, but it was on sale for far too long, and the cracks in the facade started to show. Some aren’t fans of the exhaust note, the manual transmission lacked the satisfaction of the greats, and the steering wheel was a bit heavy, despite the lack of feedback. See, flaws.
But what sports car is without its flaws? It was a product of its time, and what many forget to mention is that, at its core, it was still a great one. Revving out the V6 was satisfying, the body was taut and responsive, and the interior is wonderfully analog. The Roadster version then threw in the classic drop-top experience into the formula, and created something timeless. Reliable and easy to service, too, what more can you want out of a sports car?
Fiat 124 Spider
Average Price Range: $16,000 – $22,000
Engine
1.4L turbo I4
Horsepower
160–164 hp
Torque
184 lb-ft
Transmission
6-speed manual / automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
Production Years
2017–2020
And finally, we get to the most obvious answer. Look, if you like what the ND Miata is offering, but can stomach buying one, you can always look to its long-lost Italian twin. Many forget that Fiat and Mazda teamed up during the early parts of the Miata’s life, and the result was the Fiat 124 Spider, which shared the same platform and suspension as the Miata. However, there were major differences, like bodywork that was longer and more dramatic, a suspension more tuned for comfort, and, most importantly, a turbocharged inline-four under the hood.
This engine came from Fiat Chrysler, and it gave the 124 Spider a completely different character compared to the Miata. Some hated it. Some loved it. Many still wished it had more power. Today, it stands as one of the most forgotten models of its time, and that’s a serious shame, because this Miata-from-another-mother may offer just the thrills you’re looking for.
Sources: AutoTempest, Classic.com, respective automakers.
