10 Attainable Cars That Can Get You More Attention Than A Ferrari

While Ferraris have traditionally remained exotic items with matching exotic prices, the world has changed its mind on what looks, sounds, feel, and drives interestingly these days. Culturally, some makes/models have grown in strength over the years, and in some cases, being weird is in. With new manufacturing/fabricating processes, and well-developed engineering, creating groundbreaking vehicles has never been easier for automakers. As such, some incredible models have emerged that shake up the industry from brands not typically associated with competing with the very best. It really is quite the era to be an automotive enthusiast and some of the world’s current offerings will pleasantly surprise the average driver.

While we recognize that not all the models listed are extremely affordable, comparatively to Ferrari’s current lineup and other supercar makers, here is a list of much less expensive, but extremely popular vehicles that will garner attention and most likely spark conversation for a myriad of reasons. These are some of the most talked about vehicles in the world starting at under $100,000, and here’s why they will turn heads just as much as your super-exclusive $570,000 Ferrari SF90 Spider. Each one has a unique story leading to their rise to fame (or infamy).

10

Kia Stinger

Kia continues to surprise the automotive world with genuinely compelling vehicles, and few have been as unexpected as the striking Stinger GT. This sleek sedan caught everyone off guard with its bold design language and aggressive stance. Under the hood, a spirited turbocharged V-6 engine delivers the performance to back up those good looks.

What really sets the Stinger apart is its engineering pedigree. BMW veterans helped develop this machine, which explains why it feels so refined and planted on the road. During its heyday, the Stinger could go toe-to-toe with BMW’s own 5 Series in terms of comfort and driving dynamics.

The 2020 refresh kept the Stinger fresh with updated lighting, modern infotainment technology, and sharp new wheel designs. Kia also introduced an optional 2.5-liter engine option and gave the 3.3-liter V-6 a variable exhaust system that sounds absolutely fantastic. Even today, many people still can’t identify what they’re looking at when a Stinger rolls by.

Here’s the real kicker: even with the Stinger discontinued, you can get into a lightly used one for less than $30,000. That’s serious performance sedan money that won’t break the bank. Sure, it won’t outrun a supercar, but it’ll definitely turn some heads at the coffee shop. There’s something special about driving a car that looks expensive but carries a Kia badge – it’s the ultimate sleeper that keeps surprising people who thought they had the brand figured out.

Performance Specifications

9

Toyota Supra

It’s tough to argue the Toyota Supra isn’t at least muscular in appearance. Its aggressive stance lends well to the rowdy reputation set by the previous model. The Supra name now carries weight in ways even Ferrari can’t. The older Supras are legends, and the new one still causes a stir within the community with its BMW roots.

The truth is, though, the A90 Toyota Supra is a well-engineered machine sticking to its straight-six roots with styling that snaps necks every time. By partnering with BMW everyone wins. Toyota and BMW get to continue selling interesting vehicles, and we get to keep driving/celebrating legends in real time.

The biggest downside to the Supra, outside of the fact that there are some old BMW parts scattered throughout the cabin, is the fact that it wasn’t available with a manual transmission at launch. In fact, it wasn’t until the 2023 model year that the Toyota Supra was finally offered with a much-needed six-speed manual. There is one caveat to mention, however, as the manual transmission is only available on the six-cylinder Supra.

Performance Specifications

8

BMW M2

The BMW M2 is back, and whether you like its controversial styling or not, it is making waves with enthusiasts. The F87, or “OG” as it’s called, was well received by owners and the press, so the G87 had substantial shoes to fill. Luckily, despite its funky bumpers, it is a fully baked M car with reserves of effortless power, giving us a worthy successor to the highly regarded F87.

Particularly in the signature Zandvoort Blue or Toronto Red, it will be tough not to notice the wicked little BMW. There’s no denying the M2 has a unique design that will stand out even from afar leading enthusiasts to point it out with ease.

When it comes to performance, the BMW M2 is also hard to beat. Reviewers have praised it for its responsive chassis, crazy acceleration, and (of course) that standard six-speed manual transmission. With a starting price just a hair north of $68,000, the BMW M2 is the most affordable M you can buy, but that doesn’t mean you’ll sacrifice performance. The 473-horsepower inline-six will get you to 60 mph in less than four seconds and up to a top speed of 177 mph with the M Driver’s Package.

Performance Specifications

7

Nissan Z

The new Nissan Z is genuinely fascinating to look at. It’s a car you can spend hours visually digesting. Rather than creating a radically different design, Nissan drew from all the Z’s greatest hit eras, and it actually worked. The designers executed the retro-inspired form extremely well with proportions that other much more expensive cars couldn’t pull off.

It’s been so long since the last generation car was launched making the new Z something of a treat and occasion to find out in the wild. The new Z is Nissan’s only new sporty car in more than a decade, and it’s got the performance chops to turn heads too. It’s powered exclusively by a twin-turbo V-6 that’s good for 400 horsepower and 4.3-second sprints to 60 mph. It’s also relatively affordable with a starting price of just $40,990.

Performance Specifications

6

Honda Civic Type R

The radical-looking 10th-generation Civic Type R brought the boy-racer Honda back to the States in 2017, and it brought a massive following with it. The last time the USA saw the Type R badge was on the Acura Integra, back in 1997.

With its new Nurburgring record, a new FWD record at Suzuka, raving press reviews, and reputation for being consistently at the top of its class, the Type R is as hot as ever. Although it’s not as silly in appearance as the last car, the Civic Type R’s reputation precedes it bringing even more attention to Honda as a performance-minded brand than ever.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get the big power upgrade that we hoped for with a new generation, but the 2.0-liter under the hood is still good for 315 horsepower, which is enough for a sub-5 second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of 169 mph. At the same time, you can achieve 30 mpg on the highway, so the Civic Type R is both fun and economical while still turning heads. It’s literally the best of both worlds.

Performance Specifications

5

Lotus Emira

So maybe the Lotus Emira isn’t exactly what you’d call “affordable”, but it’s a lot more affordable than any Ferrari and the McLaren Artura that it so closely resembles (styling-wise). The Emira is a spiritual successor to the very lovable Lotus Evora but brings a desirable interior to an already stellar performance car. The Emira has a similar powertrain to that of the old Evora, and Lotus engineers have reworked the entire car to work smoothly and ultimately drive better.

The Lotus Emira will garner attention out in the real world due to its rarity and being an unexpected gem. Lotus’ edge has always been that it’s the breath of fresh air, an alternative to other predictable choices in its class. It’s a respectable machine that rightfully earns it through its quirky nature and elegant organic shape.

As a mid-engined car, the Lotus Emira is expected to be fast, but what might surprise you is that you have to pick between having a 360-horsepower four-cylinder engine or a 400-horsepower V-6. The difference between the two, aside from the obvious amounts to a two-second difference in the 60 mpg sprint and, well, a largely different soundtrack (you can’t beat the V-6 engine note).

Performance Specifications

4

Audi RS3

Carrying the Audi inline-5 torch on through the next generation is the Audi RS3. Known for its powertrain, it brings a uniqueness to the brand that has popularized the hot compact into being in the performance spotlight for at least the last 2 generations of Audi. Like the G87 BMW M2, the new RS3 has serious shoes to fill as the previous generation car left a lasting impression on drivers.

With an aggressive new design, exciting color palette, and still sporting the turbo five-cylinder all in its compact four-door platform, the latest RS3 continues to garner attention. Now, the transverse-mounted, front-wheel-biased RS3 can send power to the correct wheels in a dedicated drift mode, as if it needed another reason for enthusiasts to love it.

The engine note is downright unique, with all 401 horses making themselves known from a distance. For a compact car with this much power, the RS3 is impressively fast, needing just 3.3 seconds to hit 60 mph and a governor to keep you from going beyond 159 mph. With a price point just over $62,000, the RS3 isn’t cheap for a compact sedan, but it’s quite affordable for a performance car of its nature.

Performance Specifications

3

Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray Z51

The C8 Corvette may be low-hanging fruit here, but if you’re going to copy someone, copy the best. Chevrolet has, and the Stingray proves that it’s not necessarily who does things first that matters, but who does it better. The C8 Corvette Stingray certainly does many things as good, if not better than the equivalent Ferrari, and at a staggeringly lower price.

The car community is positively on fire about the mid-engined Corvette and for good reason, it manages to absolutely nail the mid-engine perks, while still feeling quintessentially Corvette. Onlookers routinely mistake the humble American for a much more expensive Ferrari but are confused when they don’t see a prancing horse logo, but rather the Corvette Crest.

With the Z51 Performance package, the C8 Corvette is a true-blooded American supercar. The classic pushrod V-8 mounted behind the front seats is only good for 495 horsepower, but thanks to clever design and weight savings measures, the C8 Corvette Z51 can hit 60 mph in just three seconds and 100 mph in just 7.6 seconds. Pricing for the C8 Corvette Stingray starts out at $68,300, but you’ll have to pony up another $6,345 for the Z51 Performance Package.

Performance Specifications

2

Vinfast VF8

This one is controversial, but the Vinfast VF8, after receiving countless negative reviews has become infamous. So infamous, in fact, that when seen in person or on social media, attention is immediately paid to how or when something will inevitably go wrong in some way. They say bad press is still good press, but surely Vinfast hoped for a better first impression.

Perhaps the VF8’s questionable quality as a brand-new car being launched in North America was a ploy to garner attention in any way possible just to have conversations sparked about the brand, and here we are, doing exactly that. If Vinfast is serious about entering more markets, the quality is sure to improve, but until then, the VF8 proves Vinfast is in its villain era and when you see one on the road (or maybe on the side of the road) you’ll know.

All of that said, the Vinfast VF8 is unique on this list for another reason – it’s an electric car. It’s pair of motors is good for some 402 horsepower and, according to the EPA, you’ll be able to run for 191 miles between charges. Charging from 10-90 percent is said to take just shy of an hour, which isn’t bad in the grand scheme of things.

Performance Specifications

1

Acura Integra Type S

Riding hot off the heels of the new Honda Civic Type R, the Acura Integra Type S is the more handsome, but mechanically identical brother to that boy-racer special. We like to think of the Type S as the “touring” version of the Type R, with less wing, classier styling, but the same impressive performance as the Type R. The Integra name carries weight and a Type S/Type R variant garners supreme attention: so much so, that in the 2000s, one of the most stolen vehicles was the Acura Integra.

The Type R Integras have continuously remained praised for their intense powertrains. Although Acura has switched to the Type S designation and left Honda with the Type R name, the 2024 Integra Type S picks up where the 1997 Integra Type R left off. In Acura’s stunning Tiger Eye Pearl paint, the Integra Type S is sure to be an instant classic on top of being a high performer in its class.

It’s powered by the same four-cylinder engine as the Civic Type R, but Acura engineers have managed to massage 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet out of it. A six-speed manual is the only transmission option, and if you hit the gears right, you can get to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Oddly enough, those five extra ponies don’t mean better performance. In fact, the Integra Type S is 0.2 seconds slower to 60 mph and tops out 2 mph lower than its Honda counterpart.

Performance Specifications