10 Most Fuel-Efficient Sports Cars Under $30,000 (2024)

Sports cars are an embodiment of automotive passion. They ignite the senses with their captivating aesthetics and exhilarating performance. Loved by enthusiasts for generations, most high-octane sports cars prioritize speed and handling over fuel efficiency.

However, there are a few sports cars with a surprising twist in this ever-evolving automotive industry. While they still deliver adrenaline-pumping experiences, they also manage to be surprisingly fuel efficient while sticking below the $30,000 starting price mark.

10 2019 Fiat 124 Spider

Starting Used Price Range: $19,597 – $22,048

See Also

20 Best Affordable Sports Cars Of 2024

Despite sharing a platform with the Japanese MX-5 Miata, the Fiat 124 Spider adds a big dose of Italian design, handling, and power. Instead of using Mazda's 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the Fiat 124 Spider opts for a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine.

Fuel Economy

The engine produces 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, giving it an edge over the same generation MX-5 Miata. Fiat uses a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, sending power to the rear wheels. However, there's also an optional 6-speed automatic transmission. In the used market, the 124 Spider has an amazing starting price of $19,597.

9 2016 BMW Z4

Starting Used Price Range: $24,488 – $28,063

The BMW Z4 is designed to offer a perfect blend of style, comfort, open-air fun, handling, performance, and feel. It's a luxury roadster that rivals the Audi TT and Mercedes-Benz SL lineup. For the 2016 model year, the BMW Z4 has a hardtop drop top, a different approach from modern iterations.

Fuel Economy

As standard, the 2016 BMW Z4 used a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This variant also uses a 6-speed manual transmission, sending power to the rear wheels. The more powerful variants, however, have 8-speed automatic and a more responsive 7-speed dual-clutch automatic in the top-end Z4 trim.

8 2019 BMW 4 Series Coupe

Starting Used Price Range: $24,749 – $27,533

The modern BMW 4 Series lineup consists of multiple body styles, including a coupe, convertible, and a four-door Gran Coupe. BMW also offers a high-performance M4 version. The 4 Series lineup offers convertible and coupe versions of the 3 Series sedan.

Fuel Economy

As standard, the 2019 BMW 4 Series coupe and convertible models has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine sends power to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW also offers a 6-speed manual transmission.

7 2012 Porsche Boxster

Starting Used Price Range: $25,055 – $28,262

The Porsche Boxster is among the few sports cars that is built to be a driver's car. It aims to transmit the visceral thrill of performance, demands driver involvement, and provides infinite levels of fun. The Boxster also has a rear-wheel-drive platform and an open-air experience.

Fuel Economy

As standard, the 2012 Porsche Boxster had a 2.9 liter flat-6 engine with 255 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque. The engine sends power to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission as standard. Porsche also offered it with an optional 7-speed PDK automatic.

6 2021 BMW 2 Series Coupe

Starting Used Price Range: $25,977 – $28,712

The BMW 2 Series coupe and convertible models might not have a roomy backseat, but they have a great selection of powerful engines and robust chassis. Also, they were made available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations, for utmost satisfaction on curvy roads.

Fuel Economy

For the 2021 model year, the base 2 Series coupe had a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine sends power to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. For enthusiasts, BMW offered an optional 6-speed manual transmission.

5 2017 Audi TT

Starting Used Price Range: $26,526 – $30,583

For the 2017 model year, Audi outfitted the TT with minor updates after the introduction of the third generation in 2016. The package complemented the superb engine lineup, Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system, and the modern virtual co*ckpit.

Fuel Economy

The Audi TT lineup had an efficient turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with two potencies. The engine produces 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque in the base trim. The TTS trim upped the performance to 292 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. In both versions, the power is sent to all wheels through a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.

4 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Starting MSRP: $28,050

For decades, the MX-5 Miata has offered everything enthusiasts would want for a fun drive. It boasts a smooth, powerful engine, rear-wheel drive, and a well-tuned suspension. For the 2023 model year, the MX-5 Miata gets a reasonable starting price of $28,050.

Fuel Economy

Under the hood of the MX-5 Miata sits a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The engine sends power to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission. Mazda also offers an optional 6-speed automatic on the Grand Touring trim.

3 2018 Mercedes-Benz E Class Coupe

Starting Used Price Range: $28,115 – $31,038

Since its inception, the Mercedes-Benz E Class has been the brand's mid-size luxury car. Mercedes-Benz offers multiple body styles, including a sedan, wagon, coupe, and cabriolet. The coupe and cabriolet provide a perfect blend of luxury and performance.

Fuel Economy

As standard, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E Class coupe has a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The engine sends power to the rear wheels as standard through an obedient 9-speed automatic transmission.

2 2023 Subaru BRZ

Starting MSRP: $28,595

The 2023 Subaru BRZ is a two-door sports car with a reasonable starting price of $28,595. The BRZ boasts a potent four-cylinder engine, a perfectly tuned suspension, and a manual transmission for driving enthusiasts.

Fuel Economy

Under its hood sits a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine with 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine sends power to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission as standard. Subaru also offers a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission.

1 2020 Nissan 370Z

Starting Used Price Range: $28,878 – $32,793

For the 2020 model year, Nissan offered the 370Z as a coupe only. It was one of the highly revered sports cars with impressive performance and a low price tag. Fortunately, the Nissan 370Z still firmly retains its value despite the 2020 variant being two years old.

Fuel Economy

Under its hood sits a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 332 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque. The engine sends power to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 7-speed automatic. Nissan also offered a pricier Nismo variant with 350 hp and 276 lb-ft of torque.

Reference List: Edmunds, Subaru, Mazda