Some of the coolest and most desirable cars are rear-wheel drive, and that’s no particular surprise, as rear-wheel drive cars tend to have more playful handling. Take sports cars, for example; these driver-focused roadsters and coupes almost always send energy backward. That’s because transmissions usually prefer how this fun setup makes the car handle, and drift easier and is also ideal for burnouts. These are just some of the advantages that rear-wheel drive cars can offer.
Unfortunately for those on a budget, rear-wheel drive sports and performance cars usually fetch even hefty bucks used cars on the used market. However, if we consider other RWD models that aren’t necessarily sporty in design, there are some great options within the budget. Here, we’ve compiled a list of some seriously underrated rear-wheel drive cars, all of which can be had for less than a modest $10,000 budget.
How we chose the models: iFreshBriefs scoured websites like Hagerty and Classic to find 10 temptingly cheap rear-wheel drive cars available for under $10,000. Age and body style didn’t factor into our selection, so the list below is an eclectic mix of sports and classics, ranked from cheapest to cheapest. Baseline performance specifications were also included but were not factored into model selection or ratings.
These rear-wheel drive cars are incredibly fast and at the same time cheaper than most new vehicles.
10. 1989 Nissan 300ZX: $10,000
Performance specifications
| Transfer | 3.0 liters |
| Configuration | V6 |
| Power supply | 170 horses |
| Torque | 174 lb-ft |
The Nissan 300ZX is a Japanese sports car that is often underrated.
Who would have thought that a Japanese classic, powered by a V6 engine from the iconic Fairlady line, could be obtained at such an attractive price? That’s exactly what the 300ZX offers because according to Hagerty, good examples of this sleek sports coupe can still be had within the $10,000 budget—if only just.
Under the hood is a naturally aspirated V6 that churns out a healthy 170 horsepower. Nissan also equipped the model with a twin-turbocharged V6, but with a limited budget, this powerful model is out of reach.
9. 2001 Chevrolet Camaro: $9,900
Performance specifications
| Transfer | 3.4 liters |
| Configuration | V6 |
| Power supply | 200 horsepower |
| Torque | 225 lb-ft |
The base model Camaro features a V6 engine
The second option for rear-wheel drive enthusiasts at a reasonable price is another iconic nameplate, but this time the model comes from America. The Camaro is a muscle car that needs no introduction, and while the model is usually seen with a V8 engine, this budget-friendly example features an equally exciting 3.4-liter V6.
There’s still plenty of power, with 200 uncontrollable horses sent to the rear wheels, and Hagerty confirms that a good example can indeed be picked up just marginally below the target budget.
8. 1994 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GT listed for $9,700.
Performance specifications
| Transfer | 5.7 liters |
| Configuration | V8 |
| Power supply | 275 horses |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft |
The 1994 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GT boasts 275 horsepower.
For those still pining for the lure of a “proper” muscle car on a budget, this Pontiac may be the answer to your prayers. Few models can boast that illustrious heritage The Pontiac Firebird does, especially at such affordable prices and this Trans Am GT model is one of the most impressive options available.
Under the hood, buyers will no doubt be pleased to see a 5.7-liter V8 that kicks out a hefty 275 horsepower in addition to 325 lb-ft of torque. This is the most powerful option on offer on our list of cheap, cool RWD cars, and it sneaks in just under the budget at $9,700.
7. 1996 BMW Z3 1.9: $9,500
Performance specifications
| Transfer | Inline-4 |
| Configuration | 1.9 liters |
| Power supply | 138 horses |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft |
The BMW Z3 weighs only 2590 LBS
This entry focuses on raw driving pleasure rather than brute force. At just 138 horsepower, the BMW Z3 is no match for sheer power when it comes to the more powerful entries in this article; however, it boasts other strengths. For example, this modest roadster weighs just 2,590 pounds and boasts a surprisingly short wheelbase. When it comes to driving pleasure, this should result in a fun and somewhat rewarding rear-drive roadster.
Again, Hagerty lists a good example at just $10,000 for a 1.9L inline 4, with 6-cylinder examples fetching several thousand dollars more. That’s not much to pay for this guaranteed future classic.
These 10 models, which boast all the characteristics of proper traditional sports cars, are already rising on the used market.
6. 1990 Ford Thunderbird: $9,481
Performance specifications
| Transfer | 3.8 liters |
| Configuration | V6 |
| Power supply | 210 horses |
| Torque | 315 lb-ft |
The 1990 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a powerful V6 engine
Not everyone looking for a rear-wheel-drive experience will be looking for a small drop-top sports car, so the Ford Thunderbird deserves its moment in the spotlight. This large 2-door coupe offers much more interior space than most typical sports cars, coupled with plush cushioned seats that could be ideal for long road trips.
Powered by a 210-horsepower 3.8-liter V6, the Thunderbird will be no slouch, and previously sold examples listed on Classic.com indicate that a good example can be obtained for just under $9,500.
5. 1991 Chevrolet Corvette: $8,500
Performance specifications
| Transfer | 5.7 liters |
| Configuration | V8 |
| Power supply | 245 horses |
| Torque | 340 lb-ft |
The 1991 Chevrolet Corvette is a bargain with 245 horsepower
Here’s a lot of flash for little money, and fortunately, another opportunity to own an American V8 for under $10,000. The C4 Corvette is a true American icon and while the supercar-killing ZR1 will require a more substantial investment, Hagerty tells us that base models of this RWD car can be had in good condition for as little as $8,500.
While the European sports cars on this list have just enough power to maintain highway speeds, the Corvette’s 5.7-liter V8 boasts 245 horsepower and 340 lb-ft, more than enough for spirited driving and, no doubt, the occasional drag. It’s reasonable to think that this could be the best rear-wheel drive car available for such a budget.
4. 1981 Porsche 924: $8,500
Performance specifications
| Transfer | Inline-4 |
| Configuration | 2.0 liter |
| Power supply | 110 horses |
| Torque | 122 lb-ft |
This rear-wheel drive Porsche can be purchased for just $8,500.
It’s not the most powerful, nor the cheapest, but it’s a Porsche – and therein lies the appeal. While the prices of the more modern Boxster are enjoying a certain revival. The 924 still represents the most affordable entry point into Porsche ownership. Hagerty gives it the same accolades as the base model Corvette, and while it may only offer less than half the engine, power, and torque, it delivers effortlessly cool ’80s Porsche style, including the epic pop-up windows. headlights.
With extremely reliable engines, these RWD cars will last for decades if cared for.
3. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230: $7,900
Performance specifications
| Configuration | Turbocharged inline-4 |
| Transfer | 2.3 liters |
| Power supply | 194 horses |
| Torque | 206 lb-ft |
The Mercedes-Benz SLK230 develops 194 horsepower
Valued at just under $8,000 by Classic.com, this luxury Mercedes-Benz offers insane value for money. It seems hard to believe that a 2-door Mercedes sports car that boasts a luxuriously appointed leather interior and a turbocharged engine costs just under $8,000 on average.
But that’s the SLK230 in a nutshell, and with nearly 200 horsepower sent to the rear wheels, it’s bound to offer plenty of smiles a mile. Most examples were sold with an automatic transmission, but factory manuals do exist, although finding and securing them will certainly require patience.
2. 1975 MG B Roadster: $7,500
Performance specifications
| Configuration | Inline-4 |
| Transfer | 1.8 liters |
| Power supply | 85 horses |
| Torque | 100 lb-ft |
The MB B is the quintessential British sports car that offers affordable thrills.
Old-school motoring fans need to look no further than the popular MG B Roadster. This time-honored favorite enjoyed a long production run spanning almost two decades, and thanks to good sales in America, they are still readily available today. Hagerty suggests that a budget of just $7,500 should be enough to call yourself an owner in 2024.
No lap records will be broken behind the wheel of this British icon, but it offers a wonderfully simple and accessible entry point into the world of classic RWD sports car ownership. The chrome bumper models from the 1960s and early 1970s command more money than the later rubber bumper models, but the grilles are interchangeable should owners wish to ‘star’ their classic MGs.
1. 1978 Triumph Spitfire 1500: $7,400
Performance specifications
| Configuration | Inline-4 |
| Transfer | 1.5 liters |
| Power supply | 71 horsepower |
| Torque | 82 lb-ft |
The Triumph Spitfire weighs just 1750 LBS
Similar in style to the MG, Triumph’s Spitfire represents unbeatable value for money and classic British style. Under the hood hides a relatively robust inline-four with a volume of only 1.5 liters. The result is a lackluster total of 71 horsepower, but it’s worth remembering that the entire car weighs just 1,750 pounds.
Even gearheads on a tight budget will have funds to spare, as Hagerty says a smart and presentable Triumph Spitfire 1500 can easily be had for just $7,400. For those who want to enjoy simplified rear-wheel drive, the Triumph Spitfire is the perfect fit.
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