If you’re in the market for ahigh-performance carthat delivers bothluxury and thrillbut don’t want to break the bank, you’re in the right place. This list features 10 cars, all under $40,000, that offer a perfect blend of sportiness and refinement—ideal for anyone craving excitement without compromising on comfort.

From classic muscle cars to sharp sedans and sleek coupes, these vehicles come with impressive performance credentials and luxurious features. Whether you’re drawn to the roar of a V8 or the precision of European engineering, these models offer an exciting driving experience withluxury to match.

Front 3/4 view of a red 2021 Infiniti Q50 RED SPORT 400 parked outside of a building.

to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Car and Driver, Edmunds, and Kelley Blue Book. The models featured in this list have been ranked based on performance, driving experience, and overall appeal. The average used prices quoted are based on Kelley Blue Book’s fair purchase price (national average).

102023 Infiniti Q50 RED SPORT 400

Average Used Price: $39,150

The Infiniti Q50 RED SPORT 400 is a luxury sports sedan powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 400 horsepower. It’s fast but focuses more onluxury and comfortrather than sharp, track-focused performance.

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6

Front 3/4 view of a gray 2018 Lexus RC F parked outside of a warehouse.

7-speed automatic

400 hp

Front 3/4 view of a gray 2016 Porsche Cayman 718 driving on a road through the desert.

350 lb-ft

Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

Front 3/4 view of a white 2018 Cadillac ATS-V Sedan driving on a freeway.

0-60 MPH

4.5 seconds

Front 3/4 view of blue 2017 Jaguar F-TYPE driving on a winding country road in the UK.

155 mph

(Data was collected from Infiniti)

Front 3/4 view of a blue 2016 BMW M2 on a race track.

The Q50 RED SPORT 400 offers strong acceleration and solid luxury but lacks the precision handling and driver engagement of other cars here. It’s better suited for those who want luxury with sporty undertones than hardcore performance.

92019 Lexus RC F

Average Used Price: $39,135

TheLexusRC F boasts a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 producing 472 horsepower, paired with a stylish, aggressive design. It’s an appealing option for those looking for luxury with performance, though its handling is not as sharp as some competitors.

5.0-liter V8

Front 3/4 view of a red 2017 Audi RS3 Sedan parked on a runway.

8-speed automatic

472 hp

Front 3/4 view of a black 2018 Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG Coupe driving on a country road with trees in the background.

395 lb-ft

Rear-wheel drive

Front 3/4 view of a red 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe psrked on a race track.

4 seconds

168 mph

Front 3/4 view of a white 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 parked with smoke in the background

(Data was collected from Lexus)

While the RC F’s V8 power makes it fast and luxurious, it doesn’t offer the same handling sharpness or track-ready performance as some other cars on this list, keeping it behind in performance rankings. It’s more of a luxury cruiser with a hint of sportiness than a hardcore track car, which limits its overall appeal for performance enthusiasts.

82017 Porsche Cayman 718

Average Used Price: $39,371

ThePorscheCayman 718 is known for its impeccable handling and mid-engine balance. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-4, it produces 300 horsepower, although it doesn’t have the sheer power of some competitors.

2.0-liter turbocharged flat-4

6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic

300 hp

280 lb-ft

4.7 seconds (automatic transmission)

171 mph

(Data was collected from Porsche)

However, the 718 Cayman’s mid-engine layout and Porsche’s emphasis on driver engagement make it one of the most fun cars to drive, particularly on twisty roads. It’s unsurpassed in handling, but its straight-line speed leaves something to be desired, which is why it ranks lower.

72018 Cadillac ATS-V Sedan

Average Used Price: $38,591

The Cadillac ATS-V features a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 with 464 horsepower, delivering strong performance and a solid balance of handling. It can hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.8 seconds, which is good going, but the overall feel can sometimes fall short compared to European contenders.

3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6

6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic

464 hp

445 lb-ft

3.8 seconds (automatic transmission)

189 mph

(Data was collected from Cadillac)

The ATS-VSedanis a track-ready vehicle but lacks the polish and handling finesse of rivals like the BMW M3 or Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. It’s American muscle with excellent power, but it’s still not quite as refined or engaging as the top performers in the segment.

62019 Jaguar F-TYPE R-Dynamic Coupe

Average Used Price: $39,941

TheJaguar F-TYPER-Dynamic combines luxury and sportiness with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing 296 horsepower. The design is stunning, and the car offers excellent driving dynamics and a memorable exhaust note.

3.0-liter supercharged V6

380 hp

339 lb-ft

4.8 seconds (automatic transmission)

(Data was collected from Jaguar)

Though not as powerful as some rivals, the F-TYPE offers a stunning look and an exciting driving experience. Its handling and balance are excellent, but it feels a bit more like a luxury cruiser than a track-focused machine when compared to more performance-focused options.

52018 BMW M2

Average Used Price: $37,706

TheBMWM2 is a driver’s car, offering sharp handling and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6, producing 370 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque. It’s known for its engaging driving dynamics and is widely considered one of the best small performance coupes.

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6

370 hp

343 lb-ft

4.3 seconds (automatic transmission)

(Data was collected from BMW)

The M2’s chassis is incredibly balanced and tailored for enthusiasts who value precise cornering and involvement. While it’s not the fastest car on this list, its 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds is still quick, but it’s the driving experience that makes it stand out.

42020 Audi RS3 Sedan

Average Used Price: $38,907

The Audi RS3 combines excellent acceleration, sharp handling, andQuattro all-wheel drive, making it an incredible performer in all conditions. Its 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine delivers 400 horsepower, and its 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds is blisteringly fast.

2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder

354 lb-ft

All-wheel drive

3.9 seconds

(Data was collected from Audi)

The all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction, and its compact size and sports sedan styling make it agile and enjoyable on twisty roads. While not as powerful as the other vehicles, its lightweight design and Quattro make it one of the best handling and most track-capable sedans. The driving dynamics are among the best in its class, and the unique 5-cylinder engine provides a distinctive sound.

32018 Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG Coupe

Average Used Price: $38,487

TheMercedes-BenzC63 S AMG Coupe is a complete power, luxury, and precision package. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine cranks out 503 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, delivering a strong, fast, and smooth driving experience.

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8

9-speed automatic

503 hp

516 lb-ft

0-62 MPH

180 mph

(Data was collected from Mercedes-Benz)

Its 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds makes it competitive, but the refinement, build quality, and advanced technology are what sets it apart. The AMG performance suspension provides a great balance between handling and comfort, which appeals to drivers who want a luxury coupe that can still hold its own on the track.

22018 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe

Average Used Price: $39,672

TheChevrolet CorvetteStingray Coupe ranks in second place because it offers superior handling for its price, paired with phenomenal acceleration and high-performance capabilities. Its mid-engine balance provides precise handling, making it agile and stable.

6.2-liter V8

7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic

455 hp

460 lb-ft

3.7 seconds (automatic transmission)

(Data was collected from Chevrolet)

Its 6.2-liter V8 delivers 455 horsepower and, with the Z51 performance package, you get incredible track capability. The Stingray’s acceleration, 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, puts it near the top, but its price-to-performance ratio is a major plus.

12017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

Average Used Price: $38,648

TheFord MustangShelby GT350 is a standout for enthusiasts. It offers the most thrilling driving experience of the cars listed, thanks to its naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V8 that provides 562 horsepower and an intoxicating exhaust note.

5.2-liter V8

6-speed manual

526 hp

429 lb-ft

4.1 seconds

175 mph

(Data was collected from Ford)

This engine, combined with its track-ready suspension, precision handling, and Brembo brakes, makes it an incredible car to drive both on and off the track. While it’s not the most polished in terms of luxury or refinement, it’s pure driving enjoyment in its rawest form.