The Nissan Z has been highly anticipated for almost a year now and we pretty much know all nosotros demand to know about information technology. Nosotros know when it'south coming and we know how much it costs. With a $35,000 starting toll ($45,000 for the top-spec), it certainly is worth considering, if you are looking for an erstwhile-school sports car. That said, not anybody is willing or able to pay the Nissan Z sticker price. Regardless of the reason, here are some alternatives that should provide similar amounts of fun for less than a new Nissan Z.

Nissan 370Z

The nigh obvious alternative is the Nissan Z'south predecessor. Some may be tired of seeing it, though, equally it has been in production for 13 years. The new Z is actually based on a modified version of the 370Z platform, which in turn is a modified 350Z platform. Despite its age, the platform has proven to be very capable. Say what you will nearly Nissan, but their sports cars are well sorted.

They are generally very stout, in terms of the drivetrain. Just avoid the seven-speed Jatco automated, which is a thrill-killer. The half-dozen-speed manual is the preferred option of gearbox. Power, of form, goes to the rear wheels only. The 370Z is capable of reaching lx mph (97 km/h) in just four.8 seconds.

Good status earlier models tin can be had for as around $13,000. A high-spec with decent mileage 2014 model will prepare you dorsum $21,000, while a 2020 model gets dangerously close to the new Z, at $32,000. Only beware of modified examples. You can choose between a coupe and a soft-peak convertible.

Nissan 370Z specifications

Engine

3.seven-liter normally-aspirated V-six

Power

332 HP

Torque

271 LB-FT

Transmission

six-speed transmission

0 to 60 mph

iv.eight seconds

Price

$xiii,000 - $32,000

Read our full review on the Nissan 370Z

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

The Genesis Coupe is Hyundai'southward first attempt at a rear-wheel-drive sports automobile. Although earlier models were met with mixed reviews, the facelift version was an improvement. The Korean coupe is the more versatile of the bunch, as information technology has decent trunk infinite and (somewhat) usable dorsum seats. You also get options in terms of drivetrain.

The gearbox is either a half dozen-speed manual or an automated with five to 8 gears, depending on the model year and engine choice (the V-6 gets one actress gear). Earlier 2.0 turbo models tin can sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h) in around seven.0 seconds, while the later 3.8 cars can practise it in equally fiddling as 5.ii seconds. Versatility comes at the cost of performance, as the car is bigger, heavier, and slightly less precise than the 370Z.

They are generally known to exist reliable. That said, college mileage cars with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine are known to have some oil consumption and the synchromesh on the manuals can take some issues. You do get plenty for the money, equally skilful pre-facelift examples tin exist had for under $8,000. Subsequently models can exist had for as piffling as $14,000. Tardily 2016 models can fetch around $23,000. The ii.0-liter turbocharged models are more often than not cheaper than the V-6 ones.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe specifications

Engine

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four

3.8-liter unremarkably-aspirated V-half-dozen

Power

213 - 274 HP

306 - 348 HP

Transmission

six-speed manual

six-speed manual

0 to lx mph

7.0 seconds

v.2 seconds

Read our full review on the Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Chevrolet Corvette C6

If you lot want a proper American V-8 sports automobile, yous really can't beat the Chevrolet Corvette. Information technology's the only car, on this list, capable of hit 186 mph (300 km/h) in stock form. Earlier models come with an LS2 vi.0-liter OHV V-8 that produces 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet (542 Nm). In 2008, came the LS3 6.2-liter OHV V-eight, pushing ability upwardly to 436 horsepower and 428 pound-feet (580 Nm). Power is sent to the rear wheels through (preferably) a half dozen-speed Tremec T56 transmission or a four-speed (later 6-speed) automatic.

The LS engines are praised for their reliability and tuning potential. The same goes for the Tremec T56 manual, which is a very stout unit of measurement. At that place are some cases of valve-leap failures, as well as some electrical gremlins, but other than that they are fairly reliable usable sports cars.

You can find a decent C6 for around $20,000, which is a bargain. Mail-facelift (2008) models can yet fetch $30,000, while a 2013 C6 tin can set yous back effectually $40,000. At this cost indicate, you tin forget about the more hardcore Z06 and ZR-1 versions, as these can price over $60,000.

Chevrolet Corvette C6 specifications

Engine

LS2 6.0-liter OHV 5-8

LS3 6.ii-liter OHV Five-8

Ability

400 HP

436 HP

Torque

400 LB-FT

428 LB-FT

Transmission

six-speed Tremec T56 manual

four-speed automatic

Read our full review on the Chevrolet Corvette C6

Porsche 911 (996 & 997)

The Porsche 911 doesn't really need an introduction. With well over 60 years of history, it's one of the most successful and usable sports cars ever made. Depending on the generation, it can be more than affordable, more usable, and more fun than the Nissan Z. On top of that, it tin can be a potential investment, as all 911 models eventually go up in value.

At this cost point, you have a few options. The 997 generation is the newest you can purchase. However, await examples with around 100,000 miles. They currently go for around $33,000 on average, for a 911 Carrera model. The 996 Carrera examples go for around $25,000 with effectually forty,000 miles on the clock. Both the 996 and early 997 models can endure from the infamous IMS bearing. Although it'southward not a very common issue, a full inspection is recommended for peace of mind. Diameter scoring is another known issue, plaguing these 911 models.

With a normally-aspirated 996, you get at least 300 and up to 345 horsepower and 273 pound-anxiety (370 Nm) depending on whether it'southward the Carrera, Carrera Southward, or 4S.

Porsche 996 specifications

Engine

3.four-liter normally-aspirated flat-six

Power

345 HP

Torque

273 LB-FT

For the 997, you lot'll probably accept to settle for a pre-facelift Carrera model. Still, the 3.vi-liter flat-half dozen is producing 325 horsepower and 273 pound-feet (370 Nm), assuasive for a 4.3-second sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h). Moreover, you get a decent trunk and usable rear seats (better used as a second luggage area). With both generations, yous tin can either accept a six-speed manual or a v-speed tip-Tronic unit of measurement. The PDK comes with the afterward 997 models.

Porsche 997 specifications

Engine

iii.6-liter flat-six

Power

325 HP

Torque

273 LB-FT

0 to threescore mph

4.3 seconds

Transmission

6-speed manual/five-speed tip-Tronic

Read our full review on the Porsche 911 (996 & 997

BMW Z4 Chiliad (E85) & Z4 (E89)

For as long as they've been in production, the Nissan Z and the BMW Z-serial take been direct competitors. Just like with the Porsche 911, you tin can choose betwixt two generations. The question is whether you desire an Grand automobile or a newer car. The Z4 (E85) Grand Coupe is the most sought-subsequently of the bunch. These are also the ones expected to get up in value, then if you're looking at it equally an investment, this i is a no-brainer.

Yard-cars are generally known for existence incredibly potent, some of the best to bulldoze, and sadly not the most reliable. Still, the S54 engine is a masterpiece, especially coupled to the six-speed almanac. The sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h) happens in iv.7 seconds.

BMW Z4 M E85 specifications

Engine

3.2-liter normally-aspirated inline-six

Power

343 HP

Torque

269 LB-FT @ 8,000 RPM

0 to lx mph

4.7 seconds

The newer E89 generation never got an 1000-version, but you can still get a stiff inline-half dozen unit. The turbocharged three.0-liter N54 engine produces 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet (400 Nm) in the 35i, or 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet (450 Nm) in the 35Is model – plenty to reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.eight and 4.half-dozen seconds respectively.

BMW Z4 E89 specifications

Engine

turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-vi

Ability

306 HP / 340 HP

Torque

295 LB-FT / 332 LB-FT

0 to lx mph

iv.8 - 4.6 seconds

Timing chain issues, head gaskets, and electric gremlins are what you should be aware of in both generations. The Z4 E85 M will set you lot dorsum between $xxx,000 and $45,000, depending on mileage and body style. The newer E89 comes with a retractable hardtop only and volition set y'all back around $19,000 for an earlier ane and $35,000 for a afterwards model. Avert the four-cylinder models, as they are less reliable.

Read our full review on the BMW Z4 M (E85) & Z4 (E89)

Mazda MX-v (ND)

Yes, it's here once again. No affordable sports car list is complete without a Miata. Besides, you can buy it brand new, for nigh half the toll of a top-spec Nissan Z. For as picayune every bit $24,051, you can have the latest version of what'south arguably the virtually engaging meaty sports car always made. Moreover, considering of its 2,271-pound (1,030 kg) curb weight, the two.0-liter commonly-aspirated engine tin can rocket the car to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.7 seconds, despite only producing 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet (205 Nm). You lot tin accept it as a soft-pinnacle convertible or equally the RF, which has a retractable Targa top and costs more.

Granted, it won't be able to continue up with the Nissan Z, which has more than twice the power and torque, but the Miata is most having fun, not being fast. Plus, there are plenty of professional tuners that will exist happy to turn the Miata into a Z-killer. As the auto is new, we cannot talk most common issues. Mazda does have a very good reliability record, so you lot should accept trouble-free ownership, especially given the warranty that comes with a new machine.

Read our full review on the Mazda MX-5

Porsche Cayman 987 & 981

You lot can not only buy a Porsche for less than a brand new Nissan Z, but yous likewise have options to choose from. We take some other Stuttgart due – the 2006-2012 Cayman 987 and 2013-2016 Cayman 981. The 987 can exist had with a variety of normally-aspirated flat-six engines, ranging from a 2.vii-liter, producing 245 horsepower and 201 pound-feet (273 Nm) to a 3.half-dozen-liter, producing 320 horsepower and 273 pound-feet (370 Nm). The 0 to threescore mph (97 km/h) fourth dimension is between 5.9 and four.two seconds, depending on the version.

Porsche Cayman 987 specifications

Engine

2.vii-liter flat-vi

3.6-liter apartment half-dozen

Power

245 HP

320 HP

Torque

201 LB-FT

273 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

5.ix seconds

four.ii seconds

Good examples kickoff from around $xx,000, for an early 987 Cayman, while a base of operations 2014 Cayman 981 will set you dorsum around $40,000, which is still less than a superlative-spec Nissan Z. However, this means you have to settle for the ii.7-liter flat-six, producing 275 horsepower and 214 pound-feet (290 Nm). It still allows for a very respectable 5.2-second sprint to sixty mph (97 km/h).

With a 987, y'all have to check for oil leaks between the engine and transmission (rear main seal), smoke on common cold start-up (cylinder/bore scoring), water leaks (water pump failure), and a few others you can check here.