The Most Affordable Sports Cars in Canada

I’ll never forget the first time I learned how to drive a manual car. It was a V8 turbo-charged Audi S4, borrowed from a friend’s father, and it was ... fast. Like, suck-your-entire-body-to-the-seat-during-acceleration fast. It was a trial by fire, that first time driving stick; cruising along the 401 in Toronto (not known as the most leisurely of highways), weaving in and out of transport trucks, basking in all its 344 horsepower glory.

I was hooked. 

If you’re like me, powerful vehicles turn your crank. It probably started as a kid, though, many years before that first exhilarating drive. My Dad had a Datsun 280ZX Turbo, a little two-door sports car with a T-roof and a car phone (this was the early-90s, after all) in which he would drive me to T-ball. I felt cool in that car, even as a scrawny six-year-old with a mushroom cut. 

While sports cars are typically thought of as an unattainable pipe dream due to their often hefty price tags, you might be pleasantly surprised to know some won’t break the bank. These are some of the most fun and affordable sports cars in Canada.  If you know your sports car already, get a sports car insurance quote to see if you could be paying less. 

We’ll look at some popular Canada sports car options, estimating purchase price (using MSRP) and insurance costs (for a 40-year-old woman in Ontario, using Ratehub’s car insurance quote calculator.)

Ford Mustang Ecoboost Fastback

Probably one of the first cars someone thinks of when they think “sports car.” The Ford Mustang is a classic. Mustangs have long been loved by cool car enthusiasts – from Jim Morrison and Steve McQueen, to Kelly Clarkson and Eminem – and for good reason. The Mustang is a recognizable American sports car; cherished for its heritage and performance. 

What it costs: $31,895 (MSRP)

Who it’s for: The driver who loves all things vintage

Cost to insure: $78-$189 (estimated)

Tesla Model 3

The priciest car on this list, the Tesla Model 3, is a car for a particular buyer: Someone who cares for the environment and wants the cutting edge of technology in everything they buy. The ones who always need the newest gadget; the early adopter. 

While it may not be the cheapest sports car in Canada, purchasing an electric vehicle will cut your gas costs entirely – and those are a significant expense to owning a car. So, if you’re eco-conscious and want a beautiful and powerful vehicle, don’t necessarily let the price tag deter you. 

What it costs: $56,380 (MSRP)

Who it’s for: The eco-conscious early adopter 

Cost to insure: $74-$189 per month (estimated)

Chevrolet Camaro

You might call the Chevy Camaro the Ford Mustang’s closest rival. Similar lineage, similar American power, similar classic factor. Famous Camaro drivers over the years have included Matthew McConaughey (who’d probably think it’d be a lot cooler if you drove one of these) to Dale Earnhart Jr., one of the most prolific Nascar racers of all time. If it’s good enough for Dale, it should be good enough for you. And with an MSRP just below $30,000, the Camaro is one of the cheapest sports cars in Canada.

What it costs: $29,598 (MSRP)

Who it’s for: The lover of the classics

Cost to insure: $70-$160 (estimated)

Hyundai Veloster N 

Many of the newer entrants to the sports car world might overlook the Veloster due to its manufacturer. Let’s face it, Hyundai might not be the first car maker we think of when we think of sports cars; but it’s quickly making a name for itself in the performance car market.

That’s primarily due to the Veloster – a compact and speedy hatchback that looks much more expensive than its price tag. It wouldn’t look out of place in a Fast and the Furious movie, either. 

What it costs: $37,799 (MSRP)

Who it’s for: The gearhead who values performance above all else

Cost to insure: $66-$145 (estimated)

Subaru WRX 

What it costs: $33,795 (MSRP)

Who it’s for: The rally car enthusiast

Cost to insure: $65-$149 (estimated)

Not only will you feel like a rally car driver as you merge onto highways, but you’ll also save some money by choosing the Subaru WRX: it’s one of the cheapest sports cars to insure in Canada, according to our estimates. 

Those who grew up playing racing games on Playstation will instantly recognize the Subaru WRX as a powerful vehicle that can handle highways as well as it can dirt roads. Subaru's all come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), meaning this vehicle might also be the best on our list for driving in the winter. 

The bottom line

While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it’s a good starting point for anyone on the search for a vehicle that’ll get their adrenaline pumping. As always, when searching for a car, think of the financial cost. Only purchase a car you can afford; estimate all costs (financing, gas, insurance, maintenance, etc.) and be sure to update your monthly budget to include these estimates before visiting the dealership. 

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