If you’re in the market for a car that delivers a classic, engaging driving experience with back wheel drive, you might think you need to break the bank. However, you can still find exciting options without spending a fortune. While the average price of a new car is climbing, a selection of Back Wheel Drive Cars remains surprisingly accessible, offering performance and modern features at relatively affordable price points. These vehicles provide the traditional feel of sports cars and muscle cars, combined with the technology expected in contemporary automobiles. Even with their competitive pricing, you’ll find standard features like Bluetooth connectivity and rearview cameras across these models. For driving purists, some even offer manual transmissions, enhancing the thrill of the ride.
2019 Fiat 124 Spider
Leading the pack in affordability for back wheel drive cars is the charming 2019 Fiat 124 Spider. This roadster is not only budget-friendly but also comes packed with standard features. Even the base model now includes a rearview camera, a user-friendly 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and HD radio. Under the hood, a spirited turbocharged engine provides 164 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with a slick six-speed manual transmission featuring a short-throw shifter for engaging gear changes.
The Fiat 124 Spider truly shines with its open-top driving experience, featuring an easy-to-operate cloth soft top. Finished with standard LED taillights and dual exhaust outlets, and boasting a starting price under $25,000, the Spider delivers style and driving pleasure without emptying your wallet.
2019 Chevrolet Camaro
For those seeking American muscle with back wheel drive, the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro stands out as an affordable choice. This iconic muscle car is even more attractively priced than the previous year’s model, yet it retains all the excitement and performance Camaro enthusiasts expect. The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, generates an impressive 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, providing thrilling acceleration and handling.
The entry-level Camaro coupe also includes desirable technology like mobile Wi-Fi, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, features sometimes absent in much pricier luxury vehicles. While the convertible version starts at a higher price, the coupe remains a top pick for affordable back wheel drive performance.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata shares some mechanical similarities with the Fiat 124 Spider but distinguishes itself with its own unique character. The Miata features a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. While it offers slightly less torque than the Fiat, the Miata delivers a rev-happy engine and classic sports car feel.
Matching the Fiat in standard features, the Miata includes an infotainment system, cloth convertible top, and six-speed manual transmission. Mazda adds further value with standard LED headlights and a six-speaker audio system with mobile app integration. Slightly more expensive than the 124 Spider, the Miata remains a benchmark for affordable and fun back wheel drive roadsters.
2019 Subaru BRZ
Developed in collaboration with Toyota, the 2019 Subaru BRZ offers a sleek sports car design and engaging back wheel drive dynamics. It features a standard six-speed manual transmission and a 205-horsepower four-cylinder engine with a flat design for a lower center of gravity, enhancing its sharp handling capabilities.
The BRZ’s sporty nature is further emphasized by its standard sport-tuned suspension. It also comes well-equipped with standard LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 6.2-inch touchscreen, and an eight-speaker audio system, all within a competitive price range. Sharing its platform with the Toyota 86, the BRZ offers a slightly more affordable entry point into this sporty back wheel drive platform.
2019 Ford Mustang
The 2019 Ford Mustang provides a step up in power in the affordable back wheel drive category. While slightly pricier than the Camaro, the Mustang compensates with a more potent standard engine. The turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivers 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, outperforming many competitors in its class.
The Mustang doesn’t skimp on features either, offering standard LED headlights, signature lighting, and sequential LED taillights. To harness its power effectively, Ford includes a standard six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, ensuring a thrilling and controlled back wheel drive experience.
2019 Toyota 86
The 2019 Toyota 86, closely related to the Subaru BRZ, provides another compelling option for affordable back wheel drive sports car enthusiasts. Sharing the same 205-horsepower engine and six-speed manual transmission as the BRZ, the 86 delivers a similar sporty driving experience and sharp handling.
Inside, the 86 features standard sport seats and a sport-tuned suspension, reinforcing its performance focus. For track enthusiasts, the stability control system includes a dedicated “Track” mode for enhanced driving dynamics. Standard features like LED headlights, a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel ensure it’s also well-equipped for daily driving.
2019 Dodge Challenger
Stepping into the realm of larger muscle cars, the 2019 Dodge Challenger offers back wheel drive performance with a bold presence. While slightly more expensive than the Camaro and Mustang, the Challenger boasts advantages in certain areas. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produces 305 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, exceeding the Camaro in horsepower.
The Challenger’s infotainment system includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay as standard, features not found standard on the Mustang. Like many affordable back wheel drive cars, a six-speed manual transmission is available, though not with the base engine. LED accent lights and daytime running lights further enhance its muscular styling.
2019 Dodge Charger
Dodge extends its back wheel drive offerings with the 2019 Dodge Charger, a four-door muscle car that combines performance with practicality. The Charger delivers on performance with a 292-horsepower V6 engine and a dual-exhaust system.
What sets the Charger apart is its family-friendly nature. As a full-size sedan, it offers generous rear legroom and a large trunk, making it a more practical choice compared to smaller sports cars while still providing the fun of back wheel drive.
2019 Nissan 370Z
The 2019 Nissan 370Z represents a more traditional approach to affordable back wheel drive sports cars. While it hasn’t seen major changes in recent years, the 370Z continues to deliver the performance legacy of the Z car lineage. Its standard 3.7-liter V6 engine is the largest among these affordable options, producing a robust 332 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, managed by a standard six-speed manual transmission.
The 370Z features a distinctive exterior design with standard high-intensity discharge headlamps and LED daytime running lights, completing its sporty and aggressive look.
2019 Kia Stinger
Rounding out the list is the relatively new and critically acclaimed Kia Stinger. The 2019 Stinger offers a compelling blend of performance, features, and value in a back wheel drive package. It comes with a 255-horsepower turbocharged engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Stinger also impresses with its upscale cabin, featuring leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and dual-zone climate control. Its liftback design provides practical cargo space, making it a versatile and well-rounded affordable back wheel drive car.
