For car enthusiasts seeking a thrilling driving experience without breaking the bank, rear-wheel drive (RWD) cars offer a unique appeal. Often associated with high-performance sports cars, RWD provides a distinct handling dynamic that many drivers crave. If you believe that owning a Rear Wheel Drive Car is out of reach, think again. In 2019, a selection of exciting and affordable options were available, all for around $25,000. This price point is notably less than the average cost of a new vehicle at the time, which was soaring due to the popularity of expensive trucks and SUVs. This means that these RWD gems were not just fun, but also represented excellent value.
These affordable rear wheel drive cars delivered classic sports car thrills combined with the modern technology expected in contemporary vehicles. Standard features like Bluetooth connectivity and rearview cameras were common across these models. For purists, some even offered the engaging experience of a manual transmission, adding another layer of driving enjoyment. Let’s explore some of the top contenders in the affordable rear wheel drive car category from 2019.
2019 Fiat 124 Spider
The 2019 Fiat 124 Spider surprisingly holds the title of the most budget-friendly rear wheel drive car on our list. Adding to its appeal, Fiat enhanced the Spider for 2019 with more standard features, making the base model even more attractive. You’ll find a rearview camera, a user-friendly 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and HD Radio all included as standard. Power comes from a lively turbocharged engine that provides 164 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a slick six-speed manual transmission featuring a short-throw shifter, the Fiat 124 Spider delivers a genuinely sporty driving experience.
Beyond its performance and features, the Fiat 124 Spider is a convertible, offering the pure joy of open-air motoring with its easily retractable soft top. Stylish LED taillights and dual exhaust outlets complete the package, all starting at an MSRP of just $24,995. The Fiat 124 Spider is a testament to the fact that affordable rear wheel drive cars can be both exciting and well-equipped.
2019 Chevrolet Camaro
For muscle car enthusiasts seeking rear wheel drive thrills without a hefty price tag, the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro stands out as an excellent choice. Interestingly, the price of the 2019 Camaro coupe was actually lower than the previous year’s model, making it even more accessible. Despite its affordability, the Camaro delivers a thrilling driving experience thanks to its standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. This potent four-cylinder, when combined with the standard six-speed manual transmission, produces 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, offering impressive performance.
The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro coupe doesn’t skimp on modern technology either. For around $25,000, you gain access to features like mobile Wi-Fi, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. These tech features were often absent even in luxury cars costing significantly more at the time, highlighting the Camaro’s value proposition in the affordable rear wheel drive car segment. It’s worth noting that the Camaro convertible, while offering open-top RWD fun, starts at a higher price point.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata, a legendary roadster, shares some underlying components with the Fiat 124 Spider, yet it carves its own distinct path in the realm of affordable rear wheel drive cars. A key difference lies in the Miata’s naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. While slightly less torquey than the Fiat’s turbo engine, the Miata’s powerplant generates 181 horsepower and provides a responsive and engaging driving experience.
Like the Fiat, the Miata comes standard with a user-friendly infotainment system, a cloth convertible top for open-air enjoyment, and a precise six-speed manual transmission. Mazda elevates the Miata experience with standard LED headlights and a six-speaker audio system that includes mobile app integration. Priced slightly higher than the Fiat 124 Spider, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata, with an MSRP of $25,730, remains an incredibly appealing option for those seeking a pure and affordable rear wheel drive sports car.
2019 Subaru BRZ
Another compelling entry in the affordable rear wheel drive car category is the 2019 Subaru BRZ. Developed in collaboration with Toyota, the BRZ offers a sleek sports car design, a standard six-speed manual transmission, and a 205-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Notably, the BRZ features a flat-four “boxer” engine, contributing to a lower center of gravity and enhanced handling characteristics, a hallmark of rear wheel drive sports cars.
Further enhancing its sporty nature, the BRZ comes standard with a sport-tuned suspension. Standard features also include LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 6.2-inch touchscreen, and an eight-speaker audio system, all within its starting price of $25,795. The Subaru BRZ and its Toyota sibling, the 86, offer a fantastic entry point into the world of rear wheel drive sports car ownership without a premium price tag.
2019 Ford Mustang
The iconic Ford Mustang, in its 2019 iteration, continues to be a strong contender in the affordable rear wheel drive car segment. Priced at $26,120, the Mustang offers more power than the Chevrolet Camaro and a slightly lower price than the Dodge Challenger. The base Mustang is equipped with a potent 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine, delivering an impressive 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, outperforming even the base engine of the Dodge Challenger.
Despite being considered an affordable rear wheel drive car, the 2019 Mustang is well-equipped. Standard features include distinctive LED headlights, LED signature lighting, and the Mustang’s signature sequential LED taillights. To ensure drivers can fully utilize the car’s power, Ford includes a standard six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, making the Mustang a compelling package of performance and value.
2019 Toyota 86
As mentioned earlier, the 2019 Toyota 86 is closely related to the Subaru BRZ, sharing its platform and many key components. Starting at $26,455, the Toyota 86 offers the same 205-horsepower engine and engaging six-speed manual transmission as the BRZ, wrapped in an equally stylish sports car design. This makes it another excellent affordable rear wheel drive car option.
Inside, the 86 features standard sport seats for both driver and passenger, enhancing the sporty feel. Like the BRZ, it also comes with a sport-tuned suspension for sharp handling. Enthusiasts will appreciate the standard stability control system with a dedicated “Track” mode for more spirited driving. For everyday usability, the Toyota 86 includes standard LED headlights, a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, blending performance with daily driving practicality.
2019 Dodge Challenger
While slightly more expensive than the Camaro and Mustang, the 2019 Dodge Challenger still qualifies as an affordable rear wheel drive car and offers its own unique strengths. With a starting MSRP of $27,295, the Challenger boasts a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 305 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, giving it a horsepower advantage over the base Camaro.
The Challenger also shines in terms of standard infotainment features. Dodge includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay as standard, features not found on the base Mustang. Like many affordable rear wheel drive cars, the Challenger offers an available six-speed manual transmission for driver engagement, although not with the base V6 engine. LED accent lights and daytime running lights are also standard, adding to its visual appeal.
2019 Dodge Charger
Dodge stands out by offering two models on our list of affordable rear wheel drive cars. The 2019 Dodge Charger, the four-door muscle car from Dodge, also makes the cut with an MSRP of $28,995. The Charger delivers on the performance front with a 292-horsepower V6 engine and a dual-exhaust system, hinting at its rear wheel drive nature.
What sets the Charger apart in this group is its family-friendly practicality. As a full-size sedan, the Charger offers generous rear legroom and a substantial trunk, making it a more versatile choice than many other sporty rear wheel drive cars. For those needing passenger and cargo space without sacrificing the fun of rear wheel drive, the Dodge Charger presents a compelling option.
2019 Nissan 370Z
The 2019 Nissan 370Z represents a more traditional approach to affordable rear wheel drive sports cars. While it hadn’t seen major updates in recent years, this meant the 370Z remained true to the spirit of classic Z cars, focusing on performance. Its standard 3.7-liter V6 engine is larger than many competitors’ base engines and delivers a robust 332 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, the most horsepower on this list. Naturally, a six-speed manual transmission is standard, allowing drivers to fully exploit this power.
The Nissan 370Z’s distinctive exterior design, featuring standard high-intensity discharge headlamps and LED daytime running lights, adds to its appeal. Starting at $29,990, the 2019 Nissan 370Z offers a raw and engaging rear wheel drive sports car experience for those who prioritize performance and a classic sports car feel.
2019 Kia Stinger
Rounding out our list of affordable rear wheel drive cars is the relatively new and highly praised 2019 Kia Stinger. Making its debut just the previous year, the Stinger quickly gained recognition for its blend of performance, style, and value.
The 2019 Kia Stinger starts at $32,900 and comes equipped with a 255-horsepower turbocharged engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a wealth of features. Standard equipment includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surprisingly upscale interior. Premium touches like leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel further enhance the Stinger’s value proposition. Adding to its practicality, the Stinger’s liftback design provides generous cargo space, making it a versatile and affordable rear wheel drive option.
