22 Slow Cars That Are Tons of Fun to Drive Fast

What could be more fun than absolutely wringing out a car, leaning on every last drop of performance and grip it can offer, without landing yourself in jail? This is the joy of driving a slow car fast, and these are our favorite vehicles to accomplish that job. Note: in order not to perpetuate a cliché, we didn't include the Mazda MX-5 Miata, which always seems to top this sort of list.

Despite only making a maximum of 158 horsepower in top-spec Si trim, a lightweight body and fantastic handling make any version of the CRX a joy to drive.

Most original Beetles make a horsepower number in the lower-two-digit range. But there's a reason so many people love them despite their lack of pace. They exude character and make any drive an event to remember. This one has working air conditioning, and you can own it today.

It might not look like much, but the Corolla XRS is actually a hoot. It has a detuned version of the 2ZZ inline-four engine found in the Lotus Elise, capable of revving over 8000 rpm. It might only make 170 horsepower, but you'll be smiling the entire time.

The S660, with its 64-hp turbocharged inline-four, isn't sold in America, and that's a shame. We loved driving it, despite its having less than half the horsepower of a base Civic here in the United States.

Though it may look like any other plain Japanese sedan, the IS300 is actually pretty cool underneath. It has a naturally aspirated 2JZ straight-six that, while not hugely powerful, provides a silky-smooth delivery. It sends power to the rear wheels via an optional five-speed manual transmission which is the perfect formula for fun. Here's one listed for $2950 on eBay.

Although the E30-generation M3 gets all the attention, pretty much every E30 in the range is fun to drive. That's especially true with the four-cylinder 318i base model. A lighter nose and less features meant less weight and a more tossable package. This 318is is for sale right now.

The naturally aspirated version of the Mazda 6 sedan can be had with a manual transmission. So while it's not the turbocharged six-speed Mazdaspeed 6 you've been wishing for, it's still a good time. This 2016 model is on eBay right now.

The Beat is a kei car that had to make a maximum of 64 horsepower to conform to Japanese regulations at the time. Although it doesn't sound like much, the engine, an inline three-cylinder with individual throttle bodies, could rev all the way past 9000 rpm.

Thankfully, Honda still offers the Accord with a manual transmission. As with any Honda shifter, it feels great to use and makes the base engine much more fun than you'd expect.

The base Civic hatchback makes do with a 1.5-liter turbo four pushing out 174 horsepower. That's a lot less than the Type R, but considering the hatch's excellent chassis balance and available manual transmission, we're sure it can make you smile around a corner.

No, the 230i doesn't have nearly as much power as its M240i or M2 siblings, but it's actually the best one of the three to drive. The light curb weight and lack of power mean you can go flat out almost everywhere and not burn a ton of fuel while doing it. This one has had just one owner, and it's for sale.

Despite enthusiasts' cries for more horsepower, Subaru and Toyota continue to offer the BRZ and 86 exclusively with a 205-hp naturally aspirated boxer four. Despite the car's lack of power, it's still a joy to toss around corners and take to the track. Here's one painted in black on eBay right now.

At 1973 pounds, Mitsubishi's Mirage is the lightest car for sale in the U.S.A. It also has just 74 horsepower. It has gotten flack for being so cheap that it cuts corners, but that's to be expected. In the right hands, it can be a ton of fun. This 2015 model is on eBay right now for $8000.

The Honda Fit is always a great choice. It has a great chassis and just enough power to be fun when you need to be, but it's not overpowering. Just make sure to get the manual. Here's one that you can own today.

How we wish we got the Seven 160 in the United States. It has a three-cylinder Suzuki engine with just 80 horsepower, which gets the lightweight Caterham to 60 mph in what seems like a leisurely 6.5 seconds . . . at least for a car that has a variant that can do it in 2.9.

The Volkswagen Golf has a fantastic chassis. Pair that with the base engine and the manual transmissionand you have a winner that's frugal, fun, and quick enough. This one's for sale on eBay, and you can own it.

The 328d is also available as a sedan, but spring for the wagon. It's all-wheel drive, and it has a mountain of torque and tons of room for all your stuff. It's great for your bad-weather fun time. This one's up for bidding now.

The 500 Twin-Air is another car we can't get in America, but the buzzy little two-cylinder engine has been lauded the world over. It just sounds like it'd be a fun little machine.

You can get an Impreza with a manual gearbox, meaning you have a flat-four engine (like a Porsche!), all-wheel drive, and gears you select yourself. And it's composed when you start going fast. Here's a sedan version for sale on eBay right now.

Chevy loses its Spark for 2023, as the model is being discontinued without any direct replacement. The Spark, which has been America's cheapest new car since 2020, is, however, a great value. Power comes from a tiny 98-hp inline-four, with a five-speed manual standard in its cheapest form. The Spark gets an EPA-estimated 38 mpg on the highway, and its nine-gallon fuel tank is cheap to refill. Unfortunately, the Spark lacks greatly in standard safety features. There's no forward-collision warning or automated emergency braking unless you pay extra. Cruise control is also extra.

• Base price: $14,595
• Fuel Economy EPA combined/city/highway: 33/29/38 mpg
• Warranty: 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain, 3-year/36,000-mile limited, and one complimentary maintenance visit for the first year

MORE SPARK SPECS

The little 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost in the Fiesta is a revelation. It feels like a mini straight-six out of a race car. Pair it with the manual gearbox, and you have a car that is a ton of fun at any speed. This one's listed for sale right now.

The Mazda 2 is the rare car that you can run to redline in nearly every gear and not be close to breaking a speed limit. The compliant chassis also means it's competent and fun in the corners. No wonder it's a base for Spec B racing. Here's one painted in a bright shade of green that you can own today.