Western car brands focused on building the fastest and most powerful cars, while Japanese brands aimed to make sports cars that were stylish and affordable for everyday drivers. Since the ’90s, Japan has produced some of the most popular driver’s cars, including sports cars and even supercars. Despite their striking looks, many of these Japanese sports cars remain surprisingly affordable compared to Western supercars, which often come with sky-high price tags and expensive maintenance.
The cars listed here come from various Japanese brands and include everything from the world’s first daily driver supercar to smaller, quirky Kei cars.
1. Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 (Series 1)
Average Used Value: $19,562
Specs:
- Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual (1993)
- Power: 300 hp
- Torque: 308 lb-ft
The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 from the ’90s is one of Japan’s most underrated performance cars. With its sleek design and cool pop-up headlights, it was ahead of its time in terms of technology, featuring active aerodynamics and an all-wheel-drive system inspired by Mitsubishi’s rally success. With a 300-hp engine, this car offers the look of a supercar for less than $20,000.
2. Autozam AZ-1
Average Used Value: $21,356
This tiny, quirky Kei car offers unique looks and a fun driving experience. While it’s not as fast as some of the other cars on this list, its charm and affordability make it a standout in the world of affordable Japanese sports cars.
3. Nissan 300ZX/Fairlady Z (Z32)
Average Used Value: $14,804 – $28,998
Specs:
- Engine: 3.0-liter V6, 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
- Power: 222 hp (V6), 276-300 hp (twin-turbocharged V6)
- Torque: 283 lb-ft (V6), 307 lb-ft (twin-turbocharged V6)
The Nissan 300ZX (or Fairlady Z in Japan) is an iconic JDM car. It was available in both naturally aspirated and twin-turbocharged versions, with the latter providing 276 to 300 hp. While not as cheap as it once was, the 300ZX is still a great value compared to European rivals, with the twin-turbo models offering strong performance for around $29,000.
4. Toyota GR Supra (A90/91)
Average Used Value: $52,927
Specs:
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6
- Transmission: 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic
- Power: 255 hp (inline-4), 335-382 hp (inline-6)
- Torque: 295 lb-ft (inline-4), 365-368 lb-ft (inline-6)
The Toyota GR Supra (A90) is a modern sports car with bold looks and strong performance. While it shares components with the BMW Z4, it still stands out as a proper sports car with great handling and a powerful engine. A 3.0-liter version can be found for just under $53,000, offering a supercar look for a fraction of the price.
5. Mazda RX-7 (FD)
Average Used Value: $33,303 – $55,871
Specs:
- Engine: 1.3-liter twin-turbocharged twin-rotor
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
- Power: 252-276 hp
- Torque: 217-231 lb-ft
The Mazda RX-7 (FD) is known for its lightweight, agile handling and distinctive rotary engine. It was one of the best-looking cars of its era and is highly prized by JDM enthusiasts. While it’s a bit pricier, starting at around $33,000, it’s still a more affordable option compared to many other sports cars from the same period.
6. Acura NSX (NA1)
Average Used Value: $73,567 – $82,476
Specs:
- Engine: 3.0-liter V6
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
- Power: 252 hp (automatic), 270 hp (manual)
- Torque: 210 lb-ft
The Acura NSX is often regarded as one of the first modern supercars. With its legendary handling and smooth, naturally aspirated V6, it was a performance benchmark for its time. Even though it’s more expensive than some of the other cars on this list, the NSX remains a more affordable supercar compared to newer models.
7. Lexus LC500
Average Used Value: $93,640
Specs:
- Engine: 5.0-liter V8
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Power: 471 hp
- Torque: 398 lb-ft
The Lexus LC500 is a luxury grand tourer with stunning looks and a powerful V8 engine. It’s the most expensive car on this list, but still more affordable than many modern supercars. It offers excellent performance and a striking design for around $94,000, making it a great value for a car of its caliber.
8. Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32)
Average Used Value: $32,000
Specs
Engine: 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Power: 280 hp
Torque: 353 lb-ft
The Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32), known as the “Godzilla,” is a legend in the world of Japanese sports cars. This car was ahead of its time in terms of performance, featuring a 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, which made it a formidable force on the track. Its aggressive design and innovative technology (like the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system) made it a favorite among JDM enthusiasts. Despite its popularity, it’s still relatively affordable for a true icon, with prices averaging around $32,000. That makes it a great option for those wanting a piece of Japanese automotive history without breaking the bank.
1. Subaru WRX STI (2004-2007)
Average Used Value: $21,000
Specs
Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Power: 300 hp
Torque: 290 lb-ft
The Subaru WRX STI is a performance icon that’s loved by car enthusiasts for its rally-inspired design and capabilities. The 2004-2007 models of the WRX STI, in particular, stand out as some of the best in terms of handling and driving excitement. With a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, it delivers 300 horsepower and has a distinctive rally car appearance, with wide fenders and a large rear wing. This car is not only fast but also offers incredible all-wheel-drive traction, making it perfect for performance driving in all conditions. At an average used value of $21,000, it’s a steal for a car with such strong performance pedigree.
FAQs:
1. What makes Japanese sports cars stand out from Western ones?
Japanese sports cars tend to focus more on affordability, reliability, and stylish designs, while Western sports cars often prioritize power and performance at a higher price point.
2. Are these cars expensive to maintain?
While these cars are generally more affordable than Western supercars, maintenance costs can vary depending on the model and its age. Some, like the Acura NSX and Mazda RX-7, may require more specialized care.
3. Can I find a good deal on a Japanese sports car?
Yes, many of these cars can be found for reasonable prices on the used market. Models like the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 and Nissan 300ZX offer great value for money compared to their Western counterparts.
4. Are these cars suitable for daily driving?
Some of these cars, like the Toyota GR Supra and Nissan 300ZX, can be practical enough for daily driving, while others, like the Mazda RX-7 and Autozam AZ-1, may be better suited for enthusiasts who are looking for a fun, occasional drive.