This Cheap Used Convertible Sports Car Can Rocket to 60 Mph In Under 7 Seconds
The typical benchmark for a sports car to be considered “quick” is if it can get up to 60 mph from a standstill in under five seconds. We’ll admit that’s definitely quick, but it’s also unnecessary. In reality, most drivers would find cars that can get up to freeway speeds faster than a Toyota Prius (10 seconds) quick.
Also, not everyone needs a Chevy Corvette or Nissan GT-R to feel sporty or look cool. In that case, here is a cheap, used convertible sports car that can get up to 60 mph in under seven seconds. It’s a respectable time and would likely be appreciated by most drivers that aren’t enthusiasts.
If you don’t mind waiting for a second, the 2006 Nissan 350Z Roadster has what you need
For drivers that don’t care about the highly coveted “0-60 mph in under five seconds” mark, the 2006 Nissan 370Z will suit them well. We picked the roadster version with the convertible top since warmer days are here, and it’s a great time to soak up the sun. For the unaware, the Nissan 350Z has long been considered a “baby GT-R” due to its powerful V6 engine and sporty looks.
We still think that’s a bit of a tall order, considering the Nissan GT-R is an all-out supercar, but that doesn’t take away from the 350Z. Under its hood is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 285 hp and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. That’s enough power to scoot the 350Z up to 60 mph in only six seconds. No, it’s not five seconds, but we think that most drivers can wait a second.
It’s not just about straight-line fun, though. Nissan beefed up the 350Z roadster’s chassis so it can handle the twisty fun without getting bent out of shape. Of course, if drivers would rather have a fixed roof, there is a coupe version available.
Regarding pricing, a nationwide search on CarGurus reveals that many 350Zs are priced between $8,000 and $15,000. The more expensive examples are in excellent condition with fewer miles on the odometer.
For a little more speed, a 2006 Porsche Cayman could do the trick
If six seconds isn’t quick enough for some drivers, an older Porsche Cayman could work. The 2006 model year was when it debuted, but it’s not a slouch by today’s standards. The base model packed a water-cooled 2.7-liter flat-six engine behind the rear seats that could be connected to a manual or automatic transmission. With only 250 hp, the little sports coupe could get up to 60 mph in only 5.9 seconds.
Yes, we know that’s only slightly quicker than the 350Z. But when you’re measuring performance, every partial second counts. Nonetheless, the Porsche Cayman can get onto the freeway quickly, and many used models are selling for around $20,000.
The Pontiac GTO offers a lot more muscle
Lastly, if an old Porsche or Nissan still isn’t quick enough, a 2003 Pontiac GTO will be. The Australian-born coupe has a simple look to it, and we’ll admit that most drivers may not think about a Pontiac, but it’s worth a look. The GTO was powered by a large V8 engine that pumped out 300 hp and could get the car up to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.
If that’s the performance mark that you’re looking for, the unconventional Pontiac GTO can get there. It’s also relatively affordable, as many used models are selling for around $20,000.
Otherwise, if the Pontiac and Porsche are out of your budget, the Nissan 305Z will do – provided you don’t mind waiting another second to get up to speed.
