2024 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

The BMW M2 delivers more performance for less money than the Porsche 718 Cayman. The M2 is equipped with a sweet turbocharged six-cylinder engine feeding power to the rear wheels through a proper six-speed manual gearbox, and it's mightier than all but the Cayman GT4 RS. Plus, it has a back seat and a proper trunk. Granted, the BMW's Mondrianesque design isn't to everyone's preference, but the Porsche's now familiar styling themes are comparatively dull.

Lacking only a traditional luxury badge, the Chevy Corvette is a legitimate performance bargain. The mid-engine sports car boasts superior power and performance for the price, and you can get a Vette in Z06 and electrified E-Ray specification. However, the Corvette feels big and wide when you might prefer small and nimble, and the Porsche comes across as a more serious sports car. Learn what it's like to live with a Corvette by reading the Edmunds long-term road test of the Stingray model.

We understand the allure of the Porsche 911. The classic design. The meticulous engineering. The cachet at the valet stand. But for less than you would spend on a base 911 Carrera coupe without any options, you could get a nearly as fast 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and leave yourself with 20 grand to blow on upgrades. But when you're spending this kind of money on a toy, you ought to get what you really want, not the runner-up.