Summer is most definitely here. The warm air, cool evening breeze and long trips beckon drivers to slap on their summer tires and aviators and hit the open road. As with most things in life, there is a hierarchy to summer vehicles. The reigning king of hot day driving is the roadster, a 2 seat drop-top icon that turns even the stiffest of necks as it cruises by. With that in mind, these mercury rising machines are often the price of a small condo. Sure, I could tell you about SL AMG’s, Grancabrio Sport’s and other heart attack inducing pursuits of perfection. Here at AK, we thought we’d share our favorite summer cruisers in a slightly more affordable range, so start up the grill, light the Citronella and grab yourself an ice cold Mojito, cause’ this is AK’s Top 5 Summer Roadsters (under $50,000).
Number 5: Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring
This pocket rocket has been around since 89’. The design concept was simple enough: create a compact front-mid engine, rear wheel, 2 seat sports car at an affordable price point. A tall order for such a small car, but Mazda has been delivering on this promise for almost 25 years.
The Upside: Its a true track day car. The 2.0L inline 4 engine, putting out 167 bhp, is plenty to move the Miata, whose curb weight is a little under 2500 lbs. Since fun behind the wheel is one of the biggest components of a great summer roadster, that combination of low weight and good power is pretty good math. The last number will make you smile the most, approximately $28,000 when decently equipped.
The Downside: It’s not the pretties car in the world, in fact I would wager it’s even close to being the most attractive car on this list. The interior seems pretty bare as well, but as the old adage goes you get what you pay for. You could tell people that you are a purist who is not looking for distractions from the driving experience. We won’t spill your secret.
Number 4: Triumph TR6
Fair play to the British ‘cuz we wouldn’t be barbecuing today without them. This early 70’s British standard hasn’t been in production for a few decades now, but bugger if you don’t see them everywhere still, even here in the states.
The Upside: Quintessentially English design and engineering that harkens back to motoring down back roads with leather driving gloves gripped on a wooden wheel give the TR6 heaps of charm. the 2.5L inline six engine was capable of 150hp, depending on configuration. The best part is their quite available still. Depending on the condition, A TR6 could be yours for as much as $45,000 to as little as 11K if you know where to look.
The Downside: Old, body-on-frame engineering is quirky, but it’s still a drag. Buying and maintaining a car of this age will be an ongoing project, and finding the right one with the right engine means you’re more than likely to end up with an underpowered runabout than a Coventry club racer.
Number 3: Nissan 370z Touring w/ Sports Package
This roadster comes pretty close to our price ceiling, coming in at about $48,000 fully loaded, but there is an impressive bang for the buck. The “Z” line has always been a strong part of Nissan’s heritage. This latest incarnation is no different. With all the buzz around the GT-R, this vehicle benefits from many of the performance advancements.
The Upside: 350 bhp and 270 lbs produced from a very well tuned 3.7 DOHC V6. Around a track it is hard to find many roadster, even those of a high price tag, that hug the curves like this one. With almost perfect 50/50 weight distribution and a well constructed stance, you’ll be actively searching for a mountain road to put to the test. The 6-speed manual transmission comes standard on this trim with the “SynchroRev Match” which allows even the most ham-fisted driver to shift like a professional.
The Downside: While it is an aggressive looking vehicle. Some would argue that it looks like it was designed out of the fantasy of a 13 year old Japanese school boy who dreams of becoming a drift racer. The visibility is not great with the top up and the exhaust note has been described by many as a crying plea to let off the gas. The Sports Package does have an added sense of performance but stiffens the ride to a point where driving for long distances no longer seems as appealing as it once did.
Number 2: Lexus IS350 C RWD
I know that we have covered this car before. In fact, I believe I vehemently bashed this vehicle in the comments section, when I was still only an AK bystander. What can I say? It’s won me over. It looks good, sounds great, well trimmed and makes you excited for the next excuse to make a quick run out to the store for ice cream and lemonade.
The Upside: This generation was a full on re imagining of the IS line. Unlike its predecessor, this incarnation seems to have found its refinement. 306 bhp delivered from an all aluminum V6 mean it can keep the wind blowing in your face even on the most humid of days. That much power means a 5.8 sec 0-60, 41.1 sec quarter mile and a mind blowing top speed of 141 mph, that means you better be awake before you step behind the wheel. Even with all that performance, it is incredibly comfortable to be and ride in. The suspension is stiff enough to perform and forgiving enough to allow for less than track ready road conditions. The interior build quality is superb, mixing supple leathers with dark wood trims for a flawless finish. Throw in a retractable hard top and you’ve got a joyous experience from beginning to end.
The Downside: The rear end is where much of this vehicles downsides lie. Most of them are a product of its great functionality, but still a flaw is a flaw. Its back end seems oddly bulbous not to mention, due to stance, calls quite a bit of attention to it. It needs this huge rear end (ha.) to stow away its three piece hardtop. Despite the sizable posterior, with the top down, it allows for 2.5 cubic feet of storage space. If you need to carry more than a golf bag, you might be in trouble.
Number 1: BMW 135i Convertible
Sitting atop this lofty list of summer motoring majesty is the tiny beast from Bavaria. This perfect storm of size, power and drivability has earn it the top spot on our countdown. With standout BMW styling and the attention to detail you always get from the Germans, this is the perfect summer roadster. Whether your plan is to shoot out east to The Hamptons for the weekend or more like drive up the coast for a Bay Area getaway, this the car you want to do it in.
The Upside: Let’s start with the power plant. A turbocharged, fuel injected 300 bhp DOHC inline 6. Coupled with a traditional 6 speed manual transmission and you’ve got a true monster. While the power may seem like a bat out of hell, the handling seems more like a hot knife through butter. The small frame, low center of gravity and near perfect weight distribution means you can carve through that beach traffic. Now the styling is a classic mix BMW’s usual understated yet bold European styling and a slightly less usual youthful shape that draws looks as you speed by. The interior is covered in leather and wood trim and the infotainment system is BMW’s usual well designed easy to use touchscreen.
The Downside: I will start by saying that these downsides took quite some time to see and as you keep driving, these downsides usually stay with the traffic in your rear view. First, it is a rag-top, at this time there is no hardtop convertible version available. This seems like a reasonable choice as the car is quite a bit shorter than the previously smallest BMW, the 3 series. The second small issue is the gas economy. It’s not unusually low for the model type and isn’t that big of an issue, but is worthy of mention.
Honorable Mention: The Late Honda S2000
Honda discontinued this legendary affordable roadster after 2009. It was the the bar to beat in this little arena. Rear wheel, mid engine powerhouse that handled like a scared squirrel with a mouth full of nuts. I cant say where it would have landed in todays match up, but I can guarantee it would have made it.
That about does it. By now you should be ready to hop off the porch and sprint for the garage. Time to hit the open road. Summer is calling.
Words By – Hari Mani
Lexus Photo by – Soraya Navia