Haven’t thought about i4. Interesting idea maybe.
If don’t want manual I think M240 a great choice!
https://www.crevierbmw.com/inventory/new-2024-bmw-2-series-m240i-awd-2d-coupe-3mw53cm04r8e17596/
Much more of a GT, but leases well which simplifies things. E-tron GT as above but better, currently leasing one for in your budget but that deal likely isn’t currently available. I’d keep an eye out though- best driver’s EV bar the Taycan currently.
Along the GT direction ~2017 AMG GT
So then narrow down by what you actually fit in
I’ve had a 981 Cayman, F-type, and Vantage, and fit in all of them just fine. Driven an M3 and fit in that too. Not much that I don’t fit in really.
None of those are Japanese or Italian… I’m 6’4” and I’ve got a long list I wish I fit even before a helmet. From an F40 to G3 RX7 to M Coupe (shoe)…
So vs the above which direction are you looking? The 981 is most “sports car” but it’s “slow”.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia was always considered a car with great driving qualities. It’s not that popular for whatever reason but I was impressed when I test drove it.
I’ve been looking around the 40-70k mark as well, I loved my Giulia back in 2018 i had it for under $500 with 0 DAS but can’t come close to that, dealer near me wanted over 800. I have a second car to use now so I’m looking at C6 grand sports, or may just bite the bullet and get a C8 or Dark Horse because I decided I want one last V8
Bad long term reliability - don’t buy - nvm thought you were talking about the CT’s-v
C6 Z06 freaking fun
If you liked the 981, buy a new Cayman or Boxster.
If I could get a payment around $800/mo I would!
i think i need glasses… is the max budget $1800 or $800 because im seeing z06, 981, m5 talk.
CLA45 would be a riot, that engine is pretty ridiculous! Might need a bit of haggling to squeeze it into $800 monthly budget though.
Missed you
With more consideration I’d be looking hard for an E-tron GT if I were you. Sub 1k a month should still be possible/ will come back.
You like the Cayman; my GT4 wasn’t my favorite but given your spec I can see why you liked it. I really liked and would recommend the Boxster Spyder (or a bunch of 911s) but they are not really in the price range, ditto the 991.1 GT3, etc that would be a real improvement in experience over what you’ve tried.
The Audi will be a very different experience, more GT than sports car but near best in class. New, warranty, charging included, etc. Downside: it’s the easiest car to speed in I’ve ever owned. I’ve had fast Audis, GT3s, M cars, etc, and done lots of autobahn miles. Only the newer 911 Turbos come close to disguising speed as well, but even those are not as easy/ planted/ quiet at low three figures. It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten a speeding ticket, but I suspect my streak is about to come to an end. If that’s a good or bad thing depends on perspective, but if you try an E-tron GT for a year I suspect you’ll have many more interesting options around $800 this time next year in a lower interest rate environment.
c6 z06 can be financed below 800
Til the valve issue says fuck your 800 a month 
I sold a stupid clean modded one for 37k with 19k on it no way I’m paying 45k+ now