A limited-slip differential (LSD) is a crucial component for maximizing traction during cornering and acceleration. For the unfamiliar, a limited-slip differential is positioned between the axle shafts and works to ensure that if one wheel loses traction, the power will be sent to the other, helping the vehicle maintain forward momentum. Automakers often equip performance-oriented cars with LSDs to enhance their traction. It's especially important in high-horsepower cars, like sports sedans and coupes.However, these cars are typically cars designed for the track, but refined enough for daily driving. These differentials aren't exclusive to performance cars, as they are also used in luxury cars. Like Acura and its Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system, which incorporates LSD functionality to improve handling and stability. But you don't have to spend luxury-car money to benefit from an LSD. We have compiled a list of affordable cars equipped with an LSD from the factory that will give you enhanced performance without the premium price tag.To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds. 2017 Nissan Juke Nismo Average Used Price: $13,544 The weird-looking Nissan Juke has been out of the market for a while now, but we still remember the tuned-up Juke Nismo, which featured some race-ready additions. The Nismo version was equipped with the same 188-horsepower engine that the standard one had, but with the addition of a ground effects kit, a lowered suspension, and sport seats.2013 Nissan Juke Nismo - DrivenThe higher-spec Juke Nismo RS was equipped with a 215-horsepower engine and came with additional chassis mods and a unique front fascia. Both platforms offered either a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential that drove the front wheels or a CVT with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive setup. Of course, the Juke Nismo was fun to drive in either configuration, but far better with the stick shift. 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata Starting Price: $29,530 The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a staple in the sports car segment, thanks to its rear-drive architecture and lightweight chassis. This setup makes the car extremely fun to fling around corners and through any back road due to its tossable nature. Under its hood is a 181-horsepower, four-cylinder engine that could use more power, but is still enough to get the car moving quickly.2024 Mazda MX-5 Front Three Quarter TopSpeedOne of the key attributes to its driving enjoyment, though, is the MX-5's manual transmission, which is equipped with a limited-slip differential for more traction. Sure, 181 horsepower may not sound like a lot, but the Mazda Miata sure knows how to put it to use. 2025 Honda Civic Si Starting Price: $30,250 The 2025 Honda Civic Si is a sporty sedan that proves that you don't need a lot of power to have fun. The Civic Si is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that produces 200 horsepower, which isn't bad, but what's more important is how that power gets to the ground.2025 Honda Civic Si TopSpeed 1As such, the high-performance Civic utilizes a six-speed manual transmission that's equipped with a limited-slip differential to put all that power to the ground. What results is a fun-to-drive sedan that can be driven hard while remaining practical and notably fuel-efficient. 2025 Ford Mustang Starting Price: $31,920 Considering the Ford Mustang is a bona fide muscle car that's made for tire-shredding fun, it's no wonder that it comes equipped with a limited-slip differential. It will need it, considering the base Mustang produces over 300 horsepower and the GT model produces nearly 500.Mustang GT Exterior Left 3.25No matter which trim level you choose, you're in for an exciting drive. The Mustang efficiently delivers power to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. And despite its staggering performance, it remains surprisingly well-composed and is a good option for daily commuting as well. 2025 Volkswagen GTI Starting Price: $32,445 The 2025 Volkswagen GTI is a hot hatchback in the purest form. Its hatchback body is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces plenty of earth-pounding power. However, getting that power to the ground is a different story.2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI in RedFortunately, the GTI uses a dual-clutch transmission that not only shifts quickly but is also equipped with a limited-slip differential, helping it maintain traction across a variety of road conditions. The GTI is also very practical with its four doors and seating for five, making it as functional as it is fun to drive. 2025 Hyundai Elantra N Starting Price: $34,350 The Hyundai Elantra is an excellent choice if you're looking for a commuter-friendly sedan that gets good gas mileage and offers a comfortable ride. However, if you're looking for more driving engagement and something a little louder, the high-performance Elantra N is a better choice.2025 Hyundai Elantra N Front Three Quarter TopSpeedThis hopped-up version of the Elantra is fitted with a turbocharged engine that pushes nearly 300 horsepower to the front wheels with either a manual or dual-clutch transmission. As you can guess, it also uses a limited-slip transmission to keep itself stable in the turns, which is much-needed considering how much power it produces. 2025 Subaru BRZ Starting Price: $33,210 The 2025 Subaru BRZ may not have a lot of power, but it's a well-balanced sports coupe that knows how to use what it has. Under its hood is a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer engine that produces over 200 horsepower, which gets sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.2024 Subaru BRZ tS Exterior Shots (27)The power is well spent, thanks to a limited-slip differential that ensures it's distributed evenly between the drive wheels. Additionally, the BRZ weighs less than 3,000 pounds, which gives it a good power-to-weight ratio that ensures unlimited driving fun. 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Starting Price: $38,860 While the Toyota Corolla hatchback is a good commuter car to get around town in, the GR Corolla ups the ante for drivers who crave performance. One of the GR Corolla's main draws is its turbocharged three-cylinder engine that sends 300 horsepower to all four of its wheels. It's impressive, considering how small the engine is.2025 gray Toyota GR CorollaHowever, getting that power to the ground is a different story, so Toyota made sure to install a limited-slip differential between its axles for the best traction. Even better, the power distribution can be changed by the driver with the push of a button on the center console. That means the power can be split 50:50 front and rear, 60:40, or 30:70 for those who prefer to drift the car around corners. 2025 Acura Integra A-Spec Starting Price: $38,000 The Acura Integra is the brand's entry-level sedan, which offers buyers a nice dose of luxury and performance. However, if more performance is desired, the A-Spec trim level is the right choice. It has the same 200-horsepower turbocharged engine that the other trim levels have, but with the added plus of a six-speed manual transmission.2025 Acura Integra in white parked on roadAnd while 200 horsepower may not be much, it's still enough to spin the tires under hard acceleration and cornering. As such, Acura equipped the Integra with a limited-slip differential to help put the power down. As a result, the Integra A-Spec is not only luxurious, but it's very fun to drive. 2025 Nissan Z Starting Price: $42,970 The 2025 Nissan Z is an underrated sports car that really deserves a lot more attention. Why? Not just because it looks amazing and is stocked with all the equipment most drivers need, but also because it's powered by a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine that spits 400 horsepower out to the rear wheels.Front 3/4 shot of a 2024 Nissan ZThat engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, but the stick shift is obviously recommended. Not just because it's more fun to drive, but also because it efficiently gets all the power to the ground with its limited-slip differential. All things considered, the Nissan Z is a blast to drive and deserves a lot more attention.