While it's not always the case that you have to break the bank to get a good car, when high horsepower ratings are a priority, getting a great car at a pocket-friendly price becomes a Herculean task. The market is awash with cheap cars rated between 200 and 300 hp, but if you want to find something affordable with more than 400 hp, you really have to do your homework.
To make your search easier, we have put together a list of a variety of cars ranging from sports cars to luxury sedans that are still in decent condition and boast serious horsepower. Without further ado, here are 10 cars with more than 400 hp that you'll pay less than $30,000 for.
10 2005 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
In the late 60s, Mercedes stole the heart of the upper class with its 6.3-liter V8 300SEL engines that delivered over 280 hp. Fast-forward to the mid-2000s and Mercedes is still winning the horsepower war with its E55 AMG that puts out 469 hp at 6100 RPM and torque of 516 lb-ft at 2650-4500 RPM.
A used 2005 E55 AMG goes for about $2,055 - $4,610, with an impressive blend of comfort and safety features.
9 2007 Cadillac CTS-V
Even though the '07 Cadillac CTS-V is not at the top of its class in terms of driving experience, it delivers superb performance with its 6.0-liter V8 engine that generates 400 hp with a 6-speed manual transmission. This luxury sport sedan offers a spacious cabin and cargo area.
The 2007 CTS-V roughly costs $26,995 and features keyless entry and heated leather seats. Those looking for a ride for family or business trips can depend on the smooth and punchy performance of the CTS-V.
8 2007 Chevrolet Corvette C5
If you are big on high-performance sports cars with sexy styling and memorable driving experience, then the 2007 Chevrolet Corvette is a must-have. The 6.0-liter "LS2" V8 engine ushered Chevrolet into the 400 horsepower club. Reaching a quarter-mile in 12.8 seconds, this 2007 Corvette could be yours for about $27,899.
For a Chevrolet you can get at a bargain, the 2007 Corvette not only prioritizes performance, but also comfort. It features snazzy two-tone leather seating and intuitive controls.
7 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged
The Jaguar XF has the same structural elements as the S-Type, but when it comes to power the former has the edge. The supercharged 4.2-liter V8 engine, which is mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic pumps out 420 hp.
6 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8
If you want a muscle car with honest retro vibes with a beastly engine, the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is second to none. While the entry-level V8 engine of the Challenger produces only 375 hp, the SRT8's HEMI V8 makes up to 425 hp.
Even though competitors like the Shelby GT500 Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro are faster and have better maneuverability, the Challenger SRT8 is more affordable and bigger, with more cabin and cargo space. A 2010 Challenger SRT8 goes for about $27,995.
5 2010 Audi S6
Who wouldn't like a sedan with a Lamborghini engine? The 5.2-liter V10 engine under the hood of the 2010 Audi S6 comes from the Gallardo, but it is over a hundred horsepower short of the Lamborghini.
Notwithstanding, the 435 horses and 398 lb-ft torque from the Audi S6 are still impressive for a sedan that costs just about $18,495. According to a track test by Edmunds, the 2010 Audi S6 takes about 5.7 seconds to hit 60 mph.
4 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged
The 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged lives up to its reputation for plying rough terrains without a scratch. It is your go-to option for driving through mountain roads and fording swamps.
The 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged effortlessly performs its on-road and off-road functions, thanks to the supercharged direct-injection V8 engine that cranks out 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. You can get the 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged SUV at an average price of $14,525.
3 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS
The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS is an exotic muscle car with a refined ride and remarkable performance. With the Corvette's 6.2-liter V8 engine, the 2011 Camaro SS cranks out 426 hp and 420 lb-ft torque with the option of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The two-door coupe takes 5.0 seconds to complete 60 mph and although that may not be the fastest 400-hp car out there, it certainly offers an impressive amount of grip with its communicative steering to give you the best driving experience possible. A used 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS goes for an average price of $19,495.
2 2014 Ford Mustang GT
The Ford Mustang has evolved over the years from a two-seat roadster having a mid-mounted V4 engine to a 5.0-liter V8 engine as we now have in the Mustang GT. This V8 joined to a 6-speed automatic transmission makes 420 hp and 390 lb-ft.
The average price of a used 2014 Mustang GT is $24,995, and it is the fastest trim, hitting 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
1 2014 Infiniti Q70 5.6
Infiniti successfully designed a sports sedan that balances luxury and performance. The 2014 Q70 squeezes out 420 horses from its 5.6-liter V8 engine that's mated with a 7-speed automatic transmission.
While this $25,988 Infiniti Q70 is pretty fast, with the agile and responsive power plant that blasts it to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, the fuel efficiency is basically average. The EPA-estimated fuel economy of the Q70 5.6 is just 19 mpg combined.