The rate at which technology is advancing is quite fast. Cars have really grown in terms of power and speed. What used to be considered fast is referred to as moderate today. The fastest cars of two decades ago cannot sit in the same lane with the fastest cars of today. Except, of course, a select few.
Many drivers love speed, even though they don’t have a place to enjoy it. Unless you live next to a race track, chances are you'll get home every day with a speeding ticket. Either way, speed is good. The only question you'll get from a real car fanatic is, "how fast is your very fast?" what is the maximum speed you want to drive at? And of course, how much do you have to spend?
Real fast sports cars come at an extremely high cost. Only a true speed enthusiast can pay a six-figure price just for a car. And don't expect the prices to go down. Every new model or redesign comes at an extra cost.
And what about speed enthusiasts who can't afford a $2 million supercar? Is there an option for them to enjoy a super fast car with limited financial resources? Of course. The car market accommodates all levels of speed lovers. And one way of avoiding the shock of your life is by skipping all the new supercar showrooms and focusing on the used car market. It is one way of gaining access to fast bargains that will make you feel like a king of the road, and leave your bank account still smiling.
At Hot Cars, we care about speed lovers on a budget, and that's precisely why we have this list of 19 lightning fast cars that cost next to nothing.
19 Jaguar XK8 – 155mph - $6,500
The Jaguar XK8 is an elegant machine that was launched in 1996. It came in two options of a coupe and a convertible, as replacement of the Jaguar XJS. Under the hood sat a potent 4.0L v8 engine that produced a whopping 290 horsepower.
This was, however, only for one year as the supercharged Jaguar XK8 was introduced the following year (1997) with a more powerful motor that cranked out 370 horsepower.
This car can reach a maximum speed of 155miles per hour. It is an old performance car, and with less than $7,000, you can get yourself a well-maintained Jaguar XK8.
18 Porsche 944 Turbo – 162mph - $10,000
Porsche launched the 944 Turbo in 1983 with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that produced only 170 horsepower. It was a potent car for the time. The engine was later expanded to 3.0 liters, producing 211 horsepower. The further improvement brought the car to Porsche 944 Turbo S, and that's what we're talking about here. It had a 2.5L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produced 250 horsepower.
It’s the design that made it really special, however. The aerodynamic design, light weight, and updated transmission made it possible for the Porsche 944 Turbo S to accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds. It has a max speed of 162mph.
17 2003 BMW 540i – 155mph - $5,000
The legendary BMW M5 highly overshadowed the BMW E39 540i. It was originally (in 1995) powered by a 4.4L M62 v8 engine that produced 282hp and 434nM of torque. It was upgraded to produce 291hp and 461nM of torque in 1998. The 540i was offered in two options of a 5-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual transmission.
This car can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in just 6.1 seconds, and rise all the way to reach a top speed of 155mph.
Its design doesn't look like it can go this fast, but it's an excellent choice for super-fast car lovers.
16 Audi S4 B6 – 155mph - $10,000
The Audi S4 B6 is quite a special selection in the compact sedan class of performance cars. It features Audi’s special selection of potent engines and elegant styling. It also comes with the special feature of the most popular Quattro AWD system as standard. This is actually what makes it unique. It is the feature that set the Audi S4 B6 apart from its competitor cars, which only have a rear-wheel drive configuration.
Under the hood, this car packs a potent 4.2L v8 engine that cranks out 340 horsepower. It can hit 60mph in just 5 seconds of acceleration and comes with an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
15 2004 Infiniti G35 Coupe – 155mph - $7,000
The Infiniti G35 coupe is considered a more mature version of the Nissan 350Z that comes with an upgraded level of luxury. It was also said to be the best looking coupe in the 2003 to 2007 class. It was a two-door sedan that was based on the G35 platform.
It was and still is powered by a 3.5L v6 engine that gives out 280 horsepower.
The Infiniti G35 Coupe features sharp handling, high performance, and good driving dynamics. It has a top speed of 160mph, and 60mph is attained in only 6 seconds of acceleration. You can get a well-maintained version of this at less than $10k, and its maintenance cost is manageable.
14 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 – 155mph - $10,000
Can you imagine owning a Mercedes Benz S-class with a potent 6.0L v8 engine at $10,000? And not just that, this luxury sedan is also a high-speed car that goes all the way to 155mph. And this speed is electronically limited. Without the limiter, you go as fast as 190mph. Acceleration from 0-60mph takes only 5 seconds. We’re talking about the 2001 Mercedes Benz S600, the W220 model that ran from 1999 through to 2005. It was the most powerful as well as the largest production vehicle offered by Mercedes at that time.
A brand new S600 was priced at $100,000, just so you get a better idea of the kind of deal that's currently available.
13 Porsche Boxster – 160mph - $10,000
This one is almost entering the classic car category because of its age and power. Introduced in 1997, the Porsche Boxster features a 3.2L flat-six engine mounted at the center of the car right behind the seats.
The engine placing made sure that weight was evenly distributed, a factor that improved precision in steering and enhanced its handling. These qualities that are still present in the Boxster today.
Its potent engine produces a maximum of 260hp of power and can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour less than 7 seconds to attain a top speed of 160mph. It also comes with a front and a back trunk.
12 2010 Chrysler 300C SRT8 – 173mph - $10,000
The Chrysler 300C SRT8 is among the best looking boxy sedans in America that comes with a v8 engine and a chrome grille. It looks quite expensive, but you can get the 2010 model at just $10,000. That’s a good deal if you really are looking for a super-fast car under ten. It has a top speed of 173mph, and within 5 seconds the car accelerates from 0 to 60mph.
The Chrysler 300C SRT8, was, however, wiped out by the 2010 recession that left many performance cars gasping for breath. But with $10k, you can drive a super powerful SRT8 that comes with everything modern including its speed and class.
11 Corvette C5 – 175mph - $10,000
This is another almost free performance car. Where will you get a 175mph hour car at $10,000? During its time, the Chevrolet Corvette C5 was a very popular, and a favorite among sports car lovers all over the world.
It has a powerful 5.7L v8 engine that gives out 350 galloping horses.
Its transaxle system arrangement of its gearbox and rear suspension gives the car an even weight distribution, which improves its driving and sharp handling. Its aerodynamic body design, and lightweight, together with potent engine and sharp handling make it possible for this car to comfortably cruise along the roads at a top speed of 175mph.
10 Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo – 155mph - $5,250
The Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo is a dramatic wedge-shaped performance sedan that comes with a race type filler cap, and bubble-top headlights. It is a distinctive design done by Chris Bangle that comes in two options. The first one is a 16v coupe that is built with a 187hp engine and a top speed of 140 miles per hour. The second, which we highly recommend you go for, is a 20v version that has a 217hp engine and a desirable top speed of 155 miles per hour. With approximately $5,500 you can get yourself this 1996 Italian ride.
9 TVR 350i – 153mph - $6,500
Can we say that this is the dearest car on this list so far? Of course not, but with its power, performance and price range, the TVR 350i is one of the most desirable cars you can proudly drive. This wedge-shaped two-door coupe was initially powered by a v6 Ford engine but was later upgraded and fitted with a 3.5L v8 Rover's engine. The upgrade tremendously improved its performance, which still stands to date.
Though its engine is not that powerful, its speed is impressive, and hitting a top speed of 153mph, with 0-60mph acceleration in 6 seconds is a walk in the park.
8 BMW 8-Series 1990 – 155mph - $6,000
BMW has a lot to offer when it comes to lightning fast cars that are way too cheap. We can mention many of them, but we decided to look into this highly underrated 8-series sedan. This one was built in 1989 with engines ranging from 4.0L v8s to 5.4L v12s. Here we’re talking about the 1990 model. However, all of its models have a level top speed of 155mph. We cannot actually say one is better than the other. But if you happen to want a well-maintained BMW 840Ci from 1990, with only $6,000 you’ll have one in your garage.
7 Mercedes SL55 AMG – 200mph - $17,000
This one is a little bit more expensive than the rest on this list. With roughly $17,000, you can pick up one of these folding hardtop convertibles. This will have bought you an elegant looking machine that packs a potent 5.4L v8 engine that can produce a whopping 500 horsepower. That's pretty powerful.
It is also arguably more beautiful than the new Mercedes SL55 AMG model.
It comes with a top speed of 200mph, but it's electronically limited to 155mph. This was confirmed by the company itself, about the restriction. So now you understand why its priced way above the rest.
6 Mitsubishi 3000GT – 155mph - $6,500
The 1990s saw a lot of Japanese coupes in the market, but the Mitsubishi 3000GT was one of the fastest. A brand new 3000GT cost a whopping $55,000, but it was worth it. It was built with a 3.0L quad cam 24-v V6 engine with twin turbochargers and dual intercoolers.
The car received an engine upgrade in 1994, now producing 320hp of power from 300hp. It could accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.2 seconds, but its top speed was still 155mph. The top speed is electronically limited, which means you can drive much faster than 155mph if you just removed the speed limiter.
5 Nissan 300ZX Turbo – 153mph - $10,000
The Nissan 300ZX Turbo is a two-door performance Sedan that was available in the American market between 1990 and 1996.
It had a twin-turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder engine that produced a maximum power of 300hp, and 283 pound-feet of torque.
The car could, and still can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in under 6 seconds, and it can go all the way to attaining a top speed of 153 miles per hour. Which is actually electronically limited, it can go way beyond that.
It is a beautiful and luxurious car, and with only $10,000 you can get a well-maintained 1996 model.
4 Jaguar XJR – 155mph - $10,000
The common reason why car lovers walk into used car showrooms to buy an old Jaguar is because of its elegant looks. Now I want to give you another reason: look for a Jaguar that is fitted with the company’s supercharged v8, and you’ll have bought yourself a super powerful performance machine. Good news is, you’ll only pay $10,000, maybe less. The Jaguar XJR is the car we’re recommending.
Just like many of its competitors in its class of Germany executive sedans, the Jaguar XJR is electronically limited to 155mph. It is capable of going beyond that if you manage to remove the limiter. Just make sure that you have a few bucks left for maintenance.
3 Volvo V70 R – 155mph - $10,000
The Volvo V70 is an understated executive wagon built between 1996 and 2016. The V in V70 stands for versatile, that tells you that this is a versatile vehicle that can hit a maximum speed of 155mph.
The V70R comes with a super powerful 5-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower. It is built with a six-speed manual transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.
If you thought speed comes with loud roaring we hear from muscle cars, then you need to try the Volvo V70R. This one will overtake you every morning in your loud rumbling "supercar." And, just to inform you, the 155mph top speed is electronically restricted.
2 2004 Cadillac CTS-V – 170mph - $14,499
This is what GM came up with to counter BMW's M5, and it was close. It was built with spectacular interior quality, and great performance made possible by a potent LS6 400 horsepower v8 engine sitting under the hood. It has a top speed of 170mph, but it leaves room for expansion. With some long gearing and additional mechanical customization, the Cadillac CTS-V can hit the 200 miles per hour limit. Its acceleration, handling, and braking are superb.
And it’s not very expensive, with less than $15,000 you can acquire a well-maintained Cadillac CTS-V, 2004 model.
1 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton W12 – 201mph - $4,500
This premium class vehicle, as described by Volkswagen is a full-size luxury sedan introduced in the market in 2002. It shares the same production platform, VW Group D1, with Bentley Continental Flying Spur, and the Bentley Continental GTO.
It features a strong motor that produces 420hp and 406lb-ft of torque. Its five-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels of the w12 model.
It has a top speed of 170mph, but if you do away with the electronic limiter, you get a top speed of 201mph. It comes with an exclusive rear seat package that includes independent climate control panel for each passenger.
$4,500 and you have one of this special super-fast car.
Sources: autowise.com, motor-junkie.com, carthrottle.com, classics.honestjohn.co.uk