A few decades ago, 300 horsepower used to be a figure you'd boast about to your friends. But as engines have gotten more efficient, so have the standards changed.
Today, fast cars are expected to have massive horsepower numbers. And some car companies are using this logic to justify their cars' ridiculous price tags. Following this logic, the market has come to expect that, the higher the horsepower, the faster and the more expensive the car.
In reality, car owners do not need all the horses and will never get to use them outside of the race track. This is why entry-level sports cars with smaller turbocharged engines remain the most sensible choice for everyday fun. And the ideal figure all manufacturers seem to agree for them is right about 300 hp.
These sedans, coupes, or hatchbacks all come with turbocharged engines, great transmissions, powerful braking systems, and so on, and they all come with incredible performance courtesy of their sub-300 hp power plants.
10 2021 Hyundai Veloster N (0-60 In 5.5 Seconds)
With a 2-liter turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder engine that delivers 275 hp and 260 lb.-ft of torque, the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N made it to the top 10. This 2021 three-door hatchback is powerful and comes with a lot of upgrades with cool features than the 2020 model - it's an improved version of the 2020 model.
The Veloster comes with superfast shifting 8-speed automatic transmission which enhances its speed and acceleration. In terms of performance, the Veloster N is an extremely aggressive car. With just a trim on offer, the car dashes from 0-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. With a top speed of 139 mph, the car sells from $32,250 - $33,250.
9 2021 Volvo S60 (0-60 In 5.3 Seconds)
Moving from rest to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, the 2021 Volvo S60 roars into this position. This small luxury sedan comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that emits 250 hp and 258 lb.-ft of torque. The S60 features a front-wheel-drive drivetrain and 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
The S60 also comes with trims with horsepower higher than 300 which disqualifies them from being here. However, the 2.0-liter trim comes with a top speed of 112 mph, this gives it the performance luxury attitude. It is available for sales from $36,050 and above.
8 2021 Audi TT (0-60 In 5.2 Seconds)
With a top speed of 155mph, the 2021 Audi TT can zoom from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that churns out 228 hp and 258 lb.-ft of torque. The Audi TT powertrain is a Quattro AWD that works with its 7-speed transmission.
Though it does not have enough horses like the Subaru WRX, it possesses the power to run from 0-60 mph in a time similar to the WRX's. The Audi coupe features an exemplary driving experience. One little demerit of this compact sports car is that it does not come with the option of manual. This agile coupe’s base trim is available for purchase from $49,800.
7 2021 BMW 2 Series (0-60 In 5.2 Seconds)
The Sports coupe called the 2021 BMW 2 Series comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that befits a sports car. The engine spurts out 248 hp and 258 lb.-ft of torque to enhance its performance. The 2021 BMW 2 Series edged out competitors like the Hyundai Elantra N, to stand as one of the best sports cars today. Though the two trims of the 2 Series are powered by the same engine, their 0-60 performance vary by 0.1 seconds.
The xDrive trim takes off from rest to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds whereas the other trim does it in 5.3 seconds. With a maximum speed of 144 mph, the 2 Series performs exceedingly well despite its small size. It comes off the production line as a powerful and responsive car. With a price tag starting from $35,900 and up to $37,900, the 2 Series is purchasable.
6 2021 Subaru WRX (0-60 In 5.2 Seconds)
With a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer-4 engine that generates 268hp and 258 lb.-ft of torque, the WRX is performance on wheels. It roars sharply when the throttle is pushed thanks to its potent powerhouse. Just like the Hyundai Sonata N-Line, the WRX sprints from rest to 60 in 5.2 seconds and with a top speed of 150mph.
Despite the power this sedan packed under its hood, it can be brought to rest effortlessly even at top speed thanks to its superb braking system. The Limited trim of the WRX spurts out 285 hp with a price tag that starts from $33,020. Looking for insane handling dynamics and acceleration? The WRX does that with less than 300 hp.
5 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line (0-60 In 5.2 Seconds)
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line features a new turbocharged 2.5-liters Inline-4 engine that spurts 290 hp and 310 lb.-ft of torque. With fantastic performance brakes, the N-Line ousts competitors like the Toyota Camry TRD or the Subaru WRX. With an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, the N-Line has a sharp throttle and impressive shift response time.
Coming in three drive modes – Normal, Sport, and Sport+, the Sonata N-Line can sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds. With a top speed of 145 mph, this mid-size family sedan will make a jolly family car for those with performance on their minds. Without much ado, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line is available for purchase from $36,700.
4 2021 Toyota Camry XSE/XLE (0-60 In 5.1 Seconds)
The 2021 Toyota Camry XSE and XLE have similar engines and performance, hence both trims can take off from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. While the XSE trim comes with a 2.5-liter Inline-4 engine that produces 206hp and 186 lb.-ft of torque, the XLE comes with the same engine but generates 203hp and 184 lb.-ft of torque.
The Camry competes aggressively with all coupes and sedans earlier mentioned or even some above 300 hp not mentioned here. With the biggest braking hardware for a mid-size sedan, the Camry delivers secured and sharp braking performance. The 2021 Toyota Camry XSE is available with the sum of $30,420 and its XLE counterpart is available for $29,870.
3 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia (0-60 In 5.1 Seconds)
The 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that generates 280 hp and 306 lb.-ft of torque. Coming in three trims – Sprint, TI, and TI Sport which will surely impress drivers with exquisite performance. With its exceptional look, ultimate driving dynamics, and brilliant handling, the Giulia is a beautiful beast to own. With a massive 149 mph maximum speed, it jets from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds.
The aluminum engine of the Giulia and its 8-speed automatic transmission both contribute to its agility. As one of the most powerful sedans under 300 hp, the Giulia gives competitors like the Jaguar XE no chance. With prices ranging from $39,450 - $45,900, the car is available for those who like to own this Italian mid-size sedan.
2 2021 Toyota GR Supra 2.0 (0-60 In 5 Seconds)
The 2021 Toyota GR Supra is a sports car with a rich history. The Supra was made to compete with the likes of Audi TTs, Porsche 718 Cayman, and Chevrolet Camaro. With a punchy 2.0 liter Inline-4 engine that generates 255 hp and 295 lb.-ft of torque, the Supra has the heart of a racer! The Supra is a true sports car because GR means Gazoo Racing, hence the manufacturer infuses the blood of racing into it.
The power, packed under the hood of the GR is controlled by an exceptional advanced braking system. With a short wheelbase and low center of gravity, the car is extremely agile and fun to drive. This speed demon launches from 0-60 mph in just 5 seconds! The 2.0-liter engine trim happens to be the cheapest and least powerful of the Supra trims, yet it still delivers ultimate performance. The GR is up for grabs for $42,990.
1 2021 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT, 2LT, And 1LS (0-60 In 4.1 Seconds)
Either as a coupe or convertible, the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro comes with the same impressive performance. Packed with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, the Camaro blasts out 275 hp and 295 lb.-ft of torque. With such impressive figures, an ultra-impressive 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds is recorded!
The Camaro is graceful at top speed and even better slowing down. Braking this versatile car at any speed is quick and precise. With a performance better than many cars, the Camaro sits on the throne as the fastest car under 300 hp. This US-made car gave European manufacturers a hard time with top-notch performance. Well, the Camaro is available at a price ranging between $25,995 and $32,495.