There's an American expression regarding getting the most bang for your buck. This phrase perfectly describes the idea of getting a powerful car for as little money as possible. While you can find a new car in this category, depreciation makes it even more possible in the market of used vehicles. You can even find your favorite performance car for a fraction of its original price.
Cheap fast cars are what we are here for today, and we have found models that can still be bought and enjoyed. Since we've mentioned old phrases here, we also know that "speed costs money".
Nowadays, 400 hp is a starting point for speed-freaks, and a base Mustang model can cost over $40,000. 300 hp in the car can still be quite entertaining, and it will not be a huge chunk of change. Here are the most affordable ways to get 300 horsepower.
14 Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG
The list of affordable cars won't be complete without a V8, and the Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG is one of the best in the category. This car features a 5,439cc engine that delivers 342 hp and 375 lb.ft. of torque. It's a high-performance vehicle with a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds.
13 Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z is a retro car for adults. With a 3.5L V6 engine sending power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission, this one can sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and deliver a top speed of 155 mph. It packs 300 hp and sells for under $10,000.
12 Volvo V70 R
With 300 hp, the 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine was the most powerful unit developed by Volvo in 2004. It launches the V70 R to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 155 mph. It's also an all-wheel-drive model.
11 Chevrolet Corvette C5
In 2020, the Chevrolet Corvette C5 is the ultimate performance bargain. Thanks to the 350-hp V8 engine, the car can easily hit 175 mph. The most desirable performance C5 comes with the Z16 package and includes a carbon-fiber hood. Used Chevrolet Corvette C5s can cost 10 grand or even less.
10 Jaguar XJR
In the past, the mighty and furious 390 hp Jaguar XJR would have cost you over $65K. Nowadays, you can find it for less than $10K. Its 4-door saloon is powered by a 4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that does 0-62 mph in 5 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph.
9 BMW 540i
The BMW 540i is a rear-wheel-drive car with a turbocharged 3.0-liter engine rated at 335 hp. If you're willing to pay a bit more, you can get a 4.4-liter V8 delivering 456 hp. The long wheelbase pays off in spacious legroom and offers a stable ride. It's one of the roomiest cars in the list.
8 Chrysler 300C SRT8
The Chrysler 300C SRT8 was the answer to the Mercedes E63 AMG. It's got a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine with 470 hp and a fuel-saving mode. The latter lets the car cruise using 4 cylinders, making it 21% less thirsty than in other modes. Behind the big seven-spoke alloy wheels are huge ventilated brake discs.
7 Mercedes-Benz S600
The Mercedes-Benz S600 has a 6.0L, twin-turbo V12 engine that delivers 523 hp and 612 lb.ft. of torque. It's matched to a 7-speed automatic transmission. The car can hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. We can't say that a used S600 is cheap to maintain, but it is ridiculously powerful.
6 Vauxhall Monaro
The Vauxhall Monaro is like a more affordable version of the BMW M3. Its 5.7L V8 engine comes in 3 variations, from 328 hp to 381 hp. Then there is a 6.0 V8 VXR that delivers 397 hp and gets to a top speed of 170 mph. Whichever Monaro you prefer, it won't be slow.
5 Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO offers 340 hp and 380 lb.ft. of torque. Thanks to its performance setup, it can hit 160 mph. On the street, this is a luxury car that's suitable for everyday driving. You should let the engine work its magic, which has been the point of the GTO since its introduction.
4 Porsche Boxster S
The Porsche Boxster S comes with a turbo-four engine developed by the brand. You can choose between 2 versions: the base 2.0-liter with 300 hp and the S variant with a 2.5-liter unit with 350 hp. Both options come with a 6-speed manual. The 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung manumatic transmission is available.
3 Nissan 370Z
The rear-drive Nissan 370Z appeals to retro-lovers who would appreciate a modern driving experience. The base model has a 3.7L V6 engine that offers 332 hp, while the NISMO version delivers 350 hp and 276 lb.ft. of torque. If you want an affordable car that turns heads, this is a great choice.
2 2015 Ford Mustang
From the moment it debuted in 1965, the Mustang has offered great performance specs. Refreshed in 2015, the car gives you 2 engine choices: a base 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost with 310 hp and a 5.0L V8 with 435 hp. This is a great car with both V8 and turbocharged options.
1 Honda Civic Type R
If you love affordable hatchbacks, you'll be drawn to the Honda Civic Type R. Performance from the 320 hp 2.0L engine is amazing, with an astonishing gearbox to go with it. The chassis offers excellent cornering agility and grip levels. Inside, you can find a good infotainment system, even though it's a bit dated.