When asked about cars with lightning-quick acceleration, most gearheads usually think of some fancy supercar or hypercar, like a Lamborghini Aventador or Bugatti Chiron. That's all good, but those cars cost a fortune, so they're out of reach for most people. However, there are still plenty of fast cars readily available for those of us who aren't millionaires.
Updated September 2023: If you're looking for an affordable performance car, you've come to the right place. We've updated this list with more accurate info and prices to show some of the awesome fast cars that you can buy on a budget.
Whether we're going for brand-new, slightly used, or classic cars, there are plenty of fast and affordable used car options. Whether we want American, European, or Japanese cars, when we know where to look and what to look for, it turns out we're actually spoiled for choice when it comes to affordable performance cars. So let's just dive right in and check out some of the cool and "cheap" options that are available right now and capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds.
We used top sites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds to find pricing information and AccelerationTimes and ZeroTo60Times to find performance information.
19 2003 Audi RS6
Starting Used Price: $13,500
After the huge success of the first Audi RS model – the iconic RS2 Avant super wagon – the German marque knew it had struck gold. Not too long after, Audi built yet another fantastic RS model – the RS6 C5. The 2003 Audi RS 6 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.4 seconds. This machine cranks out some 450 brake horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque from its 4.2-liter biturbo V8
The 2002 Audi RS 6 is electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph. Equipped with a 5-speed automatic manual transmission with Tiptronic manual shift mode, this car does a quarter-mile in 12.8 seconds. You can get your hands on one of these bad boys for as little as $14,000.
Specifications
Engine |
4.2-liter biturbo V8 |
Horsepower |
450 hp |
Torque |
415 lb-ft |
Layout |
Front-engine, all-wheel-drive |
0-60 MPH |
4.4 seconds |
Top Speed |
155 mph (limited) |
18 2006 BMW M3
Starting Used Price: $15,500
The M3 has been one of the most popular BMW models since the first E30 generation many years ago. The 3 Series exemplifies what sports sedans are supposed to be like, which is why gearheads are always eager to see how it performs. The E46 M3 is a great car to buy used if you're on a budget. Powered by a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter inline-6 engine that produces 333 horsepower, connected to either a 6-speed manual transmission or the SMG II, the 2006 BMW M3 can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds. It's possible to buy an E46 M3 for around $15,000, but they're getting more expensive as we speak.
This car has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph and is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 mph in 11.5 seconds.
Specifications
Engine |
3.2-liter inline-6 |
Horsepower |
333 hp |
Torque |
262 lb-ft |
Layout |
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
0-60 MPH |
4.8 seconds |
Top Speed |
155 mph (limited) |
17 2017 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack
Starting Used Price: $29,000
Although the modern Dodge Charger looks more like a sedan than the muscle car it's supposed to be, it still offers incredible performance, particularly high-performance versions like the R/T Scar Pack. Powered by a naturally aspirated 392 Hemi V8 engine that produces 485 horsepower, connected to an 8-speed auto transmission, the 2017 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. This relatively new car is on sale in the neighborhood of $30,000.
The Charger has a top speed of 180 miles per hour and can also accelerate from 0 to 100 mph in 10.2 seconds.
Specifications
Engine |
6.4-liter Hemi V8 |
Horsepower |
485 hp |
Torque |
475 lb-ft |
Layout |
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
0-60 MPH |
4.4 seconds |
Top Speed |
180 mph |
16 2003 BMW M5
Starting Used Price: $23,000
The 2003 BMW M5’s prices can go as low as $20,000 for a high mileage example in need of some work, but these cars are highly sought-after and regularly fetch in excess of $50,000. This car comes with a naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces 394 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. The BMW M5 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, 0 to 100 mph in 11.3 seconds, and has a top speed of 181 miles per hour without the limiter.
It manages 13 miles per gallon in the city and 21 miles per gallon on the highway. This 4-door rear-wheel drive compact executive car also features a 6-speed manual transmission and has a fuel capacity of 70 liters.
Specifications
Engine |
4.9-liter V8 |
Horsepower |
394 hp |
Torque |
368 lb-ft |
Layout |
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
0-60 MPH |
4.8 seconds |
Top Speed |
155 mph (limited) |
15 2001 Chevrolet Corvette C5
Starting Used Price: $15,000
The C5 Vette picked up right where the C4 had left off, offering looks and performance that similarly-priced European exotics could only dream of. The 2001 Chevrolet Corvette C5 can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds thanks to its naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces 350 brake horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque.
The 2001 Chevrolet Corvette has a top speed of 175 miles per hour. Equipped with a 6-speed automatic manual transmission, this car does a quarter mile in 13.0 seconds. It's possible to pick one up for less than $15,000, which makes the C5 Corvette a real bargain!
Specifications
Engine |
5.7-liter LS1 V8 |
Horsepower |
350 hp |
Torque |
360 lb-ft |
Layout |
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
0-60 MPH |
4.8 seconds |
Top Speed |
172 mph |
14 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8
Starting Used Price: $9,500
Another Dodge Charger version that's impossible to leave out of a list such as this is the 2006 SRT8. Powered by a naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces 425 horsepower, the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds, and you can get your hands on a nice example for under $10,000.
The 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 comes with a 5-speed automatic with AutoStick manual shift mode transmission. This car has a top speed of 174 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 100 miles per hour in 11.7 seconds.
Specifications
Engine |
6.1-liter V8 |
Horsepower |
425 hp |
Torque |
420 lb-ft |
Layout |
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
0-60 MPH |
4.8 seconds |
Top Speed |
174 mph |
13 2005 Jaguar S-Type R
Starting Used Price: $5,000
The Jaguar S-Type had a terrible reputation due to reliability issues, but it was a pretty good car nevertheless, particularly the high-performance 'R' version. The 2005 Jaguar S-Type R costs as little as $7,000. This car draws its power from a supercharged V8 engine that produces 390 horsepower and 399 pound-feet of torque. The S-Type R accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, 0 to 100 miles per hour in 11.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 177 miles per hour.
It manages 12.7 miles per gallon in the city and 25.5 miles per gallon on the highway. This 4-door rear-wheel drive executive car also features a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Specifications
Engine |
4.2-Liter V8 |
Horsepower |
390 hp |
Torque |
399 lb-ft |
Layout |
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
0-60 MPH |
4.9 seconds |
Top Speed |
177 mph |
12 2003 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
Starting Used Price: $7,500
The letters 'ÁMG' on any Mercedes-Benz model usually indicate that it's fast, and the 2003 E55 AMG is no different. The 2003 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG can accelerate from rest to 60 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds thanks to its turbocharged V8 engine. The 2003 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG has an electronically limited top speed of 155 miles per hour.
Equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, this car does a quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds. You can snag this car for as little as $7,500.
Specifications
Engine |
5.5-liter supercharged V8 |
Horsepower |
469 hp |
Torque |
516 lb-ft |
Layout |
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
0-60 MPH |
4.2 seconds |
Top Speed |
155 mph (limited) |
11 2011 Nissan 370Z
Starting Used Price: $15,000
Although the current Nissan Z generation is among the most affordable new sports cars on the market in 2023, it still costs more than $40,000. This is why budget-minded gearheads should get the 370Z instead. Powered by a naturally aspirated V6 engine that produces 323 horsepower, the 2011 Nissan 370Z can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds, and you can get this car for as low as $14,000.
The 2011 Nissan 370Z comes with a 6-speed manual transmission and has a top speed of 176 miles per hour. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 mph in 11.7 seconds.
Specifications
Engine |
3.7-liter V6 |
Horsepower |
332 hp |
Torque |
270 lb-ft |
Layout |
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
0-60 MPH |
4.8 seconds |
Top Speed |
176 mph |
10 2004 Mercedes-Benz S600
Starting Used Price: $5,500
If you are in the market for a car that combines sheer luxury, performance, and affordability, the W220 S-Class is a no-brainer. The 2004 Mercedes-Benz S600’s prices can go as low as $5,500 even though it comes with a twin-turbocharged V12 engine that produces 493 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque.
The S600 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, 0 to 100 miles per hour in 10.6 seconds, and has a top speed of 192 miles per hour without the limiter. This 4-door rear-wheel drive executive luxury sedan features a 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode transmission.
Specifications
Engine |
5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V12 |
Horsepower |
493 hp |
Torque |
590 lb-ft |
Layout |
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
0-60 MPH |
4.5 seconds |
Top Speed |
155 mph (limited) |
9 2006 Jaguar XJR
Starting Used Price: $6,500
The 2006 Jaguar XJR can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds. Powered by a supercharged V8 engine, this machine cranks out 40 brake horsepower and 399 pound-feet of torque.
The 2006 Jaguar XJR has a top speed of 174 miles per hour. Equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, this car does a quarter mile in 13.2 seconds. You can snag this car up for as little as $6,500.
Specifications
Engine |
4.2-liter supercharged V8 |
Horsepower |
400 hp |
Torque |
413 lb-ft |
Layout |
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
0-60 MPH |
4.7 seconds |
Top Speed |
174 mph |
8 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera
Starting Used Price: $22,000
It's rare to find a Porsche 911 on an 'áffordable cars' list, but the 996's underrated nature has made it one of the cheapest Porsches in the world. Powered by a naturally aspirated 3.4-liter flat-6 engine that produces 296 horsepower, the 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds. With prices on the rise, it's still possible to pick one up for $22,000.
The 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera comes with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed Tiptronic transmission. This car has a top speed of 174 miles per hour and manages 15 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway.
Specifications
Engine |
3.4-liter Flat-6 |
Horsepower |
296 hp |
Torque |
258 lb-ft |
Layout |
Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
0-60 MPH |
4.9 seconds |
Top Speed |
174 mph |
7 2005 Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG
Starting Used Price: $8,000
Another AMG-badged model on our list, the 2005 Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds thanks to its naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces 362 brake horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque.
The 2005 Mercedes Benz C55 AMG has a top speed of 175 miles per hour. Equipped with a 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode transmission, this car does a quarter mile in 13.3 seconds. You can snag this car up for as little as $8,000.
Specifications
Engine |
5.4-liter V8 |
Horsepower |
362 hp |
Torque |
376 lb-ft |
Layout |
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
0-60 MPH |
4.7 seconds |
Top Speed |
155 mph (limited) |
6 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Starting Used Price: $13,000
The Camaro's production run is sadly coming to an end in a few months, but instead of crying about it, why don't you buy one while prices are still low and watch as it gains value in the coming years? We recommend the 2010 model. Powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces over 400 horsepower, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds, and you can get this car for as low as $9,000.
The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro comes with a 6-speed automatic with TAPshift manual shift mode transmission. This car has a top speed of 174 miles per hour and can also accelerate from 0 to 100 miles per hour in 11.3 seconds.
Specifications
Engine |
6.2-liter V8 |
Horsepower |
426 hp |
Torque |
420 lb-ft |
Layout |
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
0-60 MPH |
4.7 seconds |
Top Speed |
155 mph (limited) |
5 2005 Chrysler 300 C SRT8
Starting Used Price: $6,500
The 300C is easy to ignore in base form, but it will always turn heads in SRT8 form. The 2005 Chrysler 300 C SRT8 can be picked up for under $10,000. This car has a naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.
The 300 C SRT8 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, 0 to 100 miles per hour in 12.0 seconds, and has a top speed of 170 miles per hour. It manages 9.6 miles per gallon in the city and 17 miles per gallon on the highway.
Specifications
Engine |
6.1-liter V8 |
Horsepower |
425 hp |
Torque |
420 lb-ft |
Layout |
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
0-60 MPH |
4.6 seconds |
Top Speed |
175 mph |
4
3 2010 Audi S5
Starting Used Price:
The S5 offers more than just aesthetic upgrades in comparison to the A5 it's based on. Powered by a naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces 354 horsepower, the 2010 Audi S5 can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds, and you can get this car for as little as $12,000.
The 2010 Audi S5 comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, has a top speed of 174 miles per hour, and can also accelerate from 0 to 100 miles per hour in 11.4 seconds.
Specifications
Engine |
4.2-liter V8 |
Horsepower |
354 hp |
Torque |
325 lb-ft |
Layout |
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
0-60 MPH |
4.6 seconds |
Top Speed |
174 mph |
2 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
Starting Used Price: $16,500
The legendary Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is one of those cars that will always have a cult following, which is why it's a good idea to get one for yourself. We recommend the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, as prices can go as low as $16,500. This car comes with a turbocharged inline-four engine that produces in the region of 300 horsepower.
The Lancer Evolution X accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, 0 to 100 miles per hour in 13 seconds, and has a top speed of 157 miles per hour. It manages 12.8 miles per gallon in the city and 21.4 miles per gallon on the highway.
Specifications
Engine |
2.0-liter turbocharged Inline-4 |
Horsepower |
291 hp |
Torque |
300 lb-ft |
Layout |
Front-engine, all-wheel-drive |
0-60 MPH |
4.7 seconds |
Top Speed |
157 mph |
1 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
Starting Used Price: $20,000
Arguably the best modern muscle car, the Dodge Challenger has been a massive success since its comeback in the noughties. The 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds thanks to its naturally aspirated V8 engine that cranks out 485 brake horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque.
The 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack has a top speed of 183 miles per hour. Equipped with an 8-speed automatic with AutoStick manual shift mode transmission, this car does a quarter mile in 12.6 seconds. You can snag this car up for less than $20,000.
Specifications
Engine |
6.4-liter V8 |
Horsepower |
485 hp |
Torque |
475 lb-ft |
Layout |
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
0-60 MPH |
4.2 seconds |
Top Speed |
183 mph |