Being able to say you own a V12 or a V10 compared to a traditional V8 is something of a status symbol. People assume you get more power because more cylinders must be bigger or better, right? Traditionally equipped vehicles on the current market are transitioning into smaller displacement turbocharged or even supercharged engines that produce much more power for the cubes compared to engine technology 10 years ago. That being said, there is something to owning a car with a big engine that can’t be quantified. It’s just cool. However, there are many things that can be quantified about V10s and V12s compared to smaller engines that make a lot of sense to own.

Updated May 2022: Used cars in 2022 are more expensive than ever, especially when it comes to cars with higher-displacement engines. So, we've updated this list to ensure you receive accurate information in case you're buying anything with a V10 or V12 under the hood.

Related: Here's How The V12 Engine Evolved To Become The Beast It Is Today

The general assumption by many is that more cylinders equal more power, although this is not necessarily true. It can be in many cases, but cylinder number does not equate to raw power just because. Take for example two engines with a 6.0-liter displacement; one is a V8 and the other a V12. If you break down the displacement per cylinder, the V12 will have 30.5 cubic inches per cylinder while the V8 has 45 cubic inches per cylinder due to the larger pistons. In order for the V8 to be able to feed the larger displacement cylinders, the valves have to be bigger and heavier, not to mention a heavier rotating mass altogether. V8s, as a result, will not be able to rev as high as the 12-cylinder models. In addition, the V12 will fire six times per crank rotation vs the V8’s four combustion strokes. The lesser degrees between power strokes make the V12 an inherently smooth-running engine compared to its V8 counterpart. The same principles can also be applied to the V10 vs power plants with a lower number of cylinders. Although considered somewhat of a luxury, 10- and 12-cylinder-powered automobiles are probably more within reach than you think.

16 V12 Power: 1991 Jaguar XJS ($18,000)

1985 Jaguar XJS V12 HE Sports Car
Bring a Trailer

Throughout this list, there will be a plethora of V12 and V10-powered luxury cars, and a few sports cars too, and the Jaguar XJS embodies both of these car types' attributes into one grand tourer. And as you read by the title, the Jag's gorgeous exterior style is perfectly accentuated by its handsome, yet capable 5.3-liter V12 engine that produces up to 284 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque. There is one drawback, however, apart from the XJS' V12's questionable reliability, and that's its acceleration performance. Since the XJS weighs about 4,000 lbs, it reaches 60 mph from a standstill in just under 8 seconds. That figure isn't pitiful slow, but we were expecting something quicker, but for just $18,000 it's one hell of a bargain.

15 V12 Power: 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL600 ($13,000)

Mercedes-sl600-r129-via-classic-driver
Via Classic Driver

We're just going to go and say it... if you're looking for the cheapest performance-orientated luxury sports car that came fitted with a naturally-aspirated V12, this is one of, if not the best option out there. Not only does the SL600 sport that prestigious three-pointed-star on its front grille, but it also has the beating heart of a German lion; a 6.0-liter V12 engine that puts out almost 390 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. That huge lump of power is enough to catapult the SL from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, but it gets better. We've found numerous SL600s selling for below $15,000, but be warned, these beauties have steadily been rising in value, so soon they might cross the $20,000 border.

14 V12 Power: 2003 Aston Martin DB7 Volante ($25,000)

Black 2001 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage
Mecum Auctions

It's crazy to see how the used market is behaving right now, absolutely unpredictable. Used car prices are skyrocketing, but not only that, dealerships are asking customers to pay well above MSRP for new cars too. The Aston Martin DB7 used to be a cheap car, we're serious, they were selling for below $20,000 just a few years back, but now it's difficult finding one for less than $25,000 but not impossible. The DB7 was the predecessor to the well-known DB9 we all know and love, and underneath they're even more similar as to how they look on the outside. The DB7 was powered by a 6.0-liter naturally-aspirated V12 engine, just like the DB9, but the DB7's squeezed out 420 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Oh, and a side note, if you're interested in this Brit, keep in mind that the convertible models called the Volante are much cheaper than the standard hardtops.

Related: How The Jaguar XJS Influenced The Aston Martin DB7

13 V12 Power: 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 ($11,000)

Front 3/4 view of a silver W220 S600
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz models are easily perceived as comically unaffordable, especially older models, but you just need to know what to look for. The easily recognizable W220 Mercedes is a flagship for the luxury company that was very popular in the mid-2000s. Production began on the W220 model in 1998 to replace the W140 S Class. The newer, sleeker W220 was smaller but offered a more luxurious and roomy interior than its predecessor. Almost 500,000 were produced before the W220 was replaced by the W221 in 2006. The W220 featured slicker styling of the exterior of the body and helped segway the model line into the newer generation styling. The W220 featured many new improvements to the design such as a new pneumatic suspension system with ADS (Active Dampening System) for automatic acclimation to rough road conditions. The selection of different suspension stiffness settings can be selected by the driver for comfort or performance depending on the mood.

The S600 was initially made available with a 362 horsepower 5.8-liter V12 while the later models featured a 493 horsepower twin-turbo 5.5-liter V12 in the ’03-’06 models. The standard 5-speed transmission was equipped until Mercedes introduced their 7-speed that became standard for the model. Although it’s a bit dated now in 2022, the power and luxury available in the W220 model are still classy in today’s modern auto market for those who have an affinity for German technology but can't afford a new S-Class' price tag.

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11 V12 Power: 1992 BMW 850i ($20,000)

1991 BMW 850i Classic Sports Car In Calypso Red Pearl
Via Mecum

The first-generation 8-Series paved the way for its modern brother. The E31 has 2 gasoline engine options, a 4.4-liter V8 variant in the 840i which featured 282 horsepower, and a V12 in the 850i variant which made 296 hp. The legendary coupe was appointed with the utmost luxury, featuring a full leather interior, including a full leather dashboard and leather door inserts. The engine of choice would be the V12 variant in the 850i.

The E31, specifically the 850i, remains a fan favorite among BMW fans for its slick timeless design, as well as performance and luxury. It remains a great bargain at right around $20,000.

10 V12 Power: 2001 Mercedes CL600 ($10,000)

Silver 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL600 On The Move Front 3/4 View
Via Supercars.net

This is a big car; a two-door on a four-door platform makes for a lot of implied entitlement and luxury on the road. The 493 hp twin-turbocharged V12 is enough to run a 0-60 in only 4.8 seconds and a 13.5-second quarter mile. Even for a Mercedes, that’s impressive for a 5,000 lb sled. Some owners who were unsatisfied with those numbers have taken performance into their own hands to heavily modify the CL600’s V12 to ratchet the ponies up into the 800 hp range with 830 lb-ft of torque. And when you're only spending $10,000 on this V12-monster, there's still some change left for aftermarket modifications if you'd like to follow that route.

9 V12 Power: 2007 BMW 760Li ($14,000)

White 2007 BMW 769Li Parked Front 3/4 View
via: netcarshow.com

The fourth-generation 7-Series is credited with the designation of being the first production V12 to use a direct injection system. The long line of 7 Series innovations helped it maintain the leading edge of the luxury performance market and be in the spotlight against its rival competitors despite stiff competition. Brand preference is subjective, and some people will just prefer a Mercedes, or even lower quality cars that simulate a high level of luxury can be found in certain manufacturers such as Kia, who is known to rip off the Mercedes and BMW designs for more than one of their models.

If you like the 7-Series, you can find the V12 in as early as the 1994-2001 E38 models. but they're starting to rise in value. Just like their legendary inline-six, the V12 is a performance-proven powerhouse that they have continued to use in their cars for almost a decade and a half.

Constant improvement to engine performance and monitoring technology means that you can stay on the cusp of innovation if you can afford it, but you don’t need to have bottomless pockets to enjoy the silky smooth operation of the V12.

Related: These Are The Best Features Of The 2023 BMW 7 Series

8 V10 Power: 2008 Audi S6 ($12,000)

Red 2007 Audi RS6 front view
Via: Audi

The S6 is a high-performance version of the standard A6 that debuted in 1994 shortly after the A6 model and has been in production ever since. The S Sport Package features a Quattro sport differential, red brake calipers, their proprietary sport exhaust with black finishers, and Audi exclusive dynamic steering. The Quattro sport differential actively distributes torque between the rear wheels to prevent wheel slip and keep the rubber planted; during curves, the torque is transferred to the outside tires to help pull the car around. An onboard ride select interface allows the driver to select ride handling characteristics depending on the driving environment. The Torsen torque-sensing differentials may distribute the torque, but where does it originate? A 90°, all-aluminum V10 block outfitted with fuel stratified injection and sporting four valves per cylinder produces 42 9hp and 398 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 rpm and 3500 rpm respectively.

Although it has been rumored to be based on the Lamborghini Gallardo engine, the smaller 5.0-liter Lamborghini engine (vs. Audi’s 5.2-liter) has different bore spacing negating the possibility of a common block. However, the two manufacturers do share certain engine technologies between the similar engines. The longer stroke and wider bore help move the heavier Audi around and variable valve timing controls the load. Ten individual coils fire each cylinder fed by direct sequential multiport fuel injection.

Related: These Are The Best Features Of The 2022 Audi A6

7 V10 Power: 2007 Audi S8 ($14,999)

Audi S8 Front Quarter View - Silver
Via Bring A Trailer

The D3 Audi S8 which is powered by a 450-hp Lamborghini-sourced V10 is the sleeper no one notices. Some people may find this a bad thing and need social validation for their $100,000 investment, but for those who like to slide under the radar, and do it quickly, the S8 D3 is a viable option. Just about 400 lb-ft of torque are available at 3,500rpm and the limited-slip permanent all-wheel drive plugs you in where you need to go.

As Mercedes and BMW adopt a continually deeper affliction for super styling and hyper integrated technology, the S8 puts the balls to the wall in an all-aluminum block along with a myriad of other space-saving technologies like a space frame and aluminum body panels.

The 5.2-liter Lamborghini Gallardo engine was adapted from a 4.2-liter V8 with the addition of two extra cylinders. An engine management system incorporating two engine control modules is required to handle the inputs and outputs. The hypereutectic, low-pressure aluminum alloy casting weights just 104 lbs by itself, and it’s just about small enough to fit in almost anything comfortably. A chain-driven DOHC system directly actuates the four valves per cylinder in perfect unison to achieve a smooth stroke and provide a smooth transition of gasses through the engine.

6 V10 Power: 2007 BMW M6 ($14,995)

Front 3/4 view of a red E63 M6 Coupe
BMW

Surpassing the 5 Series comes the second generation E63 6 Series from 2003-2010. Offered in a two-door configuration, the E63 designates a coupe while E64 denotes a convertible. Weight reduction can be found all over this vehicle; like in the aluminum hood and doors. Carbon-reinforced plastic components make up other body panels like the hood to reduce the center of gravity.

The S85 5.0-liter V10 is a naturally-aspirated gasoline engine that supersedes the V8 S62. This engine was in production from 2005 to 2010 and is configured with a 90° offset as a lot of them are. This engine’s design was inspired by BMW Formula 1 involvement and is not related to a regular BMW production engine. The specially designed S85 platform is a DOHC based on the Williams F1 engine. Mainly constructed of low-pressure aluminum alloys, the 90° piston sleeve and center block are formed with special steel for strength. High-end, heat-resistant aluminum alloy pistons punctuate the top of the reciprocating mass that is rated for up to 8,250 rpm. In total. the engine puts out 507 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque at 7,750 rpm and 6,100 rpm respectively. Just like the E60 M5, this V10-powered Bimmer is great value for money, despite it not being the most reliable car ever...

5 V10 Power: Dodge Ram SRT-10 ($14,000)

Dodge Ram SRT-10
Stellantis

We're switching gears for a bit because although there are plenty of cool V10-powered luxury cars on the market to choose from, what if you’re a truck guy? What if a coupe or four-door sedan just doesn’t cut it? If you’re the type to like to look down over the rooftops of other cars and get a good vantage point, maybe you’re singing to the tune of the Ram SRT-10. This special edition truck was only produced in limited numbers from 2004to 2006. Dodge Viper and Plymouth Prowler engineers were tasked with design development and extensive wind tunnel testing was utilized in to form the body.

We’ve reviewed a lot of cute little small-displacement V10s, but now it’s time to get serious with the cubes; Viper cubes, that is. Yes, the SRT-10 employs the Dodge Viper’s massive 8.3-liter V10 pumping out 500 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque; able enough to push this 5,100 lb single cab truck to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Its Quad Cab brother would be able to reach 60mph in just 5.3 seconds. In the quarter-mile however, the regular cab could only beat the Quad Cab by a tenth of a second at 13.6 as the V10 Viper power plant found its stride.

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3 V10 Power: 1999 Dodge RAM 2500 ($15,000)

1999 Dodge Ram 1500: $6,995
via Hemmings

Not to be confused with the SRT-10, the V10 Ram packs a heavy-duty punch all on its own. You won’t find the V10 engine option available in the Ram until the second-generation line when the outdated styling was given a much-needed redesign. The popularity of the new design was evident in the sales; 95,542 units in ’93; over four million units were sold in 1995, and the wildly popular new Dodge ram was a hero truck in Twister. The Rams were built Ram-tough and everybody knew it, but for those who wanted superior pulling power without upgrading to diesel, the Ram added an optional 8.0-liter V10 only on 2500 and higher models.

The V10 had the higher torque and horsepower ratings compared to the V8-powered Rams, as well as the broadest usable torque curve of any large gas engine-equipped truck in the field. The overall size was reduced by a crank-mounted oil pump and direct ignition setup despite the additional four cylinders. Albeit the two engines share a common engine size, the Viper V10 found in the SRT-10 and the 8.0-liter heavy-duty engine share almost nothing in common. The Viper version has a low-profile, cross-cam intake, dual throttle bodies, lightened rotating assembly, increased compression and maximum speed, strengthened rods and crank, larger valves…the list goes on. It appears Dodge really has a V10-equipped pickup for everyone.

2 V10 Power: 2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty ($20,000)

2008 Ford F-250
via Car Gurus

The ‘90s were a time of turbulence for the pickup truck market. Many designs were changing rapidly to meet higher consumer expectations of what a pickup truck should be. The style-less, bland featuring that all pickup trucks seemed to have melted into during the ‘70s was outdated, and people wanted cool trucks. In response, Ford separated their model line into two body styles, the F-150 became aerodynamic and was filled with more creature comforts that geared it towards light-duty, car-loving users; and the F-250 and up was redesigned to appeal to heavy haulers and commercial buyers. This was the birth of the first-generation Super Duty.

Rather than taking Dodge’s approach of a ‘40s-influenced styling design, Ford drew inspiration from heavy-duty trucks like the LTL-9000 and Aeromax. Also, heavy-duty was everything forward of the firewall. The Ford Modular engine that is used in these pickup trucks gets its name from the manufacturing process it goes through; small block eight and 10-cylinder engines use common, interchangeable parts to reduce costs and minimize tooling. Also, a benefit to the commonality of these engines allows quick tooling changes to reduce downtime. When you see a Triton badge on a Ford pickup truck, that motor is of a modular design.

1 V10 Power: 2007 Volkswagen Touareg ($15,000)

2007 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI Rear 3/4 View
Volkswagen

Yes, a Volkswagen. Known for its roots in design having a cornerstone of simplicity, this automaker decided to introduce something in 2002 that went against just a bit of every grain of its origins. Named after inhabitants of the Saharan interior in North Africa, the Touareg is a 5-door, mid-size luxury crossover SUV. The term "mid-size" applies to just about everything else on the car except for the engine options. For some reason, Volkswagen got a wild hair and had something to prove; the mid-2000s saw the introduction of not one but two relatively large engines for a Volkswagen platform of that size. In 2005, they introduced the crossover with a V10 configuration with a 5.0-liter displacement - and of course, it was a diesel engine. So, as we all know by now, diesel engines, especially large ones like this V10 TDI produce insane amounts of torque, 553 lb-ft of torque to be exact, as well as 310 hp.