Coupé has its origin in the French Language meaning "cut." It was initially used to refer to horse-drawn two-passenger carriages (cut or shortened versions) with only front-facing seats. In the automobile world, Coupés are passenger cars with a slanted or trimmed back roofline and two or four doors.

RELATED: Awesome New Coupes We'd Love To Own

Coupés are sporty, compact, fast, and high-performance automobiles. If buying one of the sickest new two-door coupes is out of your league, there's always the used car market. If speed is your craving and a fan of fast cars but on a budget of $20,000, then hop in for a wide ride of fun.

10 2007 - 2010 Jaguar XK (155 Mph)

Via: Car and Classic

The Jaguar XK Coupe comes with a massive 5.0-liter AJ-V8 engine that exudes 385 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. With that engine, the XK can sprint from 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds and has a maximum speed of 155 mph. The XK comes with a lightweight aluminum body architecture that gives it an improved acceleration time.

2007 Jaguar XK
via: Reddit

The stylish exterior of the car gives the look of performance even before you get behind the wheels. Jaguar cars of Britain started producing the XK in 1996 but discontinued it in 2014. Looking for power, extra performance, and cool features in a car? With just $19,610 the Jaguar XK is available with all that.

9 2012 BMW 6 Series 650i xDrive (155 Mph)

Via: cnet

This third-generation BMW Coupe got into the US auto market in 2011 for the 2012 model year. The car arrived with a 4.4-liter V8 engine that yields 400hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. With a top speed of 155 mph, the car returns a time of 4.8 seconds on zero to 60 mph sprint. The 2012 BMW 6 Series 650i xDrive Coupe is highly comfortable and spacious.

RELATED: Everything You Should Know About The 2021 BMW 2-Series Coupe

Via: Net Car Show

The 2012 6 Series is more powerful and expensive than its rival, the Jaguar XK Coupe (which is more aggressive and more sporty). This powerful luxury coupe features fantastic interior/exterior designs and enhanced driving dynamics than its 2011 model. It's a worthy investment that is available for $19,799 or more.

8 2009-2012 Audi S5 (155 Mph)

via bestcarncare

Buyers on a $20,000 budget with performance in mind should go for the 2009-2012 Audi S5 Coupe. This high-performance coupe packed enough power under its hood. Accelerating from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and with a maximum speed of 155 mph, this is the coupe to beat. It owes the speed to its 4.2-liter V8 engine yielding 354 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.

Via: Auto Trader

Driven by a six-speed conventional manual transmission, this high-performance coupe feels invincible at top speed. The S5 is well-equipped with gadgets that gave the M3 a run for its money. This beautiful coupe debuted in 2007 and still holds its own today and it's available on sale for $19,233.

RELATED: 2021 Audi R8 Coupe: Costs, Facts, And Figures

7 2008 BMW M3 (155 Mph)

Via: Net Car Show

Exuding superior power, performance, and dynamism, the BMW M3 Coupe offers the best driving experience. This powerful German car delivers 420 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque which originates from its 4.0-liter V8 engine. This ultra-high performance compact car gave its competition a run for their money when it was launched.

Via: Net Car Show

The M3 model was started in 1986 as E30 M3 and it's ranked number 2 out of 20 best classic coupes for summer trips. This 4th generation M3 is the quickest M3 as of 2008. It can launch from rest to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. This M3 beast was more expensive as of then than the Audi S5. However, at the moment the 2008 M3 is available for $19,995.

6 2010 - 2014 Ford Mustang GT Premium (155 Mph)

Via: Exotic Motor Sports of Oklahoma

Who does not want the American fast coupe packed in his driveway or garage? With just $19,099, the Ford Mustang GT Premium can be owned. The Ford Mustang Coupe packed more than enough power under its hood to attain its high-level performance. It can zoom from rest to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. It features a massive 5.0-liter V8 engine that blasts out 420 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque.

Via: Exotic Motor Sports of Oklahoma

This muscle car comes with a top speed of 155 mph and it provides serious power, a brilliant exhaust note, and sweet acceleration. This American classic was started in 1964 thus making it the longest-produced Ford car nameplate. It has gone through a long line of models and today is in its sixth generation.

5 2011 - 2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS (155 Mph)

Via: Bring A Trailer

The Chevrolet Camaro debuted in the auto world on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year to compete with the Ford Mustang. The 2014 Camaro was launched in 2013 at the New York Auto Show and it became an instant classic. Drivers craving for extra performance should approach the Camaro SS. It comes in two trims - the 1SS and 2SS.

Used 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Green
Via: Exotic Motor Sport of Oklahoma

The base model, 1SS features all advanced engines while the 2SS offers comfort amenities to the base initially provided. The car is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that spews out 400 hp and 410 lb-ft with 6-speed automatic or 426 hp and 420 lb-ft with 6-speed manual transmission. Speeding from 0-60 mph in 5 seconds and a maximum speed of 155 mph, the Camaro is available from $19,000.

4 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK 550 (166 Mph)

Via: Consumer Guide Automotive

Looking for a fast Mercedes-Benz coupe, then look no further than the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK 350/550 Coupe. Its interior adorns the elegant Benz look that makes any driver wants to spend the night in it. With the potential of blasting from rest to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 166 mph, this baby combines speed and beauty perfectly.

Via: Car For Sale

While the 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine (268 hp and 258 lb-ft torque), the 550 comes with a 5.5-liter V8 engine (382 hp and 391 lb-ft torque). The 350 model comes with a top speed of 148 mph and runs 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds. The 550 comes with a maximum speed of 166 mph and 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds. For $19,614, this elegant coupe is available.

RELATED: These Stunning Classic Coupes From Italy Are Severely Underrated

3 2004 Maserati Coupe Cambiocorsa (177 Mph)

Maserati Coupe Parked Outside
Via: Auto Trader

The Maserati Coupe came from the Italian carmaker Maserati from 2001 to 2007. The car is a four-seater coupe with enough room for a comfortable ride in the back seats. It sprints from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and with a top speed of 177 mph. This Italian glamour came with Ferrari made 4.2-liter V8 engine.

Blue 2004 Maserati Coupe sports car
Bring a Trailer

The engine produces 390 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission similar to the ones used in F1 cars. This 2-door coupe comes with a lush design and strong performance to go with that look. Its interior offers a fantastic homely touch and it is available for sale from $18,995.

2 2009 - 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T (182 Mph)

Via: Atlanta Autos

The first generation of the Dodge Challenger came into being from 1970 to 1974. Now for over 50 years, the car has evolved to a classic that is known today. The 2016 Challenger SXT, R/T, and SRT8 are available for purchase from $19,000. The SXT comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine (305 hp and 268 lb-ft) and the R/T features a 5.7-liter HEMI engine (375 hp and 410 lb-ft). The R/T jets from rest to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a maximum speed of 165 mph.

Via: Fred Beans Chevrolet

The fastest trim, the SRT8 comes with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine that blasts out 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. While the automatic transmission features a top speed of 175 mph, the manual offers 182 mph! This 6-speed transmission coupe can sprint from rest to 60 in 4.8 seconds.

1 2007 Chevrolet C6 (186 Mph)

Via: Road and Track

Chevrolet for more than 60 years manufactured and marketed the Chevrolet Corvette. The two-door coupe has the capacity for only two passengers. The innovative company has from 1953 to 2019 placed the engine of the Corvette in the front. However, in 2020, they have decided to place it in the middle behind the passenger seats.

Via: Corvsport

The C5 and C6 are 5th and 6th generation respectively and both 6.0-liter V8 engine delivers 405.5 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. With a 6-speed automatic transmission, top speed of 186 mph, and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, the Chevy Corvette is a speed demon. Speed crazy drivers can invest between $19,145 and $20,000 to acquire this car.

NEXT: 9 Awesome Coupes That Were Lost To Time