01Sep
Cheap is relative. Compared to many others, these are the cheapest. The quest for high performance doesn't always have to break the bank. If money isn't an issue, though, you might be interested in our curated highest-horsepower road-legal cars for those with cash. Thanks to American models like the Camaro, a cash-strapped gearhead with a need for speed can experience the thrill of over 600 horsepower at a fraction of the price of high-end sports cars with a similar power output, such as the $238,000 McLaren Artura.
This article takes a thrilling dive into the realm of road-legal cars that blend astonishing horsepower figures with affordability. They may not match the opulence of luxury supercars like the Lamborghini Aventador and Ferrari SF90 Stradale, but they certainly won’t be shy around these expensive counterparts.
None of the cars on this list touched the $100,000 mark, and none boasts less than 600 hp. From the costliest to the least expensive, we've curated a list of the seven cheapest sports cars and sedans that prove you can have thrilling performance without selling the house.
Related Reading: A Closer Look Back At 5 Best Performance Cars From The 1990s
7. 2023 Porsche Panamera
- Horsepower: 690 HP
- 0–60 Acceleration: 2.0 Seconds (Sport Turismo Pyramid)
- Starting MSRP: $93,850
The 2023 Porsche Panamera seamlessly combines practicality, performance, and luxury, creating a unique blend that sets it apart from other vehicles. However, the Panamera’s exclusivity comes at a premium price.
As expected from a Porsche, the Panamera delivers excellent sportiness and handling capabilities, offering a diverse selection of powertrain options to cater to various preferences, including a relatively fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid variant. The Panamera stands out with its impressive passenger and cargo space, refined interior, and an abundance of features that cater to every need.
Nevertheless, the complexity of the infotainment system and certain cabin controls can be convoluted, and it's worth noting that the Panamera is one of the priciest options both in this list of the cheapest most powerful cars and the luxury large car segment.
Despite the high price point, the Panamera is on this list because it’s perfect for those looking for a super luxury vehicle that prioritizes exhilarating driving dynamics while also providing everyday practicality and comfort.
The 2.9-liter turbocharged V6-powered Panamera base hatchback offers 325 horsepower at 5,400 rpm, while the Turbo S E-Hybrid, top-of-the-line Panamera Sport Turismo pyramid delivers 690 horsepower and 196 mph top speed.
Although the standard Panamera edges awfully close to the $100,000 mark, the top model doesn't go that far beyond, starting at around $104,000. Notably, Porsche has included adaptive cruise control as a standard feature in the Panamera for 2023.
6. 2023 Tesla Model S
- Horsepower: 1,020 HP
- 0–60 Acceleration: 1.99 Seconds (Plaid)
- Starting MSRP: $89,880
Can you remember any other road-legal daily driver that offers a thousand horsepower for less than $90,000? The Tesla Model S, despite being 11 years old, remains one of the top electric vehicles (EVs) in the market. To stay competitive, Tesla has reduced prices this year in response to new rivals entering the market.
The Model S is available in two versions: the base dual-motor model, boasting 670 horsepower and a range of 405 miles, and the impressive Plaid variant, which delivers a staggering 1,020 horsepower and a range of 395 miles. Both models offer impressive speed, with the Plaid even surpassing million-dollar hypercars in performance.
Additionally, the Model S provides practicality comparable to many family hatchbacks while maintaining a Honda Accord-like smoothness and driving ease. However, the Model S has received mixed reviews in some aspects. The once-sole yoke steering wheel is now optional due to criticism.
Tesla now offers a conventional round steering wheel as a $700 upgrade or as a retrofit option. Also, the Model S’s aesthetics have started to show its age when compared to newer competitors.
In any case, Tesla made changes to certain features. For example, the car-shaped key fob is now replaced with a card key for convenience. Despite its longevity, the Tesla Model S remains a strong contender in the EV market, yet it faces increasing competition from newer rivals. Tesla's price adjustments and feature updates aim to maintain its position as one of the leading electric vehicles on the market.
5. 2023 Chevrolet Corvette
- Horsepower: 670 HP
- 0–60 Acceleration: 2.6 Seconds (Z06)
- Starting MSRP: $65,895
The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette is a true automotive icon that combines supercar performance, an affordable price, and eye-catching styling. This is still part of the C8 Corvette that took a bold step with its mid-engine layout in 2019, marking a significant departure from previous generations.
With the naturally aspirated V8 engine now sitting pretty behind the passenger compartment, the Corvette now swaps war stories with exotic sports cars. The C8 Corvette's performance is nothing short of exceptional. Its sharp handling and explosive acceleration rival those of sports cars with much higher price tags.
Although the 670-horsepower Z06 crosses the $100,000 benchmark, the ‘23 Corvette starts at around $66,000. However, the driving experience is on par with vehicles costing tens of thousands of dollars more, making the Corvette a remarkable value proposition.
Despite its impressive performance capabilities, the Corvette remains comfortable and refined enough for long-distance drives and cross-country journeys. Both convertible and coupe versions of the C8 Corvette are available. The coupe features a removable roof panel, allowing drivers to enjoy the open-air experience when desired.
The cozy, comfortable cabin offers an enjoyable environment for drivers and passengers alike. Additionally, the Corvette offers adequate trunk storage, so it doesn’t strike out on the “practicality” front.
4. 2024 Cadillac CT5-V
- Horsepower: 668 HP
- 0–60 Acceleration: 3.4 Seconds (Blackwing)
- Starting MSRP: $52,890
The CT5 is a particularly compelling choice for shoppers in the market for a midsize luxury sedan because it combines an eye-catching design with an affordable price tag. The CT5 undercuts its German rivals by a significant margin, making it an attractive option for cash-strapped shoppers with a taste for luxury and horsepower.
The thunderous supercharged V8 engine powering the performance-oriented variant is a sight to behold and serves notice to its German rivals, such as the BMW M5 and Audi RS 7. Meanwhile, its Japanese competitors either suffer from outdated designs (we’re looking at you, Infiniti Q50) or utilize less dynamic front-wheel-drive architectures (Acura TLX).
The Cadillac CT5's strengths go beyond luxury and competitive pricing. It offers user-friendly technology with GM’s impressive Super Cruise hands-free driving suite. When these features are taken into account, the CT5 starts to make a lot of sense for buyers in this segment. However, it's important to note that the CT5's strengths largely depend on how you spec it.
The standard versions deliver a pleasant driving experience, especially if you opt for the turbocharged V6 engine. The performance is competent, and the turbocharged V6 adds an extra level of excitement.
That being said, the CT5 does have some downsides, such as subpar material quality and a relatively small interior compared to its rivals. These factors may impact the overall luxury experience but do not detract significantly from its competence as a sporty sedan. For buyers with a need for speed and a bit more cash, the CT5-V Blackwing is the way to go.
Admittedly, the Blackwing’s $95,000 price isn’t most people’s definition of cheap, but the exhilarating performance and range of enhancements elevate the driving experience to a whole new level. The 2024 CT5 lineup includes the mid-tier CT5-V and the top-of-the-line CT5-V Blackwing, both of which offer impressive performance specs.
You can now use a configurator tool on Cadillac’s official website to build your best-fit CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing, although we’d skip CT5-V (also known as the V-Series) because it makes compromises that detract from its potential as a perfect daily sport sedan. For us, it's the standard CT5 or we go all-in with the CT5-V Blackwing.
3. 2023 Dodge Charger
- Horsepower: 807 HP
- 0–60 Acceleration: 3.5 Seconds (SRT Redeye Jailbreak Widebody)
- Starting MSRP: $35,825
When you see the Dodge Charger roar down the streets with power and presence, you don’t need a soothsayer to know you’ve just seen a true embodiment of the muscle car spirit. Despite the current generation lasting over a decade, the Charger remains ageless and continues to capture the essence of a classic American muscle car.
The standard configuration includes a rear-wheel drive and a 292-horsepower V6 engine, providing a balanced and composed driving experience. For those seeking more performance, the R/T trim offers a 370-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine for exhilarating acceleration and a powerful soundtrack.
The Scat Pack models take it even further with a 485-horsepower 6.4-liter V8 engine, ensuring a thrilling ride every time.
The best part is that the most powerful '23 Charger, the 807-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8-powered SRT Redeye Jailbreak, costs significantly below the $100,000 mark, while the most expensive Redeye Jailbreak spec barely crossed the line with around $103,000 price tag.
Dodge proudly announces the SRT Redeye Jailbreak as "the world's most powerful and fastest mass-produced muscle car," and you can be part of the story with an entry price of around $36,000. The Charger's connection to its heritage is evident in its driving dynamics. If it reminds you of an old cop car, that's because it is.
The Charger maintains its identity as a sedan counterpart to the coupe-styled, gasoline-powered Challenger. While the automotive landscape is shifting towards alternative energy, the Charger proudly continues to thrive as a symbol of traditional American muscle.
2. 2023 Dodge Challenger
- Horsepower: 807 HP
- 0–60 Acceleration: 3.25 Seconds (SRT Super Stock)
- Starting MSRP: $33,560
The iconic Challenger two-door muscle car as we know it is going away after 2023. Since its introduction in 2007, the retro-modern third-generation Challenger has captivated fans with its powerful performance and distinctive styling. We’ve seen various iterations like the legendary Hellcat models of the Challenger over the years, which have successfully solidified its status as a performance legend.
To commemorate its final model year, the Challenger offers a selection of special edition variants, including the jaw-dropping SRT Demon 170. Dodge released these limited-edition models to bribe hardcore Challenger fans with an unforgettable driving experience before the electric successor takes over.
While the Challenger remains on the market, it competes with the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, the last remaining pony cars, as well as imports like the Nissan Z and Toyota Supra. However, the Challenger is markedly different.
Unlike the Mustang or Camaro, the Challenger is a big-bodied, two-door muscle car with a unique character. It is comparatively larger, weighs more, and offers a more spacious interior and trunk. As a result, the Challenger is the way to go for enhanced comfort and practicality, not just for the driver but for passengers too.
Few performance cars of the Challenger's caliber can offer you over 300 horsepower for an average market price of less than $33,000. Yes, the base SXT and GT models benefit 303 ponies from the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 mill mated to the TorqueFlite 8-speed A/T.
This music gets more exciting when you learn that the most powerful ‘23 Challenger, the 807-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock, costs just $84,205. Compare that to the $326,000 Ferrari 296 GTB with a similar horsepower. Also, remember that not even the most powerful 2023 Challenger – the SRT Demon 170 – costs anywhere near the 296 GTB's price.
The SRT Demon 170 starts at under $100,000 and accelerates faster than any production car you've never heard of, zipping from zero to 60 mph in 1.24 seconds while relying on a 1,025-horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged V8 mill.
1. 2023 Chevrolet Camaro
- Horsepower: 650 HP
- 0–60 Acceleration: 3.5 Seconds
- Starting MSRP: $27,795
We bid farewell to the Chevrolet Camaro as it nears the end of its iconic run as a gasoline-powered muscle car. Regardless of the engine choice, the 2023 Chevrolet Camaro distinguishes itself as the epitome of driving pleasure within its segment. It surpasses more expensive sports cars in the exhilaration it delivers behind the wheel.
Admittedly, the Camaro does have some drawbacks that may impact its practicality for everyday use, particularly its poor outward visibility and limited trunk space. But for gearheads willing to overlook these superfluous limitations, the 2023 Chevrolet Camaro offers a hard-to-match exhilarating driving experience.
Its most powerful powertrain – the 6.2-liter LT4 supercharged V8 – churns out a massive 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, sending the Camaro barreling from rest to 60 mph in less than four seconds. This last mill comes standard on the $73,300 ZL1 variant, although the ‘23 Camaro’s starting price is around $28,000.
If, however, you can’t get over the practicality drawbacks, the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger are great alternatives, providing similar thrills with fewer practicality flaws. The Mustang, in particular, will continue its legacy with a significant refresh and restyling to secure its market presence for the 2024 model year.
As for the Camaro, it seems bent on going the way of the Dodge Challenger, with 2023 possibly being its last year as an internal combustion muscle car.
The Camaro’s updates for the 2023 model year are minimal, mostly centered around paint options, wheel designs, and a few aesthetic revisions serving as a final homage to the nameplate’s iconic design and legacy before its impending retirement. Many of us have mixed feelings about the electric muscle cars of the future.
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