Cars With 500 Horsepower Under $30K
Last updated on January 19th, 2024 at 01:02 am
The monsters on this list range from full-size SUVs to big muscle cars, but they all have crazy power (500 hp) and cost less than $30,000.
People who want to buy a cheap car will have a long list of things they need to look for. Even though trunk room and child seat fixings are must-haves, few people get excited about shopping for these features. Instead, what is missing from many customers’ wish lists is power. Exploring financing options with a private money lender in Singapore can provide the necessary financial support to prioritize power and performance in your car selection, ensuring a satisfying driving experience.
Having a lot of power doesn’t have to cost much money or be hard to use in any way. Every market has cars, SUVs, and other vehicles that are both cheap and powerful. Here are the ten most powerful 500 hp cars under $30k.
Top 10 Best 500 HP Cars Under $30K
The rule of thumb in the auto industry is to pay more for more speed. The fastest cars in the world also have the highest price tags. A fast car doesn’t have to cost a fortune, though.
You can get a getaway car without robbing a bank.
We searched the auto market for the fastest 500 horsepower cars under $30k. Let’s get down to brass tacks.
#1. 2015 Chevrolet Camaro [580 hp]
A lot has changed since the Camaro ZL1 roared back onto the scene for the 2012 model year. Many people think that the ZL1 pushes the limits of what a pony car can be because it has a 6.2-litre LSA V-8 with 580 horsepower and a sense of beauty that hides the beast inside.
Even though the ZL1 and the rest of the Camaro range got many of the same updates for the 2014 model year (except for the new front face, which didn’t let the ZL1 breathe as well), it was wholly overshadowed by the more powerful, track-focused, and famously named Camaro Z/28.
Before the 2016 Camaro switched to GM’s Alpha platform, we gave the 2015 model one last spin in the ZL1 to see if our first impressions still held.
Read More: 500 Horsepower Cars Under $20k
#2. 2015 Cadillac CTS-V [556 hp]
The 2015 Cadillac CTS-V has a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine with 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque. This makes it a high-performance luxury car. It can come with either a regular six-speed engine or an automatic one. The CTS-V can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and as fast as 190 mph at its top speed.
The usual performance features on these cars with 500 hp under $30k include Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential, and a magnetically controlled adjustable suspension. It also has a sunroof, a Bose sound system, and heated/cooled front seats.
#3. 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 [550 hp]
The Shelby GT500, the top-of-the-line Mustang from Ford, hasn’t changed much for 2012. The Mustang Shelby GT500 now has a new interior upgrade kit and three different driving modes (sport, normal, and comfort) that the driver can choose. The extra interior improvement package for the Shelby GT500 has the same Recaro race seats as the Mustang Boss 302, but they are made of leather instead of cloth.
These 500 hp cars under $30k have a 5.4-litre supercharged V-8 engine that makes 550 hp and 510 lb-ft of power. The Mustang Shelby GT500’s V-8 engine and six-speed manual gearbox allow the car to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds or less (if there is enough grip). The Shelby GT500 runs the quarter mile in 12.4 seconds at 115.8 mph. From 60 miles per hour, the Mustang Shelby GT500 only needs 103 feet to stop completely.
When we delve into the timeline of high-performance Mustangs, the legacy of power and performance reaches back to the iconic 1967 Shelby GT500. With its thunderous presence anda commanding 7.0-liter V8 engine churning out 355 horsepower, the Mustang Shelby GT500 became an instant symbol of American muscle. Its bold design, marked by distinctive racing stripes and a formidable grille, solidified its place in the automotive industry. The 2012 Mustang Shelby GT500 carries the torch of this legacy, offering modern performance that echoes the spirit of its legendary predecessor.
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#4. 2013 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C6 [505 hp]
The Z06 accelerates at light speed on the freeway, especially when you cover Chevrolet Corvette. Third gear is the sweet spot for merging, with plenty of power and an adrenaline-inducing exhaust note. The magic of the V8 rumble begins at idle and grows with acceleration. This vehicle is extremely stiff, and the driver will feel every pothole and speed bump with 505 hp. That’s to be expected, but there are also moments when the ride is so rough that it actually jolts you in your seat, and the occasional vibration can be felt through the wheel.
The aesthetic appeal is great for these cars with 500 hp under $30 k. In and out of the driver’s seat, the Corvette’s sharp lines, beautiful curves, and sexy flared fenders are aesthetically pleasing. The C6’s design is flawless. It’s futuristic without looking too much like a spaceship, and it still looks like a Corvette.
#5. 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG [507 hp]
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is the company’s top-of-the-line performance sedan in the C-Class lineup. 507 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque come from the 6.2-litre V8 engine. The powerplant is connected to a rear-wheel-drive automatic transmission with seven gears.
The C63 AMG can reach 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds and can go on to reach a top speed of 174 miles per hour. It has a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and a limited-slip differential as standard equipment.
The C63 AMG is a high-end vehicle that can also provide relaxing ride quality and thrilling acceleration. It’s ideal for those who need a vehicle for various purposes.
#6. 2012 Nissan GT-R R35 [530 hp]
A high-performance sports car, the 2012 Nissan GT-R R35 debuted in 2007. 530 hp and 448 lb-ft of torque come from its 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine. All-wheel drive and a dual-clutch automatic transmission make up the vehicle’s powertrain. The GT-R can reach 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and can go on to reach a top speed of 195 mph.
The GT-R’s speed, handling, and stopping power have all been lauded. It’s the 2009 Motor Trend Car of the Year, among many other accolades. The GT-R is a favourite for track days and races; it has even won the prestigious 24 Hours of Nurburgring.
In terms of performance and handling, the 2012 500 hp cars under $30k are unparalleled. It has won several races, including the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, making it a popular choice for track days and racing. If you want a high-performance sports car that also offers a high level of comfort and luxury, the GT-R is a fantastic option.
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#7. 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged [510 hp]
A 5.0-litre V8 engine generates 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque in the 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged, a midsize luxury SUV. It can tow up to 7,716 pounds and comes with either rear or all-wheel drive.
In 5.2 seconds, these 500 horsepower cars under $30k can reach 60 miles per hour, and it can reach a top speed of 162 miles per hour. It gets 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA’s estimates.
#8. 2010 BMW M5 [500 hp]
In 2010, BMW introduced the M5, a high-performance version of the 5 Series. In the realm of sports sedans, it stands as a true classic. While most M5s have been sedans, the estate-style wagon was offered from 1992 to 1995 and again from 2006 to 2010 in select markets.
A 5.0-litre V10 engine generated 500 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque in the 2010 M5. A sequential seven-speed manual gearbox and all-wheel drive were included. The M5’s top speed was 155 mph (electronically limited), which could go from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
A sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and a wider track were just a few of how the 2010 M5 improved upon its predecessor in handling and acceleration. Leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and an excellent stereo system were just a few of the high-end features it offered.
#9. 2012 Jaguar XKR [550 hp]
Jaguar Cars manufactured the XKR, a high-performance luxury sports car, in 2012. The 5.0-litre V8 engine was supercharged, resulting in 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque. The 0-60 mph time for the XKR was 3.9 seconds, and its top speed was 186 mph.
These 500 horsepower cars under $30k came as both a coupe and a convertible. It had a standard automatic transmission with six gears and rear-wheel drive. The option of all-wheel drive was made available. The XKR had numerous high-end extras like leather upholstery, climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and an excellent sound system.
The XKR received high marks for its speed, handling, and opulent cabin. The high cost, however, was a point of contention. As of 2015, the XKR was no longer available.
#10. 2005 Bentley Continental Flying Spur [551 hp]
Most people probably don’t think of British luxury sedans when they’re looking for a fast and affordable car. Bentley, on the other hand, has a long history of reliably producing powerful boats. That means you can find great deals on the secondary market.
The 2005 Flying Spur produces a massive 551 hp, and for a few thousand dollars more, the even more potent Continental GT can be yours. It’s important to remember, though, that the maintenance costs on older Bentleys can be high. Maintenance costs on this luxury vehicle will be higher than average.
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FAQs
Is 500 hp a lot?
A vehicle with 500 horsepower is potent. It’s enough to take a car from zero to sixty in less than four seconds and to more than one hundred fifty miles per hour. Power is one measure of a vehicle’s performance, but it is not the only one. Weight, aerodynamics, and suspension are all additional considerations.
What are some advantages of owning a 500 hp car?
Having a 500-horsepower vehicle has numerous benefits. Among the many benefits, the following stand out:
- Vehicles with 500 horsepower can reach 60 miles per hour in less than 4 seconds, making them significantly quicker than the average vehicle on the road. If you like fast driving, this could be a lot of fun.
- On the highway or in other situations where you need to pass other vehicles quickly, the extra passing power provided by a car with 500 hp can be invaluable.
- Cars with 500 horsepower tend to be very agile and responsive, making them a blast to pilot around tight turns.
- Having access to a car with 500 horsepower can be a thrilling experience. You can always count on having a thrilling ride whenever you get behind the wheel.
What are the maintenance and repair costs for a 500-hp car?
Cars with 500 horsepower can have widely varying repair and maintenance bills depending on model, age, and owner behaviour. 500 horsepower cars, however, typically have higher maintenance and repair costs than lower horsepower vehicles. This is because the components in cars with 500 hp are typically more complex and powerful, making them more prone to wear and tear.
What is a respectable HP?
Many motorists find their ideal power range to be between 200 and 300 horsepower. If the vehicle is not a large truck or SUV, use extreme caution around models with near-300 horsepower.
Conclusion
These top-ranked 500 horsepower cars under $30k may not be for everyone. Still, they do provide a fast and practical option for those seeking a thrilling driving experience at an affordable price.
If you want a fast car but have a limited budget, check out our list of the top 10 cars with 500 horsepower that cost less than $30,000.
