It may surprise you to hear that thrilling performances don’t have to come with a luxury price tag. This list features 11 surprisingly powerful vehicles that deliver outstanding performance and don’t burn a hole in your pocket! So fasten your seatbelts and prepare to find your ideal balance between low cost and exhilarating performance!
2021 Mazda Miata MX-5
With a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine capable of producing 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, the 2021 Mazda Miata MX-5 is no slouch. Independent testing of the top speed of the Miata MX-5 has verified that it is 140 mph. The 2-liter engine can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds. The Miata MX-5 may be unable to outrun a Mustang or Camaro, but its agility and lightweight design make up for it.
2021 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT V6
If you have $30k, you can upgrade from the base model to the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT V6, which has 335 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 10-speed automatic transmission is an option. Additionally, there is more space for improvements, such as an improved infotainment system or interior. The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT V6 is a capable all-around sports vehicle positioned in the center of the pack among sports vehicles.
2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback
A $30k budget will get you a brand-new, two-door 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback. A twin-turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, matching the output of the Focus RS, is included with the base coupe. With a top speed of 149 mph, the turbo-four engine is connected to either an optional 10-speed automatic transmission or a standard six-speed manual transmission. You may get the Equipment Group 101A, which enhances performance through a drive mode controller, for about $30k.
2021 Subaru WRX
Although Subaru hasn’t competed in the World Rally Championship for almost 10 years, several of its models—like the Subaru WRX—have the undeniable DNA of rally cars. The WRX’s heart is a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine mated to an AWD setup. The engine produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. High-speed enthusiasts won’t be dissatisfied with its top speed of 155 mph and five seconds for 0-60 mph acceleration. The WRX’s strength is its ability to achieve this level of performance in less-than-perfect driving circumstances.
2022 Subaru BRZ
Being one of the fastest vehicles under $30k, the 2022 Subaru BRZ is an excellent option if you’ve never driven a sports car. A 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque powers the new BRZ. Although the BRZ isn’t the fastest at accelerating, its purpose differs. The Subaru BRZ’s fun-to-drive nature is part of its appeal. It has a more powerful and responsive engine despite being lightweight and small.
2021 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring
The Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring is the next best option in terms of performance after Honda discontinued the Civic Si for the 2021 model. A 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 180 horsepower powers the vehicle. An automatic CVT transmission is matched with the engine. A six-speed manual transmission is available for optimal performance, offering a fantastic high-speed experience.
2021 Dodge Challenger SXT
This vintage-looking car’s lowest MSRP is just under $30K. With a 303 horsepower V8 engine, the Challenger can reach a top speed of 156 mph when driven at full throttle. With the Challenger SXT, you can easily pass cars on the highway and interstate. This is a smooth operator with its classic exterior styling, roomy interiors, massive power, and excellent Uconnect multimedia system.
Fiat 124 Spider Abarth
The Fiat 124 Spider Abarth, built on the Miata platform, sets itself apart with a more fashionable design, a better interior, and reduced cabin noise. The Abarth is the best-performing Spider, with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that can produce 164 horsepower. Sadly, with a top speed of only 136 mph, the Fiat 124 Spider Abart isn’t as quick as the Miata. For your money, you do receive a sportier vehicle, though.
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI is one of the fastest cars under $30k, which might surprise many people. The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a quick little car that is also useful. A turbocharged inline-four with 296 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft of torque is under the engine. An optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission can pair with the engine. The Golf GTI can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.6 seconds, with a maximum speed of 155 mph.
2023 Kia Forte GT
The Kia Forte is a roomy, reasonably priced small sedan with an excellent interior and user-friendly infotainment system. The Forte’s four-cylinder, 147-horsepower standard engine is sufficient for most tasks, but the Forte GT is a faster option for those seeking greater acceleration. A 1.6-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine powers the Forte GT. It produces a torque of 195 pound-feet and 201 horsepower. A six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission transfers power to the front wheels. A sport-tuned suspension and performance exhaust are also included with the GT.
2024 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is a sleek, feature-rich sports vehicle with an instantly identifiable look and performance to match. The EcoBoost is the Mustang’s most economical model. Despite being only a four-cylinder turbocharged engine, it produces 350 pound-feet of torque and 310 horsepower. Compared to its V8-powered GT stablemate, the Mustang with the turbo-four is lighter on its feet and has a less prominent nose. It is a lot of fun to drive and handle turns with agility. Several practical driver-assistance systems are also included as standard equipment with the Mustang.
15 Modern Cars That Are Destined to Become Collectors’ Items
There are thousands of car models in the world. Every year, dozens of new ones are released. Some are hits, and some are misses. Most of them will be outdated in a decade. However, a select few will stand the test of time. They’re potential future legends. From innovative electric pioneers to high-octane hypercars and reborn classics, this list unveils 15 modern marvels poised to become tomorrow’s collector’s items.
15 Modern Cars That Are Destined to Become Collectors’ Items
