Most automotive enthusiasts have a deep-rooted desire to drive powerful and fast cars. Despite the advantage of pride, enjoyment, and excitement that they offer, the biggest challenge with high-performance cars is the hefty price tag attached to them, largely due to the fact that cars with 300+ horsepower used to be rare.
Nonetheless, advancements in technology in the present-day automobile industry have made 300hp cars a common occurrence. It is now possible to own a high-performance vehicle for a lot less, especially if you search well in the used car market. Below is a list of 300hp cars that you can purchase today for less than 10k.
10 2010 BMW 550i
The 550i showcased the perfect blend of luxury and sport in a car, making it the best point to start for anyone seeking a modern-looking BMW. The engine is a 90 degree V8 cylinder with four valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts.
The 2010 model had a few notable upgrades from previous models; a new Value and M Sport package, optional navigation system, parking assist, and an iDrive electronics interface. A self-leveling feature is incorporated into the rear suspension to give the 550i crisp and responsive handling.
9 2005 Mercedes S600 W220
Owning a top-of-the-line Mercedes for $7,500 is very tempting considering the high luxury standards and exceptional performance that the Mercedes line offers. Many of the coolest German cars are also Mercedes-Benz.
Produced between 1999 and 2005, the S600 is the most colossal and most powerful Mercedes model offered from the factory. At the time of its launch, the car featured Airmatic air suspension, keyless entry and ignition, Distronic cruise control, and active ventilated seats. The 5.8-liter V-12 engine in the W220 can generate 362hp at 5500rpm and close to 391lb-ft of torque at 4100rpm.
8 2010 Chrysler 300C
Chrysler’s 300 series will be an American icon for a long time. It has all the components of an American muscle car cloaked in a 4-door luxurious package. However, it faces tough competition from the Mercedes E Class AMG and the BMW M5.
Equipped with a 6.1-liter HEMI V8 engine, the 300C can generate up to 360hp. The narrow greenhouse, high beltline, pronounced wheel arches, and minimal front overhang of the 300C model strongly hints at its performance potential.
7 2011 Volvo S60 T6
The Volvo manufacturing team is known for its sensibility. The T6 is Volvo’s second-generation model for the S60 family, the sportiest Volvo models ever produced. It features torque-vectoring hardware that relies on the braking system and unique traction-control sensors that aid the outside wheels put more churn down.
The T6 produces 300hp and 325lb-ft of torque from a six-speed automatic with manual shift control without shift paddles. The car’s in-line turbocharged 6-cylinder 3.0-liter engine feeds power to a Haldex all-wheel-drive system.
6 2006 Pontiac GTO
The GTO model remained in production for a three-year period – between 2004 and 2006 before the project got discontinued by Pontiac. The GTO was offered as a 2+2 sporty coupe with either an automatic or manual transmission.
Under the hood is a 6.0-liter V8 engine rated at 400hp. The GTO featured a traction control system and a limited-slip differential that enabled a smooth and luxurious ride. The quality interior design in this model made it comfortable enough for everyday driving.
5 2005 Ford Mustang GT
The Mustang is an American classic with the prestige that only a few cars can match up. In late 2004, Ford revealed a retro-futuristic design in its fifth generation Mustang that stunned the world. The sporty yet elegant shape in this model is still “modern,” 21 years after the unveiling.
Powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine, the GT generates 300hp and 320 pound-feet of torque. The Mustang presents the largest selection of after-market parts in the modern automotive world to provide enthusiasts with unlimited possibilities for styling the car.
4 2011 Infiniti G37 Coupe
The G37 is an underrated luxury coupe that remained underappreciated since the mid-2000s despite its respectable performance. The exterior design is not the most attractive in the market, but the G37 coupe compensates with interior comfort and its quick top speed of 151mph.
The G37 was produced with a naturally aspirated V6 engine that allowed the car to generate upwards of 330hp and 270 pound-feet of torque. This Infiniti model was built as the Japanese alternative to the pool of luxury sedans made in Europe. It is perfect for daily driving because of its pretty, fast, and practical characteristics.
3 2003 Audi RS6
The high-performance RS6 produced by Audi Sport Quattro GmbH – this car’s unmistakable style provides unbelievable handling and a callous performance attributed to the all-wheel drive train developed by Quattro.
The large dual exhaust system on the RS6 gives a clue that it was built for speed. The car’s all-alloy 4.2-liter V8 engine generates 450hp, making the RS6 the fastest sedan in the world in 2003. The power is transmitted via a standard 5-speed automatic system. The brakes were 8-piston front calipers for ample stopping power.
2 2010 Dodge Charger R/T
After its debut in 2005, the Charger has enjoyed fantastic success as a true American 4-door sedan. The R/T has maintained its sleek profile that blends the traditional muscle car appearance with modern styling accents for sedans.
It featured variable valve timing with the option of an all-wheel-drive system. The 2010 R/T was equipped with some standard features; a tilt steering column, air conditioning, and a sound system with a CD player and auxiliary iPod jack.
1 2015 Chevrolet Impala LT
To most people, Chevrolet is a widely used rental car that would not attract many owners. But the revamped 2015 Impala LT model was a more attractive, comfortable, and powerful full-sized sedan.
Under the hood is a V6 3.6-liter engine that pumps 305hp and 264 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired to an automatic 6-speed transmission. The beefy engine sound in this Impala required the car to have acoustic glass windows, extra body foam, and additional material in the trunk and floor plan to deaden the engine sound.
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