9 Affordable Sports Cars That Still Reach 150 MPH
Who says you need a fortune to go fast? These 9 affordable sports cars prove that thrilling performance and 150 mph top speeds aren’t just for the rich they’re for anyone who loves to drive.
Ford Mustang EcoBoost
But here’s what’s cool you get that iconic pony car look, and it’s got a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 315 horsepower, which is…honestly pretty solid. Top speed? About 145 mph according to some sources, though I’ve seen people say it can push closer to 155 mph if you get the right config. It does 0-60 in like 4.5 seconds, which I mean that’s quick enough to embarrass a lot of “sportier” cars at a stoplight. Price starts around $30,920 to $33,515 depending on where you look, so it’s not gonna wreck your bank account completely. The only thing is, uh, the 10-speed automatic can be kinda sloppy, and the interior feels…cheap? But who cares when you’re going fast, right?
Chevrolet Camaro LT1
Man, the Camaro LT1 is just…it’s a monster. You’re getting a 6.2-liter V8 with 455 horsepower, and honestly, that’s just stupid amounts of power for around $36,600. Top speed hits 165 mph, which is legitimately fast like, “don’t try this at home” fast. I love that it’s still kinda affordable but you get that proper V8 rumble, you know? Makes you feel alive. The only downside is, uhm, visibility is terrible like driving a cave but if you can deal with that, it’s an absolute bargain for what you’re getting. Plus it just looks mean. I’d probably pick this over the Mustang if I’m being honest, just for that V8 noise.
Infiniti G35 Coupe
It’s got that legendary VQ35 engine, which sounds amazing when you rev it, and you can find used ones for like…I dunno, maybe $8,000 to $15,000 depending on condition? Super cheap. Not gonna lie, it’s getting older now we’re talking mid-2000s but if you want speed on a budget and don’t mind wrenching a bit, this is solid. Plus it’s rear-wheel drive, so…drift missile potential? Just saying.
Chevrolet Corvette C5
The Corvette C5 is just, like, one of the best bang-for-buck performance cars ever made. Period. You can find these used for around $15,000 to $25,000, and they’ll do way over 150 mph probably closer to 175 mph if you floor it. The LS1 V8 is bulletproof, handles great, and honestly? It’s still a Corvette. You get those pop-up headlights on earlier models which, I mean, come on, that’s just cool. Maintenance isn’t too bad either compared to European stuff. Only issue is finding one that hasn’t been beaten to death, but yeah…if you want a proper sports car that’s fast and affordable, C5 Vette all day.
Hyundai Elantra N
It’s got a 2.0-liter turbo making 276 horsepower, hits 155 mph, and does 0-60 in about 5 seconds. Starting price is around $34,015, which is super reasonable for what you’re getting. And it’s like…practical? You can daily drive it, take your friends somewhere, and still have fun on back roads. Honestly, Hyundai’s been killing it lately with the N models. The styling is kinda boy-racer aggressive but in a good way, I think. If you need something fast but also, like, functional for real life, this is a smart pick.
Volkswagen Golf R
The Golf R is…man, it’s just so good at everything. Top speed of 155 mph, 0-60 in 4.6 seconds, all-wheel drive, hatchback practicality it’s the Swiss Army knife of fast cars. Price starts around $45,385 , so it’s creeping up there, but you’re getting so much tech and refinement. It’s a 2.0-liter turbo with 315 horsepower, and it doesn’t look crazy flashy, which is kinda nice? Like, sleeper vibes. You can haul groceries and then smoke people on the highway. I dunno, maybe I’m biased because I love hot hatches, but this one just hits different. Only con is maybe it’s a bit…sterile? Like, not as raw as some others, but that’s also why it works as a daily.
Dodge Charger R/T
So the Dodge Charger R/T is that big American muscle sedan that somehow still rips. It’s got a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 making 370 horsepower, top speed of 155 mph, and yeah, it’s heavy, but who cares? It sounds incredible and you can fit, like, five people plus all their stuff. Price is around $41,980, which…okay, not super cheap, but for a V8 sedan that hauls, it’s fair. I love that it’s kinda old-school big, loud, fun. Not the most sophisticated thing on the road, but man, every time you start it up and hear that HEMI rumble…worth it. Plus you can be the cool parent doing school runs in a 400+ horsepower sedan. Just saying.
Honda Civic Type R
The Civic Type R is just…it’s wild. Top speed of 169 mph, which is nuts for a front-wheel-drive hot hatch. The 2.0-liter turbo makes 315 horsepower, 0-60 in about 5 seconds, and the handling is absolutely bonkers like, track-ready out of the box. Price starts at $43,795, so yeah, not exactly “cheap cheap,” but for what you get? Totally worth it. The styling is super aggressive like a Transformer had a baby with a spaceship and I know some people hate it, but I kinda love how unapologetic it is. Only downside is good luck finding one at MSRP because dealers love to mark these up. But if you can snag one, it’s an absolute riot to drive.
Subaru WRX
Last one Subaru WRX. This is the rally legend, the thing that defined a generation of car nerds, you know? Current model has a 2.4-liter turbo flat-four making 271 horsepower, top speed around 155 mph, and it’ll do 0-60 in about 5.5 seconds. Price starts at $31,625, which is super reasonable. And you get all-wheel drive, so…snow? Rain? Dirt? Doesn’t matter. The WRX just grips and goes. I think the new design is kinda ugly like, what happened to the hood scoop being cool? but performance-wise it’s still solid. If you live somewhere with weather or just want something reliable and fast, can’t go wrong here. Though honestly, I’d probably save up for the STI if…oh wait, they don’t make that anymore. Sad face.
