Cheap Turbo Cars That Make More Torque Than Horsepower

Turbocharged cars aren’t just about horsepower torque is what delivers real-world punch. These affordable turbo cars offer more torque than horsepower, making them quick, fun, and surprisingly strong for daily driving.

Volkswagen Golf TDI

So, the old Golf TDI, man, that thing was sneaky. You’d think, “eh, it’s a diesel hatchback,” but then BOOM, all that torque at like 2,000 rpm just pulls you forward. I think it made something like 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque back in the day, all while sipping fuel. You could get one used now for maybe $10,000 or less, and if you chip it? It turns into this little torque monster that feels way faster than it should.

Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

The Cruze Diesel’s another one of those “don’t knock it till you drive it” deals. Around 137 horsepower but it pushes, what, 240 lb-ft of torque? It’s not fast off the line, but in the midrange, it just surges. You’re cruising on the freeway, tap the pedal, and whoosh, it just jumps. You can find ‘em around $9,000 used now. Not glamorous, but like weirdly confident.

Ford Fiesta ST

Okay, now we’re talking fun. The Fiesta ST is just… pure giggle fuel. 197 horsepower versus 202 lb-ft of torque, all in this tiny hatch. You’re not even going fast most of the time, but it feels fast. The 1.6-liter turbo engine just spools up quick, and the car dances through corners. Around $15,000 used, maybe less if you don’t mind high miles. It’s like owning a go-kart that cackles every time you floor it.

Mini Cooper S (R56)

The Mini Cooper S from the late 2000s, early 2010s had this 1.6-liter turbo engine with 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque (192 on overboost). But the way that torque comes in low, it kinda gives you that fake sports car feeling. I mean, you’re not breaking records, but it pulls hard out of corners. Around $8,000 gets you one in decent shape, and yeah, maintenance is quirky, but so is the car.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo

The Veloster Turbo’s one of those “huh, that’s actually quick” kind of cars. 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft, though with tuning you can flip those numbers easy. Around $13k used, and, honestly, it’s a cool little car if you ignore the whole three-door weirdness. It’s fun, peppy, and a bit misunderstood, kinda like the kid who sat in the back of class drawing instead of paying attention.

Mazda CX-5 Turbo

Okay, it’s technically an SUV, but dude, this thing’s sneaky good. 227 horsepower with regular gas, but 310 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than a Mustang EcoBoost! And it feels like it too. Starts around $30,000 new, so not dirt cheap, but you can find older ones for low 20s. Plus, the styling’s clean, interior’s grown-up, and you surprise people at stoplights.

VW GTI (MK6 or MK7)

Oh, the GTI classic. Torque always outpaces horsepower by a little, somewhere around 210 horsepower and 258 lb-ft depending on the year. And the way it delivers that power? Super usable. It just feels strong. For around $12,000 to $18,000 used, you get a super fun daily that’s comfy but still lets you be stupid when the road opens up.

Fiat 500 Abarth

Now this one’s hilarious. 160 horsepower, 170 lb-ft of torque, and a sound like a baby Ferrari when you rev it. It’s tiny, twitchy, and kind of ridiculous, but in the best way. You can snag one around $9,000, and if you throw a tune or intake on it, the torque spike practically throws you back into the seat. It’s an angry chili pepper of a car.

Kia Forte GT

This one’s actually underrated. The Forte GT comes with a 1.6 turbo, 201 horsepower, 195 lb-ft of torque, same engine as the Veloster Turbo actually. Starts around $25k new. It’s surprisingly composed, decent gearbox, comfy seats, and it’s, like, fun without being immature. Sort of that “I’m adulting but still like boost” vibe.

Chevy Trax Turbo

Alright, don’t laugh yeah, the Trax. It’s a weird one, but it’s also cheap and torquey. Around 138 horsepower and a surprising 148 lb-ft of torque from that little 1.4 turbo four. Not gonna win drag races, but for around $17k new or half that used, it’s a decent city runabout. You floor it, and it’s like, “I’m trying, bro.” But it does get you there and somehow grows on you.