The horsepower war is alive and well in the auto industry. Once upon a time, 300 hp was a number reserved for the most superlative—and expensive—cars. But these days, when 700 hp is the unspoken minimum requirement among mega-muscle cars and supercars, horsepower comes relatively cheap. You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get 300 hp. If you’re looking for cheap cars with 300 hp, here are a few great options all starting under $40,000.
2019 Infiniti Q50 V-6 | $39,425 | 300 HP
Infiniti’s entry-level sedan offers a turbo-four and a 400-hp V-6, but the sweet spot is its V-6 making 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. We’ve praised the Q50 for its spacious interior and generous cargo bay, although the infotainment system is showing its age. This entry makes our list of cheap cars with 300 hp, but just barely, as prices start at over $39,000.
2020 Chrysler 300S | $38,140 | 300 HP
Despite its dated interior, the Chrysler 300S is as stylish as it is powerful. It comes standard with a 3.6-liter V-6 producing 300 hp, but a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 boosts output to 363 hp.
2020 Subaru WRX STI | $37,895 | 310 HP
Drivers will enjoy the impressive handling and all-wheel-drive grip of this brash sedan. After some initial lag, the STI surges forward with confidence with the help of a 310-hp 2.5-liter turbo flat-four engine. Unfortunately, it lost out to the Honda Civic Type R in our sport compact comparison.
2019 Honda Civic Type R | $37,230 | 306 HP
It’s hard to believe a front-drive car can perform this well. The Type R packs a powerful punch with a 306-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, but that’s only part of the story. It also features a superb chassis and engaging manual transmission. As we noted in one review, it “feels like a detuned rally car.”
2019 Buick LaCrosse V-6 | $37,095 | 310 HP
Yes, a Buick can be powerful. Not only does the LaCrosse make 310 hp with its optional V-6 engine, it also handles surprisingly well for its size. But the sedan may not be for sale much longer in the U.S., as production ended at GM’s Detroit–Hamtramck facility in February.
2020 Toyota Avalon | $36,755 | 301 HP
This sedan makes 301 hp from its V-6 engine, but unlike other cheap cars with 300 hp, it has no sporting intentions. That is, unless you opt for the new TRD version with a sportier suspension. Generally, though, the Avalon is best known as a comfortable cruiser with a premium cabin filled with soft-touch surfaces and available Yamaha-sourced wood trim.
2020 Nissan Maxima | $35,145 | 300 HP
The Maxima is more of a comfortable cruiser than a sport sedan. That said, the Maxima won’t leave you wanting for power. It boasts a 3.5-liter V-6 making 300 hp.
2020 Chevrolet Impala | $32,495 | 305 HP
GM is shifting its resources from sedans to SUVs, but the Impala still has its merits. Not only does the 3.6-liter V-6 deliver 305 hp, but drivers will enjoy comfortable seats, a controlled ride, and solid handling considering its size. However, it’s unclear if these positive traits are compelling enough to stop consumers from switching to crossovers like the stylish Blazer.
2020 Dodge Charger | $31,390 | 300 HP
Combining muscle car performance with the space and comfort of a traditional sedan, the Charger is a welcome anomaly. The standard V-6 makes 300 hp. V-8 versions are also available for different budgets, from the 370-hp version to a supercharged Hellcat HEMI with 707 hp. Among cheap cars with 300 hp, this one is a particularly good value.
2020 Nissan 370Z | $30,985 | 332 HP
Even though it has gone a decade without a major update, the 370Z is still fun to drive. Packing a 3.7-liter V-6, the model makes 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque in standard guise, or 350 hp and 276 lb-ft when buyers upgrade to the Nismo trim. Yes, you can still get it with a six-speed manual. To celebrate five decades in the U.S., the sports car gets a 50th Anniversary edition.
2019 Dodge Challenger | $29,590 | 305 HP
The Challenger has a lot to offer, and you don’t need the 797-hp Hellcat Redeye to have fun. Even the base model makes a healthy 305 hp in standard guise, and V-8 versions start from 375 hp. Along with powerful engines, the Challenger benefits from a smooth ride and surprisingly spacious back seat.
2020 Ford Mustang | $28,410 | 310 HP
Although the V-8 version is more potent, the EcoBoost Mustang strikes a nice balance between performance and value. The base Mustang makes an impressive 310 hp and 350 lb-ft, not from a V-6, but from a 2.3-liter turbo-four engine. The High Performance package is worth it, adding an extra 20 hp to the engine and an active exhaust with quad tips. When we tested an EcoBoost Mustang, it went from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds.
2019 Chevrolet Camaro V-6 | $27,990 | 335 HP
The Camaro earns its rightful place in muscle car history. The coupe boasts precise steering and little body roll, not to mention great engine choices. Although we like the energetic turbo-four, the V-6 makes a potent 335 hp. For even more power, there’s a V-8 with 455 hp. Despite the added juice, the Camaro V-8 is still a steal, starting under $35,000 for the 2020 model year.
And a few cheap SUVs with 300 HP…
2019 Chevrolet Blazer V-6 | $34,495 | 308 HP
The Blazer shares more than its looks with the Camaro. From its agile road manners to its interior design, the Blazer feels sportier than it should as a midsize SUV. We clocked the RS model hitting 60 mph in 6.1 seconds.
2020 Chevrolet Traverse | $30,995 | 310 HP
Often overlooked, this large crossover boasts surprisingly good handling and a buttery smooth nine-speed transmission. It also has plenty of cargo space, although it has a slightly cramped third row. The V-6 engine makes a healthy 310 hp.
The post Top 15 Cheap Cars With 300 HP for Less Than $40K appeared first on MotorTrend.
Source: WORLD NEWS
