What are the fastest cars under 50k?
Many people aspire to drive fast cars. Nevertheless, considering the high cost and reduced functionality of the majority of sports cars, consumers frequently opt to own a more useful vehicle instead.
There are several new and secondhand sports vehicles that can help satisfy your craving for speed that cost less than $50,000, even though many high-performance sports cars cost in the six-figure range.
In this article, we present the top 10 fastest cars costing less than $50,000 in the market today.
Top 10 Fastest Cars Under 50k
- 2023 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe
The BMW 2 Series is a little unique vehicle. The car’s starting price is set at $46,400. The rear-wheel drive, two-door coupe maintains BMW’s customary architecture. On the other hand, the front-wheel-drive 2 Series Gran Coupe is a four-door swoopy sedan.
The M235i xDrive, the top performer in the Gran Coupe lineup, uses all-wheel drive to propel the 302 horsepower sedan. The 228i comes with all-wheel drive as optional. [1]
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is standard on all 2-series Gran Coupe versions. The M235i produces 301 hp compared to the 228i’s 228 horsepower. All the models have a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The 228i feels swift and eager when driving around town. It produces a quick 5.1-second sprint to 60 mph. While the M35i reaches 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, the M235i achieves the same feat in just 4.2 seconds.
The 2 Series offers a lowered and longer roofline in Gran Coupe form compared to the conventional 2 Series. The trailing edge of the rear window of the Gran Coupe is pulled far back. As a result, it has a smoother profile than the regular 2 Series.
Although it appears larger and more streamlined, the wheelbase of the four-door version of the 2 Series coupe is 2.8 inches shorter. Unexpectedly, that acts as an advantage because it leaves some room for additional passengers and cargo.
- 2023 Nissan Z Performance
The 2023 Nissan Z Performance is an excellent value in the automobile industry at a time when everything is so pricey. It is priced at $49,990 and hits 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds. [2]
The car is a stunning, brand-new sports car with heated side mirrors, 19-inch forged Rays wheels, and heated and power-adjustable seats. It also features a leather interior with faux suede inserts, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto compatibility, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine powers the 2023 Nissan Z. The engine produces 400 hp and 350 pound-feet of torque. Nissan offers this specification with a mechanical limited-slip differential and bigger brakes to increase safety and driver confidence.
The car has a six-speed manual gearbox with automatic rev-matching as standard. A nine-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters is also optional and comes at no additional cost.
According to the EPA , the Z with the automatic gearbox is considered to be the most energy-efficient model. Its city fuel efficiency rating stands at 19 mpg while the highway rating is at 28 mpg. Using the manual transmission results in lower mileage of 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. [3]
- Ford Mustang GT
The Ford Mustang GT has a starting price of $43,090. The Mustang’s 5.0-liter V8 engine delivers 450 hp and 410 pound-feet of torque. This power is more than enough to get the Mustang from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. [4]
The GT performance package comes with chassis bracing, summer tires, heavy-duty front springs, and Brembo front brakes. It is also equipped with a larger radiator, modified chassis and stability control, and a Torsen limited-slip differential.
The Mustang’s chassis provides a smooth and controlled driving experience even with the less potent engines. The electrically assisted steering is adequately mild in Comfort mode and properly weighted in the other two modes. In stop-and-go traffic, the solid feel of the Mustang’s brake pedal becomes touchy, but at greater speeds, it’s simpler to use.
- Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro, also categorized as a pony car, is a mid-sized car made by Chevrolet, an American automaker. The base Chevrolet Camaro model includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower as standard equipment. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and top out at 155 mph. [5]
Customers can select higher modes, like the LT1 and 1SS for less than $40,000. The trims have a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 455hp. This combination of features offers a 0-60 time of 4.0 seconds in the more powerful V8.
The Camaro LT1 can be purchased for as little as $39,090 when fitted with the 10-speed automatic gearbox necessary to achieve the 4.0-second mark. There are more potent versions of this pony car, like the Mustang and Challenger, but none that cost less than $50,000.
- 2023 Dodge Charger Scat Pack
Starting with its historically eye-catching selection of wheels, the 2023 Dodge Charger expresses its attitude from the ground up. [6]
The highest versions of the car, including the R/T Scat Pack, have a 6.40-liter Hemi V8 with 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The base V6 engine provides sufficient power and acceleration. The R/T Scat Pack can go from 0 to 60 mph In 4.5 seconds. It has a starting price of $49,140.
The 2023 Dodge Charger Scat Pack honors its 392 cubic-inch engine with striking 392 HEMI badges on the deck lid and fender. It also has a distinctive bespoke grille that features the Scat Pack Super Bee special edition grille badge.
The Charger comes with a powerful V8 engine. Unfortunately, not every Charger is equipped with the Hemi V-8 engine. However, they all come standard with rear-wheel drive and a fantastic eight-speed automatic transmission.
In contrast, the V-6 is more muted but does add the option of all-wheel drive. Dodge doesn’t produce a manual transmission Charger.
Although the Charger’s power steering is electrically assisted, the input is too slow and heavy to be engaging. The high-performance variants with improved brakes and stickier summer performance tires offer the best emergency braking performance.
- The Audi S3
The Audi S3 is available in hatchback (Sportback) and sedan models. The car is produced by Audi AG, a German automaker. The S3 was introduced to the market in 1999 and is the Audi A3’s sportier variant. [7]
The S3 is the high-performance version of the A3 small car and comes with an all-wheel drive system. It also includes a sports suspension and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 306 horsepower. The S3 has a 0-to-60 time of 4.5 seconds. It has a starting price of $45,945 and comes standard with a dual-clutch gearbox.
The S3’s engine is built to provide adequate power for a sporty drive. It is also connected to a computer that facilitates the interaction of the car’s various systems, including the adaptive dampers, Quatro system, and driving modes, among others.
The engine features upgraded high-performance pistons, new fuel and boost mapping, a bigger turbocharger, and a superior intercooler. With the S3, Audi provides a six-speed manual and a six-speed S-Tronic automatic gearbox.
The Audi S3 is one of the smallest cars available. It is fashionable, cozy, and nicely furnished. A powerful yet fuel-efficient engine and a sporty suspension that won’t torture you every day make it a lot of fun to drive as well. Compared to competitors, it provides less room for baggage and passengers in the back.
- Volkswagen Golf R
The Volkswagen Golf R gains 315 horsepower from the 2.0-liter turbo engine. With a dual-clutch gearbox, the car can reach 60 mph in 4.7 seconds on average, while some owners can go even faster with stock vehicles. [8]
The car has a five-door body style, seating for five, and a roomy rear hatch. The price for the Golf R begins at $44,290. The vehicle can work with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The standard 4Motion all-wheel-drive system has a rear differential that actively distributes torque between the left and right rear wheels for better handling. The Golf R has several drive modes including, Special, Comfort, Drift, Sport, Race, and Individual. They can all be activated by pressing the “R” button on the steering wheel.
Every model includes larger front disc brakes, a performance exhaust system, and variable-ratio steering. The car also comes supported by a pair of 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires.
Some versions of the Golf R come with the Performance package. This is an add-on that provides two additional drive modes, including the exciting Drift mode that permits some tail-sliding antics.
The Golf R is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds when equipped with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. On the contrary, a six-speed manual gearbox clocks in at 4.9 seconds [9].
- Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
The Dodge Challenger has long been the marquee model for Dodge and the ideal representation of the incredibly potent American muscle vehicle. It is massive, audacious, and powered by a strong engine that stimulates endorphins in both young and old people. [10]
The 6.4-liter V8 engine in the 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack generates 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. As a result, the $46,940 car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
The Challenger R/T Scat Pack only gets 14 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the interstate, so don’t expect to get good gas mileage. However, because Brembo brakes are standard on the Challenger, it’s not just about straight-line speed.
The 2023 Dodge Challenger is known for its outrageously high horsepower output from its most aggressive models. The lineup begins with a 303-horsepower V6 in the base SXT and GT models.
Thereafter, every other model receives a V8 engine. The 717-horsepower Challenger SRT Hellcat and its even more potent variations, the Hellcat Redeye, SRT Super Stock, and new SRT Demon 170 are towards the top of the spectrum.
- Mercedes-AMG CLA 35
The most powerful four-cylinder engine in use is detuned for the Mercedes AMG CLA, which results in a robust 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. [11]
Any AMG vehicle should deliver powerful performance. The power is provided by a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 306 horsepower in the CLA 35. With launch control and standard four-wheel drive, the little four-door vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
Similar to the far more expensive and opulent AMG GT 4-Door supercar, the suspension may be altered via a dial on the steering wheel. Other high-tech features allow the CLA 35 to automatically brake, accelerate, and stay in its lane, which is perfect in tense rush-hour highway traffic.
A suitably athletic atmosphere is created inside thanks to the body-hugging sports seats, metal shift paddles, and flat-bottomed steering wheel. You will also receive the amazing, cutting-edge dual-screen infotainment system, just like with the standard CLA.
- Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata’s soft-top convertible roof allows it to attain a top speed of 135 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 5.7 seconds. The time is 5.8 seconds for models with the hardtop roof in their RF configuration. [12]
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque is the only engine available for the Miata. Higher trims don’t increase acceleration because the Mazda MX-5 Miata only has one engine.
The Grand Touring trim has a starting price of $31,770. It adds features like rain-sensing windscreen wipers and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features include traffic sign recognition, climate control, leather seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
All variants include a Revvy 181-hp four-cylinder engine and a standard six-speed manual transmission, a setup reminiscent of vintage sports cars. The mid-range Club trim offers the finest combination of equipment and performance in this vehicle.
It has 17-inch wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, heated seats, and a nine-speaker Bose radio system. An automatic gearbox comes as an option for the Miata. Nevertheless, the standard six-speed manual is the best option.
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Conclusion
The proliferation of automobile companies and technological advancements mean that you no longer need to spend a lot of dollars on fast cars. You may buy inexpensive cars that offer excellent value for less than $50,000.
Although all sports cars are enjoyable to drive, those highlighted in this article provide a quick yet practical option for people seeking an exhilarating driving experience.
Buyers can upgrade from many sports cars’ base trims for a budget of $50,000 and acquire later-model secondhand luxury sports cars.
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