Choosing to drive a car with 500 horsepower can be an exhilarating experience if you do it correctly. And it can be a terrifying experience if you do it wrong.
If you’re going to choose one of the 500 horsepower cars on the market, don’t let price be your only consideration.
But focus on safety, reliability, and handling instead so you can get everything you need without paying too much.
Here are the top 17 cheapest 500 horsepower cars on the market today.
1. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio ( $70,000)
On paper, nothing sets the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio apart from other performance coupes in its class.
The engine is a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and one of the cheapest 500 horsepower cars. It has an all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Moreso, it weighs 3,500 pounds and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 196 mph.
Power for the Quadrifoglio comes from a relatively small 2-liter twin-turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It packs 505 hp, and it’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Also, as mentioned before, it has an all-wheel drive, which helps distribute power evenly.
Weighing 3,500 pounds, this Italian beast can get up to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 196mph
2. Jaguar F-TYPE R Coupe ($105,400)
The Jaguar F-Type is sleek, powerful, and surprisingly good on gas! Plus, it’s much more affordable than some other supercars out there.
However, this coupe offers breathtaking performance with speeds up to 195 mph and 0-60 in 4 seconds flat.
It has an automatic transmission with paddle shifters and all-wheel drive for control in any type of weather condition.
Whether you’re looking for a new car or a new business, we’ve compiled a list of the cheapest 500 horsepower cars.
All of these vehicles have at least 550 HP and come in under $200/HP. Keep scrolling to see our favorites.
3. Jaguar F-Type R Convertible ($108,250)
Considering a car’s efficiency, price, and performance is important. The higher the price, the better quality the car will be. Price can also be calculated by looking at how much HP a car has.
However, the more HP there are in a car, the higher its price will be. Some of these best-selling cheapest 500 horsepower cars come with very high prices.
Moreso, aluminum-intensive construction helps keep weight down, making the F-Type R one of the lightest convertibles available today.
The Jaguar F-Type R Convertible was ranked #4 for Best Sports Car under $150K in 2017 by U.S News & World Report
4. Nissan GT-R ( $109,990)
For those who are looking for a bargain, the Nissan GT-R is worth checking out.
The GT-R starts at $109,990 and comes with 565 HP. That’s just $194.67/HP, which is cheaper than most of its competitors.
Also, it has an impressive 0-60 time of 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph, making it one of the fastest cars on this list.
A 6-speed paddle-shifted dual-clutch transmission directs power to all four wheels via a limited-slip differential.
Then, you can shift gears without lifting your foot from the gas pedal. It also has a fast lane departure warning system to keep you in your lane. That is when driving too close to the lines on either side of the road.
5. 2003 – 2006 Dodge Viper SRT(10 500 horsepower)
The 2003 – 2006 Dodge Viper SRT-10 is one of America’s cheapest and most powerful sports cars.
It’s a two-door convertible that can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, which is faster than many other high-end luxury vehicles, such as Lamborghinis and Maseratis.
While it may not be practical for everyday use, this car is still an attractive option for those who want something that stands out. That is while being slightly cheaper than some of its competitors.
6. 2008 – 2012 Nissan GTR R35($200,000)
Since 2008, the Nissan GT-R has been a favorite among many enthusiasts.
The car is powered by a 3.8L V6 twin-turbo engine that produces 485 – 535 horsepower at 6000 rpm. And it’s capable of running to 60 mph in just 3 seconds.
Also, the GT-R boasts incredible grip and handling with its four-wheel steering system. As well as its all-wheel drive configuration. On top of that, you can purchase this car for less than $200,000!
7. 2012 – 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG ($59,800)
This Mercedes C63 AMG is a classic and one of the cheapest 500 horsepower cars.
It has a 7-speed automatic transmission, 507 hp, and 457 lb-ft of torque. With this car’s all-wheel drive, you’ll have no problem making it up that steep incline.
Also, the car has a four-wheel independent suspension and rear-wheel drive. And for those who live in colder climates, it has snow tires for your winter driving needs.
With all these features, this 2012 – 2013 Mercedes C63-AMG is an excellent choice if you want to purchase a car with 500 horsepower.
8. 2005 – 2010 BMW M5 ($34,406.67)
The 2005-2010 BMW M5 is a high-performance machine and one of the cheapest 500 horsepower cars.
It has a 4.8-liter V8 engine that can produce an impressive 500 horses at 6,500 rpm and 317 lb/ft torque at 3,750 rpm.
However, this car can go from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. It is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed sequential shift transmission.
This car’s interior is luxurious and comfortable with its leather seats. And German luxury features like heated seats and steering wheel, power moon roof, power windows and locks, and automatic climate control.
Then, Bluetooth capability for phone and audio streaming, among many other features.
9. 2006 – 2013 Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR Edition ( $159,995 )
505 horsepower, 700 ft-lbs torque, four seats, rear-wheel drive. The Viper is a pure performance machine with enormous power and torque from its 8.4-liter V10 engine. And it’s also one of the cheapest 500 horsepower cars.
Also, it has an amazing aerodynamic design with sleek curves. And a carbon fiber hood to help it cut through the air like a knife.
This sporty car is perfect for someone who wants raw power without sacrificing comfort or practicality (ease of use).
10. 2012 – 2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 ($55,355)
One of the most popular and well-known muscle cars is the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. It is one of the most powerful vehicles on this list.
The Camaro ZL1 has a 580 horsepower engine, which is equivalent to about 450 kilowatts of power.
And it also has a torque rating of 556 pound-feet, which can propel it from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds.
Moreover, it has an EPA gas mileage rating of 18 mpg per city and 24 mpg per highway (about 13 and 17 kilometers per liter).
The Camaro ZL1 costs $51,000 new, but you can find some used models for as little as $30,000.
11. 2005 – 2013 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C6 ( $18,014)
Introduced in 2005, this vehicle is a two-seat, two-door hatchback with a powerful engine and sharp curves. The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C6 has a 6.0L V8 that delivers 505 horsepower.
It also features a six-speed manual transmission and an MSRP of $76,990. Its sleek design makes it.
However, this two-door coupe is a performance version of Chevy’s Corvette C5.
It comes with a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 345 hp at 6200 rpm and 400 lb.-ft. Of torque at 4400 rpm. Then it’s one of the cheapest 500 horsepower cars.
Although the transmission is a six-speed manual, all 2006 Stingrays are rear-wheel drive only. The Stingray was priced from about $45,000 to about $65,000 in 2011.
12. 2008-2015 Cadillac CTS-V ( $32,995 )
The 2008-2015 Cadillac CTS-V 550 – 556 horsepower is a mid-size luxury car with tons of power.
With a 6.2 liter V8 engine, this car can really get up and go. It has a six-speed automatic transmission and can reach 60 in 4 seconds.
Also, this car has paddle shifters that allow the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel. That is while changing gears manually.
Although the convertible version of this car is called the CTS-V Cabriolet, it is great for those who enjoy driving with the wind in their hair.
And the Cadillac kicked the snot out of the Ferrari 458 Italia and BMW M6 Gran Coupe.
But it was bested by the Jaguar F-Type R. If you want power at an affordable price, check out these cars.
13. Mazda MX-5 Miata RF ($36,770)
The Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 130 – 152 horsepower is one of the most popular convertible sports cars on the market today.
14. 2011 – 2014 Chrysler 300 SRT8 ($18999.00)
A 2011-2014 Chrysler 300 SRT8 is one of the cheapest 500 horsepower cars on the market.
For a price tag under $30,000, this American muscle car will give you plenty of power with 470 hp, a 6.4-liter V8 engine, and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
However, this is one of the most powerful vehicles in its class. The only downside to this vehicle is that it does not come with either paddle shifters or manual transmission options.
15. 2011 – 2014 Dodge Charger SRT8 ($11,999.00)
If you want to buy a car with an outstanding engine that packs a punch. Then it would be best if you looked no further than the 2011-2014 Dodge Charger SRT8. With a measly base price of $39,995.
Nevertheless, this vehicle is perfect for anyone who wants to spend less money but still gets the cheapest 500 horsepower cars. This car comes with two different engines: one that’s 6.2 liters and another that’s 6.4 liters.
Moreso, the one with more power is called 392 HEMI V8 and has 470 horsepower.
While the other has 425 horsepower and gets 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on highways.
16. 2011 – 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT8 ( $44,685)
In recent years, more affordable muscle cars are coming onto the market.
The most notable example of this is the Dodge Challenger SRT8. This car is available for under $40,000 and provides 470 hp thanks to its 6.4-liter V8 engine.
Moreso, add in a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. And you have one of the most affordable high-performance vehicles on the road today.
They’re like driving a cartoon character; they’re so powerful and make your neck snap back when they take off.
But even if you don’t want to play with big engines, these are some of the best cars out there. Because they can be bought for such a low price, if you want something fast but cheap, go with an SRT8 Challenger or Charger (or their competitors).
17. 2007 – 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 ($42,998)
This is a high-performance version of the Ford Mustang. The GT500 has a 5.4-liter V8 engine that can reach up to 550 horsepower.
And which is more than any other car on the list of the cheapest 500 horsepower cars. Moreso, it has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 13 cities and 18 highway miles per gallon.
And it includes safety features like traction control and anti-lock brakes. This car comes with a price tag between $40,000 and $50,000.
Conclusion
With sports and muscle cars getting more expensive, it’s hard to find good ones.
That is, in the 500 horsepower range at an affordable price point. We’ve selected the top 17 cheapest 500 horsepower cars on the market.
So, whether you’re looking to buy something brand new or check around, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from!
So, you want to buy the fastest car you can afford? A 500 horsepower monster that will make all your friends envious?
Therefore, read on. Because we’ve put together the list of 17 cheapest 500 horsepower cars on the market right now to help you find one!
