Looking for a high-performance car while still keeping a budget? You’d be surprised at how many 500+ horsepower cars can come in under $30000. In 2025, there are some high-performance vehicles offering incredible speed while being relatively inexpensive. Whether a car enthusiast or simply looking for an exciting drive, this guide will find you the best 500 HP cars under $30K budget.

In this blog, discover how you can get the most horsepower for your money. Let us dive into the top options and factors that are to be considered to help you find the perfect car.

10 Powerful 500hp Cars Under $30K

High-performance cars have always been a top favorite of car enthusiasts of all age groups. The potent engines and taut handling both combine to bring exciting moments through any highway-speed runs or sharp cornering and much more.

These cars are also very eye-catching. With impressive styles and bold lines, the cars look fantastic. People tend to be attracted to these looks, and having one of these cars often represents success and style.

Typically brand new high performance cars cost a fortune, making them exclusive and not pocket-friendly for every buyer out there.  But you can get a chance to own such a performance oriented automobile in the used car market.

This is why we have 10 of the best cars with 500 horsepower under $30000 for you to experience that thrill. All the listed cars are either 2- or 4-seater, ideal for individuals and couples. If you pack extremely light and prefer superior performance over space, these vehicles will surely make you happy.

1. 2016 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500

The Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 presents itself as the best muscle car with high-performance capabilities to go with bold designs. It is characterized by big front grilles, signature stripes of racing pattern, and sculptured body lines signifying the capability for high performance.

The inside also focuses on performance by featuring sport-oriented features and a list of unique details that would increase its status among iconic American muscle cars. This true American muscle car is an all-time favorite due to its impressive specs and power. This Mustang inherits a 5.2-liter V8 engine with a supercharger producing 526 horsepower along with a Tremec six-speed manual.

The performance and handling are truly impressive when it comes to this model. Its 0-60 mph time is just 4.3 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. This Mustang typically ranges from $23,000 to $31,000 making it the Cheapest 500 HP car.

2. 2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 ranges from $29,000 – $46,000 and has a powerful yet visually striking design. The sculpted body of the ZL1, and its aggressive front end, paired with a wider stance, simply screams speed and strength.

Inside, a driver-focused cockpit characterizes the ZL1. It features sports seats along with unique trim and advanced technology features, blending modern luxury with raw power to set the look and performance apart from anything else.

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This powerful, high-performance car features a 6.2-liter LSA V8 engine with an Eaton supercharger producing over 580 horsepower! The Camaro is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and is also available with a six-speed automatic.

With a 0-60 mph record of just 3.8 seconds, it is the fastest Camaro produced, with a top speed of 184 mph. Now that’s something impressive.

3. 2014 Cadillac CTS-V

The 2014 Cadillac CTS-V represents the perfect combination of smooth, performance-oriented design and bold lines that are both functional and aesthetic. A bold, front grille stance gives it a dominating road presence: its wide body, sculpted look, and interior detail that tells an athletic tone all speak highly of this car, with premium leather.

Under the hood of this powerful car is a 6.2L V8 engine producing around 556 horsepower and is available in both 6-speed automatic and manual.

In terms of performance and speed, it beats all other high-performance cars with a 0-60 mph time record of just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 191 mph. The CTS-V costs around $29,000 which is a great deal for a Used 500 hp car under $30k.

4. 2015 Bentley Continental Flying Spur

The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is an elegant, high-class sedan with a classic design and impressive specs and power. Its bold and characteristic presence makes it appealing on the road.

The car’s interior is highly sophisticated, using premium materials in its design: plush leather and wood veneers. Overall, the Continental Flying Spur is a quintessential combination of luxury, style, and performance, which can cost around $28,000.

This Bentley has a 2 highly powerful engine options; a 4.0 L V8, and a 6-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine producing over 500-612 horsepower. Its performance is highly impressive, with a 0-60 mph record of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 195 mph. It is also equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

5. 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged Autobiography

This Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged Autobiography is a luxurious and rugged SUV that actually seats 5 passengers while combining high-class refinement with great capabilities off the road.

On the inside, the Autobiography trim makes for an indulgent cabin: plush leather seating, rich wood accents, and advanced technologies all assure elegance and comfort in equal measure.

With its supercharged 5.0L V8 engine, the Range Rover offers impressive performance both on and off the road, making it a true luxury and adventure in one. This Range Rover can go from 0 mph to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 150 mph, making it a great 500-horsepower car that can cost $17,000–$44,000.

6. 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT

This unique Dodge challenger is one of the most raw and aggressive American sports cars that draws lots of attention from its design. Its low stance, wide, muscular curves, bold front grille, and wide-set wheels show high-performance capabilities. The long hood and distinct Viper logo add to this fierce look of the car, along with two white stripes on the hood that truly distinguish it as a sports car.

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Designed by SRT under Chrysler’s DaimlerChrysler, the Viper SRT-10 stands as a rawly intense driving machine that is in itself a highly thrilling, uncompromising, and pure, performance-oriented sports car for its enthusiasts.

This super-fast car is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 producing a whopping 707 horsepower, equipped with a 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. It has a top speed of 199 mph and can go from 0 mph to 60 mph in just 3 seconds. This Dodge can range from $14,000 to $43,000.

7. 2015 BMW M5

The 2015 BMW M5 is a luxurious sedan that takes performance to its most elegant extreme. As a powerful and elegant luxury sedan, it features bold lines, a distinguished front grille, and flared arches, which enhance its dynamic presence.

The M5 delivers a thrilling ride, coupled with the sophistication that is very typical of BMW, all with its powerful engine and advanced handling capabilities. This German car comes equipped with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 with 560 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The performance is everlasting by its German engineering; this M5 can go from 0 mph to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

8. 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz SL63 is an excellent balance of performance and luxury, featuring a minimalist and dynamic design. It has an aggressive yet elegant appearance with its sculpted body, wide front grille, and low profile. The roadster features a retractable hardtop for open-air experiences too. The inside is pretty luxurious too, featuring premium leather and a sophisticated design for an elegant cabin.

The performance and handling of this high-performance car are excellent, making it an ideal choice for those who are looking for V8 cars under 30k. It is powered by a 5.5 L V8 engine producing around 577 horsepower and is paired with a 7-speed automatic.

This AMG can go from 0 mph to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 186 mph. You can find this model anywhere from $30,000 to $48,000.

9. 2015 Porsche Panamera Turbo

This Porsche Panamera Turbo comes out as one of those luxurious, high-performance sedans; nothing can surpass the combination of elegant styling with exceptional power. Its long and sculpted body is muscular yet beautiful, with an aggressive stance with a subtle yet distinctive Porsche front, giving it a commanding presence on the road.

This Porsche inherits a twin-turbocharged 4.8 L V8 engine, providing excellent power and making this car sports-oriented. The engine is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission that allows for smooth shifting between gears. It can go from 0 mph to 60 mph in about exactly 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 190 mph, making it a high-performance car. The Porsche Panamera can cost around $28,994.

10. 2015 Nissan GT-R

This Nissan is a high-performance sports car that can be distinguished from the rest due to its reliable Japanese engineering. The body of the car is aerodynamic, sharp, and low-slung with a wide stance, which gives a feeling of it being performance-oriented. The interior features a driver-focused cockpit with supportive sports seats, advanced technology, and premium materials.

This Nissan is driven by a 3.8 L V6 engine, which is able to produce 545 horsepower while being paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It beats all other high-performance cars with 500 hp with an impressive 0-60 mph time of only 2.7 seconds! And has a top speed of 196 mph. The price starts from $30k depending upon the condition of the car.

Factors To Consider Before Buying a Pre-Owned High-Performance Car

As exciting as it may seem to purchase cheap cars with high horsepower, there are actually a few factors you should consider when buying them in the pre-owned car market. Understanding the history and condition of the vehicle can actually help you make the right decision and avoid having any problems in the future.

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Here are some factors you should consider before buying 500 hp cars under $30000 for sale:

• Vehicle History: Ask for the record of all the repairs and replacements the car has been through. This will give you an insight into how many services the car has been to. Do not buy a used vehicle if the seller is unable to provide proper history.
• Reliability: This can depend on the vehicle’s history and maintenance. Some used cars may be accidental and could have also been replaced with aftermarket parts. Cross-check to make sure the car is reliable. Also, reliability can depend on how many years the car has been driven; certain cars only have a short lifespan.
• Maintenance costs: High-performance cars are often associated with high maintenance that can cost a lot, and when it comes to used high-performance cars, you are looking at a price range of $1,000-$4,000 of just maintenance cost.
• Parts Availability: Depending on the model and model year, check if the parts are still available in the market. Some manufacturers stop producing certain parts for vehicles that are out of production.
• Warranty: Used cars are often out of warranty; make sure you are ready to put up with any repairs or services that don’t come under warranties.
• Research Market Value: Before making the final deal, research the actual worth of the model you are going for and cross-check if the car deal seems genuine.
• Test Drive: A test drive of the vehicle you are going for can also help you to know and experience how well the car is running and what the condition is.
• Mileage: Consider how many miles the car has already been driven, as this can let you know how much longer the vehicle can go on for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

To sum it up, buying an under $30000 high-performance vehicle can offer an exciting mix of power, speed, and value. With this kind of research and thought process, you are likely to find your dream car from the 500 hp cars under budget we have listed for you, along with your driving desires. Enjoy thrilling acceleration, but be sure to examine the condition and the history of the car before making a smart and rewarding purchase.