The Cheapest Cars That Can Hit 150 MPH
Here are some ways to get to 150 mph and beyond on a budget.
If you want to go 200 mph, you'll still have to spend a fair amount of money. Even the cheapest 200-mph cars still fetch over five figures on the used market. But you can still go plenty fast—150 mph, to be exact—for way less money than you think.
Here are some of the cheapest cars that are able to crest the 150-mph barrier.
1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette
The fifth-generation Corvette might just be the ultimate performance bargain right now. Do some digging and you can find good examples for under $15,000, and the track-monster Z06 isn't too much more expensive. Thanks to its 350-horsepower V-8, even a base C5 Corvette can hit 175 mph flat out.
2002-2008 Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z has become a prime choice for sports car enthusiasts on a budget. It packs 300 horsepower from that naturally aspirated V-6 under the hood, able to propel the car to a top speed of 156 mph.
2013-2018 Ford Focus ST
The 252-horsepower Ford Focus ST can do 155 mph when given enough space. You also get impressive handling dynamics and lots of space inside. Best of all, you can find them listed in the low teens on places like eBay.
2015-2021 Volkswagen GTI
The seventh generation of Volkswagen GTI has been around for six years now, meaning early examples with some miles on them can now be had for under $15,000. Top speed is 155 mph—not bad for a hot hatch.
1991-1996 Subaru SVX
Subaru's attempt to move upmarket with the 154-mph Giugiaro-styled Subaru SVX grand tourer didn't exactly work out, but that doesn't mean it was a bad car. It was just too expensive. These days you can find them for pennies on the dollar.
2000-2006 BMW 330i
You don't have to drop money on a pure-bred M car to break the 150-mph barrier. The E46-generation BMW 330i was electronically limited to 155, and examples can now be had for well under $10,000.
1989-1994 Lexus LS400
If speeding in luxury is more your thing, consider the Lexus LS400. It's comfortable, luxurious, and one of the most reliable cars on the planet, capable of 155 mph flat-out before it hits the electronic limiter.
1983-2000 Nissan 300ZX Turbo
Pricing on modified versions can get way out of hand, but a relatively clean Nissan 300ZX Turbo offers outstanding performance at a fair price. It could hit 153 mph, and with a little looking, you can find one for around $10,000. That's not exactly dirt cheap, but it's still quite affordable.
1995-2003 BMW 540i
If it hadn't been for the E39 M5, the BMW 540i might have become a full-on legend. Still, people are starting to recognize what an amazing performance bargain they are on the used market. It was limited to 155 mph but likely could have gone faster. High-mileage examples are scary cheap, but clean ones can also be found for less than $5000.
1999-2004 Porsche Boxster S
The Boxster will never be the 911, but if you're looking for a bargain, that's probably a good thing. Used Porsche 911 prices are insane right now. First-gen Porsche Boxsters, on the other hand, are going for a song. And if you spring for the S version, you'll still be able to hit 162 mph.
1995-2001 BMW 750iL
The V-12 BMW 7-Series of the Nineties is still one of the coolest-looking BMWs ever. Examples in perfect condition with low miles can be had for used Ford Fiesta money. Top speed? Electronically limited to 155 mph.
1991-2000 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4
It's tough to find Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4s in clean, unmodified condition nowadays, but when they do pop up for sale, it's hard to resist. They can top speeds of 160 mph, which is pretty damn quick.
1998-2002 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMGs are the definition of understatement. They look as stately as normal E-Classes, but have some serious performance under the hood. The E55 AMG, with its 349-horsepower 5.5-liter V-8, could a top speed of 155 mph.
1985-1991 Porsche 944 Turbo
The standard Porsche 944 might actually be the better car, but adding a turbocharger definitely made the 944 faster. In fact, the 944 Turbo is fast enough that it'll run all the way up to 157 mph. Finding deals on these can be harder than some of the other cars on the list, but a smart buyer can pick one up for under $15,000.
1984-1996 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1
People may not like the C4-generation Corvette, but the ZR-1 version definitely deserves some recognition. For under $20,000, you get a unique Lotus-designed DOHC V-8, a widened body, and some serious speed. In fact, it could hit 180 mph flat-out.
2006-2010 Audi S8
Believe it or not, even the V-10-powered Audi S8 is cheap enough to be on this list. Used ones with miles can be had in the teens, and if you opt for an older V-8 model, prices are even more reasonable. Top speed is an electronically limited 155 mph.
1997-2000 Volvo V70 R
The Volvo V70 R is an all-wheel-drive wagon with understated looks and 300 horsepower. Examples can routinely be found for under $10,000, and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
2003-2005 Dodge Neon SRT-4
The Dodge Neon SRT-4 may have started life as a compact economy car, but with a bunch of tuning and upgrades from the factory, it's able to hit an impressive 153 mph at full tilt.
1997-2003 Jaguar XJR
People buy old Jaguars for the classy looks, but when equipped with the automaker's supercharged V-8, they're great performers too. Like the German executive sedans it competed with, the XJR was limited to 155 mph and they're easy to find for around $10,000. Just leave some room in your budget for maintenance.
Road & Track staff writer with a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing.
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