Every driver is looking for something different in their dream car; whether it’s blistering acceleration, the highest top speed, or luxury and comfort. For many of us, power output is one of, if not the most important factor. Due to the progress of automotive technology, there are many cars now available on the market that sit above the 400 horsepower mark while still being sold at an affordable price. If you are on a budget but don’t want to compromise on power, here are the cheapest cars with over 400 hp you can buy new in 2024.
10 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Starting price: $68,300
Engine type | 6.2-liter V8 |
|---|---|
Power output | 490 hp |
0-62 mph | 4.2 seconds |
Top speed | 180 mph |
The C8-generation Chevrolet Corvette was introduced in 2019 and is the first mid-engine car to carry the legendary name. The Corvette is the most expensive item on the list, although the entry-level Stingray version still hovers just below the $70,000 mark, offering a more affordable alternative to the eye-watering Z06 and the E-Ray hybrid.
The Corvette’s key characteristic, which helped cement its status as the ultimate all-American sports car, is combining comfortable highway cruising with track-ready performance. Its driver-oriented character becomes apparent when looking at the interior, where the driver and passenger are separated by the center console, and even the infotainment screen is angled in the direction of the driver.
9 Lexus IS 500
Starting price: $60,520
Engine type | 5.0-liter V8 |
|---|---|
Power output | 472 hp |
0-62 mph | 4.4 seconds |
Top speed | 149 mph |
The smallest sedan in the Lexus lineup, the IS pairs a sporty, rear-wheel-drive ride with a luxurious, comfortable interior. The IS 500 is the fastest and highest-powered member of the IS family, and the only one to break the 400 hp barrier.
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But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
As the IS is on the smaller side, the interior isn’t very spacious, both in terms of passenger legroom and storage space, but the materials are high-quality, and there are plenty of comfort features, including faux-leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an optional power sunroof. The infotainment system is equipped with an 8-inch screen as standard, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity; a 17-speaker premium sound system is also available as an option.
8 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 RWD
Starting price: $56,900
Engine type | 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 |
|---|---|
Power output | 400 hp |
0-62 mph | 4.5 seconds |
Top speed | 155 mph |
The Infiniti Q50 hasn’t received a major refresh since its introduction to the US market ten years ago, but despite being now slightly outdated, it still remains a relatively affordable way into the 400-horsepower club. The Red Sport 400 is the highest-powered trim in the lineup, powered by a modified version of the V6 found in the two lower trim levels (Luxe and Sensory) paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. There are shift paddles as well, for drivers looking for a more hands-on experience.
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Infiniti’s compact premium sedan has been soldiering on with the same basic design for more than a decade and is now sorely in need of a replacement.
The Red Sport features performance-oriented features such as upgraded brakes, adaptive suspension, and an upgraded exhaust system. The interior also receives a boost, with matte-black carbon trim and quilted leather upholstery exclusive to the Red Sport 400.
7 Ford Ranger Raptor
Starting price: $55,470
Engine type | 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 |
|---|---|
Power output | 405 hp |
0-62 mph | 5.8 seconds |
Top speed | 114 mph |
If you prefer your 400 horses to come in truck form, the Raptor variant of the freshly redesigned Ford Ranger has finally landed on the US market for the 2024 model year. The Raptor comes with a host of performance upgrades that make it an extremely capable truck both on and off-road, such as a Fox racing suspension, frame reinforcements, and a slightly detuned version of the twin-turbo V6 found in the Bronco Raptor. A ten-speed automatic transmission and AWD system complete the Raptor’s powertrain.
The interior offers a comfortable travel experience for up to five passengers, with leather seats and extensive use of soft-touch materials. The infotainment system is controlled by a large touchscreen, while the climate control system still uses physical dials for easy access.
6 Polestar 2 Dual Motor
Starting price: $55,300
Engine type | Two electric motors |
|---|---|
Power output | 421 hp (455 with the Performance Pack) |
0-62 mph | 4.1 seconds |
Top speed | 127 mph |
The Polestar 2 is establishing the brand’s growing presence in the EV segment, with a package of luxury and performance that can comfortably sit in the same category as Teslas and BMWs. While the single-motor setup only produces 299 hp, the dual-motor version is all-wheel-drive and crosses the 400-hp line. The distribution of power is adjustable as well, with more torque sent to the rear wheels when necessary.
The interior is packed with sustainably sourced, high-quality materials, giving the cabin a minimalist yet premium feel. The large touchscreen controls most of the car’s tech features, including infotainment and climate control. The Polestar 2 is packed with safety features, carrying over the decades-long reputation of Polestar’s parent company, Volvo.
5 Tesla Model 3 Performance
Starting price: $53,990
Engine type | Two electric motors |
|---|---|
Power output | 510 hp |
0-62 mph | 2.9 seconds |
Top speed | 163 mph |
The second version of the Model 3 Performance has finally arrived on the market, with a host of performance upgrades. Better aerodynamics, a new chassis, and adaptive damping all contribute to the car’s improved handling and faster acceleration. The Performance 4DU drive unit produces an additional 60 hp, shaving around half a second from the car’s 0-60 time. On the design front, upgraded wheels and a new body kit give the Model 3 Performance a sleek look.
All this performance does, however, come at a slight cost in terms of range; the new Model 3 Performance has an estimated driving range of 296 miles, 14 miles less than its previous incarnation.
4 Volvo S60 Recharge
Starting price: $51,950
Engine type | 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four (plug-in hybrid) |
|---|---|
Power output | 455 hp |
0-62 mph | 4.1 seconds |
Top speed | 112 mph |
The Volvo S60 puts comfort at the forefront: its minimalistic, luxurious interior is packed with high-quality materials, storage cubbies, and comfortable seating. Its tech features are accessible through a futuristic infotainment system, controlled via a Google-based tablet interface. Voice control is also available, which is useful when driving as the only physical dials are the volume knob and home button.
The plug-in hybrid Recharge version comes with all-wheel-drive as standard. As with the fully gas-powered version, three trim levels are available: Core, Plus (with a host of additional features such as adaptive cruise control and leather upholstery), and Ultimate. In keeping with Volvo’s long-standing reputation, the S60 is packed with safety and driver-assistance features at all trim levels.
3 Nissan Z
Starting price: $42,310
Engine type | 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 |
|---|---|
Power output | 400 hp |
0-62 mph | 4.5 seconds |
Top speed | 155 mph |
Nissan’s Z sports car is in its second year on the US market after its relaunch. With styling cues that echo the iconic 240Z, it embodies decades of automotive design history. It is the latest incarnation of a model series that stretches back to 1969. Two trims are available (Sport and Performance), the latter adding a wide range of mechanical and comfort features, such as upgraded brakes, heated leather seats, and 19-inch alloys.
The interior is substantially upgraded from that of its predecessor, the 370z, with higher-quality materials and modern tech features. The infotainment system is controlled by an 8-inch touchscreen (in the basic Sport trim) and offers connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2 Ford Mustang GT
Starting price: $41,710
Engine type | 5.0-liter V8 |
|---|---|
Power output | 480 hp |
0-62 mph | 4.3 seconds |
Top speed | 155 mph |
As the Dodge Challenger and the Chevrolet Camaro both make their exit, succumbing to the tide of electrification, the Ford Mustang endures as America’s favorite pony car. The GT version, like its lower-powered sibling, is available as a coupe or convertible; with its 5.0-liter V8, it offers what, for many purists, is the only correct number of cylinders for a Mustang.
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The exterior has been revamped for 2024, with classic Mustang design elements incorporated in a modern form. The interior is also completely new; while space in the rear seats is limited, as you’d expect from a Mustang, there are plenty of comfort and tech features, such as a large touchscreen, ambient lighting, and all the latest connectivity options, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
1 Chevrolet Camaro LT1
Starting price: $38,800
Engine type | 6.2-liter V8 |
|---|---|
Power output | 455 hp |
0-62 mph | 4.3 seconds |
Top speed | 185 mph |
The sixth generation of the Chevy Camaro is reaching its end with the 2024 model year, and while there is no shortage of rumors around the future of the iconic nameplate, no official plans have been confirmed yet; at least for the time being, this is the end for the legendary Camaro name. The Camaro’s last model year offers an unbeatable horses-to-dollars ratio, with a 455-hp V8 starting just below the $40,000 mark.
And since a car like the Camaro deserves a proper send-off, Chevrolet is offering a “Collector’s Edition” option package for this model year only. It includes design elements such as unique badging, black paintwork, black wheels, and stripes.
