Most of us want dream of owning the fastest sports cars and the most powerful muscle cars. But not everyone can afford to spend upwards on 50 grand on a gas-chugging V8. So here are some of the quickest cars you can buy without breaking the bank.
1. Ford Focus RS
Coming in at $35,000, the RS is not the cheapest Ford. However, it’s completely worth it, going from 0 to 60 in just 4.7 seconds and topping out at a max speed of 165mph–very close to the realm of sports cars costing 10 times as much.
This all-wheel drive hatchback runs on a 2.3 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 350 pound-feet of torque and 350 horsepower.
2. Alfa Romeo 4C
This gorgeous little gem from the Italian car maker is meaner than its specs might have you believe (a 1742cc turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 240 horsepower): it goes from zero to sixty in 4.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 160mph.
This rear-wheel-drive is the first Alfa to come to the US in quite a while. At $53,000, it’s the most expensive car on the list. But for what it is and what it does, it’s well worth the price.
3. Chevrolet Camaro 2.0t
Other than the high-powered engines, the Camaro also includes a 2.0 liter version. It’s obviously a lot less powerful than the V8 version with 455 horsepower.
However, it’s quite impressive for the 275 horsepower it produces: it goes from zero to sixty in 5.1 seconds (if you’re using the manual transmission, that is) and it reaches a top speed of 155mph. It’s also quite affordable, at just $25,000.
4. Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG
The CLA is compact, quick and efficient. Powered by a 2.0 liter twin-scroll turbo four cylinder, it produces 375 horsepower and goes from 0 to 60 in just 4.1 seconds, with a max speed of 155mph.
5. Subaru WRX STI
This is a car for rally fans; it’s powerful, fast (it goes from a standstill to sixty in 4.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 miles an hour) and doesn’t have to be driven on tarmac. What are your picks for the quickest economical 4-cylinder cars?
Related topics:
It’s Official: Muscle Cars Are Back!
4 Powerful American Vehicles Right Now
Bentley Bentayga: The World’s Fastest SUV.. For Now!