WHAT'S THE MOST HORSEPOWER YOU CAN GET FOR $50,000 BRAND NEW?

With new car prices climbing and inflation becoming an ever-more-present threat to the dollar, affording a car that's got a lot of power might seem unattainable. The days of cheap and cheerful power appear to be behind us, which is a depressing thought for gearheads without a trust fund to support them.

However, CarBuzz is here to give those gearheads a bit of good news, as there are still a good number of cars that can thrill for a fair price. In fact, we found ten cars you can buy new for under $50k with a great amount of horsepower.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE AWD

Model Specs

The first entrant on our list of affordable power is the Hyundai Ioniq 5, specifically the SE AWD grade. It's en EV, utilizing a pair of permanent-magnet synchronous electric motors that sit on each axle. It's a futuristic-looking thing, taking a lot of inspiration from Hyundai's N74 concept car. The Ioniq 5 also has a couple of big siblings: the Ioniq 6 sedan, and the Ioniq 7 three-row SUV, which will be revealed any day now.

The Ioniq 5 SE AWD comes with a respectable amount of power for its $49,350 price tag, especially considering the fact that it's an EV. Drivers will be treated to 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, more than enough power to add some excitement to your daily commute.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium eAWD

Model Specs

Next up is the equally-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium eAWD. The Mustang Mach-E is Ford's attempt at breaking into the mainstream EV market by piggybacking off the Mustang's iconic name. So far, sales of the Mach-E have been disappointing. However, Ford continues to release new models, like the new Mach-E Rally.

There are several different powertrain options for the Mach-E, and many are interchangeable with extended-range batteries and trim levels to a confusing point. However, to keep it simple, we looked at the Premium eAWD package with the standard battery. With this configuration, you'll receive 325 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque for a price of $47,495.

Cadillac CT4-V

Model Specs

Before you spit out your coffee, yes, you can buy a Cadillac for less than $50k brand-new. It's not just any Cadillac, either, it's a CT4-V, the hot version of Caddy's compact executive sedan. Cadillac's current sedan lineup consists of the CT4, CT5, and CT6, much like BMW's 3, 5, and 7 Series sedans.

While the base CT4 receives a modest 2.0-liter engine, the CT4-V gets a more potent 2.7-liter inline-four with something called a dual-volute turbocharger. A volute is an air channel, so this Caddy motor has a turbo with two air channels, increasing its ability to breathe. The result of this unique turbocharging is 325 horses and 380 lb-ft of torque. Without any options, a brand-new CT4-V costs $47,095.

Cadillac CT5

Model Specs

If the CT4-V is too small or underpowered for your taste, the Cadillac CT5 is a decent sub-$50k option. Sitting in the middle of Caddy's sedan range, the CT5 is the best of both worlds: small enough to have fun, but large enough to be comfortable. Its engine is no slouch, either.

While you can opt for that base 2.0-liter we discussed previously, the best bang-for-your-buck is the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. With this motor equipped, you'll get 335 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. This means, at a price of $47,790, you can have a Cadillac that does 0-60 mph in less than five seconds.

Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Advanced

Model Specs

Those in need of power for under $50k should check out the sleek-looking Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Advanced that was recently converted to a Nurburgring Track Taxi. Not only does it look like a million bucks, it goes like it too. Most know Genesis as Hyundai's luxury brand, which means owners benefit from their famous 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, along with a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.

The G70 3.3T Sport Advanced comes equipped with a Hyundai-built 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6. Using this powerplant, drivers can utilize 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, which should make for some exciting highway driving.

BMW M240i

Model Specs

The BMW M240i packs quite a punch for its small stature. The 2 Series is a relatively new model for the Bavarian automaker, having only been introduced in 2014. However, as with any car BMW makes, it's safe to assume the 2er is just as great to drive as the rest of their lineup.

At base level, the BMW 2 Series comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. While this is adequate for its size, the engine you'll want is the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six found in the M240i. This engine packs 382 horses and 369 lb-ft of torque. Using this powerplant, the M240i gets from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds for an agreeable price of $49,700.

Nissan Z Sport

Model Specs

Nissan's Z cars have been around for decades, and are well-known for both their penchant for handling and quickness. The newest Z was released in 2022 to a lot of fanfare, and was quickly praised for its ability to capture the essence of Nissan's Z cars. Not to mention, it also packs quite the bomb under its hood.

The Z's full name is the Nissan 400Z. The 400 stands for the amount of horsepower delivered by its 3.0-liter engine, which is borrowed from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400. It also packs 350 lb-ft of torque. In short, the 400Z is a seriously quick little coupe, and at a price of just $42,970.

Volvo EX30 AWD

Model Specs

Surprisingly, a Volvo makes it onto our list of cheap power in the form of the new EX30. It's a sub-compact crossover SUV that packs a serious amount of power. The EX30 is part of Volvo's new electric SUV line, which also consists of the EX60 and the EX90.

While you can have the EX30 with a 272-horsepower powertrain, the one you'll want to spring for is the dual-motor 428-horsepower configuration. Not only does it pack a lot more oopmh, you'll also be granted all-wheel drive. Along with the large number of horses, you get 400 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds.

Chevrolet Camaro 1SS

Model Specs

The Chevrolet Camaro SS is one of the most iconic muscle cars to ever be produced by Chevrolet. Originally conceived to compete with the Ford Mustang, the Camaro helped fuel America's obsession with muscle cars and straight-line speed. As of 2024, the Camaro as we know it has been discontinued, but you can still get a brand-new one with a V8 for less than $50k.

With its 6.2-liter V8, the Camaro SS produces 455 horsepower and an equal amount of torque, making for a seriously fast car. On top of the impressive engine, the Camaro can be had with either a ten-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. For just $42,300, you can own a car that does 0-60 mph in just four seconds.

Ford Mustang GT W/ Performance Pack

Model Specs

We've reached the end of our list, which means we've come upon the most powerful new car you can buy for under $50k in 2024. Perhaps not surprisingly, it's a Ford Mustang GT.

While you're able to get a Mustang with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four, the engine you'll really want is the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 found in the GT grade. With this engine, you'll be treated to 486 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. In addition to its big power, it'll do 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds for just $49,695.

Sources: Automobile-Catalog.com, Edmunds.com

2024-06-23T00:16:51Z dg43tfdfdgfd