7 Ridiculously Powerful 500 HP Cars You Can Buy for Pennies (Under $10–15K!)

Want to make crazy expensive horsepower on the cheap? Surprisingly, you don’t have to be making six figures to drive a 500+ horsepower monster. If you’re a careful shopper who’s willing to get used, there are some under-the-radar gems out there that pair jaw-dropping performance with jaw-droppingly low prices. From high-mileage German sedans to tuned-up American muscle, these cars were the stuff of posters, and now they’re all within reach for between about $10,000 and $15,000.

We’ve cut through the superficial hype, combed factory horsepower specs, verified resale value in the real world, and eliminated models with infamous reliability issues. Whether you want to dominate the drag strip, devour highway pulls, or call the car that makes 500 horsepower seem manageable on its own, this one’s got you. There are supercharged V8s and turbocharged V10s, the powertrains that continue to impress year after year.

So, if becoming a high-performance driver without going broke has long been a dream, this list is your cheat code. Here, then, are the seven most brutally powerful used cars—each having 500 horsepower or more—that money can buy for a new economy hatchback. Let’s dive in.

#1. 2005–2006 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (W211)

• Engine: 5.4L Supercharged V8 (M113K)
• Horsepower: 469 hp @ 6,100 rpm
• Torque: 516 lb-ft @ 2,650 rpm
• 0–60 mph: ~4.4 seconds
• Quarter mile: ~12.7 seconds
• Price: $10,000–$13,500

This is one E-Class animal that won’t raise too many eyebrows, but it will make your pulse race with its hand-built supercharged V8. It is technically IMHO just shy of 500 hp, but the dyno-proven numbers are all over 500 with some straightforward mods. You can expect excellent straight-line performance and plush luxury, plus decent reliability, if you steer clear of neglected ones.

Typical issues, such as aging electronics and air suspension headaches, but the drivetrain is bulletproof. For those seeking a luxury super sedan that does more without shouting louder, this is it—a real gem among used Mercedes-AMG cars under $15,000.

#2. 2003–2004 Jaguar XJR (X350)

• Engine: 4.2L Supercharged V8 (AJ34S)
• Horsepower: 400 hp (underrated, often dynos 420–430 hp)
• Torque: 399 lb-ft
• 0–60 mph: ~5.0 seconds
• Quarter mile: ~13.3 seconds
• Price: $6,000–$9,000

Don’t be fooled by the gentlemen’s club countenance, though – the XJR X350 is a supercharged thug in a smart suit. And because of its aluminum shell, it’s lighter and faster than most people would think. It also feels like more than the claimed 400 hp, and tuning has been known to push it near or north of 500 hp

It’s chock-full of British charm, tech, and easy torque. It is, at just a stone’s throw away from $10K, one of the great unsung heroes of the performance sedan world. Just keep an eye out for electrical gremlins and air suspension wear. And yet, if what you want is speed, luxury, and exclusivity on the cheap, this Jag is a damnable steal.

#3. 2005–2006 Pontiac GTO (LS2)

• Engine: 6.0L V8 (LS2)
• Horsepower: 400 hp @ 5,200 rpm
• Torque: 400 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
• 0–60 mph: ~4.6 seconds
• Quarter mile: ~13.0 seconds
• Price: $9,000–$14,000

The 2005–06 GTO replaced the LS1 with the more powerful LS2 V8, sourced from the Corvette. While rated at 400 hp from the factory, 500+ hp is easily attainable with basic bolt-ons or a cam swap. The available 6-speed manual transmission gives enthusiasts the ultimate control.

This is the Australian-produced Holden coupe, featuring luxury leather trim and a massive Blaupunkt sound system. Understated in its design, it is brutally quick and continues to be a performance bargain. Keep an eye on suspension wear and low-level driveline vibes — but the LS2 is a legend for good reason.

#4. 2006–2010 Chrysler 300C SRT8

• Engine: 6.1L HEMI V8
• Horsepower: 425 hp @ 6,200 rpm
• Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
• 0–60 mph: ~4.9 seconds
• Quarter mile: ~13.2 seconds
• Price: $10,000–$14,500

With the 300C SRT8, luxury is heated to boiling and then tempered, mixed with a dash of crass American muscle. Powered by a 6.1L HEMI V8, it comes stock with 425 horsepower, but with basic modifications such as an intake and tuning, you can easily surpass the 500-horsepower mark without breaking a sweat.

Brembo brakes, sport-tuned suspension, and a boldly unique look make it feel like a muscle car in a three-piece suit. Inside, it’s all leather, suede, and tech, with navigation and a Boston Acoustics sound system. A few have experienced rear tire wear, and some have reported lifter noise, but the basic powertrain remains robust. Considering the price, the 300C SRT8 is a budget super sedan with plenty of ies.

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#5. 2004–2006 Cadillac CTS-V (LS6)

• Engine:7.0 L LS6
• Horsepower: 405 hp @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 395 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
• 0–60 mph: ~4.6 seconds
• Quarter mile: ~13.1 seconds
• Price: $9,500–$14,000

The original CTS-V is a mighty sleeper sedan. Beneath its tailored body sits the big, bad, 405 horsepower 7.0L LS6 V8 found in the Corvette Z06, which is bolted to a Tremec 6-speed manual hyper-extended reach of cue stick shifter. Cranking out a good 400 hp in stock trim, upgrading the camshaft and headers can net around 500+ hp without breaking the bank.

Performance enhancements also include firmer suspension tuning, a limited-slip differential, and upgraded brakes. On the inside, it combines leather with navigation and a Bose sound system in a tidy, business-class cabin. It’s reliable if you remain on top of it, mainly the rear diff and shifter bushings, but the LS6 itself is bulletproof. If you’re looking for considerable V-8 power in a four-door, this V hits the mark.

#6. 2003–2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (W211)

• Engine: 5.4L Supercharged V8 (M113K)
• Horsepower: 469 hp @ 6,100 rpm
• Torque: 516 lb-ft @ 2,650 rpm
• 0–60 mph: ~4.3 seconds
• Quarter mile: ~12.5 seconds
• Price: $9,000–$15,000

German engineering meets American muscle in the E55 AMG, featuring a hand-built, supercharged 5.4L V8. This Autobahn assassin produces more than 470 hp in stock trim, but an easy pulley swap, tune, and cooling modifications can yield over 500 hp without issue. The E55 may wear a luxurious badge, but it is a street machine of the brutal kind — launches beat you up, and the torque is like a hammer blow.

It can also be equipped with air suspension, leather covering every surface, and a whisper-quiet ride until you stab the throttle. Be aware: upkeep isn’t cheap. Air suspension, intercooler pumps, and electronics can be prone to trouble. But for power per dollar, this AMG reigns supreme — and it’s downright cheap for a supercharged V8 rocket.

#7. 2006–2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8

• Engine: 6.1L HEMI V8
• Horsepower: 425 hp @ 6,200 rpm
• Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
• 0–60 mph: ~5.1 seconds
• Quarter mile: ~13.1 seconds
• Price: $10,000–$15,000

The Dodge Magnum SRT8 is the ultimate carpooler for outlaws. It’s a muscle wagon, a utility-inspired mishmash with a factory 6.1L HEMI churning 425 hp. That’s enough juice to shred tires and still effortlessly haul groceries. With a few minor modifications, such as a cold air intake, cat-back exhaust, and ECU tune, you can achieve over 500 hp with minimal investment.

The big Brembo brakes, its aggressive stance, and a super spacious cargo area make this a standout in the budget-performance world. Downside? The interior materials are a bit plasticky, and the fuel economy is subpar. But for less than $15K, you get yourself a brute that’s equal parts drag car and family cruiser.

Conclusion

Who says you have to spend a lot on considerable power? These seven wildly fast vehicles show that you can grab some serious 500-horsepower performance for less than $15K. Whether you’re into LS-powered Pontiac GTOs, a HEMI 300C SRT8, or even a Dodge Magnum with HEMI power, there’s something here for the enthusiasts of all disciplines.

Bolt-ons, cams, or a possible tune away, you’re now running brutal acceleration, rear-wheel drive excitement,turn-head-on-the-highway presence on a budget. They’re all no-nos except for understanding when to perform any required maintenance, budgeting for upgrades, and being fast enough to crush supercar egos with your ghetto street machine.