Great cars offer great features. But when it comes to revving up at high horsepower under a certain budget, then things might be slightly escalated. Getting a reliable sports car within a pocket-friendly budget is still not an easy task. Most cars that push over 400 HP under might fall under the used car category. But, when the market is vast and the options are limited, you must do your homework to find the best car for you.
Related: Best High-Performance 300 HP Cars for Less Than $20k
They might be cheap, but the horsepower they deliver is something car fans would like. Remember, spending a budget of around $30k on a car may still look more appealing for some. So I have created a list of good, reliable cars that push more than 400 HP so that you can pick your great drive. The list has a variety of cars from different manufacturers that still look decent but produce high horsepower.
Note: With the recent shifts in the car market, I’ve updated this list to highlight the best reliable sports cars over 400 HP that you can get for under $30,000 in 2024. Prices have adjusted, revealing some fantastic deals on powerful, dependable rides.
Most Reliable Sports Cars Under $30k That Pushes More Than 400 HP
People who are looking for their first car can differentiate it better among the best options. Depending on the style, cost, and power produced, these are all important factors that should be considered before buying a reliable sports car. Here are the top 10 reliable sports cars you can get for under $30k.
#10. Audi S6 (450 HP)
- Average Price: $25,900-$28,995
- Model Year: 2017
- Powertrain: 4.0L V8 Turbocharged
- Torque: 406 lb-ft
- Transmission: 7-speed automatic
- 0-60 MPH: 4.1 seconds
The 2017 Audi S6 is an excellent choice for those seeking a dependable vehicle on a low-emission budget. This mid-size sedan is loaded with some modern amenities and improved safety standards. Audi is known for providing best-in-class interiors with spacious rooms for both drivers and passengers. The car is powered by a 4.0L turbocharged V8 engine as standard that produces 450 HP and 406 lb-ft of torque. Even with such high horsepower, you can easily maintain an average fuel economy of 21 mpg.
#9. Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 AWD (400 HP)
- Average Price: $28,920
- Model Year: 2018
- Powertrain: 3.0L V6 Turbocharged
- Torque: 350 lb-ft
- Transmission: 7-speed shiftable automatic
- 0-60 MPH: 4.5 seconds
Infiniti is known for its luxury, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. Many of their vehicles are known for their robust performance, and we can see this in the 2018 Q50 Red Sport. The car, being a midsize sport sedan, offers room for the driver and passengers. Under the hood, the car is powered by a mighty turbocharged V6 engine. This V6 engine beckons young teens and adults who like to blend with style and performance. Although the interiors of the car are not adjustable with the price it offers, you can still consider it a fully accomplished sports sedan.
#8. Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Sedan (469 HP)
- Average Price: $22,855-$28,000
- Model Year: 2018
- Powertrain: 4.0L V8 Twin-Turbo
- Torque: 479 lb-ft
- Transmission: 7-speed automatic
- 0-60 MPH: 4.0 seconds
Mercedes-Benz AMG is known for its reliability and high performance. The AMG models are generally performance-oriented vehicles. The car also offers best-in-class interiors with leather-trim upholstery. The car is powered by a 4.0L turbocharged V8 engine that produces 469 HP and 479 lb-ft of torque. With better performance, the car also comes with some modern safety features, such as a dynamic cornering assist system, ABS, stability control, rear parking sensor, and many more.
#7. Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack (485 HP)
- Average Price: $24,985- $32,000
- Model Year: 2017
- Powertrain: 6.4L V8
- Torque: 475 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- 0-60 MPH: 4.5 seconds
The Dodge Challenger is one of the most desirable American muscle cars that offers both thrilling performance and reliability. Being a sports muscle, the car still offers spacious areas at the rear seat and inside the trunk. The R/T Scat Pack trim levels have better performance than the standard version. The car is powered by a 6.4L V8 engine that generates 485 HP and 475 lb-ft of torque. The average price of the car may vary according to its availability in the used car market.
#6. Dodge Challenger SRT8 Coupe (425 HP)
- Average Price: $18,690
- Model Year: 2018
- Powertrain: 6.1L V8
- Torque: 420 lb-ft
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic/manual
- 0-60 MPH: 4.5 seconds
Another Challenger is on the list. This Challenger challenges its rivals with some pretty decent scores in styling and performance. The 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 has a sleek aerodynamic design with a nostalgic look. The car is powered by a 6.1L V8 engine producing 425 HP and 420 lb-ft of maximum torque. This car is for those who are looking for an adrenaline rush in both automatic and manual modes.
#5. Cadillac CTS V Sedan (556 HP)
- Average Price: $20,000
- Model: 2010
- Powertrain:6.2L V8
- Torque: 551 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed manual/automatic
- 0-60 MPH: 3.7 seconds
Cadillac is known for its luxury and comfortable driving. With stunning acceleration and superb driving dynamics, the 2010 CTS V sedan makes its way on the list. Under the hood, the car offers a 6.2L V8 engine packing 556 HP and 551 lb-ft of torque. This car is a better recommendation for those who are looking after manual transmission, as it is impaired with a 6-speed manual transmission and comes with RWD as a drivetrain. A 6-speed automatic is also available, but as an option for consumers.
#4. Chevrolet Corvette C6 (430 HP)
- Average Price: $28,000
- Model: 2013
- Powertrain: 6.2L V8
- Torque: 424 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- 0-60 MPH: 4.5 seconds
The C6 Corvette is a classic American sports car with tremendous acceleration. The 2013 Chevrolet Corvette C6 was the first American car that was designed on the verge of looking similar to that of European-style sports cars. However, it does not patch up the ideals of the European fan. The car packs up with a 6.2L V8 engine that produces 430 HP and 424 lb-ft of torque. Impaired with a 6-speed manual, the top speed of the car is estimated to be about 190 mph.
#3. Ford Mustang GT (435 HP)
- Average Price: $29,000
- Model: 2015
- Powertrain: 5.0L V8
- Torque: 400 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed manual/ automatic
- 0-60 MPH: 4.5 seconds
The 2015 Ford Mustang GT is an iconic muscle car. With a wide range of engine options available, this car brings the legendary pony car drive into reality. The car features a 5.0L V8 engine that produces 435 HP and 400 lb-ft of torque. With a double overhead cam variable engine, the car is positioned with RWD and comes with a 6-speed manual and automatic transmission as an option.
#2. Lexus RC F (467 HP)
- Average Price: $26,856
- Model: 2017
- Powertrain: 5.0L V8
- Torque: 389 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- 0-60 MPH: 4.6 seconds
The 2017 Lexus RC F is a sports sedan that offers a sleek design and a redefined performance engine. The interiors look spacious with driver-centric ergonomic controls. Under the hood, it is powered by a 5.0L V8 engine that generates 467 HP and 389 lb-ft of maximum torque. Impaired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, this car is ideal for those who have previously driven Lexus cars.
#1. Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe (460 HP)
- Average Price: $23,533
- Model: 2011
- Powertrain: 6.2L V8
- Torque: 420 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed Automatic/Manual
- 0-60 MPH: 4.9 seconds
The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS is one of the best drives you can find under 30,000. It offers remarkable performance with its 6.2L V8 engine that produces 460 HP and 420 lb-ft of torque. Consumers also get an option under both manual and automatic transmission configurations.
Best Reliable Sports Cars Over 400 HP You Can Buy
- Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe with 460 HP
- Lexus RC F with 467 HP
- Ford Mustang GT with 435 HP
- Chevrolet Corvette C6 with 430 HP
- Cadillac CTS V Sedan with 556 HP
- Dodge Challenger SRT8 Coupe with 425 HP
- Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack with 485 HP
- Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Sedan with 469 HP
- Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 AWD with 400 HP
Conclusion
All the cars mentioned have good design and driving dynamics, but which is your favorite pick? If you want speed and reliability, go for the American Muscle Mustang GT or Camaro SS. However, with Audi and Mercedes, you can taste the blend of German excellence. Remember, the options are variable, so choose the drive according to your preference. Let us know in the comments below.
Source: KBB, CarandDriver, Edmunds, CarMax, JDPower
