Auto Trends

Just because you don’t have much money, certainly doesn’t mean that you can’t have some big power in 2010. We have seen the introduction of a number of affordable sports cars for 2010 featuring some rather respectable horsepower. Okay, you’re probably not going to see the likes of too many V-8’s for under 30 G’s, but when you’re pumping out over 300 horsepower… who cares!

2010 Chevrolet Camaro LS-

Horsepower: 306
0-60: 6.1 seconds
Cost: Under $23,000
While the Chevy Camaro is under attack by some, due to the fact that GM is by-in-large a failing resemblance of a once great company, it is still a great car. For the tune of just under $23,000, you can receive a hopped up 3.6-liter V6 with 304 horsepower a six-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, and a quick 0-60 launch of not much over 5- seconds. The high tech V-6 also sees a highway mpg of just under 30, which is comparable to a lot of pokey 4-bangers cruising the streets. This car has changed the tired old cliché that a V-6 muscle car is not for the enthusiast.

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe-

Horsepower: 306
0-60: 6.2 seconds
Cost: $25,000
I can still remember the last Hyundai I drove back in the late 90’s. It was one of the slowest, least powerful, boring, and uninspiring economy boxes I had ever been in. I promised myself I would never drive a Hyundai again. Well, a good 10 years later, and I can barely even recognize Hyundai from those days. They have figured out the recipe for good looks, good handing, and solid performance in a very affordable package. Just $25,000 will get your foot in the door to a 3.8 liter high winding V-6, a six-speed transmission, and solid rear-wheel drive axle.

2010 Ford Mustang GT-

Horsepower: 315
0-60: 5.1 seconds
Cost: $28,000
I’d love to say that for under $20,000, a V-6 Mustang can be one fast ride. In truth, it’s 210 horsepower V-6 is just as uneventful as it ever was. To really get your thrills with the Mustang, you are going to have to step up to the mid-range GT. All models of the 2010 GT have been upgraded to the performance of the previous “Bullit” model, which upped the ante to 315 horsepower from its original 300. The new Mustang is raw, quick, and powerful. Its rumbling V-8 soundtrack is cleverly piped in through the interior, giving the true muscle car enthusiast one of the most bangs for the buck at 28 G’s!

2010 Nissan 370Z-

Horsepower: 332 horsepower
0-60: 5.1 seconds
Cost: Barely under $30,000
The Nissan 350Z was already cool, but the new 370Z is even cooler. It is lower, lighter, and a heap faster than any of its predecessors. The zippy 3.5-liter V-6 has been replaced with the slightly larger 3.7-liter, and its six-speed manual receives a new 7-speed paddle shifter. It’s new 332 horsepower and 90-pound Jenny Craig diet plan has brought its old 5.5-second 0-60 into the Mustang Bullit territory, at just 5.1 seconds. While the 370Z is often compared to the Mustang, it is an entirely different animal. It is more refined, quieter, and slightly easier to drive for the novice enthusiast, thanks to its SynchroRev Matching.

2010 Dodge Charger RT-

Horsepower: 368 horsepower
0-60: 5.7 seconds
Cost: You can find one under $30,000
Of all the cars mentioned so far, the Charger RT may not be the fastest, but if you like your engines big and loud, it is hard to get a 5.7-liter Hemi for under $30,000. This is the only sedan on the list that would be just as comfortable picking up a load of kids, as it would going out for a few passes at your local drag strip. Pound for pound this is the most muscle for the buck, but due to its heavy weight status (over 4,100 lbs) it is known a little more for its bark than bite. But with the momentum the green movement is gaining here in the US, this may be one of your last chances to own an affordable V-8.