Just twenty or so years ago, you would have had to buy a Ford Mustang SVT Cobra to get over 300 horsepower under the hood of the working-class hero pony car. Run its $28,605 MSRP into an inflation calculator, and that's a smidge over 47,000 of our 2022 dollars. Here's the mind-blower, though: For $27,470 in 2022, a base-model four-cylinder Mustang makes the same 310 hp.
Each year, we ask ourselves just how much horsepower we can get for under $50,000. Or, in this year's case, for the MSRP price of an early 2000s Mustang SVT Cobra. The answer is predictable for the most horsepower for your bucks. However, further down the list are a couple of interesting choices in terms of where you want to compromise the type of performance and the comfort you get for your money for raw hp.
1. Dodge Challenger R/T Scatpack - 485 hp for $46,940
It's no surprise that the biggest bang for your buck here in the US when it comes to pure horsepower, it's all about the Dodge Challenger. Its 485 hp comes courtesy of the now-legendary 6.4-liter Hemi V8. Of course, you lose out on cornering, but in terms of sheer brute force, it's a lot of car for your $46,940. With the change from your fifty grand, you can grab some options, including Scat Bumblebee Stripes for $149, although Dodge won't promise they're good for an extra hundredth of a second between traffic lights. Without the stripes, you should be able to hit a low four-second time to 60 mph from a standstill.
2. Dodge Charger Scat Pack - 485 hp for $49,140
When Dodge brought back the Challenger and renewed its quest for affordable horsepower, it didn't forget people that could use four doors and a little more comfort. The Dodge Charger Scat Pack uses the same 6.4-liter Hemi V8 making the same 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of Torque. It also corners a bit better but loses at least a tenth of a second from its 0-60 mph time. Unfortunately, at $49,140, there won't be enough change from fifty grand to make that time up with racing stripes.
3. Chevrolet Camaro LT1 - 455 hp for $37,495
Switching over to Chevrolet, you get a drop in horsepower but a significant gain in cornering ability at a much lower price. You can get into a Camaro with the 6.2-liter V8 in the LT1 trim for $37,495, but if you want to spend more money for more comfort or an automatic transmission with paddle shifters, there's plenty of room to wiggle. Topping out the range under fifty grand is the $47,590 2SS trim (with the automatic transmission optioned). For your money, you're getting 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque.
4. Mustang GT - 450 hp for $38,045
There's an all-new 'Stang, but for 2022 (and 2023), the old one hangs around. The Mustang GT's 450 hp and 410 lb-ft don't quite match the Camaro's 455 for both measurements but makes its numbers with just 5.0 liters of displacement like a Mustang should. It's also a little more expensive than the Camaro at $38,045. All things being equal, the Mustang should make 60 mph a tenth of a second quicker, but it's all going to be down to the driver in a manual. Next year that may all change, as a new model has been unveiled and will arrive in mid-2023 while the Camaro bows out. For now, though, when it comes down to choosing between the two, we just love that there is a choice.
5. Nissan Z - 400 hp for $39,990
This year, the Nissan Z scrapes onto this list at $39,990, but with 400 horses. Nissan finally made proper use of the brutal twin-turbocharged V6 previously only used in Infiniti Red Sport models and stuck it in a proper sports car. Unlike every other vehicle on this list, the Nissan Z is a pure sports car, so you don't need to pull the back seat out and throw it away for weight savings. Amazingly, though, our next vehicle on the list is cheaper, although it doesn't pack as many horses. The Z has a caveat, however, and it's that if you want to use those 400 ponies properly, we'd advise stepping up to the Performance at $49,990 with a limited-slip diff and bigger brakes.
6. BMW M240i Coupe - 382 hp for $47,900
Once upon a time, the letter M on a BMW meant it was the best of the best in performance for that model. Now, as a prefix to a full model alphanumeric, it means it's fast, but not the fastest your money can buy. In this case, M240i Coupe makes 382 hp for your $47,900 and carves corners like a semi-professional chef carves a roast. From the line to 60 mph, it'll out-drag more powerful cars to hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Opt for the more expensive all-wheel-drive trim for $49,900, and you'll keep up with the R/T Scat Pack Charger. We wouldn't go the full quarter mile, though. The turbocharged inline six-cylinder won't have the legs.
7. Chrysler 300S - 363 hp for $45,350
The pure swagger of the Chrysler 300 has carried it through an 11-year second generation. It's on old bones, but the 300S's optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine with 363 hp makes the sedan feel effortless at any speed. For $45,350, it still has appeal for the kind of person that likes listening to vinyl, reading paper books, or just wants something American that exudes a bit of class. The Chrysler 300 isn't long for this world in its current form, and is bowing out with an even more powerful return of the 300C that has 485 hp, costs $56,595, and is already sold out.
8. Genesis G70 3.3T - 365 hp for $44,460
If you want a BMW 3 Series but don't want to be someone who drives a BMW 3 Series, then you should test drive a Genesis G70. Hell, if you want a BMW M240i, you should test drive a G70 3.3T and see if you like the extra interior space. It packs 365 hp from a turbocharged V6, goes like stink, and handles itself in corners and around town like a German car should, all while costing just $44,460. To our eyes, it also looks better and has more poise.
Nearly Made It And Sort Of Still Does: Kia Stinger GT2
From this point down, it's mainly cars in the 300-320 hp range, but if you want to go a little over budget, there's the Kia Stinger. You can get a four-cylinder Stinger for a little under forty grand, but you want the 368 hp rear-wheel drive version. Unfortunately, its MSRP is $51,790. There is good news, though; Kia has been offering heft discounts on 2023 models. With $2,800 incentives out there, that would slip the Stinger in above the G70 3.3T on our list, and it's also a fabulous alternative to the ubiquity of BMW's 3 Series.