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There’s something to said about the beauty and speed of a vehicle racing down a road. Whether it’s the feel of the wind on your face or the thrill you get watching the speedometer clock up, going fast in your car gets a charge out of many drivers. If you want to get a superfast car without going the custom route and have it be street legal, there are plenty of cars for sale that will hit the speeds you want in just a few seconds. Who said you had to drive a racecar to satisfy you need for speed? Not us! We’ve gathered 30 of the fastest cars below $50k, and not only are they sleek, but they’ve got plenty of extras you’ll love too. You’ll be raring to take these beauties to the next cruise night or car show in your town, we guarantee it.
1.Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45
Sure it’s a bit pricy at $49,500, but it’s Benz, so it’s worth it. What’s under the hood makes it even more worth it, as the 2016 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 sports a 2.0 liter AMG four-cylinder turbo engine. This beauty gives you 375 horsepower delivering a top speed of 155 MPH. The acceleration is nothing to sneeze at either, as you’re looking at 0 to 60 MPH in 4.1 seconds. With that speed, you’d expect to have run-of-the-mill gas mileage, but the AMG-CLA45 comes in with an estimated 23 MPG in the city and 31 MPG highway. This is truly a luxurious beast with plenty to love including a seven-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch, performance all-wheel drive and more.
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2.2016 Dodge Challenger SRT 392
Dodge vehicles are generally fast cars, but the 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT 392 gets you a nice amount of speed for just $49,195. Under the hood is a 6.4 liter HEMI V-8 engine with 485 horsepower and a top speed of 179 — higher than many of the cars on our list! The vehicle can be equipped with a transmission of either an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual. The 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT 392 stands up admirably to a fellow Dodge car, the Hellcat, but at a better price point. Fuel economy isn’t too bad either, with 14 MPG city, 23 MPG highway and 17 MPG combined on the manual.
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3. 2016 Volkswagen Golf R
Yes, it may be surprising to see a Volkswagen Golf on the list of the fastest cars, but think again, because this little machine has plenty despite its simple design, plus it costs just $35,650 to $38,995. First up, fuel economy comes in at a great 23 MPG city, 30 MPG highway, and 26 MPG automatic, but that’s not all there’s to love about this hatchback. You can reach top speeds of 155 MPG thanks to the vehicle’s 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. The engine delivers 292 horsepower, and you’ll hit 60 MPH in under 5 seconds with the 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, though the short-throw automatic transmission delivers a respectable 5.3 seconds as well. A “Race” mode built into the Golf R lets the car adapt for performance driving with a four-mode adaptive suspension and 4motion all-wheel drive, plus a three-mode Electronic Stability Control.
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4. 2015 Infiniti Q50S
Luxury meets speed with the 2015 Infiniti Q50S, which comes in around $43,650 to $45,450. This is the sports-tuned version of the midsize sedan from Infiniti, and the differences are noticeable. You’ll find a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 328 horsepower under the hood, and be able to get to 60 MPH in 5.3 seconds on rear-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, expect to get to 60 MPH in 5.6 seconds, which is still a respectable time. The 2015 Infiniti Q50S comes complete with four driving modes to let you pick the mode that fits your needs best, and yet all throughout the car are touches of luxury, including a dual touch-screen “infotainment center” and rich interior. Fuel economy is nothing to sneeze at either with a car this sleek and fast, at 20 MPG city, 29 MPG highway on rear-wheel drive, and 19 MPG city, 27 MPG highway on all-wheel drive
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5. Audi A7
Small but mighty, this Audi is a fast performer, especially compared to its counterparts. Going to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, the vehicle handles corners nicely, tracks like BMW, and has luxury to spare. The price is right too, coming in at just under $45k, for a retail price of $42,500.
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6. 2016 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The 2016 Nissan 370Z Nismo is available for $41,990 to $45,490, and has a great aerodynamic body sure to be appreciated by fast car lovers. The fuel economy is 18 MPG city and 26 MPG highway, but let’s talk about the engine. You’ll find this car features a 3.7-liter V6 engine, with a nice amount of horsepower: 350 horsepower. You have the option for a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission so it’s power on your terms, with 0 to 60 MPH in around 4 to 4.5 seconds. That’s not all there is to love about the 2016 Nissan 370Z Nismo, because it has a great design with rear spoiler, diffuser, and plenty of process for handling to the limit.
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7. 2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang 
Mustangs often make it on the top list of fast cars, and the 2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang is no exception. The first thing you notice with the Shelby is the engine: a 5.2 liter V8 that gives 526 horsepower and 429 lbs of torque. Yet even with the speed, the vehicle still has a respectable fuel economy with 14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway, with a 16 MPG combined. You’ll also like the feature of Electronic Line-block to keep the front brakes locked as the rear tires warm, so you get a smoother launch. l
The 2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang comes in at around $50k at a price of $47,795 with the option for either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
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8. 2015 Chevrolet SS
Buy this vehicle, and you’ll see that it stacks up with plenty of other fast cars on the market, even those manufactured overseas. The 2016 Chevrolet SS delivers you to 0 to 60 MPH in under 5 seconds, at 4.7 seconds. The power is supercharged with a 415 horsepower 6.2 liter V-8 engine that comes standard, and you can choose either 6-speed automatic or manual transmission. For a five-seater, the 2015 Chevrolet SS is quite a sporty fast car, and has features that let you enjoy performance driving, including Magnetic Ride Control, sports-tuned suspension, and added safety features. All this for $45,745 and a fuel economy of 14 MPG city, 21 MPG highway and 17 combined on the automatic, with only a little variation on the manual.
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9. 2016 BMW M235i
Yes, another BMW made it on the list. The 2016 BMW M235i is a coupe car and goes from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.4 seconds thanks to a 3.0-liter 325 horsepower M performance TwinPower turbo in-line six-cylinder engine. This vehicle comes with plenty of equipment for performance driving, with electronic throttle control, Sport and Sport+ settings, and brake energy regeneration. There’s even more to this car, with it being a top safety pick. Don’t wait, the 2016 BMW M235i can be yours for a starting price of $46,150.
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10. 2016 Subaru WRX STI
Subaru is not synonymous with speed, so you might be surprised about the speediness of the WRX STI. This hot car sits on top of a 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, which is prepared to give drivers a nice 305-horsepower, with 290-lb.-ft. Of torque. What’s that mean in layman’s terms? That this 2016 Subaru will go from 0 to 60 in just 4.9 seconds. Subaru also offers extra handling, with engineering that makes it possible for the power to shift according to road surface. All this comes in at a starting price of just $34,695.
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11. 2016 Nissan 370Z
Nissan’s 370Z is a beautiful sports coupe that has a 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 engine that will produce 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The car can get up to 60 mph at just 5.1 seconds, but you don’t need to be in the flats to make it happen. The 370Z is just as quick on a road course. We’ve already covered the NISMO, with its 350-horsepower, but if you’re looking to stay on budget, the $41,000 original is a great place to land.
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12. 2016 Ford Focus RS
It doesn’t take a muscle car to go fast. Take Ford’s 2016 Focus RS. It seems like another nice ford until you realize it can move from 0 to 62 mph in under 4.7 seconds. The car is best on a traditional road, making it more like your friendly neighborhood rally car. And it costs just a hair under $37,000.
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13. Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Hyundai has made big inroads into the U.S. car market; now the company is turning heads with its performance. The $26,740 bargain coupe may look unassuming, but it actually matches speed with some of the more expensive cars on this list. It uses a 3.8-liter V6 engine, which cranks out 348 horsepower. Drivers have the choice of opting for stick or automatic, and a nice 295-lb.fit of torque.
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14. 2016 BMW 228i
BMW 228i is the perfect entry into the BMW line. The 228i model starts with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with a jumping 240 horsepower. The best bet for maximum speed and driver control is to stick with the six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.
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15. 2016 Cadillac ATS
2016 was a good year for affordable luxury cars, and the ATS is definitely geared with comfort in mind. However, Cadillac makes several powerful engines available, including a 202-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the sedan, and a 272-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the coupe. All this is available for just $40,000.
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16. 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Chevy still knows a thing or two about speed, as its 2016 version of the Camaro can attest. The price is just $37,295, and that gives you a muscle car for the modern age. The Camaro SS is equipped with a brand new 455-hp, 6.2L V8 engine, which is then added to an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. This vehicle will then hit the 60 mph mark in just 4 seconds. Best of all, this looker doesn’t let up, hitting the quarter-mile sprint in a smoking 12.3 seconds.
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17. 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution, known as the Evo, is a turbo-powered car with all-wheel drive and the availability of a traditional-five speed. But the real speed for experienced drivers comes with a dual-clutch automated six-speed manual transmission, which powers out 291 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. That allows this $38,000 car to go from 0 to 60 mph in a hair under 5.0 seconds.
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18. 2016 Volkswagen GTI
Want to get from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds for less than $25,000? That’s exactly what the Volkswagen GTI can do. Starting at $24,995, the GTI lives up to its lineage of being fast and fun. The engine comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which cranks up the horses to 2010, with a pretty-darn-great 258 lb.ft. of torque.
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19. 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata is still relevant, and the MX-5 goes zoom, zoom, zoom for a starting bid of $24,915. This car is made for curves, rather than the drag track. The Mitai is known for its light weight, which enables it to go from 0-60 in just 5.8 seconds, and all with “just” a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, with 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque.
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20. 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo
Even Kia is getting in on the action of the fast car. The 2016 Optima SX Turbo starts at $29,940. Although Kia aims to please families, this sedan also has some quick bells and whistles. The engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged motor with 245 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. That adds up to a sweet 0 to 60-mph of 6.8 seconds.
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21. 2015 Dodge Charger SRT8
Dodge is always good for a fast ride. Go back a few years and pickup the SRT8 if you love V8 power but still need a four-door. The 6.4-liter HEMI V8 features the exact same motor as the SRT8 392 that is in our top 10, so it’s clear that Dodge has a speedy pedigree to rely on. This means drivers can thrill to the feel of 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The starting price was $47,445.
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22. Mercedes-Benz SLK
Like the Cadillac elsewhere on this list, luxury is the name of the game with Mercedes’ SLK. At the same time, it’s also an effective speedster. It starts with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine which pushes out 201 horsepower. The SLK has the excellent handling and superior comfort drivers have come to expect from Mercedes. At around $44,000 base price, this is the perfect car for those who want power, speed, comfort and drive in a vehicle.
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23. 2016 Scion FR-S
The 2016 Scion FR-S has a light body and superior chassis. Scion is a rear-wheel-drive powered with a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine. That lays out 200 horsepowers, which enables the car to go from 0-60 in a speedy 6.4 seconds. Best of all, a standard 6-speed manual transmission will set you back a reasonable $25,305.
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24. Volvo S60 T6 R-Design
Volvo has a cult for a reason. For a starting price of around $44,000, drivers can pick up a six-cylinder, 3.0-liter turbocharged engine that puts out 325 horsies and 354 pound-feet of torque. It takes just 5.0 seconds to accelerate from 0-60 mph. Not only is this car fast, it is also smooth and fuel-efficient, with a rating of 25 mpg city and -37 mpg on the highway.
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25. 2016 Subaru Forester XT
A sport utility vehicle made this list? That’s right, the $29,195 Subaru Forester XT will ramp up from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The SUV is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. In turn, this puts out 250 horsepower engine, which is good on all terrains. Subaru included its usual excellent functionality, with plenty of room for cargo, all-wheel drive, and a continuously variable transmission.
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26. MINI Cooper Roadster
Although many car buyers’ instinctive reaction to a MINI Cooper is “aw, isn’t that cute,” the Roadster is a unique experience of power, speed and comfort. The engine starts at 121 horses, evolves to 181 in the S model and accelerates to 208 in the John Cooper Works edition of the Roadster. The luxurious ride offers great handling, one of the best front-wheel drive cars on the road.
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27. Audi S3
Audi is always a solid bet in quality, speed and luxury. The S3 is the smallest Audi on the market, but it still manages to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. This makes Audi quite a bargain. Why? It matches specs with the quickest BMW’s but will set you back a mere $42,500.
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28. 2016 Dodge Dart SXT
If you want speed but just can’t afford to pay over $20,000, you can still get excellent speed from America’s premier speed team. Dodge has created a new Dart compact car that is available in multiple engine setups, including a stout 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which powers off to 185 horses. Traditionalists will be extra-pleased by the standard six-speed manual. Since the Dart is being phased out for roomier vehicles, the 2016 version might just be the top deal on our list.
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29. Jaguar F-Pace
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At $50,000, as a Jaguar, and as an SUV to boot, this cat is a rare breed indeed. The Jaguar F-Pace is one of the new breed of crossovers, which can motor up to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds without sacrificing control or luxury. With a 340 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine under the hood, that’s some major power in an ultra-light frame. The F-Pace more than lives up to its feline namesake.
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30. 2015 Ford Focus ST
Although the Ford Focus from 2015 is not exactly new, it still draws a crowd. That’s because the ST, with a $25,000 MSRP, gives drivers a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. That drivetrain powers at a stout 252 horsepower and 270 kb-fit of torque. The Focus ST sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds.
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