Cheap Cars That Go 0 to 60 In Less Than 4.5 Seconds

We recently did a list of the cheapest cars that crack 5 second 0-to-60 times, and it seems like people loved it, so we’ve decided to turn up the heat! That’s right! We’re upping the ante with five cars that go from nada to 60 miles per hour in under 4.5 seconds!

We’ve got British class, American chaos, and German roulette all together in one article! At last! Now, let’s get in sport mode, disable traction control, and get into our list of adrenaline-inducing rockets! Let’s go!

2005 – 2008 C6 Chevy Corvette – The Bargain Supercar

Stylish, powerful, and attainable, three words that almost perfectly describe the C6 Corvette. Now, if you don’t have a ‘Vette, then you probably know someone who does. Whether it’s a classic sharknose Stingray kept underneath a car cover, or a brand new C8 shredding tires on its way to the grocery store, America loves ‘Vettes!

And, now that the C6 Corvette is dropping in price, who’s not tempted? Something about the C6 really appeals to me. Is it the 3,200 pound curb weight? Or maybe it’s because the inspiration for its design was the F22 Raptor fighter jet, one of the sickest fighter jets ever. I mean, look at those side scoops! They look like jet intakes! With its radar-avoiding hard edges, you can definitely see how the C6 borrowed those designs.

And that’s a good thing too, because you’re definitely going to want to avoid radar as you’re screaming down the highway in your C6. Now, this ‘Vette doesn’t run on jet fuel, but the beastly 400 horsepower LS2 V8 can achieve 0 to 60 miles per hour in a whiplash-inducing 4.2 seconds. 

Of course, that wouldn’t be possible without those big fat rear tires, and 50/50 weight distribution to maintain traction. The C6 makes a lot of noise and commands a lot of attention. Plus, what makes the ‘Vette even more appealing is the vast aftermarket capable of tuning these things to the moon!

Whether you want an awesome daily driver or purpose-built drag car, the C6 corvette is tough to beat, as long as you don’t need 4 doors! And here’s an absolute performance bargain. For under $13,000, you can get a hot red C6.

Hey! But what if you need a couple more doors! Say no more! The E60 M5 is brutally fast, sounds like an apocalypse, but it’s notoriously unreliable. So, bring your tool box, and your tow truck, and your life’s savings.

2006 – 2010 E60 BMW M5 – The Bavarian Bomber

Now, you might recognize this business-like German sedan from our “The CHEAPEST Cars That Go 200 MPH” video. And this car will greet you with 200, and then go straight to limp mode. After that, it’s all up to your bank account. But, when running, few cars can provide as much thrill, for as little money as an E60 M5.

Did you know that the E60 M5 has an F1-derived engine from the Williams FW27? It’s capable of delivering up to 0.69 G’s of lateral acceleration en route to its unrestricted top speed of 200 miles per hour. However, if your Ultimate Driving Machine has a restricted rev limit, you’ll be forever capped at 155.

Put your foot down at a stop sign and you’ll reach 60 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds. Keep it pinned for almost another 5 seconds and, yeah, that’s 100 miles per hour. To put things in perspective, a 1993 Dodge Viper SRT-10 takes at least 4.5 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour.

The E60 isn’t just pure muscle, but a wolf in sheep’s clothing, receiving the traditional luxurious BMW interior and sporting four doors. It can both slide under the radar and comfortably transport its cargo. Plus, there is an optional manual transmission available for those looking to row their own gears!

So, close your eyes, imagine yourself shredding tires, the orchestral V10 wailing to its 8,250 RPM redline. Now, wake up! You’re not dreaming! It’s actually under $10,000! Don’t believe me? See for yourself.

It’s an affordable BMW with an F1-derived engine and maintenance costs to match. And sadly, with the E60 M5, that’s the catch. Today, a 500-horsepower E60 M5 can be found for a moderately humble price because it comes with a list of problems longer than a CVS receipt. Rod bearings, throttle actuators, and even transmission failures are known problems with these years of the M5.

So, if you’re interested in one of these machines, be sure to do your research beforehand, or prepare for costs both spectacular and numerous. In spite of its shortcomings, many E60 M5 owners reportedly enjoy every second spent with their cars, reserving them a permanent space in their garages.

For under $10,000, the M5 could easily be the ideal car that you’re dreaming of. Unless, of course, you’re trying to keep up with Bond. James Bond.

2006 – 2008 Aston Martin Vantage – Proper Proportions

Bond knew that if he needed to stay ahead of his enemies, only an Aston Martin would do. And whether you’re running from international spies or to the gym, a 2006 to 2008 Vantage will transport you quickly and stylishly. Sporting “golden ratio” proportions and a 4.3-liter V8 producing 380 horsepower, it can dispatch 0 to 60 mile per hour sprints in 4.4 seconds, even with a 3,461-pound curb weight. Keep that skinny pedal down long enough, and you’ll arrive at its top speed of 175 miles per hour. 

Meanwhile, it’s impossible to ignore the apocalyptic snarls that this engine produces at full throttle. 96 decibels to be exact! Snap, crackle, pop! Just remember, the 4.3-liter V8 is only found within 2006 to 2008 Vantages, as the company boosted engine displacement to 4.7 liters in 2009!

And, for those who love manual transmissions, you have a choice between a six-speed manual or a F1-style gearbox similar to those found in Ferrari F430’s and Lamborghini Gallardos. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage demands both respect and acknowledgement.

Alright, it’s fast, looks like a million bucks, and James Bond himself drove one in the movies. But could someone who isn’t a super wealthy secret agent afford one? Yes sir! Even the Vantage couldn’t outrun depreciation. Prices for 2006 to 2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantages have fallen further than you may have thought.

This 2007 V8 Vantage had an original sticker price of over $110,000. Pass me a fan! But now, “British Mustang” could be all yours for a cool $32,000. That’s $78,000 in depreciation! Hallelujah! To put things in perspective, $78,000 could buy you two 2015 Mustang GT Premium fastbacks, and leave almost $6,000 in your pocket.

$32,000 today will get you an EcoBoost Mustang, but let’s be real, wouldn’t you rather be driving this? This Aston is way fancier than a Mustang, and you probably won’t find yourself oversteering into crowds.

Vantages were offered in colors ranging from Merlot Red to Monaco Blue to, of course, the Bond-esque Oyster Silver. With streamlined body lines and a beautiful interior, this handbuilt creation of British innovation will cook tires, entrance its driver, and turn more heads than Bond himself. Fast, refined, V8 Vantage, baby!

Now, what has two more doors, is about half the price of the Aston, and will certainly wake up all of your neighbors when you fire it up? Our next car is the rowdy and rotund, the Chrysler 300 SRT8!

2012 – 2015 Chrysler 300 SRT8 – This Boat Don’t Float!

Not to be confused with the base 300 parked in your grandparents’ garage. Unless, it’s actually an SRT8, then maybe your grandpa’s kind of a badass! Underneath the hood of a Chrysler 300 SRT8, there’s an angry 6.4-liter V8 lurking. The legendary 392 Hemi produces 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It’ll tear down the quarter mile in 12.6 seconds!

However, transferring all of that power through the 5-speed auto transmission to the ground is a bit tricky. Some say, “too much power”. Most say, “need more tire”. Unless equipped with a sport package, 2012 SRT8’s left the factory on a square set of 245/40/20’s. Get those tires some milk!

That being said, a stock 300 SRT8 clocked a 0-to-60 time of 4.3 seconds. That, I’m sure, is only achievable with a set of tires at optimal temperature, and hyper-attentive throttle modulation. And maybe the new adaptive damping suspension helped a little bit.

Alongside its ability to produce clouds on demand, many people are attracted to the SRT8 Chrysler for other reasons. One being its size, it weighs just a few grocery bags shy of 4,000 pounds and has the space to easily seat five. Couple that with an optional Harman/Kardon sound system, gigantic trunk, subtle styling cues, and this sedan is the perfect recipe for a comfortable daily driver.

Let’s get this straight. It has a huge displacement V8, spacious interior, and a fancy adaptive suspension? It’s got to cost like $100,000, right? Nope! Feast your eyes on this understated but definitely not underpowered daily driver. For $18,000, you could have the power to create small weather formations, take your friends and family out for comfortable trips, and keep some money stashed in the bank. Well, that is, until you run out of either gas or tire!

Our next car takes it a little bit easier on its rear tires, but that’s only because it’s all-wheel drive! We’re talking the unique and capable C5 Audi RS6.

2002 – 2004 Audi RS6 – The Power of 4

Now, the C5 Audi RS6 may look like your entry level A5. In fact, only the fender flares and subtle trim differences give it away. But, either open the hood or give it some gas, and you’ll realize this ain’t no German econobox. It’s more of a fox in a chicken coop!

Built to compete with the now iconic E39 M5 and powerful E55 AMG, the RS6 needed both speed and class. When it comes to performance figures for the RS6, you pretty much just need to remember the numbers 4 and 2. With its 4.2-liter V8 with two turbskies, it produces 444 horsepower, spins all four wheels, and launches to 60 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds. What else would you expect from the company with four rings?

You may have noticed that this is the quickest car to 60 on our list. It doesn’t have the horsepower of the E60 M5 or the 300 SRT8, but what the 4,057-pound RS6 does have is Quattro. No fishtailing, no drama, just acceleration.

When coupled with the engine’s 428 pound-feet of torque, launches in an RS6 are truly glorious! And, just in case you want to stop, the RS6 has big beefy 8-piston calipers on the fronts.

Now, if you buy an RS6, you’ll want to take really good care of it. Why? It looks common enough, but would you believe that Audi only built 6,000 for the entire planet? And how many did we get? Only 860! To put things in perspective, Lamborghini built 14,022 Gallardos. So, where can you find an RS6? We got you covered.

We found a 2003 RS6 on AutoTempest that could be yours for $16,000, or less if you use the Ideal Car Strategies! It doesn’t look like 444 horsepower, but wouldn’t you like to find out? Buyer beware, you can find a cheaper RS6, but I would stay away from ones with higher mileage or spotty maintenance history. Why? Because any money you saved from buying another one in better condition will be spent on repairs for the cheaper one.

So, get the facts on your RS6 before you buy. But once you do, just please, please, straight-pipe it!