Fastest Cars Under $30,000: Top 10 - AutoGuide

While some of us might bemoan the lack of affordable performance cars out there, it’s not a barren desert of identical silver compact crossovers. In fact, even at the low price of just $30,000—two-thirds the average new-car transaction as of September 2021, according to Kelley Blue Book—there’s still plenty of performance options to be had. You won’t be swinging a V8 for this price, but that’s okay: some of these cars would demolish a turn-of-the-century V8 muscle car at the strip and at the track. And you’ll still get most of the modern amenities expected of a new car.

With that out of the way, read on to find the fastest cars for under $30,000 USD. Canadian readers, you’ll see your equivalent prices here, too.

SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Sounding V8 Engines

* – we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that fast (top speed) does not equal quick (acceleration), the latter of which this list is based on. Unfortunately the Google SEO overlords prefer the F word.

Hyundai Elantra N Line

SEE ALSO: 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line Review: Short N-Gagement

Our list starts with the middle-child of the Hyundai Elantra lineup. The N Line uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder—an engine you’ll see a few times on this list—to make 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. A close-ratio six-speed manual is the standard transmission, but you can also spec a seven-speed dual-clutch (it’s the only choice in Canada). How quick are we talking then, as the car to kick off this list? Well, how’s 7.1...

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