10 Fastest Cars Under $200,000

2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S hero ・ Photo by Aston Martin

This list of 10 Fastest Cars under $200,00 contains some of the fastest at any price. Not only that, they’re among the most desirable. Having $200,000 as a ceiling brings all sorts of amazing machines within reach, such as the futuristic Acura NSX and the gorgeous Audi R8. While some cars are too expensive for inclusion (Ferrari and Lamborghini for instance,) these choices will be just as fast, just as fun and still pretty darn exclusive. So what if they don’t have a solid silver badge like the $3 million Bugatti Chiron? There comes a point where things become a mere extravagance, and we're using $200,000 as that point. If nothing here moves your meter, see a doctor, because something is seriously wrong.

2017 Acura NSX

You wouldn't necessarily expect an Acura’s on this list, but the 2017 Acura NSX is particularly special. It’s the second generation of the NSX, while the first has almost become legendary. Its combination of power, talent and drivability made it slightly ahead of its time. This model is similarly forward-looking, using hybrid power (one mid-mounted and turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 and three electric motors,) to develop an electrifying 573 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque. Standstill to 60 mph happens in just 3.1 seconds, and top speed is 191 mph. In a sense, priced at $157,800 this is a bargain. So far, the big two hybrid supercars have been the La Ferrari and Porsche 918 Spider, both limited editions, and were priced beyond or near $1 million.

Photo by Acura

2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Most Aston Martin cars look suave and elegant, while the 2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S has more of an intimidating attitude. It also sounds pretty daunting with an air-shaking blare of a V12 engine at high revs. Another effect is to send the car flying toward the horizon, hitting 60 mph in 3.7 seconds before reaching 205 mph. Oh, the joys of 563 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque from a 6.0-liter monster. There’s a version with a 7-speed manual transmission (instead of the standard 7-speed automated shifter,) which is completely appropriate because this is exactly the kind of unapologetic old-school driver’s machine of every unapologetic old-school driver’s dreams. But that pushes the price past our $200k limit, while the one we've included here with its automated shifter comes in at $189,020.

Photo by Aston Martin

2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus

Half road car, half Le Mans racing car. Audi says its R8 V10 Plus shares 50 percent of its components, including its 5.2-liter V10 engine, with machines that pound around tracks for 24 hours at a time, often to great success. The Plus version, which still comes in under our budget at $191,150, sends 610 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque to an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that favors the rear wheels but can send all its power to the front axle if necessary. Zero to 60 mph is dispatched in 3.2 seconds and top speed is 205 mph. Carbon ceramic brake discs are also standard. It’s no disadvantage that it looks fabulous as well.

Photo by Audi

2018 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive

Alpina is an independent tuner specializing in BMWs. For anyone who thinks an M car is not quite enough, check out the Alpina versions, which are available through BMW dealerships with full new-car warranties. The 2018 BMW Alphina B7 xDrive is a super-duper version of the already wonderful 7 Series luxury sedan and is priced at $139,795. A turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 creates 600 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The B7 hits 60 mph from a standstill in 3.6 seconds. To be in such a large car and experience the rush, to watch the scenery lose definition on the way to 196 mph is phenomenal. That top speed is the official figure, however, chances are it could reach 203 mph in the right circumstances.

Photo by Alpina

2018 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The 2018 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is the second most powerful car on this list, but the least expensive at $80,445. For under $200,000, you could buy two and still have enough left for a seasons worth of performance tires. But don’t let that relatively low price cloud your judgment. The Z06 absolutely deserves its place on this list because it can translate a massive 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque into a 2.95-second zero-to-60 mph time (with the 8-speed automatic transmission,) and the potential to come tantalizingly close to 200 mph. This is also the most technologically advanced Corvette ever, with a computer-controlled active suspension, digital driver’s display, performance data recorder, and an optional head-up display.

Photo by General Motors

2017 McLaren 570S

The 2017 McLaren 570S earned its moniker because it has 570 PS, which works out to 562 hp when converting metric to real measurement. Imagine that power, along with 443 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged V8 engine, combined with a lightweight car made mostly from carbon fiber — just like a racing car. The racing thing is particularly apt because McLaren has a glorious pedigree in Formula One (despite the challenges of the past three seasons.) So the ability to hit 60 mph in under 3.2 seconds, go from standstill to 124 mph in 9.5 seconds and reach 204 mph is great but not unexpected. This truly 21st-century supercar also has a well-considered, fairly luxurious interior with a reflecting price tag of $191,100.

Photo by McLaren

2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R is the most expensive road-going from Mercedes-Benz at $157,995. It has the most power: 577 hp and 516 lb-ft, making it the fastest variant as well, sprinting from standstill to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and maxing out at 198 mph. This is also the newest addition to the AMG GT line, fresh for this model year. As well as a hand-crafted and turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, this R version also comes with a 9-mode traction control system developed for the version that runs in the GT3 class of sports car racing, uses various carbon fiber components to keep weight to a minimum, and even has dynamic engine mounts.

Photo by Mercedes-AMG

2017 Nissan GT-R Nismo

The “regular” Nissan GT-R scrapes by with 565 hp, but when our limit is $200,000, we can take a serious look at the 2017 Nissan GT-R Nismo version since it comes in at $176,685. From its twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 emanates 600 hp and 481 lb-ft of torque. This may not improve on the 2.9-second sprint to 60 mph, or the top speed of 195 mph by much since these are already impressive feats that are probably nudging up against the limits of physics. But it’s good to know this model has its own specially tuned suspension and a revised aerodynamic package. These are complemented by a wickedly clever all-wheel-drive system that puts the power to the pavement with ruthless efficiency, and a titanium exhaust system.

Photo by Nissan

2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupe

The 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupe is awesome in the true sense of the word, and happily, makes our list with its $191,750 price tag. The S version of this all-wheel-drive coupe generates 580 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque from its 3.8-liter turbocharged flat-6 engine. Zero to 60 mph takes place over a fleeting 2.8 seconds and top speed is 205 mph. Not only is it incredibly quick, it’s exceptionally grippy and responsive. And it’s a 911, which has become an icon because it’s one of the most exciting sports cars the world has ever known. The other big 911 attribute is that it can work any day of the week. Porsche has taken this to heart and added a front end lift feature to clear speed bumps or negotiate tricky driveways.

Photo by Porsche

2017 Tesla Model S P100D

The fastest and most powerful car on this list is the 2017 Tesla Model S P100D, yet it doesn’t use a drop of gasoline and can seat up to seven (there’s an optional pair of rear-facing seats for the trunk area.) That’s the advantage of electric motors and their ability to deliver maximum muscle from virtually nothing. The P100D version has a mighty 760 hp and 792 lb-ft of torque. Its standard all-wheel-drive system means it can channel every bit of power to the road. With the Ludicrous Plus mode, the result is a standstill-to-60 mph sprint that’s under 2.5 seconds. Which is the kind of acceleration found in a powerful motorbike, but this is a luxury sedan for $136,200.

Photo by Tesla