A car’s performance is often a determining factor when on the market for one, especially if you are a car enthusiast. A good way to get an idea of a car’s performance is the time it takes to hit 60 mph (97 km/h) from a standstill. In general, performance cars are expensive, which is why the second-hand market might be a good place to look for one. The below-listed cars are quite different and some of the entries, quite surprising. That said, they can all be yours for less than $10,000.

Mitsubishi Eclipse 3.8 (2005-2011)

Mitsubishi cars are a pale shadow of what they once were and it seems their glory days are over. The Eclipse was one of those cars, which started out quite well and even established a fan base. This was all shattered with the 1999-2002 Eclipse 3G. The 2005-2011 fourth-generation was a substantial improvement, but the damage was already done. The 3.8-liter SOHC V-6 develops 265 horsepower and 263 pound-feet (355 Nm), which allows the car to hit 60 mph in around 5.8 seconds on its way to 158 mph (255 km/h), despite being front-wheel-drive with an open differential. The gearbox was either a six-speed manual or a less-desirable five-speed automatic. You can get a good one for as little as $5,000.

Mitsubishi Eclipse 3.8 (2005-2011) specifications

Engine

3.8-liter SOHC V-6

Horsepower

265 HP

Torque

263 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

5.8 seconds

Top Speed

158 mph

Read our full review on the Mitsubishi Eclipse 3.8 (2005-2011)

Ford Mustang (2011-2014)

Yes, currently you can get a 2013 Mustang for less than $10,000. We are talking about the later S-197-generation, which has the new “Cyclone” 3.7-liter V-6. It’s not the V-8, but at least it’s not the old V-6, which has 100 horsepower less, despite being bigger. The “Cyclone” has often been referred to as the “American VQ” and for a good reason. In addition to being a reliable unit, it provides decent performance as well. It produces a stout 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet (379 Nm). This is enough to propel the Mustang to 60 mph in around 5.1 seconds. Unlike the previous entry, power goes to the rear wheels. The gearbox is either a six-speed manual or an automatic with the same number of gears.

Ford Mustang (2011-2014) specifications

Engine

3.7-liter V-6

Horsepower

305 HP

Torque

280 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

5.1 seconds

Read our full review on the Ford Mustang (2011-2014)

Ford Mustang GT (2005-2011)

If you absolutely need to have a V-8-powered Mustang, things get even more affordable. For as little as $6,000, you can get an early S-197-generation with the 4.6-liter Modular V-8. Earlier versions produce 296 horsepower and 320 pound-feet (434 Nm). After 2010, the horsepower figure goes up to 316, thanks to a reworked intake system. If you get it right, 60 mph can be dealt with in 5.0 seconds. However, opting for an earlier S-197 Mustang means you are willing to sacrifice some of the refinement. You also get a five-speed manual, which is one gear less than post-2011 Mustangs. At 151 mph (240 km/h), the GT is actually slower than the newer V-6 version.

Ford Mustang GT (2005-2011) specifications

Engine

4.6-liter Modular V-8

Horsepower

296 HP

Torque

320 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

5.0 seconds

Top Speed

151 mph

Read our full review on the Ford Mustang GT (2005-2011)

Hyundai Genesis Coupe (2009-2012)

About 10 years ago, you never would have thought a Korean car would make such as a list. Nowadays, they have a proper rear-wheel-drive coupe that can be had for as little as $7,500. You also have engine options. The base 2.0-liter produces 213 horsepower and 223 pound-feet (302 Nm), while the naturally-aspirated 3.8-liter V-6 makes 306 horsepower and 266 pound-feet (361 Nm). The sprint to 60 mph is dealt with in 5.5 and 6.0 seconds respectively. If you are lucky, you might even find a post-facelift model, from 2012-onwards. They are even quicker as power for the 2.0-liter turbo-four goes up to 275 horsepower and 275 pound-feet (373 Nm), while the 3.8-liter now gets 348 horsepower and 295 pound-feet (400 Nm). The 0-60 mph times are 5.8 and 4.8 seconds respectively.

Hyundai Genesis (2009-2012) specifications

Engine

2.0-liter four-cylinder

naturally-aspirated 3.8-liter V-6

2.0-liter turbo-four

3.8-liter V-6

Horsepower

213 HP

306 HP

275 HP

348 HP

Torque

223 LB-FT

266 LB-FT

275 LB-FT

295 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

5.5 seconds

6.0 seconds

5.8 seconds

4.8 seconds

Read our full review on the Hyundai Genesis

BMW Z4 (2002-2008)

The E85 Z4 came in 2002, in order to replace the already aging Z3. Just like its predecessor, it was put together using existing parts from BMW’s parts bin. The E85 was not a perfect car and, to an extent, lacked the finish of cars like the 350Z. Still, it had a potent 3.0-liter naturally-aspirated inline-six, which produced 265 horsepower and 232 pound-feet (315 Nm), which went to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual. Because the Z4 is a light car, the sprint to 60 mph is achieved in 5.4 seconds, on the way to 155 mph (250 km/h). You can get a well-sorted 3.0 Si for around $7,500.

BMW Z-4 (2002-2008) specifications

Engine

3.0-liter naturally-aspirated inline-six

Horsepower

265 HP

Torque

232 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

5.4 seconds

Top Speed

155 mph

Read our full review on BMW Z-4

Nissan 350-Z (2002-2009)

You’ve been waiting for this one long enough. The 350Z should be one of your first choices if you’re looking for an affordable fast car, for a number of reasons. You get a 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V-6 with 287 to 313 horsepower and up to 275 pound-feet (373 Nm). This allows for a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) sprint in around 5.1 seconds, on its way to an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). You can get a later Z33 with the higher-revving VQ35HR engine for around $7,600. Of course, power goes to the rear wheels, through a six-speed manual. There is also a less-desirable automatic and a soft-top roadster version, which is heavier and less rigid.

Nissan 350-Z (2002-2009) specifications

Engine

3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V-6

Horsepower

287 HP / 313 HP

Torque

275 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

5.1 seconds

Top Speed

155 mph

Read our full review on the Nissan 350-Z

BMW 335i (2005-2012)

The E90-generation of the 3-series is considered by some to be the start of BMW’s downfall in terms of quality. That being said, we cannot argue that some of the engines it came with are quite potent. We are not talking about the M3 version, which essentially has a version of the M5 E60 V-10 with two of its cylinders chopped off. We are talking about the N54-powered BMW 335i, specifically the sedan version since it fits the $10,000 budget. With 305 horsepower and 295 pound-feet (400 Nm), the Bavarian sedan is able to hit 60 mph (97 km/h) in just 5.3 seconds, on its way to a limited 155 mph (250km/h) top speed. For around $8,500 you can get a well-equipped facelift model.

BMW 335i (2005-2012) specifications

Engine

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six

Horsepower

305 HP

Torque

295 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

5.3 seconds

Top Speed

155 mph

Read our full review on the BMW 335i

Audi S4 (2004-2008)

For many, the Audi S4 is the epitome of a usable performance sedan. It has enough room for four plus luggage, it’s discrete, and has a naturally-aspirated V-8. You also get the Quattro all-wheel-drive system as standard. It might look like a bit of a sleeper, but its 4.2-liter 40-valve naturally-aspirated V-8 produces 344 horsepower and 302 pound-feet (410 Nm), which is enough to deal with 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Even the RS4 version is considered to be more mildly-mannered than its M3 and C63 AMG rivals, but it’s also the least shouty and most usable of the bunch. So if you want to go fast and fly under the radar, the S4 might be just for you. As with the 335i, expect some of the parts to be a bit more expensive.

Read our full review on the Audi S4

Chevrolet Corvette C4 (1984-1997)

Many would argue that the C4 was not the Corvette’s finest hour. It ditched the Coca-Cola bottle design in favor of a more simplistic, shape, typical for the 1980s. The worst thing is they carried on with it until 1997. It’s not all bad though, because you can now get this not so desirable “Vette” for around $9,000. Unfortunately, you’ll probably have to settle for the four-speed automatic, since manuals are quite rare and most won’t fit the budget. Still, you get a 5.7-liter V-8, producing 282 to 300 horsepower and 322 to 340 pound-feet (437-461 Nm). This was enough for a sprint to 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds, which was not too shabby for the 1980s. The C4 could also reach speeds of around 158 mph (255 km/h).

Dodge Challenger R/T (2009-2020)

The last entry just barely fits the budget. Most Challengers under $10,000 have the V-6, but if you look long enough, you will stumble upon the occasional pre-facelift R/T. The 5.7-liter HEMI develops 375 horsepower and 410 pound-feet (556 Nm), which are sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. Despite the car being relatively heavy, 60 mph is dealt with in just 5.1 seconds. Back when it came out, the R/T, also referred to as the small HEMI, offered about 90 percent of the SRT-8’s performance, while costing $11,000 less. Nowadays, it’s still a bargain, since you can pick up a Challenger R/T for around $9,900.

Read our full review on the Dodge Challenger R/T

FAQ

Q: How Much Power Does The Nissan Maxima Have?

The Nissan Maxima is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers a total of 300 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 261 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. These numbers are pretty impressive considering the Hyundai Sonata’s 1.6-liter Turbo-Four is good for just 180 horsepower and 196 pound-feet of torque. The Honda Accord and its 1.5-liter four-banger comes a little closer with 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, but the Maxima is still much more powerful.[a]

{1{[q]What Kind of Transmission Does The Nissan Maxima Have?[/q]}1}

[a]If you’re someone who prefers the feel of a manual transmission or at least the definitive shift of a good, hearty automatic transmission, then the Maxima will surely disappoint you with its Xtronic CVT. The same story goes for the Honda Accord, which also comes standard with a CVT. The least powerful of the bunch, the Hyundai Sonata has an eight-speed automatic, so that might be your best bet if you’re not into the whole CVT revolution.

Q: What Kind of Fuel Economy Does The Nissan Maxima Get

Believe it or not, the Nissan Maxima can hit 60 mph in six seconds flat. According to [Motor Trend,-> https://www.motortrend.com/cars/nissan/maxima/2020/2020-nissan-maxima-platinum-reserve-first-test-review/] it can also run the quarter-mile in 14.6 seconds at 97.8 mph! In comparison, the Hyundai Sonata runs up to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds and can do a quarter mile in 15.9 seconds if you’ll believe what [carindigo->https://www.carindigo.com/hyundai/sonata/0to60] is talking. According to [Car and Driver,-> https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15076902/2018-honda-accord-15t-automatic-test-review/] the Honda Accord with the 1.5-liter can run to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds and hits the quarter mile in 15.7 seconds. So, as you can see, the Maxima with is major power superiority complex is quite a bit faster than the competition. If you want a family sedan that can move, it’s not a bad choice.

Q: Is the Nissan Maxima Spacious

The Nissan Maxima might offer impressive power for its class and price point, but it also suffers from subpar fuel economy that comes in at 20 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined. It’s not horrible, of course, but the Hyundai Sonata manages 27, 36, and 31, respectively while the Accord comes in at 30, 38, and 33 combined. Needless to say, if fuel economy is a big deal to you, the Maxima probably isn’t the best car for you.

Q: How Much Cargo Room Does The Nissan Maxima Have?

The Nissan Maxima does exert a certain scent of spaciousness, but the truth is that it is inferior t both the Hyundai Sonata and Honda Accord, with the exception of one place – front leg room, where it still falls short of the Sonata but beats out the Accord by a few inches. Otherwise, the Sonata and Accord offer more space in every category, check out the table below to see the full breakdown:

Q: Nissan Maxima Infotainment System

The Nissan Maxima offers 14.3 cubic-feet of cargo room, which is – in general – enough for most people who are interested in driving a sedan. In comparison, though, you’ll find you have a little more space for carrying goodies in the Sonata at 16.3 cubic-feet or the Accord, which has 16.7 cubic-feet.

Q: How Big Is the Nissan Maxima

The Nissan Maxima’s infotainment system is, if nothing else, adequate for what most people need. Main features include two USB-C ports, two USB 3.0 ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Outside of this, the system is rather dated, even when compared to cheaper sedans in this segment. Audio quality is decent, especially in terms of bass, while the stereo and touchscreen is tolerable. You can control most features of the system via voice control, however, that system is also dated and can be picky about word choice and phrasing. Ultimately, it’s best to avoid it unless you really want to train yourself to use its specific commands.

Q: How Much Does The Nissan Maxima Weigh?

The Nissan Maxima has been classified as a large or full-size vehicle since the third generation was introduced in 1989, however, it’s commonly referred to in the industry as a midsized car because it kind of sits right on the line. It also sits above both the Sentra and Altima, making it the largest and most expensive non-electric car in Nissan’s lineup outside of the 370Z and GT-R. It measures 192.8 inches long, 73.2 inches wide, and 56.5 inches tall. All these figures come so close to those of the Hyundai Sonata and Honda Accord that the difference between them all is negligible at best. In terms of garaging, you’ll need a decent 1.5-car garage to park comfortably, but if you have a deep enough one-car garage, you can probably make it work as long as you don’t want to have space for anything else.

Q: What Tires Do I Need for the Nissan Maxima

The Nissan Maxima tips the scales at 3,612 pounds, making it nearly 300 pounds heavier than the Hyundai Sonata, and more than 400 pounds heavier than the Honda Accord. Part of this weight difference comes courtesy of the larger and naturally aspirated V-6 engine, but even with a more modern turbocharged inline-four, the Maxima would still be the heaviest of the bunch.

Q: Is the Nissan Maxima Better Than The [Hyundai Sonata->art185285]?

The Nissan Maxima Platinum comes standard with P245/45R 18-inch tires. The Hyundai Sonata also comes with 18-inch wheels and tires, while the Honda Accord can be had with 19-inch wheels and tires in certain trims.

Q: Is the Nissan Maxima Better than the [Honda Accord->art176858]?

From the get-go, you’ll find that the Hyundai Sonata is an interesting vehicle. It doesn’t have the super-sleek headlights like the Maxima, but it does feature a muscular and sporty front end. The latest iteration of Hyundai’s grille, however, is oddly reminiscent of Audi’s current design, but we’ll let the Korean brand slide on this one as the design is still somewhat unique and it really fits the Sonata Well. The Sonata does, however, have more of a four-door coupe appearance and the body lines almost make it look like it has a light upward ark. The Sonata’s interior is fairly nice, but unless you spring for the range-topping trim line, you’ll find that the materials aren’t quite as good as you’ll get in the Maxima – and understandable scenario given the two different price points. Hyundai’s technology is a little more advanced at this stage as the Sonata is quite a bit newer, but unless you’re huge into technology and want the latest in infotainment goodness, it won’t make much of a difference to you.

Under the hood, the Sonata boasts a 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder that’s good for just 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. That comes at a deficit of 120 ponies and 66 pound-feet of torque compared to the Maxima. Naturally, it’ll take you about 2 seconds longer to get to 60 mph in the Sonata, but the big benefit here is the fuel savings that come along with that turbo-four. Where the Maxima delivers 20 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined, the Sonata kicks its ass with 27, 36, and 31, respectively. The Sonata is also cheaper, starting at just $23,600 and maxing out at $33,500 before options, taxes, and delivery fess.