The Cheapest New Coupe With More Than 500 Horsepower

Buyers looking for a high-horsepower sports coupe at a reasonable price have limited options today. Most performance coupes with more than 500 hp come with a high price tag, generally exceeding six figures. However, a few models offer more than 500 hp at a more accessible price point, making them stand out in a shrinking segment.

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A high-horsepower coupe typically comes with a naturally aspirated or turbocharged V8 engine, and rear-wheel drive, with a key focus on performance. These cars are often designed for both road and track use, balancing straight-line speed with handling capability. While many luxury brands dominate the segment, some manufacturers provide similar performance figures without premium pricing.

We examine all the hard top sports cars with over 500 hp to find the cheapest one on sale today. Then analyze the model’s engine specifications, pricing, and performance data. The focus will be on factory-produced models available for purchase in the current market without any options or upgrades.

For those seeking a powerful coupe without entering the luxury price range, understanding the available options is essential. The goal is to identify the most cost-effective way to get a new car with a high-power output while considering factors like drivetrain, transmission choices, and manufacturer support.

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The BMW M4 Competition Is The Cheapest Coupe With More Than 500 HP

BMW M4 Competition Performance And Price

(Source: BMW)

With a base price of $84,300, the 2025 BMW M4 Competition Coupe is the cheapest sports coupe with over 500 hp. The M4 Competition packs 503 hp, capable of a 155 mph top speed and sprints from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The BMW M4 Competition packs over 500 hp with no options or upgrades.

However, BMW also offers an all-wheel-drive option as the M4 Competition xDrive Coupe, which is priced at $89,400. The all-wheel-drive model packs 530 hp and accelerates quicker to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

The 2025 M4 Competition Uses A 503 HP Twin-Turbo Inline-6

BWM M4 Competition Vs M4 Competition xDrive: Engine Specs Compared

(Source: BMW)

The first-gen M4 F82 used the ​S55 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 engine, and with the M4 Competition package, offered 444 hp. Now the 2025 BMW M4 G82 is the second generation model which uses an updated 3.0-liter S58B30T0 twin-turbocharged inline-6-cylinder engine which makes 503 hp, right from the factory for the standard rear-wheel-drive variant of the M4 Competition.

The all-wheel-drive M4 Competition xDrive, however, improves the peak power output to 530 hp. However, both versions have an identical torque output of 479 lb-ft.

In the US, the base BMW M4 coupe is available with a ZF 6-speed manual transmission. But, both the M4 Competition and the M4 Competition xDrive are equipped with a ZF 8-speed M Steptronic Sport automatic transmission as standard. The Competition models, however, add a separate transmission oil cooler to help manage temperatures for high-performance driving, specifically for track use. The black chrome exhaust tips, forged M light alloy wheels, automatic brake hold function, and high-gloss black mirror caps are what differentiate the Competition models from the standard M4.

At $64,000, The Mustang Dark Horse Packs Exactly 500 HP

Ford

Ford Mustang Dark Horse Engine Specs

(Source: Ford)

The Ford Mustang Dark Horse starts at $64,380, while the Dark Horse Premium costs $69,375 before any optional equipment, making it cheaper than the BMW M4 Competition. However, the Mustang Dark Horse only packs exactly 500 hp.

The naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine in the Mustang Dark Horse packs a maximum power output of 500 hp at 7,250 rpm and 418 lb-ft at 4,900 rpm. The engine redlines at 7,500 rpm and runs a high 12.0:1 compression ratio. Unlike pushrod engines in the past, the Coyote V8 uses a dual-overhead-cam design, and the engine features twin independent variable camshaft timing as well.

When it comes to transmission options, a Tremec TR-3160 6-speed manual with rev-matching tech is offered as standard. But the 10-speed 10R80 automatic gearbox is available as a no-cost option. The Dark Horse offers a 3.73 Torsen limited-slip rear axle with the manual gearbox. However, the automatic gearbox is linked to a 3.55 limited-slip rear axle.

Ford claims that the Dark Horse is capable of 166 mph top speed. Equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, the Mustang Dark Horse reaches 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. However, opting for the automatic bumps that time down to just 3.7 seconds – 0.4 seconds quicker.

The BMW M4 Competition may be the cheapest 2-door coupe with more than 500 hp with a base price of $84,300. The S650 Ford Mustang is a close second, but comes up short by a couple of ponies, but it packs 500 hp for as little as $64,380.

The Best Alternative New Sports Coupe With Over 500 HP

Chevrolet

The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is a mid-engined supercar that offers a hard top as well as a convertible body style. Prices for the standard Corvette C8 Stingray start at $68,300 for the base 1LT trim. However, in standard trim, the Corvette Stingray offers 495 hp even with a Z51 Performance Package. The Corvette Stingray packs a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

If you want a Corvette with over 500 hp, an upgrade to the hybrid Corvette E-Ray is required. The hybrid Corvette E-Ray uses the same 6.2-liter V8 engine as the Stingray but adds a lithium-ion battery, along with an electric motor on the front axle. The E-Ray is the first ever Corvette with all-wheel-drive and the combined power output of the V8 and the electric motor is 655 hp. However, the C8 Corvette E-Ray coupe starts at $108,595 for the base 1LZ trim.

Sources: BMW, Ford, Chevrolet.