10 Cheap Cars That Can Do 200 MPH

Cheap performance is the name of the game for most car enthusiasts. When it comes to straight-line performance, top speed is one of the main, boasting characteristics of a performance car. Or, at least, it used to be. While the 0 to 60 mph and 60 to 100 mph times are more relevant in the real world, knowing your car can stretch its legs to supercar-like speeds gives you a modicum of pride. 200 mph is, generally, considered to be the figure, which separates supercars from lesser-performance models.

Granted, there are very few places where you can, actually, achieve such speeds, and even fewer where you can do it legally. With that said, in order for a car to be capable of 200 mph, it needs a well-sorted chassis that would withstand the acceleration forces, and more importantly, a very powerful engine. Many of the cars on this list are also luxury cars and favor comfort over high downforce and track-optimized suspension. They are also relatively inexpensive to buy, but not necessarily easy on the wallet when it comes to maintenance. Without further due, these are 10 cheap cars that are capable of 200 mph.

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10 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06

Top Speed: 199 MPH

The Chevrolet Corvette C6 is, currently, one of the best bang-for-the-buck sports cars you can get. In Z06 form, Chevrolet says it will do 199 mph, which is a mere 1.0 mph away from the coveted 200 mph mark. This could easily be remedied by a basic mod, an intake for example, which will unlock another 10-15 horsepower, which is more than enough for an extra 1.0 mph.

Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06 Specifications

Despite relying on old pushrod technology and leaf springs, the C6 Z06 Corvette is a force to be reckoned with. It may not have the finesse of a 911 GT3, but the performance-per-dollar ratio is almost unbeatable. The best part is, the C6 Z06 packs near-supercar performance out of the box and benefits greatly from aftermarket support. You can get a good example for around $34,000.

9 Mercedes SL55 AMG

Top Speed: 201 MPH

The R230-generation Mercedes SL was when the brand’s two-seater, open-top grand tourer moved entirely away from the angular design, in favor of curvaceous forms. Many of the great engines remained, but the star of the show was the M113K, supercharged V-8 mill. It’s worth noting that almost all German, high-performance vehicles featured a 155-mph speed governor – an agreement similar to the 276-horsepower Japanese Gentlemen’s agreement.

Mercedes SL55 AMG (R230) Specifications

There was an optional package that raised the limiter to 186 mph (300 km/h), but if you remove it entirely, you are looking at over 201 mph (323 km/h). The M113 engine is considered one of the last bulletproof Mercedes engines and responds great to basic mods like intake and pulleys. The best part is, yo ucan find a good example of the R230 SL55 AMG for as little as $17,000. Keep in mind that maintenance costs for these cars can be quite high.

8 Mercedes E63 AMG (W211)

Top Speed: 202 MPH

The W211 Mercedes E-Class is a popular model in Europe, especially in AMG form. After 2006, the M113K-powered E55 AMG was replaced by the M156-powered E63 AMG. The German luxury sedan lost some torque but gained a bit of power, which ultimately, made it faster on top end. When the 155-mph speed limiter is removed, 202 mph (325 km/h) can be achieved in one of these.

Mercedes E63 AMG (W211) Specifications

At the same time, the M156 engine is a true gem. The vicious-sounding V-8 has plenty of character and is the only naturally aspirated V-8 completely designed by AMG. The E63 AMG is also when Mercedes moved from the 5G-Tronic to the 7G-Tronic dual-clutch automatic. Around $20,000 will get you a well-maintained example, but higher-mileage cars can be found for as little as $11,000.

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7 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (S197)

Top Speed: 202 MPH

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is one of the top-performing and rarest versions of the Ford Mustang. Carroll Shelby made the first Shelby GT500 back in 1967, and it only got better from there. The S197-generation Ford Mustang saw two updates over its lifespan and included the GT500. Ford’s Modular V-8 was always a key component of the go-fast recipe. Early versions got a 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 with up to 542 horsepower. This was a cast-iron, wet-sump version of the same engine powering the Ford GT. From 2013, displacement grew to 5.8 liters, resulting in a gain of 120 horsepower.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (S197) Specifications

Despite not being the most aerodynamic car, with a drag coefficient of 0.35, it still managed to power through to 202 mph (325 km/h). Some sources claim an actual top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h), but the conditions have to be perfect. Still, the Shelby GT500 packs supercar power in a Muscle car body. The only downside is the live rear axle, which isn’t ideal for high-speed cornering. Average used prices for a used S918 Shelby GT500 are just under $40,000.

6 Bentley Continental GT Speed

Top Speed: 202 MPH

Bentley’s Continental is a name that dates back to the 1930s, but a production variant did not arrive until some 20 years later. The name was, typically, reserved for highly-exclusive vehicles with powerful engines and that did not change even for the modern interpretation, which dates back to 2005. The Bentley Continental is the embodiment of lavish luxury and a grand tourer in the truest sense.

Bentley Continental GT Speed Specifications

The curb weight of 5,258 pounds (2,385 kg) makes the Continental, the heaviest car in its segment, second only to the Rolls-Royce Wraith. On the other hand, the Volkswagen-derived, twin-turbo W-12 engine provides plenty of torque, which is sent to all four wheels. Earlier model years can be found for under $40,000 with not a lot of miles on the clock, but keep in mind, that maintenance can be expensive.

5 BMW M6 E63

Top Speed: 202 MPH

It’s no surprise the M6 E63 is here since it shares the same engine as the BWM M5 E60. If you are willing to settle for the less-practical, two-door coupe body style, the M6 E63 packs the same Formula 1-based, S85 V-10 engine found in the BMW M5 E60. Although 60 mph came up in just 4.1 seconds, for some reason, BMW never claimed an official top speed without the speed limiter, but owners claim to have reached over 200 mph (322 km/h) with their V-10-powered M6.

BMW M6 E63 Specifications

Considering the same feat is achieved by the M5 E60, the BMW M6 E63 might even be a bit faster. As with the M5, leaky gaskets and rod bearings should be your main concern. When the V-10 works properly, it’s one of the best engines ever put in a luxury performance car. This is the last M6 to be offered with a six-speed manual, although the vast majority of cars produced pack the universally-hated, SMG, robotized manual. Average used prices for a BMW M6 E63 hover, are just under $30,000.

4 BMW M5 E60

Top Speed: 203 MPH

The best way to describe the BMW M5 E60 is the best-performing sedan you shouldn’t buy. Its S85, V-10 engine is based on a Formula 1 unit and features one of the most unique engine notes, especially in a performance sedan. When it works, it also revs to 8,250 RPM. The most important thing with these engines is rod bearings. The original ones should be replaced by 70,000 miles. It’s an expensive job, but worth doing for peace of mind.

BMW M5 (E60) Specifications

Leaky valve cover gaskets and problems with the dreaded SMG transmission should be expected as these cars are well over 10 years old, and likely, driven hard. Despite its shortcomings and less-than-ideal reliability record, the M5 E60 packs supercar performance in a luxury sedan package.

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3 Cadillac CTS-V

Top Speed: 203 MPH

Over the past decade, Cadillac has been hard at work bringing out worthy competitors to the AMG E63 and M5. The Cadillac CTS-V packs Corvette power in a sleek tuxedo and does away with the 155-mph speed limiter the Germans put on their cars. If you don’t mind a slightly older model, the first and second-generation CTS-V was available with a manual too while this one comes only as an automatic.

Cadillac CTS-V Specifications

While not as affordable as some of the other cars on the list, you can still find good ones under $45,000. If you are willing to settle for the first-generation American super-sedan, $27,000 can get you a clean example, but you’ll need to do a few basic mods to reach 200 mph. Until 2014, you could have the CTS-V as a coupe (from 2011) and as a station wagon (from 2010).

2 Mercedes CLS63 AMG (C218)

Top Speed: 204 MPH

Mercedes was the first to bring out a four-door coupe in the form of the Mercedes CLS, and its second generation continued to enjoy success. The 2011 C218 CLS63 no longer featured the 6.2-liter, M156 V-8, instead opting for the M157 twin-turbo V-8, which makes up to 577 horsepower. Like most other German premium models, the CLS63 AMG could get to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and features a 155-mph speed limiter. Upon removing it, the sleek, four-door coupe is capable of up to 204 mph (328 km/h) in the AMG63S version. Power goes to the rear or optionally, to all four wheels.

Mercedes CLS63 AMG (C218) Specifications

The seven-speed automatic, which was previously, rated for up to 553 pound-feet (750 Nm) has been beefed up to handle more torque from the twin-turbo V-8. The CLS63 AMG C218 is fairly reliable, but there were a few recalls concerning the seal of the secondary bulkhead in the engine bay and the lack of oil pressure in the secondary timing-chain tensioners. The average used price for a CLS63 C218 hovers around $35,000.

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1 Mercedes CL65 AMG (C215)

Top Speed: 207 MPH

The Mercedes CL65 AMG C215 generation represents the peak of Mercedes’ luxury performance cars in the late 1990s to early 2000s. The big grand tourer shares a chassis with the W220 S-Class albeit just over 3.0 inches shorter. It was one of the first models to get Mercedes’s Active Body Control and under the hood, you will find the M275 V-12 powerhouse. The low-revving, SOHC, twin-turbo unit was the most powerful car produced at the time.

Mercedes CL65 AMG (C215) Specifications

The 5G-Tronic automatic was the only transmission available at the time that could withstand the torque. Everything about the CL65 AMG was big, including the curb weight of 4,586 pounds (2,080 kg). These are still relatively affordable, with some costing just over $20,000. Beware that a German, high-performance V-12 can be extremely expensive to maintain so, a pre-purchase inspection is an absolute must.