It seems like automakers are constantly raising the bar when it comes to horsepower figures. There are cars currently in the market that are pushing out 700 or 800 hp, which is insane. That being the case, the 300 hp is a good place to start if you’re looking for a high-horsepower car that won’t get you into trouble. Here are five prime examples that put out that kind of power and are worth every penny.

1. 2020 Nissan 370Z

Admittedly, the Nissan 370Z is getting long in the tooth, but there’s no denying that it’s a solid two-seat sports car. The 370Z’s venerable V6 engine puts out 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission. According to Vin Free Check, that power gives the car the ability to “squeeze out a 5.3 second time to go from zero to 60 mph, which isn’t too shabby.”

We have to agree. However, one caveat is that the 370Z’s age means that it’s not as tech-savvy or updated as the other cars in its class. But if you’re only looking for performance, it’s still a great choice after all these years.

2. Ford Mustang EcoBoost

Many muscle car purists may consider the Ford Mustang EcoBoost to be a mortal sin in the pony car world, but it’s still impressive nonetheless. Under its hood is a turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that goes against the grain of normal muscle car standards. However, it’s hard to argue with the 310 hp that the engine produces.

Those wanting a little more power can opt for the High-Performance package, which ups the power output to 330 hp.

3. Audi S3

The Audi S3 has nearly everything you would want in a small sporty sedan. It has a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine under its hood that pumps out 306 hp, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a Quattro AWD system to connect the power to the ground. That said, the S3 is quite the performer.

The editors at Car and Driver were able to get it up to 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.3 seconds and down the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds. That’s super quick! And best of all, it can seat four adults in relative comfort.

4. Dodge Challenger

The Dodge Challenger is on its way out, but for now, you can still get ahold of a base model if you don’t have a need for a fire-breathing V8 engine. The entry-level Challenger SXT has a 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivers 306 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. That power is routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission and out to the rear wheels. However, an AWD configuration is also available.

The only major drawback to the Challenger is its large size, but it’s not too unwieldy to drive. We recently drove the 2022 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack and were floored by its performance. As such, we’re sure the V6 model can be just as fun, despite its lower power output.

5. Toyota Camry TRD

Just because a car has 300 hp, it doesn’t mean that it needs to be a sports car. The Toyota Camry TRD proves this with its 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, there’s no manual transmission to go along with it.

However, the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly as it routes the power to the front wheels. If you’re looking for a comfortable sedan that oozes comfort and delivers 300 hp, the Camry TRD is a great choice.

Cars with 300 hp that are worth the money

Each of these cars can be purchased for around $30,000. Some of them cost even less than that, which makes them an even better deal. Either way, if you’re looking for a car with 300 hp, these five cars are worth every penny you’ll spend.