Sports cars are the go-to choice for most performance enthusiasts. However, nowadays, the excellent selection of sedan models has blurred the lines between performance and comfort perfectly. These sporty sedans offer thrilling rides, with some even rivaling high-speed sports cars.
Although they may be less popular than SUVs, these sedans offer superior performance and comfort without breaking the bank. These fun and fast sedans come in many varieties, from affordable versions under $5,000 to V8-powered options under $30,000.
Pricing data from Kelly Blue Book was used to highlight the 10 fastest sedan models suitable for all budgets, notably with a few already present in Vietnam.
10. 2009 Nissan Maxima
Starting used price: $4,681 – $5,980
The Maxima has been Nissan’s flagship sedan for decades. For the 2009 model, the Maxima received a whole new look and purpose. Although slightly smaller than its predecessor, it sports a bold new design and enhanced power.
Under the hood of the 2009 Nissan Maxima is a refined 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. Nissan boosted the Maxima’s power by 35 horsepower by maximizing exhaust flow and intake. While the engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission, allowing this sedan to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds.
9. 2010 Audi A4
Initial used price: $6,161 – $7,554
While Audi’s lineup has grown over the years, the A4 has always been one of the brand’s best sedans. Unlike most of its siblings, the A4 sedan perfectly blends maximum passenger comfort with potent driving performance.
The 2010 Audi A4 features a bolder exterior thanks to a redesign in 2009. The A4 also received a retuned engine and a full list of standard features.
Under the hood of the A4 is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, generating 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Audi paired the engine with one of three transmission options: CVT, 6-speed manual, or 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The A4 is not a stranger to Vietnamese customers.
8. 2010 BMW 335i
Starting used price: $6,946 – $8,339
Back in 2010, the BMW 3 Series was in its fifth generation. Even then, it was one of the best driving machines, whether in sedan or wagon form. BMW offered three drivetrain options, including a fuel-efficient 3.0-liter 6-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine, producing 265 horsepower in the 335d version.
While the diesel engine performs admirably, the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder twin-turbo gasoline engine in the 335i variant packs more punch. It delivers 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, enabling the BMW 335i sedan to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds.
7. 2013 Toyota Camry SE
Initial used price: $8,678 – $11,415
The 2013 Toyota Camry offered six trim options: L, LE, SE, LE, LE Hybrid, XLE, and XLE Hybrid. The Japanese automaker promised better fuel efficiency with the hybrid models and delivered performance-oriented versions with the SE and XLE trims.
In addition to its performance capabilities, the 2013 Toyota Camry featured bold front and rear styling with expressive lines and accents.
The Camry SE and XLE trims employed a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. The engine was mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds.
6. 2013 Audi S6
Initial used price: $14,799 – $16,784
When Audi introduced the S6, it aimed to take on the BMW 5 Series, which had long been the clear choice for speed enthusiasts. The 2013 Audi S6 delivered a perfect balance of performance, technology, and design.
While the base variants featured a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine or a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, Audi equipped the S6 with a full-fledged V8 engine.
The 2013 S6 boasted a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8, pumping out 420 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission, sending power to a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. This drivetrain enabled the 2013 S6 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.
5. 2016 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 Sedan
Starting used price: $18,025 – $20,878
The 2016 Hyundai Genesis is a 5-passenger luxury sedan with enough power and sophistication to rival the Audi A6, Lexus GS, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Unlike those sedans, the Hyundai Genesis had a lower starting MSRP of $39,700.
Huyndai offered two Genesis sedan versions: 3.8 and 5.0. True to their names, these versions featured different engines, with the 3.8 sporting a 3.8-liter V6 and the 5.0 sedan a larger 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 420 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.
4. 2011 BMW M3
Initial used price: $19,411 – $22,070
The BMW M3 is one of the best sports sedans offered by BMW. It utilizes the already fantastic chassis of the BMW 3 Series sedan and incorporates numerous modifications to transform it into a road-going race car. In 2011, BMW offered three body styles for the M3: coupe, convertible, and sedan.
The M3 sedan is ideal for performance enthusiasts seeking more cabin space and practicality. All models were equipped with one of the world’s finest V8 engines.
Specifically, the high-performance BMW M3 boasts a 4.0-liter V8 engine, producing a maximum of 414 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The V8 is paired with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 7-speed automatic.
3. 2019 Infiniti Q50 3.0t
Starting used price: $22,503 – $25,844
The 2019 Infiniti Q50 is a compact luxury sports sedan that offers impressive performance and affordability. Infiniti equips it with modern technology, such as standard forward collision mitigation with emergency braking, helping the Q50 compete in the premium sedan segment.
Infiniti offers two main engine options: a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine and a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged engine with two power outputs. The Q50 3.0t utilizes the latter, generating 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, sending power to all four wheels.
2. 2014 Chrysler 300 SRT8
Initial used price: $22,564 – $26,673
The Chrysler 300 is one of the last large, 4-door American luxury cars. For the 2014 model, Chrysler 300 offered a powerful and efficient lineup of engines, with the base model featuring a V6 engine and all-wheel drive. For higher performance, Chrysler also provided a high-output V8 engine.
The SRT8 falls into the latter category, boasting a massive 6.4-liter V8 engine that produces 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Chrysler paired this engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels.
1. 2018 Lexus IS 350
Initial used price: $28,071 – $31,536
The 2018 Lexus IS is one of the fastest sedans on this list. It offers a host of modern features, sharp styling, and Lexus’ undeniable reputation for quality and reliability. The 2018 Lexus IS also comes equipped with a comprehensive safety suite, including automatic headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and brake assist.
Lexus provided two versions of the 2018 IS: the IS 300 and IS 350. The IS 350 is the more powerful variant, thanks to its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 311 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
[Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance Review: Astonishing Transformations]
In the Lexus RX 500h 2023, two contrasting elements coexist harmoniously, which are luxury and sportiness, comfort and agility, smoothness and power. This crossover model is the strongest evidence of Japanese prowess: optimizing to perfection what was already excellent.
[Quick Review] Ford Mustang: The Wild Horse with a Cowboy Spirit
The “rare” Ford Mustang V8 2.3L is considered an icon for American muscle cars – a famous line of vehicles known for their exhilarating performance and representing the “face of masculinity” in the land of stars and stripes.
[CAR REVIEW] Upcoming launch of Peugeot 408 in Vietnam: Stunning design, surprising driving experience!
Emerging from the concept of “beautifully horrifying,” the Peugeot 408 asserts itself as a fully capable crossover with impressive performance. Prior to its launch in Vietnam, let’s take a look at how foreign experts evaluate this model.
Mercedes-AMG G63 by Mansory Unveils Gronos 4×4: A Powerhouse with 850 Horsepower
The Mercedes-AMG G63 gets a fierce makeover by renowned customization company Mansory, giving it a rugged and aggressive appearance that stands out from the original.
