7 Ways To Get A Naturally Aspirated 240+ HP Car On A Lower Budget

1. Chrysler 300 M 3.5

Power: 252 HP
Displacement: 3.5L
Number of cylinders: 6
Transmission: Automatic, 4 speed
Production: 1998 - 2004
Drive: FWD
Wheelbase: 113.0 in (2,870 mm)
Length: 197.8 in (5,024 mm)
Width: 74.4 in (1,890 mm)
Height: 56.0 in (1,422 mm)
Car review score: 4-4.5/5
Engine layout: Longitudinally Mounted, front
Aspiration: N/A

The 300M was based on the Chrysler LH platform. It was just below the flagship LHS, and Concorde Limited. Chrysler redesigned the LH platform cars in 1998. However, the entire Eagle line was discontinued. When the automaker brought back the 300 model name, the cars were not RWD anymore. Even though they still had longitudinally mounted engines. You can pick a higher mileage example up for as little as 600, and a clean one (facelift) will cost you around 3.900.

2. BMW E39 540i

Power: 284 HP
Displacement: 4.4L
Number of cylinders: 8
Transmission: Automatic
Production: 1995 - 2004
Drive: RWD
Wheelbase: 2,830 mm (111.4 in)
Length sedan: 4,775 mm (188.0 in)
Wagon: 4,806 mm (189.2 in)
Width 1,801 mm (70.9 in)
Height Sedan: 1,435 mm (56.5 in)
Wagon: 1,440 mm (56.7 in)
Car review score: 4-5/5
Engine layout: Longitudinally mounted, front
Aspiration: N/A

The BMW E39 is the fourth generation of BMW 5 Series, it was produced from 1995 to 2004. It was first launched in the sedan body style, the “Touring” was introduced in 1996. The E39 was replaced by the E60 in 2003, but the E39 Touring models were produced untill 2004, and replaced by the E61. The 540i is powered by the M62B44 engine, while the M5 uses the more powerful S62B44. The 540i is still a good budget M5 though. Prices start from around 2.500 for higher mileage examples, a good condition example will be 6.000 and up.

3. Nissan 350z

Power: 283 - 313 HP
Displacement: 3.5L
Number of cylinders: 6
Transmission: Automatic or Manual
Production: 2002 - 2009
Drive: RWD
Wheelbase: 2,649 mm (104.3 in)
Length: 4,303 mm (169.4 in) (2002-2006) and 4,314 mm (169.8 in) (2006-2009)
Width: 1,816 mm (71.5 in)
Height: 1,318 mm (51.9 in) (2003-2005 Coupe)
1,328 mm (52.3 in) (2003-2005 Roadster)
1,324 mm (52.1 in) (2006-2008 Coupe)
1,334 mm (52.5 in) (2006-2008 Roadster)
Car review score: 3-5/5
Engine layout: Longitudinally mounted, front
Aspiration: N/A

The 350Z (Fairlady Z Z33 in Japan) started production in late 2002 and was sold as a 2003 model. The first year there was only a coupe, the roadster came in 2004. There was a Track trim that came with things like lightweight wheels and Brembo brakes, but its suspension tuning was the same as all other coupe trims. The Nissan 350Z was replaced by the 370Z in 2009. Nismo versions were also available. Prices start at around 5.500 (europe) and go all the way up to 12.000 and higher.

4. Audi A6 C6/Typ 4F 3.2 FSI

Power: 256 HP
Displacement: 3.2L
Number of cylinders: 6
Transmission: Automatic
Production: 2004 - 2011
Drive: FWD or AWD
Wheelbase: 2,843 mm (111.9 in)
LWB (A6 L): 2,945 mm (115.9 in)
Length: 4,927 mm (194.0 in)
LWB (A6 L): 5,035 mm (198.2 in)
Width: 1,855 mm (73.0 in)
Height Saloon: 1,459 mm (57.4 in)
Avant: 1,463 mm (57.6 in)
LWB(A6 L): 1,485 mm (58.5 in)
Car review score: 4-5/5
Engine layout: Longitudinally mounted, front
Aspiration: N/A

The typ 4F (C6) Audi A6 debuted in 2004 and was designed by Satoshi Wada in 2002, it was replacing the typ 4B (C5). It was offered with either FWD or Audi’s legendary Quattro AWD system with torsen differential. The “AUK” 3.2L V6 24V engine uses variable valve timing and direct fuel injection (FSI) and Audi Valvelift system. The V10 powered S6 came along in 2005, and the RS6 in 2007 (including prototype), the 3.2 variant is just enough for speeding on the autobahn and stuff like that. Production of the C7/4F ended in 2011 and it was replaced by the C7. Higher mileage FWD models start around 4.500, while Quattro variants are 5.000 and up.

5. Ford Taurus (5G) 3.5 V6

Power: 265 HP
Displacement: 3.5L
Number of cylinders: 6
Transmission: Automatic
Production: 2008-2009
Drive: FWD or AWD
Wheelbase: 112.7 in (2,863 mm)
Length: 201.8 in (5,126 mm)
Width: 74.1 in (1,882 mm)
Height: 61.5 in (1,562 mm)
Car review score: 4-5/5
Engine layout: Longitudinally mounted, front
Aspiration: N/A

The 5th generation Ford Taurus was assembled in Chicago and was based on the D3 platform, as well as the Lincoln MKS. The 5G Taurus is related the Ford Flex, Ford Explorer and Lincoln MKT, all sharing a D3 platform. The 5G Taurus was the first generation of the Taurus to be sold as a full-size car and the first to be sold exclusively as a sedan version. A clean, low mileage example can cost you as little as 6.000. There are currently 4 5Gs for sale on Mobile.de, the most expensive one is around 10k with very low mileage.

6. Lexus LS400 XF10

Power: 245 HP
Displacement: 4.0L
Number of cylinders: 8
Transmission: Automatic
Production: 1989 - 1992
Drive: RWD
Wheelbase: 2,814 mm (110.8 in)
Length: 4,996 mm (196.7 in)
Width: 1,821–1,829 mm (71.7–72.0 in)
Height: 1,405–1,415 mm (55.3–55.7 in)
Car review score: 4/5
Engine layout: Longitudinally mounted, front
Aspiration: N/A

The Lexus LS 400 was one of the first luxury cars to feature things like an automatic tilt and telescoping steering wheel with SRS airbag, power adjustable seat belts and more. The memory system stored the driver’s seat, side mirror, steering wheel, and seat belt positions. Available luxury options included a Nakamichi premium sound system and and hands free capabilities. It features the 1UZ-FE V8 engine producing 245 HP. You can pick up some higher mileage examples for as little as 1.900, and up to 10.000+ for low mileage ones.

7. Mercedes C36 AMG W202

Power: 280 HP
Displacement: 3.6L
Number of cylinders: 6
Transmission: Automatic
Production: 1995 - 2000
Drive: RWD
Wheelbase: 2,670 mm (105.1 in)
Length: 4,505 mm (177.4 in)
Width: 1,720 mm (67.7 in)
Height: 1,425 mm (56.1 in)
Car review score: 3-4.5/5
Engine layout: Longitudinally mounted, front
Aspiration: N/A

In 1995, the C class got its first performance variant. The C36 AMG featured a 3.6L In-line 6 cylinder (M104) engine producing 280 HP, it was a competitor to the E36 BMW M3. Only 5200 C36 AMGs were produced. It was replaced by the W203 generation in 2000. Prices start at around 5.000 and go up to 10.000+ depending on mileage and condition.