This one is tricky. A $200,000 budget cap is almost guaranteed to land you a brand new performance vehicle with decent capabilities. There’s also the satisfaction of acquiring a car with zero (or delivery) mileage, complete with all the fancy fresh leather smell and all. However, one must also understand that there’s much more to buying a car than financial calculations and the chance to buy a new vehicle. Often, there’s a lot of sentiment and other intangible factors involved.
That’s why someone with $100,000 to $200,000 to spend may instead go for that dream supercar at the used car dealership rather than a brand new vehicle, even if that’s a more sensible option. In any case, this six-figure budget is by no means insignificant. It brings you within striking distance of some pretty serious performance-oriented machines, as the list below will show.
2018 McLaren 570S Spider
Price ≈ $194,000
McLaren discontinued the 570S supercar in 2020, focusing instead on the next generation of supercars with hybrid powertrains. The entry-level 570S was undoubtedly a hit during its time, though. It helped establish McLaren’s reputation for performance cars.
The 570S debuted in 2015, but the Spider variant was all-new for the 2018 model year. It got a twin-turbo V8 that made 562 hp (or 570PS). A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic feeds that power to the rear wheels and helps launch the car to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. The coupe variant is generally cheaper, but with a budget of $200,000, you might as well opt for the 570S Spider and enjoy the added thrills of an open-top experience.
2021 Audi R8
Price ≈ $184,000
It would be unfair (and wrong) to describe the Audi as nothing but a Lamborghini in a different skin. Yes, it does share its V10 powertrain with the Lamborghini Huracan (and the Gallardo before that). However, the Audi R8 has a distinct character and is arguably better suited for daily driving with its ‘softer’ mechanics and setup compared to the Huracan.
It is still pretty potent, though, with a howling naturally aspirated 532 hp V10 just behind the driver’s head. One of the highlight upgrades of the 2021 model is the digital gauge cluster that can be configured according to the driver’s preferences.
2018 Porsche 911 GT3
Price ≈ $195,800
The Porsche 911 GT3 has consistently ranked among the best cars in its class, and the 2018 model is no exception. It serves up an exhilarating driving experience that will always have you coming back for more.
At the heart of the GT3’s performance is Porsche’s tried and tested naturally aspirated formula—a high-revving 4.0-litre flat-six primed to produce 500 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. We’d definitely recommend the 6-speed manual, but a 7-speed automatic transmission is also available.
2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S
Price ≈ $187,000
The 2018 911 Turbo S is perfect for those who do not want to go down the naturally-aspirated route of the 911 GT3. As the name implies, the flat-6 packs on twin turbochargers for a total output of 580 hp @ 6750 rpm and 553 lb-ft @ 2250 rpm. That’s enough oomph to make the 911 Turbo S a feisty beast.
Power, sent to all four wheels, can hurtle the car to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds, and the speedo needle will continue to climb until it maxes out at 205 mph. The 911 Turbo S offers more than speed, though, with top-notch handling capabilities thanks to its superbly balanced chassis and agile steering.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Price ≈ $178,000
With 755 hp and 715 lb-ft of torque, the 2019 Corvette ZR1 is the most powerful production Corvette ever. Even the brand new 2023 Corvette Z06 falls short by 85 hp. The ’19 ZR1 is all about brute force and performance, and everything about the car, from its aggressive styling to the rich exhaust note when you fire up the supercharged V8, communicates serious intent.
It will accelerate to 60 mph in just 3 seconds and fly past the quarter-mile marker in 10.8 seconds at 135 mph. The Corvette ZR1 is also one of the few American sports cars with a top speed north of 200 mph.
2020 BMW M8 Competition
Price ≈ $125,000
The sleek M8 Competition improves on the performance of the ‘regular’ M8, thanks to more horsepower. Yet, it still manages to offer a comfortable ride when required. Under the hood is a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V-8 that makes 617 hp, making this one of the most potent production BMWs on the market.
Harnessing all that power is an eight-speed automatic transmission that connects to a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. Get your launch control right, and you can expect a 2.5-second blast to 60 mph and a quarter-mile run wrapped up in 10.7 seconds at 129 mph. Incredible stats for a vehicle that’s not considered a ‘pure’ supercar.
2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo S
Price ≈ $175,000
Stuttgart introduced the Taycan to the market in 2019, and the all-electric performance sedan has quickly gone on to become one of Porsche’s most successful models. In 2021, it even outsold the iconic 911 and ranked only behind the Macan and Cayenne SUVs.
The Turbo S is currently the most potent variant, with 616 hp (an Overboost function can increase this to 750 hp for short periods) and 774 lb-ft of torque. The Taycan Turbo S is one of the quickest sedans on the market today, capable of mind-numbing acceleration. It weighs over 5,000 lbs, yet it will hit 60 mph in 2.4 seconds and complete the quarter mile in 10.5 seconds at a blistering 130 mph.
2021 Tesla Model S Plaid
Price ≈ $131,800
The appeal of the Tesla Model S Plaid lies in its dual personality. It is perfectly suited to function as a daily driver with decent boot space and enough room for a small family, just like any mid-size sedan. However, it is also the kind of car you can take to a drag strip on weekends and embarrass the heck out of supercars—such is the capability of its tri-motor setup.
The electric powertrain generates an impressive 1,020 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Even more remarkable is that being an EV, all of that torque is available from 0 rpm. The Tesla Model S Plaid has been known to launch from 0 to 60 mph in a time-warping 2.1 seconds, making it one of the fastest accelerating production vehicles.
2019 Mercedes AMG GT-R
Price ≈ $167,000
The GT-R is a track-focused sports car that reigned supreme atop the AMG GT pile until the arrival of the AMG GT Black Series. There’s plenty of performance on offer, thanks to a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 powerplant that makes 577 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The GT-R manages a decent 3.5-second sprint to 60 mph and boasts a top speed just shy of 200 mph.
The sports car also has a host of chassis enhancements that make it suited to life on the track. Interior quality is just as one would expect from Mercedes Benz, complete with performance bucket seats, a premium sound system, and an 8.4-inch infotainment screen.
2020 Acura NSX
Price ≈ $140,000
This Japanese vehicle should certainly be on the wish list of anyone who is considering a supercar that can also function as a daily driver. A comfortable cabin and hybrid powertrain boost the car’s practicability. That powertrain combines a gutsy 3.5-litre V6 and three electric motors. It can generate 573 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque, giving the Acura NSX credible performance attributes and upholding the car’s status as a proper supercar.
The internal combustion engine can also be switched off completely, allowing you to silently drive around on battery power alone for short distances (if you don’t want to wake your neighbors up in the morning).
