The top 5 most-power-for-your-dollar cars in Australia - from sports cars, to hot hatches and... a people mover?

Have you ever wondered what’s the most powerful car you can buy on a budget? We were wondering exactly that and then sifted through every new car on the market looking at their outputs and prices to find out.

We set a list price limit of $80,000 and worked out which new cars offered the most kilowatts per dollar, which we’ve called the ‘power-price rate’ (kW/$). This means there are a couple of surprises among some performance favourites. Oh, and this time it’s just for combustion engine cars - we have another top five just like this but for EVs, too. 

 So behold! Here’s our top five list of the most powerful affordable new (petrol-powered) cars in Australia. 

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5. 2023 Kia Carnival S

The Carnival S has a power-price rate of 0.004178 kW/$.

Yes, who would have thought that a people mover could make it into the Top 5? But with its 3.5-litre V6 making 216kW and 355Nm of torque for $51,690 the Carnival actually edged out the $72,300 Nissan Z despite its whopping 298kW of mumbo. Sure, the Z would obliterate the Carnival on a racetrack, but remember this is a power-per-dollar competition not a power-to-weight one. Note however that Kia has just put a pause on sales of the petrol Carnival in Australia due to overwhelming demand for the powertrain in oter markets like the US.

4. 2023 Hyundai i30 N Premium Manual

The i30 N Premium Manual has a power-price rate of 0.004186 kW/$.

The Hyundai i30 N was an instant hit when it arrived in 2017 and despite the arrival of Toyota’s Corolla GR and Yaris GR you won’t find a better value hot hatch. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine in its snout makes 206kW and 393Nm. A sharp handling performance car, Hyundai’s warranty will even cover this beastie if you’ve driven it on a racetrack - which you absolutely should do at every opportunity. 

3. 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Auto

The Santa Fe Auto has a power-price rate of 0.004343 kW/$.

Another one from Hyundai but probably not what you were expecting. Still, who are we to argue with the maths? The base grade Santa Fe is just $46K and produces 200kWm, making the seven-seater family SUV a power-to-dollar dazzler. Sure the Santa Fe doesn’t pretend to be a performance car at all, but back in 1986 ladies and gents were drooling over the latest Holden Commodore SS Group A with 200kW - we’ve come so far… in more ways than just horsepower.

2. 2023 Subaru WRX Manual

The WRX Manual has a power-price rate of 0.004343 kW/$.

The Subaru WRX is a hero of our time not just because of its seriously famous lineage from rallying to road but also due to its accessible price which puts it within reach of (nearly) everyone. This is the entry grade WRX with the six speed manual, and the one you should absolutely get. The 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder boxer engine snorts out 202kW and 350Nm, then sends it to all four wheels.  

1. 2023 Ford Mustang GT Manual

The Mustang GT Manual has a power-price rate of 0.004964 kW/$. (Image: Peter Anderson)

If this top five has so far left you questioning everything in life but especially why power, affordability and performance aren’t always easy to find in one package, then hopefully your faith might be restored by the 2023 Mustang GT which offers all three ingredients and wins when it comes to value and grunt. 

For less than $70K you can have a new Detroit-built all American muscle car with a superb 5.0-litre V8 producing 339kW or 460 horsepower and be part of the iconic history of this beautiful beast.