The 2025 Subaru WRX delivers 271 hp from its turbo flat-four and starts around $35,000, with fully loaded trims crossing the $45,000 barrier. It’s an all-wheel-drive automobile with rally roots, making it a favorite among drivers who want year-round traction and daily usability.But what if you could buy a rear-wheel-drive, 500-hp American muscle car for the same price, perhaps even less? While new performance models continue to push past the $50,000 mark, some iconic high-horsepower machines from the 2000s in the used market are quietly dipping below the $40,000 line. These cars were fast and helped define the modern muscle era with supercharged V8s and quarter-mile numbers that rivaled exotics of their time.And yet, you’ll find examples today priced like a brand-new Subaru WRX. Plenty of examples of this muscle car sell for under $35,000. Many have low mileage and detailed service records that attract a premium. Either way, the price-to-horsepower ratio is simply unbeatable when you're looking to buy the world's first 500-hp American muscle car. The 500-HP 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Is Now Worth Less Than $37K 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Coupe Front Three QuarterThe fifth-generation Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 launched in 2007, became the world’s first true 500-hp muscle car. All thanks to a supercharged 5.4L V8 that produced 500 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Today, that same car is worth less than a new 2025 Subaru WRX. A new WRX today starts at around $35,750 and can climb up to $45,705 depending on trim and options.According to listings on Classic.com, the average used value for the fifth-gen Shelby GT500 over the past 12 months sits at $37,419. Of the 66 sales tracked, 25 models sold for under $35,000, which is a substantial37.9% of the market. The lowest recorded sale came in at just $20,500. Even the most recent sale, at $63,800, represents the top end of the market for pristine, low-mileage examples. That means most buyers can find a clean GT500 for less than the price of a moderately optioned new WRX.For under $40,000, you get 500 hp, a 6-speed manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive in a car that helped reignite the muscle car wars of the 2000s. Compared to modern performance sedans that emphasize tech and refinement, the GT500 offers a raw, analog driving experience you won’t find in today’s showroom. Classic.com Average Used Sales Price The 2007 Shelby GT500 Makes 500-HP Using A Supercharged V8 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Coupe Engine Engine Specs (Source: Ford)The 2007 Shelby GT500 marked a major milestone for American performance cars. Under the hood, it packed a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 that delivered 500 hp at 6,000 rpm and 480 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. Ford developed this engine with input from SVT, using lessons from the Ford GT supercar. The result was a cast-iron block topped with aluminum DOHC heads and a roots-type Eaton M122 supercharger delivering around 9 psi of boost.This powertrain channels 480 lb-ft to the rear wheels through a Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual transmission. The gearing worked with a 3.31 limited-slip rear differential to keep the GT500 planted and fast. In independent tests, it launched from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds and ran the quarter-mile in the high 12-second range at over 115 mph.The GT500 featured a relatively low 8.4:1 compression ratio, which allowed it to safely handle the forced induction without detonation. It used an air-to-liquid intercooler system to manage intake temps, helping maintain consistent performance under load. The cooling system also includes a high-capacity radiator, essential for keeping temperatures stable during spirited driving.Shelby equipped the car with stainless steel dual exhausts, a performance-tuned suspension, and upgraded brakes to match the engine’s output. While the chassis leaned more toward straight-line speed than cornering finesse, the GT500 remained a highly capable street car with track potential.For anyone looking for raw power, mechanical engagement, and a supercharged V8 that delivers on its numbers, the 2007 Shelby GT500 stands out. It delivers 500 hp in a way that feels connected, aggressive, and timeless. A New 2025 Subaru WRX Costs $35,000 To $45,000 Via: Subaru Engine Specs (Source: Subaru) 2025 Subaru WRX - Trim And Price List Premium - $35,750 Limited - $40,130 GT - $45,705 tS - $45,705 The 2025 Subaru WRX starts at $35,750 for the Premium trim and reaches $45,705 for the GT and tS trims. Every variant comes equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder Boxer engine producing 271 hp at 5600 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque between 2000 and 5200 rpm. Subaru pairs this engine with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT, both sending power to all four wheels through Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.The WRX Premium provides solid value with its performance-focused chassis and the signature all-wheel drive system. The Limited trim at $40,130 adds more tech and driver assistance features. At the top, both the GT and tS trims retail for $45,705. The tS trim, new for 2025, includes STI-tuned adaptive dampers and Brembo brakes, giving enthusiasts factory-enhanced handling and stopping power.With a compression ratio of 10.6:1 and twin-scroll turbocharging, the WRX balances daily drivability with enthusiast-level performance. Buyers looking for sharp handling, strong mid-range torque, and a proven AWD setup will find the 2025 WRX competitive in this price bracket. This lineup gives performance-minded drivers a clear set of choices without compromising on core mechanical strengths.