Dollars per horsepower
For each car: the stock figure, the bottom of the Stage 1 range in our guide (the most conservative figure, usually the lowest fuel), and the cheapest Stage 1 tune listed in US dollars. Sorted from the best value.
| Car | Stock | Stage 1 from | Gain | Cheapest tune | $ per hp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VW Golf GTI Mk7 | 210 hp | 290 hp | +80 | $500 (IE) | $6.2 |
| BMW 135i / 335i N54 | 300 hp | 360 hp | +60 | $405 (Dinan) | $6.8 |
| BMW M3 / M4 G80 | 503 hp | 588 hp | +85 | $595 (bootmod3) | $7.0 |
| Toyota GR Supra A90 | 382 hp | 466 hp | +84 | $595 (bootmod3) plus a bench unlock on locked cars | $7.1 |
| VW Golf GTI Mk8 | 241 hp | 328 hp | +87 | $660 (APR) | $7.6 |
| BMW M3 / M4 F80 | 425 hp | 500 hp | +75 | $579 (JB4 and others) | $7.7 |
| VW Golf R Mk7 | 292 hp | 355 hp | +63 | $500 (IE) | $7.9 |
| VW Golf R Mk8 | 315 hp | 386 hp | +71 | $600 (APR) | $8.5 |
| Audi S3 8V | 292 hp | 357 hp | +65 | $560 (APR) | $8.6 |
| Audi RS6 C8 | 591 hp | 668 hp | +77 | $950 (034, IE, APR) | $12.3 |
| Ford Mustang GT S550 | 460 hp | 479 hp | +19 | $325 (Lund) tuning device extra | $17.1 |
| Audi RS3 8Y | 401 hp | 446 hp | +45 | $2,200 (APR) $1,200 tune plus a $1,000 unlock | $48.9 |
| Mercedes-AMG A45 S | 421 hp | 450 hp | +29 | $1,499 (Eurocharged and others) engine computer unlock sold separately | $51.7 |
The gain uses the bottom of each Stage 1 range, and the cheapest tune isn't always the one that makes that figure, so treat the last column as a guide, not a quote. Each car links to its guide, where every figure and price links to its source. Engine horsepower throughout.
What makes a car good value
- A turbo engine. On the N54, the Golf GTI's EA888 and the M3's S58, software alone adds 60–90 hp, because the tune can raise boost.
- An open engine computer. When tools like bootmod3, MHD or a flash cable can write to the car directly, the tune costs $400–$700. Locked computers add an unlock: on the RS3 8Y that's $1,000 on top of the tune.
- Competition between tuners. Popular cars have many tuners, which keeps prices down.
Why some cars cost more per horsepower
- Naturally aspirated engines gain little from software. The Mustang GT's V8 has no boost to raise, so Stage 1 adds about 19 hp; real gains come from a supercharger.
- Locked, already-strong engines. On the RS3 8Y and A45 S the bottom of the Stage 1 range adds only 29–45 hp, and both engine computers need an unlock first.
Before you buy a car to tune
Price per horsepower is only the start: check the next steps too. A car with a cheap Stage 1 and an expensive gearbox or turbo upgrade can cost more in the end. See what each stage costs and how much Stage 2 adds.
Keep reading
- How much does tuning cost? Stage 1, 2 and 3 prices on 12 cars
- Plug-in box or flash tune?
- Best first mods for a Golf GTI Mk7
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