Bang for the buck. That quasi-scientific statistic is bandied about by motor heads everywhere from classrooms to barrooms, though the truth of the matter is that it's exceedingly complex to measure. A fair performance-per-dollar index would include something like cross-referencing MSRP with point-to-point times on a track or driving route, which is obviously hard to do comprehensively.

But, for the sheer joy of talking about cars and playing with a big spreadsheet, there's always the horsepower-per-dollar index, which is more straightforward, if hilariously flawed.

There are vagaries even with this simple formula, of course: MSRP for vehicles can change at a moments notice, to say nothing of the bottom-line shifting that happens with local deals or showroom haggling. For my list, I'm running with the straight MSRP wherever possible, and as recently reported as I can get it. All the vehicles on my list are 2015 models (with the exception of a few exotics that seem to shun formal model year designation), and all trims are reported where the lowest price and differing power levels intersect. Some choices were made for personal preference (I listed models with a coupe/convertible variant separately), and some for my sanity (I avoided things like all 48 trim levels of the same Ford Transit, all with the same horsepower).

In any case, my full spreadsheet is public here, so feel free to look, grouse and point out where my 633-car list should have been 634.

If this list were a simple top ten, or even a top fifty, you'd be bored to tears with all the red, white and blue that is represented. Following perfectly with conventional wisdom, American cars really do lead the world where hp/$ is concerned. The Toyota Tundra ($76.43/hp) and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe ($76.87/hp) rank third and fourth on the list, but you'll scroll down to rank 26 before you find another import brand.

So, for the sake of variety (and the sheer joy of seeing a minivan 'win' one round of this thing) I've sorted out some top five and bottom five lists for broad power categories. Let's dive in.