High
In the muscle car world it’s the V8 models that get all of the love—which makes sense, given that it’s their exhaust rumble and tire-shredding antics that make most people fall in love with these machines in the first place. Still, not everyone is looking to spend big cash on a high performance car, nor do they want to pay the sky-high gas costs that often come with them, especially if they’re more in love with the styling and the image than the heavy metal thunder.
With that in mind, we put together this list of the most affordable versions of most popular muscle cars out there. These represent the least expensive, but still fun options for fans of modern go-fast coupes.
2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost – $28,000
The base Ford Mustang ‘fastback’ coupe is equipped with a 2.3L, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s important to understand that there are two different versions of this engine available with the Mustang. The entry-level model makes use of a 310 horsepower tune that is also good for 350 lb-ft of torque, while the ‘High Performance Package’ edition steals many of the same tweaks made to the departed Ford Focus RS version of the engine, which ups output to 330 hp. A six-speed manual gearbox is included with both Mustangs.
Although the High Performance Pack also comes with features such as improved cooling, a louder exhaust, bigger brakes, 3.55 rear axle gears, MagneRide suspension, and a more aggressive appearance, it tacks a substantial $6,150 premium onto the purchase price of the vehicle. For $2,000, you can get the same larger wheels and tires, suspension, brakes, and rear gearing through the ‘Handling Package,’ which feels like a much better deal and which keeps the EcoBoost Mustang much closer to the $30,000 mark.
2023 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT V6 – $30,000
The cheapest version of the Chevrolet Camaro also features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That being said, it’s worth upgrading to the next-step-up V6 for the vast majority of Camaro fans seeking a fun, budget-friendly version of the muscle car. The Camaro’s 3.6L six-cylinder generates 335 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque, which beats the turbo four’s 275 hp but falls behind its 295 lb-ft of twist.
More important than the spec sheet, however, is how the V6 drives. It’s a much smoother and more linear engine than the four-cylinder which impresses off of the line with its low-end torque but falls off in the higher reaches. The six-cylinder will paste a smile on your face all the way to redline, especially if you opt to keep the standard six-speed manual gearbox as part of your order.
2023 Dodge Challenger SXT – $31,000
The Dodge Challenger SXT presents a middle ground for those seeking great muscle car looks but who also want real world practicality in an inexpensive package. Larger than both the Mustang and the Camaro, the two-door Challenger presents an adult-friendly back seat and a giant trunk that brings family life and daily commuting into the realm of the possible for a greater swathe of potential customers.
The sacrifice for that size is found on the performance side of the ledger. Although V8 versions of the Challenger are better able to shrug off the chunky car’s bulk, the 3.6L V6 is merely competent when doling out its 303 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. It’s also worth noting that the six-cylinder Dodge is offered exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission, making it the only affordable muscle car on this list without a clutch pedal.
2023 Nissan Z – $40,000
Stretching the limits of what might be considered affordable is the Nissan Z. Although it checks in at $40k, it’s notable for making its 400 hp, 3.0L twin-turbo V6 standard equipment across every version of the vehicle. Also good for 350 lb-ft of torque, the Z’s mill is a stand-out, and is shifted via a six-speed manual transmission.
Keep in kind that in many ways, the Z is the opposite of the Challenger, with no back seat and sports car proportions throughout its cabin. It also comes with a modest level of interior equipment and features for the price. This is balanced out largely by being the highest performing vehicle on this list, while still costing far less than premium coupes from Porsche and Toyota.
Keyword: Top 4 Affordable Versions of Muscle Cars to Get in 2023