3 Fast Ford Mustang GT Alternatives Under $45,000
The Ford Mustang has evolved from an effervescent pony car into a performance staple over the course of nearly sixty years. However, it’s not the only name in affordable speed and daily usefulness. The market is full of cars that will outperform a Mustang GT in every metric, but doing so with a budget is easier said than done. Still, here are three fast Ford Mustang GT alternatives you should consider, like the retro-inspired Nissan Z!
- Chevrolet Camaro 1SS
- Nissan Z
- Dodge Challenger R/T
Is a Camaro 1SS fast?
Unlike the 1LS and LT series, the Chevrolet Camaro 1SS packs a naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 engine with 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. As a result, it’s a properly fast muscle car. In fact, Car and Driver managed to motivate the 2022 Chevrolet Camaro 1SS to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. That’s fast enough to contend with any modern Ford Mustang GT.
Better yet, the Chevrolet Camaro 1SS starts at $40,995, making it a cost-effective alternative to the Ford Mustang GT. Also, that starting price point means that the Camaro is faster than a 2022 Mustang GT with more horsepower (450 vs. 455) for a similar starting price. However, if you want a Camaro, this is one of your last opportunities; like the Dodge Challenger, the Camaro will ride off into the sunset in the next couple of years.
How much will the Nissan Z cost?
The Nissan Z is aiming to turn the world of new performance bargains upside down. First, Nissan’s new Z will start at around $41,015. While that might not seem remarkable at a glance, it is when you consider the Z’s power. Unlike a comparable and more expensive Toyota GR Supra, the Z will produce 400 horsepower in every trim. That makes the new Z one of the few cars with that much power at its price point and a solid alternative to the Ford Mustang GT.
Next, the Nissan Z is properly fast. While the Z Performance is considerably more expensive than the entry-level Z Sport, it’s worth consideration. The $51,000-Z Performance returned a 0-60 mph time of just 4.0 seconds in Hagerty’s testing using the same twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6. Of course, the Z Performance incorporates higher-performance components like a limited-slip differential, sport exhaust, and better brakes.
Is the Dodge Challenger R/T a good alternative to the Ford Mustang GT?
The Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack would be a better alternative to the 450-horsepower 2022 Ford Mustang GT than the standard R/T, but it starts at over $47,000. The smaller displacement 5.7L Hemi V8-powered R/T produces 375 horsepower and weighs around 4,157 lbs. That means the Challenger R/T is quite heavy and less powerful than the Mustang GT. However, the Challenger R/T is still a V8-powered muscle car with lots of character.
Moreover, the bigger, heavier Challenger has a larger trunk and backseat than the Mustang. The Mopar monster has a cargo volume of 16.2 cubic feet, which is more than any other vehicle on this list. So, if you want a comparable muscle car with less performance but much more spacious grocery-getter practicality, consider the R/T as an alternative to the Ford Mustang GT.
Scroll down to the following article to read more about sports cars like the Ford Mustang GT!
