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The new Chevrolet C8 Corvettes changed the mold for the American performance icon. Instead of lightweight, front-engine applications, the marque moved to a mid-engine application, allowing the C8 Corvette to break records compared to its predecessor. However, the newest Corvettes aren’t the only fast, fun cars out there. Check out these five new C8 Corvette alternatives that will put a smile on your face for under $60,000, like the Mustang Mach 1 and Nissan Z Performance.

  • Ford Mustang Mach 1
  • Toyota GR Supra 3.0
  • Nissan Z Performance
  • BMW M240i xDrive
  • Chevrolet Camaro 2SS

Is the Ford Mustang Mach 1 a good new C8 Corvette alternative under $60,000?

The Ford Mustang Mach 1 fills a performance void in the Mustang’s lineup after the marque discontinued the Shelby GT350. However, despite the absence of a Shelby badge, the 10-speed automatic-equipped Mach 1 is even quicker than the high-revving Tremec manual-equipped GT350. The Mach 1 achieves its speed with a 480-horsepower 5.0L V8 and a litany of performance parts from the GT350 and GT500. 

The Ford Mustang Mach 1, like the Nissan Z Performance, is a good alternative for the newest C8 Corvettes.
Ford Mustang Mach 1s | Ford

In Hagerty’s testing, the automatic Ford Mustang Mach 1 hit 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. While that might not outsprint the new Corvette, it does represent a fast, track-ready Mustang. Better yet, the Mach 1 starts at around $56,665. That makes it around $9,200 cheaper than the Bowling Green supercar. 

How much does a Toyota GR Supra 3.0 cost?

The new 2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 starts at around $53,595, meaning it’s a great alternative to the C8 Corvette. The 382-horsepower GR Supra is the brainchild of a BMW-Toyota collaboration and lives up to the standard of both marques. In Hagerty’s testing, the automatic-equipped GR Supra 3.0 smashed a sprint to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, the same as a Ford Mustang Mach 1. 

Moreover, the Mach 1 and the 2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 pack manual transmission options, unlike the Corvette. The Supra is a good prospect if you want a fast coupe with international pedigree instead of a Corvette. 

Is the Nissan Z Performance a viable alternative to the C8 Corvette?

With 400 horsepower at every trim level, the Nissan Z is a great alternative for folks who don’t want a C8 Corvette. However, the Z Performance trim hits new levels with track-ready parts like a limited slip differential, sports exhaust, and upgraded brakes. The result is a retro-inspired coupe capable of hitting 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds or around 4.5 with the manual transmission. Upgrade the tires, and you might make the $51,000 Z Performance even quicker. 

How much does a BMW M240i cost?

BMW’s range-topping 2 Series is a serious performance bargain and an unlikely C8 Corvette alternative. According to TrueCar, the 2023 BMW M240i starts at around $48,895, which is less than the Ford Mustang Mach 1, Toyota GR Supra 3.0, and Nissan Z Performance. Better yet, the baby Bimmer packs the same turbocharged 3.0L inline-six as the Supra 3.0 but with BMW’s xDrive AWD system. As a result, the M240i xDrive can hit 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and finish a quarter-mile drag in 12.1 seconds. 

The BMW M240i xDrive is a fast, taut, unlikely alternative to the C8 Corvette, like the Nissan Z Performance.
BMW 2 Series cars | BMW

Is the Chevrolet Camaro 2SS fast?

While the Chevrolet Camaro 2SS is slightly slower than the automatic Mustang Mach1 and Toyota GR Supra 3.0, it’s a better bargain. The 2023 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS starts at just $45,995, making it the most affordable car on this list. Better yet, with 455 horsepower from its naturally aspirated 6.2L V8, it has an addictive throttle pedal. Launch it just right, and it will hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. 

The Camaro is the C8 Corvette’s soon-to-be-discontinued sibling, but it’s also a solid alternative. Check out MotorBiscuit for more content about fast cars like the Chevy Corvette!

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