Dreaming of owning a muscle car but worried about the cost? You’re in luck! There’s a wide range of affordable options that deliver the iconic muscle car experience without the premium price tag. You definitely don’t need a fat wallet to feel the rush of raw power. Here are 15 muscle cars you can get without breaking the bank.

1988 Chevrolet Camaro

Starting Used Price: $4,600

This car has a standard six-cylinder engine or an optional 305 V8. While less potent due to emission regulations, these engines are easily upgraded or can be kept original for value appreciation. The V8 reached 60 mph in about 7.4 seconds and produced a classic sound appreciated by enthusiasts.

1975 Dodge Dart Sport

Starting Used Price: $5,000

Dodge revived its lineup in 1974 with the Dart Sport 360, featuring a powerful 5.9-liter V-8 engine producing 245 horsepower. Production ended in 1976, after which it became an option for the Sport V8. Today, the Sport 360 is highly coveted and pricey, starting at approximately $20,000. For a more economical choice, the standard Dodge Dart with a 5.2-liter V-8 provides a budget-friendly alternative.

1986 Ford Mustang 5.0L

Starting Used Price: $3,900

Fox Body Mustangs, often misunderstood, have a 5.0L engine with impressive power and a distinctive exhaust note. While rare SVO models are hard to find, the standard 5.0L version is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a classic muscle car feel. Though not as fast as modern supercars, driving one remains a thrilling experience.

1996 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS

Starting Used Price: $8,400

The 1990s fourth-generation Chevrolet Camaro, nicknamed the “catfish Camaro,” offers affordable classic car options. While less popular than earlier models, it features special editions like the 1996 Z28 SS with a 305 hp V-8 engine. This version accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and ran a quarter-mile in 13.8 seconds at 101.4 mph.

1975 Ford Maverick Grabber

Starting Used Price: $3,425

Despite not being a true muscle car, the Ford Maverick featured a muscular appearance with its Grabber package. Equipped with a 5.0-liter V-8 producing 129 horsepower, the 1975 Maverick Grabber, weighing under 3,000 pounds, shoots from 0 to 60 miles/hour in just under 10 seconds and completes a quarter-mile in 15 seconds. Its 302 engine was identical to the one used in the 1975 Ford Mustang.

1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport

Starting Used Price: $5,400

As a revamped Mercury Cyclone GT, it offered a fresh look and improved performance over the classic Torino. While commanding premium prices for low-mileage models, it came with a 140 hp 302 V-8 or a more powerful 248 hp 351 Cleveland. The affordable 302 V-8, delivering 230 lb-ft of torque, could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 11 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in 18 seconds, making it a strong base for performance upgrades.

1969 Mercury Marauder

Starting Used Price: $7,900

A classic muscle car, it features strong V-8 engines typical of its era. Prices range from $7,900 for a decent model to over $16,000 for a top-condition model. It’s a solid choice for vintage car enthusiasts, particularly models equipped with the 429 V-8, known for hitting 0 to 60 MPH in just over 7 seconds and covering the quarter-mile in around 15 seconds in stock form.

1972 Mercury Comet

Starting Used Price: $8,100

The 1972 Mercury Comet, though unassuming, conceals a surprising secret: it’s a muscle car in disguise. It allows easy customization with options ranging from a modest 170 inline six to a potent 302 V8. Swapping in engines from models like the Ford Thunderbird or Mustang transforms this vehicle into a formidable road warrior, offering flexibility to match various power levels and budgets.

1971 Ford Ranchero

Starting Used Price: $7,100

Built on the Ford Torino/Fairlane platform, the car appeals to muscle car enthusiasts despite being less known than the Chevrolet El Camino. Models from 1970 or 1971 featuring six and eight-cylinder engines often sell for under $10,000, though they may show signs of wear. Pristine, low-mileage ones can fetch up to $20,000.

1975 Pontiac Grand Am

Starting Used Price: $7,700

The Pontiac Grand Am combined muscle car power with European luxury features. It offered large engines, comfortable seating, and innovative design elements. Despite 1970s fuel challenges, it remains collectible today, with prices ranging from $7,700 to $24,400 at auction. Its performance can still be improved from its original 0-60 mph time of 11.5 seconds.

1979 Pontiac Firebird Esprit

Starting Used Price: $5,900

Even though it is often overlooked compared to its siblings, it is surprisingly affordable. Prices range from $5,900 to $29,900, with conditions impacting value. Available with a 2.8L V-6 or a 5.7L V-8, the V-6 is slower but better on gas, while the V-8 offers more power and is easily swapped.

1995 Chevrolet Impala SS

Starting Used Price: $13,300

With the right upgrades, it can be a head-turner, much more than its common status as a retired cop car. However, rising prices mean it’s a serious project unless you have deep pockets. The real star is the 260-horsepower V8, a sleeper engine that can surprise even in stock form (0-60 in 7.1 seconds, quarter-mile in 15.2 seconds).

1965 Plymouth Barracuda

Starting Used Price: $14,400

Debuted just before the Ford Mustang in 1964, this car contested the title of America’s first pony car. With engines up to 4.5L producing 180 horsepower, it was strong for its era. While typically expensive, these classic muscle cars sometimes sell at auctions for as little as $6,325.

1972 Chevrolet Vega

Starting Used Price: $7,150

Chevy Vegas were famous for muscle car conversions in the ’80s and ’90s. While fully customized Vegas can now fetch six figures, they’re scarce in the used market. Auction prices vary widely, from $7,150 to much higher, despite lower valuations on some classic car sites. Patient enthusiasts can still find affordable Vegas for restoration projects.

1974 Dodge Charger

Starting Used Price: $9,500

Despite its muscle car reputation, it can be surprisingly affordable due to its smaller, less powerful engines designed to cut costs. While it lacks the raw power of its predecessors, the car retains the iconic Charger style and presence, though finding one with a high-performance engine can be challenging and expensive.