The muscle car would simply be just another performance car if it wasn't for the glory of the V8 engine. It's a symbiotic relationship that has produced some of the world most lusted after vehicles. From the truly iconic 1969 Dodge Charger right through to the upcoming 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, it's a marriage that has lasted for decades.
Things are changing, however, as vehicle manufacturers are being pushed to abandon fossil fuels in favor of more eco-friendly power sources. The rise of the EV has seen some ferocious performance cars appear, with the Tesla Model S Plaid having taken many muscle car scalps. That was, until the old school Dodge Challenger SRT Demo 170 regained the crown for gasoline fed muscle car fans.
The V8 muscle car may often be beaten, but it's never truly knocked out for the count. And for those gearheads looking to get in on the action, here are the best 10 cheap muscle cars with V8 engines on the used car market today.
10 The 5th Gen Chevrolet Camaro - Average $17,000
Engine Specs
Manufacturer |
General Motors |
Years |
2010-2015 |
Configuration |
V8 |
Displacement |
6.2-liter |
Power |
426 hp |
Torque |
420 lb/ft |
Fuel |
Gasoline |
Noteworthy Applications |
Camaro SS |
Late to the muscle car revival, the all-new Chevrolet Camaro was definitely worth waiting for. Boasting a powerful V8 engine, it sank its teeth into the competition and left a lasting mark. Fantastically styled, the Chevy Camaro is a tire smoking hooligan with huge character.
Leaping off the line to hit 60 mph in as little as 4.6 seconds, the Camaro carries on to blast through the quarter mile in an impressive 13 seconds. This much unbridled power and handling finesse for such a bargain price makes the Chevrolet Camaro a great daily driver.
9 The Pontiac Grand Prix GXP - Average $9,000
Engine Specs
Manufacturer |
Chevrolet |
Years |
2005-2009 |
Configuration |
V8 |
Displacement |
5.3-liter |
Power |
303 hp |
Torque |
323 lb/ft |
Fuel |
Gasoline |
Noteworthy Applications |
Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS |
Not your conventional muscle car, the intriguing Pontiac Grand Prix GXP utilizes a front-wheel drive layout to great effect. A riot to drive, the Grand Prix GXP can romp to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Clever engineering also ensures that it handles well and just sounds fantastic.
Luxuriously appointed, and very practical, the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP makes a decent sleeper and a great daily driving muscle car. Spacious and comfortable, it will swallow four adults and luggage. On the move, it is ferociously fast, with blazing in-gear acceleration.
8 The Dodge Challenger R/T - Average $14,000
Engine Specs
Manufacturer |
Chrysler |
Years |
2009-Present |
Configuration |
V8 Hemi |
Displacement |
5.7-Liter |
Power |
375 hp |
Torque |
405 lb/ft |
Fuel |
Gasoline |
Noteworthy Applications |
Dodge Challenger R/T and Charger R/T |
Haven risen from the ashes, the reborn Dodge Challenger had a lot to prove. The new model was stepping into enormous shoes and went toe-to-toe with an array of muscle car competition. Thanks to its sick retro styled looks, and splendid V8 engine, it came out swinging.
Holding its own on the drag strip, a Dodge Challenger R/T will accelerate to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds before blasting through the 100 mph mark in 12 seconds. Honoring its legacy, the Dodge Challenger R/T is a grin-inducing thrill ride that begs to be driven hard every day.
7 The Chrysler 300C SRT8 - Average $5,900
Engine Specs
Manufacturer |
Chrysler |
Years |
2005-2010 |
Configuration |
V8 Hemi |
Displacement |
6.1-Liter |
Power |
425 hp |
Torque |
420 lb/ft |
Fuel |
Gasoline |
Noteworthy Applications |
Dodge Charger SRT-8 |
Rocking gangster chic to the max, the boxy Chrysler 300C SRT-8 comes loaded with sophistication and plenty of power. Stuffed full of luxury and impressive equipment, the spacious Chrysler 300C SRT-8 is a classy executive car that has spent plenty of time in the gym.
Open up the 6.1-liter Hemi and the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 charges towards the horizon with ballistic composure. It will blast through the 60 mph mark in 4.7 seconds, piling on the speed in a smooth and effortless manner. It's a car with two faces, offering plenty for not a lot.
6 The Cadillac CTS-V Coupe - Average $19,000
Engine Specs
Manufacturer |
Chevrolet |
Years |
2009-2015 |
Configuration |
V8 Supercharged |
Displacement |
6.2-Liter |
Power |
580 hp |
Torque |
556 lb/ft |
Fuel |
Gasoline |
Noteworthy Applications |
Cadillac CTS-V and Chevy Camaro ZL1 |
Oozing with muscularity, the Cadillac CTS-V coupe still looks sharp. Despite its huge power figures, it remains a refined Cadillac, a car that is happy to cruise around an urban sprawl and cosset its occupants in wonderful luxury. Drop the throttle, and its nature changes instantly.
Explosive is the only way to describe the CTS-V coupe's levels of acceleration, as it screams it way to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. This is a Cadillac that likes to hunt down supercars and give them a run for their money, blooding exotica noses and taking no prisoners as it goes.
5 The Mercury Capri RS - Average $9,500
Engine Specs
Manufacturer |
Ford |
Years |
1982-1995 |
Configuration |
V8 |
Displacement |
5.0-Liter |
Power |
210 hp |
Torque |
265 lb/ft |
Fuel |
Gasoline |
Noteworthy Applications |
Ford Mustang GT |
Essentially a period Ford Mustang wearing a prettier frock, the Mercury Capri RS rocked the 1980s lifestyle to the max. Pushing out plenty of horsepower for the time, its 5.0-liter V8 came in a low state of tune and presented keen gearheads with plenty of tuning potential.
Out of the box, the Capri RS could scamper to 60 mph in a non-too shabby 6.9 seconds. Balanced handling, and plenty of driver involvement on the move also makes for a great first muscle car. Being easy to maintain, reliable, and not a handful to truly master.
4 The Ford Mustang SVT Cobra - Average $12,500
Engine Specs
Manufacturer |
Ford |
Years |
1996-2004 |
Configuration |
V8 |
Displacement |
4.6-Liter |
Power |
305 hp |
Torque |
305 lb/ft |
Fuel |
Gasoline |
Noteworthy Applications |
Mustang Cobra SVT |
The Ford Mustang is an iconic muscle car, with plenty of gearheads clambering to own one. Within the famed Mustang ranks sits the pumped up Ford Mustang Cobra SVT, a machine honed to deliver a venomous bite to its rivals. It gained a cult following among fans.
Dropping the throttle in a late '90s Mustang Cobra SVT could see it strike 60 mph in as little as 5.7 seconds. Accompanied by a wonderfully aural growl, the engine pulls hard throughout the rev range to deliver flexible and swift progress on any chosen road.
3 The Dodge Charger Police - Average $7,000
Engine Specs
Manufacturer |
Chrysler |
Years |
2006-Present |
Configuration |
V8 Hemi |
Displacement |
5.7-Liter |
Power |
350 hp |
Torque |
390 lb/ft |
Fuel |
Gasoline |
Noteworthy Applications |
Dodge Charger Daytona R/T |
Having been based on the top specification Dodge Charger R/T the Police issue Pursuit Charger was improved upon even more. Heavy-duty suspension components, engine cooling and brakes were all added, along with faster steering and a column mounted shifter.
Able to howl its way to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, the upgraded pursuit model was a solid workhorse with plenty of muscle car prowess. Used examples are readily available via disposal auctions and, with all the extra performance goodies on board, are well worth seeking out.
2 The Plymouth Valiant Scamp - Average $28,000
Engine Specs
Manufacturer |
Chrysler |
Years |
1968-1991 |
Configuration |
V8 |
Displacement |
5.2-Liter |
Power |
230 hp |
Torque |
225 lb/ft |
Fuel |
Gasoline |
Noteworthy Applications |
Plymouth Valiant |
Getting behind the wheel of an eye-catching classic muscle car needn't break the bank, with decent examples of the Plymouth Valiant Scamp still sitting within grasp. And for the money, a gearhead gets a huge slice of nostalgic Americana along with a purring V8 engine.
Resplendent in its appearance, the Plymouth Valiant Scamp is guaranteed to turn a few heads. While it offers up modest performance and power, getting to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds, the Scamp dishes out plenty of attitude and period drama with its early seventies appeal.
1 The Pontiac Firebird Formula - Average $7,400
Engine Specs
Manufacturer |
Pontiac |
Years |
1997-2004 |
Configuration |
V8 |
Displacement |
5.7-Liter |
Power |
305 hp |
Torque |
335 lb/ft |
Fuel |
Gasoline |
Noteworthy Applications |
Pontiac Firebird Formula and Trans Am |
Noted as being one of the prettiest versions of the legendary Pontiac Firebird, the fourth generation is one slick looking machine. Sharing its power plant with the same period Corvette, the Pontiac Firebird Formula puts in an impressive 0-60 mph sprint time of just 5.5 seconds.
The Firebird Formula has become a big hit with muscle car fans who thirst after not only an elegant looking shell, but plenty of tuning potential. Able to have plenty of more ponies extracted from it V8, the Formula provides a great project base for gearheads on a budget.