4 Chevrolet Camaro Alternatives for Under $45,000
The Chevrolet Camaro offers a lot for potential owners, including multiple engines and range-topping track readiness. However, the Camaro isn’t alone in the sports car market. Instead, consider one of these four alternatives for the Chevy Camaro for under $45,000, like the Ford Mustang GT Premium or Dodge Challenger R/T and its V8.
- Ford Mustang GT
- Nissan Z Sport
- Dodge Challenger R/T
- Volkswagen Golf R
How much does a Ford Mustang GT cost?
The 2022 Ford Mustang GT starts at around $37,645 and packs a 450-horsepower 5.0L Coyote V8 mill. That puts it just five ponies off pace of the Chevrolet Camaro LT1 or 1SS and its 455-horsepower 6.2L V8. Moreover, the Mustang GT packs more average cargo volume than the Camaro and nearly identical fuel economy to the Chevy muscle car. Better yet, if $45,000 is your range, the Mustang GT Premium starts at around $44,460 and packs higher-tier features like Apple CarPlay.
Is the Nissan Z Sport a good alternative to the Chevrolet Camaro?
The Nissan Z Sport is the entry-level trim for the marque’s upcoming Z reboot. While it’s a smaller, lighter sports car than a comparable V8-powered Camaro, it’s an excellent alternative. First, even the entry-level Z Sports packs a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 powerplant and a choice of manual or automatic transmission. That’s excellent news for car shoppers who want a retro-inspired ride that can show them a good time with a powerful manual-equipped RWD sports car with driver’s car credentials.
The Z Sport starts at $41,015, making it a great V8 Chevrolet Camaro alternative. Moreover, the Hagerty tested the Z’s upper trim in a drag race; the V6-powered sports car hit 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds. That’s on par with the Camaro 2SS’ 3.9 second-sprint.
How much is a Dodge Challenger R/T?
The V8-powered 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T starts at around $40,980. That starting point puts it on par with the Chevrolet Camaro 1SS. However, while both are V8-powered muscle cars, the Challenger R/T is too underpowered and heavy to keep up with the Camaro. Specifically, the Challenger R/T produces 375 horsepower from its 5.7L Hemi V8 and weighs 4,157 lbs.
In comparison, the 2022 Chevrolet Camaro 1SS weighs 3,685 lbs and produces 455 horsepower. However, the monstrous Mopar packs more cargo volume and a more spacious interior than the Camaro.
The Volkswagen Golf R might not be a muscle car, but its a solid Chevrolet Camaro alternative
The Volkswagen Golf R starts at $45,185, making a mere $185 more than the $45,000 threshold. However, the five-door Golf R certainly earns its honorable mention as a Chevrolet Camaro alternative. First, the Volkswagen Golf R can hit 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, right on target to keep pace with the V8-powered Camaro. Also, it’s a solid daily driver with AWD and a liftback hatch architecture and seating for five.
Any of these contenders is a solid alternative for a V8-powered Chevy Camaro. It all comes down to whether you want a V8 muscle car, a V6 sports coupe, or an AWD hot hatchback. Check out MotorBiscuit for all of your automotive content needs!
