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Like Tom Hanks in Cast Away, things are getting a bit lonely for the Ford Mustang. It’s a lone presence in the once ridiculous trio of horsepower-hungry muscle cars. See, the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro, the modern rivals for the Mustang, have called it quits. At least for not, that is. But don’t fret; there are alternatives to the Blue Oval’s sweetheart sports car for those who want a different badge. 

American buyers have plenty of two-door, rear-wheel drive (RWD) alternatives to the venerable Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang has long employed a certain formula. Workaday charm, rear-wheel drive (RWD), and a powerful engine up front. Unsurprisingly, the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro employed the same formulaic approach to muscle car-ness. However, with the Challenger and Camaro bowing out of the segment, coupe buyers have fewer two-door, RWD options. 

However, that doesn’t mean would-coupe drivers are out of options. Depending on your budget, there are plenty of powerful, fun, striking sports coupes and convertibles on the market. 

Make and modelStarting price
BMW 4 Series$50,375
Lexus RC$45,920
Toyota GR Supra$47,575
Nissan Z $44,110
Subaru BRZ$31,315

A the higher end of the budget, coupe fanatics have the BMW 4 Series and Lexus RC, two luxurious alternatives to Ford’s pony car. However, at $50,375 and $45,920, their starting prices are at the higher end of the Mustang’s price range. Still, both models offer powerful engines at higher trims, especially the Lexus RC-F and its 472-horsepower 5.0L V8.

A blue Toyota GR Supra drives on a track.
Toyota GR Supra | Toyota

Beyond the BMW and Lexus 2+2 coupes and convertibles, the Toyota GR Supra offers a thrust-happy 3.0L inline six-cylinder option capable of hitting 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. That’s quicker than any of the Mustangs in the lineup. However, the 2025 model drops the GR Supra 2.0, pushing its starting price up to $57,385.

Not dissimilar to the GR Supra, the Nissan Z offers horsepower figures to rival the Ford Mustang, namely 400 courtesy of its turbocharged 3.0L V6. And at $44,110, the Z Sport is comparably priced to the Ford Mustang GT.

Finally, the Subaru BRZ and its mechanical sibling, the Toyota GR86, are eager sports coupes. Better yet, at $31,315, the four-cylinder BRZ is even cheaper than the Ford Mustang EcoBoost. However, the BRZ and GR86 don’t offer a convertible option, while the Mustang EcoBoost does.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).