Many drivers love going fast, but speed doesn’t always come cheap. Fortunately, there are still plenty of options for sports cars with great power, including the beloved Ford Mustang. In fact, the Ford Mustang took the top spot on a U.S. News list for fast cars under $50,000.

The Ford Mustang with its special performance package beat out its longterm rival, the Chevy Camaro, in terms of speed. However, the Mustang also bested even luxury competition, like the Tesla Model Y and Audi TT. If you’ve got just $50,000 to spend on a sports car, here’s why you should get this Ford Mustang.

How fast is the Ford Mustang?

Even without the available powertrain upgrades, the Ford Mustang already has plenty of power. The standard model comes with 2.3-liter turbo EcoBoost capable of 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. With the Performance Package, it can make 330 hp and get from 0-60 mph in a little over five seconds, according to MotorTrend.

If you want to maximize your speed and feel all the Mustang’s potential power, get the GT model. It has a 5.0-liter V8 that can make up to 460 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Its 0-60 mph time is already in the four-second neighborhood, but the Performance Package lowers it to 3.9 seconds.

What’s included in the GT Performance package?

The standard Ford Mustang GT Performance package adds around $5,195-$6,500 onto the car’s sticker price. This gets you beefier Brembo brakes, a larger radiator, 19-inch summer tires, and an enhanced suspension. It also comes with a performance exhaust, a bigger sway bar, a new rear wing, and a limited-slip differential.

It also has a six-speed manual as optional equipment, but you’ll need the 10-speed automatic for the quickest 0-60 mph time. The 10-speed automatic also comes with a special Drag Strip Mode. This gives drivers fast, precise shifts while providing the most torque output.

Driving the Ford Mustang GT

The Ford Mustang GT has top-notch handling, always feeling planted to the track even when drivers making tight turns. While it doesn’t have optional all-wheel drive, it has some selectable drive modes to improve traction. Car and Driver reported that the brakes function excellently and the steering feels evenly weighted. 

Unlike the base four-cylinder, the Mustang’s V8 accelerates effortlessly and produces a pleasing, guttural growl as it works. Besides the engine noise, the interior is comfortable and quiet, making it a perfect car for a day trip.

A high-class cabin

The Ford Mustang GT’s cockpit is a perfect combination of luxury and functionality. The leather seats are highly supportive, heated, ventilated, and have memory settings for the driver. Recaro sports seats are also optional, which are a nice fit for the Mustang’s track-ready aesthetic. 

The Mustang GT also comes equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system and a collection of useful safety features. The controls are easy to reach from the driver’s seat and the center stack doesn’t look overly busy. It also has an ample cargo hold by sports car standards, plus a wide trunk lid.

Faster than its expensive rivals

With the Performance package, the Ford Mustang GT will cost around $44,625. The Toyota Supra is just as fast as the Mustang GT, but it costs nearly $50,000. It’s also leaner than the Mustang, making it difficult for taller drivers to enter and exit the vehicle.

The BMW 2 Series probably has a more luxurious cabin than both the Mustang and Supra. However, it’s still slower than the Mustang by 0.3 seconds. For all the power it has, the Ford Mustang GT is an incredible value.