V8 Power On A Budget
There’s something special about hearing a V8 rumble, and it becomes even sweeter when the car doesn’t cost a fortune. A handful of models offer impressive performance that doesn’t punish your bank account, which makes hunting for them pretty fun. Some are modern and sleek, while others keep that classic charm alive. If you’re curious where the budget-friendly power hides, let’s break down the best choices you can grab for cheap.
1. 2005 Chevrolet Corvette C6
Enthusiasts welcomed the C6 era with enthusiasm, largely due to its 6.0-liter LS2 V8. With 400 horsepower and a 4.8-second run to 60 mph, it raised expectations for entry-level Corvettes. Standard keyless access added everyday convenience to its already compelling performance package.
2. 2011 Ford Mustang GT
Power jumps the moment the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 enters the conversation. This engine delivered 412 horsepower through a modern 32-valve DOHC setup. The 2011 GT sprinted to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, and the Coyote replaced Ford’s earlier 4.6-liter V8 entirely.
3. 2012 Dodge Charger R/T
A quick press of the throttle sends the HEMI rumble through the cabin, backed by 370 horsepower from its 5.7-liter V8. The five-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive create a classic muscle feel. Cylinder deactivation technology keeps efficiency steady, even with 5.1-second acceleration.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
4. 2004 Pontiac GTO
Fans often point to this GTO for its Australian roots, pulled directly from the Holden Monaro. It carried a 5.7-liter LS1 with 350 horsepower and a 6-speed manual that added real involvement. Acceleration to 60 mph happened in a strong 5.3 seconds.
5. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG
A quick look under the hood reveals a naturally aspirated 5.4-liter AMG V8, producing 362 horsepower through a five-speed automatic. With 4.6-second acceleration and upgraded suspension and brakes, the CLK 55 delivered an exciting mix of refinement and sharp performance.
6. 2011 Chrysler 300 V8
Luxury takes a sturdy turn in this model, which carries a 5.7-liter HEMI with 363 horsepower. The 300C included Fuel Saver Technology that deactivated cylinders during light cruising. A refreshed cabin design also gave the sedan a more upscale feel than earlier versions.
7. 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Everything tightens the moment the LS7 wakes up, sending 505 horsepower through a 6-speed manual. Track-inspired engineering shaped this version, especially since it held GM’s most powerful naturally aspirated V8 at the time. With a 3.6-second sprint, it pushed Corvette performance deeper into supercar territory.
8. 2011 BMW 550i
Twin turbos transform the 4.4-liter V8 in the 550i, letting it reach 400 horsepower with ease. An 8-speed automatic kept shifts quick. Direct injection and Valvetronic tuning sharpened response, and the redesigned chassis brought a calmer ride with more precise handling.
order_242 from Chile on Wikimedia
9. 2009 Ford Crown Victoria
Once a common sight as taxis and police cars, the Crown Victoria carried a durable 4.6-liter V8 with 224 horsepower. Its rear-wheel-drive setup and four-speed automatic made maintenance simple. The 2009 model represented one of the last full-size body-on-frame sedans.
10. 2020 Genesis G80
This luxury sedan stepped forward with the 5.0-liter Tau V8 and produced 420 horsepower through an 8-speed automatic. The cabin offered a Lexicon 17-speaker audio system for an immersive drive. Its Tau engine earned repeated praise from Ward’s 10 Best Engines list.
11. 2020 Infiniti Q70
The Q70 5.6 arrived with a confident 420-horsepower V8 paired to a seven-speed automatic. Infiniti’s Intelligent Key added quick access, while the same engine used in the Nissan Armada received tuning that suited a smoother, more premium sedan experience.
12. 2020 Lexus RC F
Power feels raw in the RC F. Its 5.0-liter V8 climbs to 472 horsepower and sounds proud doing it. Paddle shifts through an 8-speed automatic keep the drive active. Cornering also gains a smooth, athletic feel from the torque-vectoring differential.
13. 2015 Jaguar XF 5.0
Jaguar added personality through details like the rotary JaguarDrive Selector, which rose from the console on startup. Beneath the hood sat a 5.0-liter V8 with 385 horsepower, paired to a smooth ZF 8-speed. Higher trims carried supercharged versions of the same engine.
14. 2010 Cadillac CTS-V
Performance turned serious with the CTS-V, thanks to a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 556 horsepower. It reached 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and came with either a manual or automatic transmission. Earlier versions even set a Nürburgring lap record for a production sedan.
15. 2008 Lexus IS F
Lexus jumped into high-performance territory with the IS F and its 5.0-liter V8 cranking out 416 horsepower. An 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters keeps the revs climbing eagerly. Yamaha helped engineer this powerplant for high-rpm thrills, making it a genuine favorite among driving enthusiasts everywhere.
Autodesigner at en.wikipedia on Wikimedia
16. 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8
A quick tap of the throttle reminds you how alive this sedan feels due to its 6.1-liter HEMI V8 pushing 425 horsepower. A 5-speed AutoStick adds some involvement, and Brembo brakes with a sport-tuned suspension keep everything steady once the pace rises.
17. 2005 Cadillac CTS-V
Sharp steering and firm shifts help this sedan lean into its performance roots. Under the hood, the LS6 V8 delivers 400 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed manual for a very connected feel. GM even borrowed the engine from the C5 Corvette Z06 for extra punch.
18. 2007 BMW M3 E90
Slip into the driver’s seat and the character of the S65 V8 becomes obvious, especially as it races toward its 8,400 rpm redline. A 6-speed manual ties you to the car. This generation stands apart since it carried the only V8 in M3 history.
19. 2010 Hyundai Genesis 5.0
The cabin wraps you in quiet luxury while the Tau V8 up front delivers 385 horsepower through a smooth 6-speed SHIFTRONIC and rear-wheel drive for perfect balance. This model marked Hyundai's bold entry into premium sedans, backed by an award-winning engine that proved they belonged.
20. 2006 Chevrolet Impala SS
Takeoff feels surprisingly quick for a front-wheel-drive sedan, thanks to a 5.3-liter V8 pumping out 303 horsepower through a 4-speed automatic. Active Fuel Management boosts efficiency by shutting down cylinders during light cruising, creating an intriguing blend of everyday comfort and unexpected muscle under the hood.
