Most Affordable Muscle Cars for 2023 Ultimate Guide
Meet Chandler
Chandler has a bachelors and masters degree in history as well as a passion for classics and muscle cars. His education and historical knowledge makes him skilled at crafting highly detailed articles about America’s muscle cars and automotive history. His love of muscle cars is undeniable, with him seeking them out at every opportunity during his visits to auto shows and car meets. Chandler’s knowledge and enthusiasm towards automotive history make him a great asset to the Muscle Car Club community.
Dating back to the 1950s and 1960s, muscle cars have long been an integral part of Americana culture. Ever since the first Pontiac GTO (or Chrysler 300) rolled off the assembly line, Americans have been asking themselves: How can I make this car go faster and faster? While in the old days, usually that meant upping the displacement or adding more cylinders, today the methodology is a little bit different. While some people claim the true era of the muscle cars died after 1971, there are still plenty of cars around today willing to take their place on the muscle car mantel.
Today, we’re tackling the controversial question of what is the most affordable muscle car for 2023. That means we’re putting aside the big boys, like the SRT Hellcats and ZL1 Camaros, to look at some of the cheaper but still fun models available today. It might sound surprising, but many of the entry level muscle cars of today are light years faster than the legends from the 1960s.
What Does the Term “Muscle Car” Even Mean for 2023?
Traditionally, the term muscle car designates an American-made, intermediate-sized, high-performance oriented model, powered by a large 400+ cid V8 engine. Some of the most iconic muscle cars in history were the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Charger, and Ford Mustang. For many people, the golden era of the muscle car was from 1964–1971, when Ford, GM, and Chrysler built some of the most legendary vehicles of all-time.
We understand the term “muscle car” is a bit of a loaded term for 2023. Many people think the true era of muscle cars died in 1972, when emissions restrictions, the switch to unleaded gasoline, and the change from SAE Gross to SAE Net power ratings, conspired to kill the era’s golden age. However, while they were certainly constrained, the Big Three in Detroit (Ford, FCA Chrysler/Stellantis, General Motors) continued to find ways to produce powerful vehicles for the American masses.
Today, the term muscle car definitely means something different than it did in the 1960s, but not in a bad way. In the 1960s and 1970s, if you wanted more power that usually meant more displacement. For the most part, you could determine which engine was the most powerful by seeing which was the biggest. But that’s far from the case today.
Nowadays, displacement and horsepower and torque outputs are hardly related. With the now widespread use of things like turbocharging and direct injection fueling, it’s easier than ever to make gobs of horsepower and torque on small-displacement engines. The fact that the new Ford GT uses a 3.5 liter twin-turbo V6 to make more than 650 horsepower is a pretty good indication of this.
Are there still Muscle Cars in 2023?
Muscle cars still exist for 2023, but with a slightly reworked definition. A definition for a 2023 muscle car would be an intermediate sized, high-performance oriented model, using a powerful V8 or turbocharged V6 engine. Nowadays, even 3-4 liter V6 engines can outperform 400+ cid (6.5 liters) V8 engines from the ‘60s with ease. Typically, for a modern muscle car, you would expect at least 300 horsepower and torque.
There are still many muscle cars on the market, including the Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock, Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. However, today we’re setting our sights on those trim levels just a bit below that of the top SRT and ZL1 levels. With an eye towards affordability, we’ve compiled a list of modern muscle cars that can remain economical while still blowing your socks off. From the Mustang GT, to the Challenger R/T, here are the top affordable muscle cars for 2023.
Most Affordable Muscle Cars for 2023
The top most affordable muscle cars for 2023 are:
- Ford Mustang GT
- Dodge Challenger R/T
- Chevrolet Camaro LT1 or SS
1) Muscle Car #1: Ford Mustang GT
For the first entry on our list of affordable muscle cars for 2023, we’re looking at the Ford Mustang GT. Boasting a 5.0 liter Coyote V8 engine that makes 450 horsepower and 410 lb, it is by far the best value for a modern muscle car. The cheapest Mustang GT is still a shade under $40,000 MSRP, making it an incredible value for today.
The S550 Mustang combines sleek styling with outstanding handling and brutal power. It’s both practical and performance-oriented, making it a very versatile muscle car. It is also one of the few new models that still comes with a manual transmission as standard.
The 450 horsepower Coyote V8 is enough to rocket the Mustang GT to a zero to 60 mph time of just 4.4 seconds. It can run the standing ¼ mile in just 12.8 seconds @ 115 mph. Compared with the muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s, the Mustang GT is the most worthy successor. It combines affordability with endless options and a very powerful engine. Modern muscle car bliss.
2) Muscle Car #2: Chevrolet Camaro LT1 or SS
For our second entry on the list, we’re looking at the Chevrolet Camaro LT1 and SS. Both the LT1 and SS use the ultra-power 6.2 liter LT1 V8 engine, which makes 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. It is a torquey beast that can easily roast a tire and scream down the track with ease. The lower priced LT1 is under $38,000, making it the most affordable option on our list. Even the 1SS Camaro is only $41,295, making it a pretty solid deal itself.
The Chevrolet Camaro LT1 and SS compare very well against both the Mustang and Challenger R/T, especially in the styling department. While driver visibility isn’t the best, the modern Camaros look absolutely beautiful, and the interiors are huge steps up over the previous generations.
Performance wise, the 455 horsepower LT1 can go from zero to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. It does the standing ¼ mile in 12.2 seconds @ 118 mph. Both of which are good for first place on our list. While the Camaro SS is a bit more expensive than the Mustang, it also performs a bit better, too — though driver visibility is much worse. It definitely outperforms the Challenger R/T, both in terms of power and price. The modern Chevy Camaro LT1 and SS are certainly outstanding muscle cars, and definitely formidable options on our list.
3) Muscle Car #3: Dodge Challenger R/T
For the final entry on our list of most affordable muscle cars, we’re looking at the Dodge Challenger R/T. A 5.7 HEMI V8 powers the modern Dodge Challenger R/T. It produces an enviable 375 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque with a manual transmission. At a smidgeon under $43,000, the Challenger R/T is not quite the deal that the Mustang or Camaro are. But what it lacks in affordability and power it more than makes up for with style. Like the Mustang, you can still get the Challenger R/T with a manual transmission. Additionally, the HEMI V8 is one of the most popular motors of the 21st century.
Utilizing an optional shaker hood scoop, duckbill spoiler, and large widemouth grille, the Challenger R/T is a true throwback to the iconic muscle of the 1960s. While it is certainly updated, sleek, and refined, it pays incredible homage to its predecessor greats. The interior is also somewhat minimalist and simple, giving it that classic muscle car feel.
Ultimately, the Challenger R/T is a solid machine that produces great performance at a solid rate. It’s not quite as fast as the Mustang GT or Camaro LT1/SS, but it’s definitely not slow. The 5.7 HEMI-powered Challenger R/T can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, and does the standing ¼ mile in 13.7 seconds @ 103 mph. As you can see, it’s slower, handles worse, and is more expensive than the Mustang GT and Camaro. Still, it’s a great bargain for 2023, and by far the most old-school looking modern muscle car on the market.
Most Affordable Muscle Cars for 2023 Summary
If you’re looking for an affordable muscle car in 2023, your best options are the Ford Mustang GT, Chevrolet Camaro LT1 or SS, or the Dodge Challenger R/T. All of these vehicles boast powerful small-block V8 engines that are capable of ripping down the track at blistering speeds. They also have much improved handling compared to their predecessors of old. Hovering at or below the $40,000 mark, the GT, LT1/SS, and R/T are outstanding values that produce enviable performance and power. They are the true modern muscle cars for affordability.
Most Affordable Muscle Cars for 2023 FAQ
The most affordable muscle cars for 2023 are the Ford Mustang GT, Chevrolet Camaro LT1 or SS, or the Dodge Challenger R/T. All of these vehicles boast powerful small-block V8 engines that are capable of ripping down the track at blistering speeds. They also have much improved handling compared to their predecessors of old. Hovering at or below the $40,000 mark, the GT, LT1/SS, and R/T are outstanding values that produce enviable performance and power. They are the true modern muscle cars for affordability.
The most affordable muscle cars for 2023 are the Ford Mustang GT, Chevrolet Camaro LT1 or SS, or the Dodge Challenger R/T. All of these vehicles boast powerful small-block V8 engines that are capable of ripping down the track at blistering speeds. They also have much improved handling compared to their predecessors of old. Hovering at or below the $40,000 mark, the GT, LT1/SS, and R/T are outstanding values that produce enviable performance and power. They are the true modern muscle cars for affordability.
