Justin Pritchard is a seasoned Sudbury, Ontario-based automotive journalist, producer, and technical writer. With a passion for cars and a talent for storytelling, he’s established himself as a prominent figure in the Canadian automotive scene. His work, which encompasses automotive reviews, insightful analyses, and stunning photography, is featured across multiple Canadian television programs, print publications, and online platforms. Justin’s dedication to his craft has earned him numerous awards and accolades, solidifying his reputation as a trusted voice in the automotive industry.
If you’re just about to pull the trigger on a brand-new Ford Mustang GT with its sweet Coyote V8 engine, it’s perfectly normal to consider what sort of slightly used, supercharged, even more powerful plaything you could find for similar money. This route might require trading off the confidence of a full factory warranty and a zero-mod, zero-wear experience– though you could wind up enjoying a few hundred additional horsepower and an even more compelling soundtrack in exchange. Below, we look at what supercharged American performance muscle cars you can get for the price of a new Mustang GT in 2025.
We’re setting a budget of approximately $55,000 for the vehicles listed below. Shoppers should consider budgeting an extra 5 to 10 percent as a contingency fund for any tune-up, maintenance, or repair work that may be required for the most hassle-free ownership experience possible. Always have a used vehicle inspected by a qualified technician before you agree to purchase it.
Here’s our starting point for comparison purposes. The 2025 Ford Mustang GT is available in three grades this year: the $46,560 GT Fastback, the $51,080 GT Premium Fastback, and the $56,580 GT Premium Convertible. This works out to an average price of $51,406 for a new GT this year. Let’s round that up to $52,000 for this feature. For that amount, you’re getting a brand new, still-in-the-wrapper car powered by one of the automotive mainstream’s most celebrated V8 engines, with full warranty in play.
2025 Ford Mustang GT Specifications
Engine
5.0-liter V8 gas NA
Horsepower
480 hp @ 7,150 RPM
Torque
415 lb-ft @ 4,900 RPM
Drive
RWD
Transmission
6-speed manual/10-speed automatic
0-60
4.2 sec (approx)
Need more firepower for your bucks? Read on. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Don’t underestimate the importance of healthy, quality performance tires on every model listed below. When approaching any of these machines in the used marketplace, assume the equipped tires are aged, worn, and in need of replacement until you have proof of the contrary. Low-quality, aged, or badly worn tires can be a recipe for disaster.
2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Specifications
Engine
6.2-liter LT4 V8 gas supercharged
Horsepower
650 hp @ 6,400 RPM
Torque
650 lb-ft @ 3,600 RPM
Drive
RWD
Transmission
6-speed manual/10-speed automatic
0-60
3.5 sec (approx)
According to Chevrolet, the Camaro ZL1 first appeared in 1969 when enterprising dealers used Chevrolet’s COPO special-order system to create racing-intended models powered by an aluminum 427 Big Block engine. Modern-day versions of the ZL1 were intended to challenge the most advanced and high-performing coupes on the road, and the third and final ZL1 generation launched with furious power and tremendous handling capabilities. This machine offers a 170-hp advantage over the Mustang GT for the same price.
Look for a Tremec six-speed manual or a Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. The advanced Performance Traction Management system allows drivers to deploy assists in stages based on their situation and skill. A total of 11 heat exchangers help cool the ZL1’s powertrain, and Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers bite into front rotors the size of trash-can lids. A 2019 model year update brought a new infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, improved wireless smartphone charging, forward collision alert (coupe only), and enhancements to the performance data recorder system.
According to data from Autotempest.com, the lowest-mileage Camaro ZL1s of this vintage land right around our $52,000 price point, with some examples showing sub-40,000-mile odometer readings.
2020 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Specifications
Engine
6.2-liter Supercharged SRT HEMI V8
Horsepower
717 hp
Torque
656 lb-ft @ 4,800 RPM
Drive
RWD
Transmission
6-speed manual /8-speed automatic
0-60
3.5 sec (approx)
In 2015, Dodge set a milestone in providing affordable horsepower to the masses with the launch of the Hellcat model lineup. Now, Mopar fans had a means of experiencing a 700-plus horsepower thrill from their favorite machines, including the Challenger Hellcat coupe. The 6.2-liter V8’s blower added a menacing whine to the soundtrack, not to mention an advantage of hundreds of horsepower versus lower-powered models. You’ll find at least a 227-hp advantage versus the 2025 Mustang GT by going this route, but note that even more extreme and pricey Hellcat variations later pushed the power output even higher.
According to data from Autotempest.com, the roughly $52,000 price point for this feature is a nice place to be shopping for a Challenger Hellcat. Here, you can find some early models from 2015 and 2016 with less than 6,000 miles on their odometers. Look for units with 25,000 to 40,000 miles, priced around $43,000-$46,000, which is around $10,000 less than a brand-new Mustang GT. Going this route leaves plenty of funds remaining for fluids, brake pads, tires, and a track-day session. If you’re considering a Hellcat, here’s a more comprehensive buyer’s guide packed with additional information.
2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Specifications
Engine
5.8-liter Supercharged Gas V8
Horsepower
662 hp @ 6,250 RPM
Torque
631lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
Drive
RWD
Transmission
6-speed manual
0-60
3.8 sec (approx)
Back in 2014, the Mustang Shelby GT500 was wrapping up its fifth generation with a push for higher output as numerous competitors began powering up. By its final year in 2014, this resulted in a GT500 with 662 hp, capable of 0-60 in the mid-three-second range on a perfectly prepared surface. Add a half-second or more on a real-world road, and launch carefully: this machine isn’t shy about igniting its tires.
Although a new GT500 would arrive six years later with horsepower surpassing the 700-hp mark, these units remain about $20,000 too expensive for this feature. At the same price point as a 2025 Mustang GT, a 2014 GT500 still provides a 182-horsepower advantage. Autotempest.com data says shoppers on a budget of around $52,000 can expect to find a decent selection on units with 30,000 miles or less.
2016 Cadillac CTS-V Specifications
Engine
6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8
Horsepower
640 hp
Torque
630 lb-ft @ 3,600 RPM
Drive
RWD
Transmission
8-speed automatic
0-60
3.7 sec (approx)
The Cadillac CTS-V launched in 2004, and the nameplate continued until 2019. In that timeframe, Cadillac connected strongly with enthusiast drivers by proving their dedication to the performance sedan and the manual transmission in a market that was increasingly shifting away from both. The CTS-V would become a performance icon that spent generations bringing America’s presence to a scene dominated mainly by European competitors. By 2016, the most powerful yet CTS-V arrived with a 640-horsepower supercharged V8 and an automatic 8-speed transmission. Now delivering the most striking looks and advanced motorsports technology ever applied to the nameplate, Cadillac fans had a comfortable four-door that could do double-duty as a weekend racecar.
According to Autotempest.com data, the lowest-mileage copies of this CTS-V vintage are still selling for $20,000 more than our chosen price point for this story. For brand-new Mustang GT money, a CTS-V will give you a 200-horsepower advantage, though expect 70,000 or 80,000 miles on the odometer at our $52,000 price point.
Sources: Autotempest, Cadillac, Stellantis
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