There’s no denying that the new Corvette C8 is a fantastic luxury sports car. It has a coherent and fascinating design, cutting-edge technology, a luxurious interior that’s worth admiring when it’s open, adequate cargo space, a comfortable ride, communicative steering and a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine that generates 490 HP. Clearly, this Corvette is a very special car. However, like any vehicle, it is not to everyone’s taste.
With Edmunds, we’ve identified 10 used alternatives to help you save thousands of dollars on dealer prices. Make no mistake, though, our choices aren’t based solely on cost. We also look for performance, which can be expensive. Therefore, this list also includes the used ones sports cars which are much more expensive than 2023 Chevrolet Corvette starting price of $65,895. So whether you’re looking to save on car costs or you’re feeling extravagant and want something more exotic than the ‘Vette, we’ve got you covered.
10 2012–2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe: $38,795
If the price of the new Corvette C8 is too high for you, you’ll be happy to know that you can own a 2012-2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for under $40,000. As with almost every selection on this list, the Camaro ZL1 offers the advantage of more horsepower compared to the eighth-generation Corvette, thanks to a supercharged 580-hp V8 engine.
Plus, improved cooling, powerful Brembo brakes and GM’s Magnetic Ride Control adaptive shocks inject this car with a healthy dose of supercar character.
9 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350: $55,495
There’s a reason why the 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is one of the hottest topics in gear. A combination of Ford’s high-speed 526-hp 5.0-liter flat-rod V8 “Voodoo” engine and track-focused features such as MagneRide adaptive suspension, a Torsen rear differential, a front suspension tower brace, three engine coolers, large Brembo brakes, lower ride height, as well as quick and precise steering make this one of the most exhilarating and dynamic sports cars in the world, and certainly one of Ford’s best efforts ever. After all, this is a car that’s as ready for the track as it is for the road.
8 2009-2013 C6 Corvette ZR1 – $79,895
The C6 Corvette ZR1 is a solidly engineered sports car that is respected as much for its captivating aesthetic appeal as it is for its power and responsiveness. Power comes from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that produces 638 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque, with the 0-60 mph sprint taking just 3.4 seconds. This car goes through the quarter mile in 11.4 seconds. While both the 0-60 mph and quarter-mile times are slower than the Corvette’s (it zooms to 60 mph in 3 seconds and clears the quarter mile 0.2 seconds faster), the band The C6 ZR1’s emotional sound, high-performance handling, braking, and impressive practicality make it a great alternative to the C8 ‘Vette.
7 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat: $57,991
If you’re looking for pure power, look no further than the 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. Powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, this adrenaline-pumping pony car makes an astounding 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque , a whopping 217 hp and 185 lb-ft more torque than the C8 Corvette. That power is sent to the rear wheels with the help of a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic.
6 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG – $79,998
The R230 generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class blessed us with a slew of great cars, but the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG stands out as special. A twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 engine allows this car to produce an astonishing 604 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, with that power managed by a five-speed automatic that channels it to the rear wheels. If you want even more thrust, look to the SL65 AMG Black Series, which uses carbon fiber body parts and an upgraded version of the V12 engine with 670 hp.
5 2015-2019 Chevrolet Corvette Z06: $62,995
The C7 generation Corvette Z06 is a spectacular sports car that personifies power and luxury. Powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, this ‘Vette makes 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, with the powertrain mated to either a standard seven-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic unit with changing paddles.
In addition, the presence of a sports suspension with adaptive dampers, high-performance brakes, wider tires and other performance parts make the C7 Z06 an expert both on the track and on the road.
4 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: $87,500
Imbued with burly good looks, the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is a charming pony that offers enthusiasts unbridled driving joy. Keep in mind, however, that this high performance comes at a price: a whopping $87,500.
For the price, this track-ready Mustang offers a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine with 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque, three powertrain coolers, big Brembo brakes, adaptive dampers, a differential rear Torsen, a comfortable interior with an 8-inch touchscreen with the Ford Sync 3 infotainment system, a digital gauge cluster display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Wi-Fi access point Fine and much more.
3 2015 Audi R8 V10 Plus Coupe – $119,900
Equipped with a 550-hp 5.2-liter V10 engine, carbon-ceramic brakes, a well-rated suspension, a front diffuser, carbon fiber trim pieces and other weight-saving amenities, the 2015 Audi R8 V10 Plus it is a statement of unfettered driving pleasure.
The efforts help improve the car’s dynamic qualities while allowing it to be quick, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds. Those wanting even more power and faster acceleration should consider the limited edition R8 V10 Competition, which makes 570 horsepower and sprints to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds.
2 2019 Corvette ZR1: $154,999
There are many sports cars out there, but the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 remains one of the best if you’re looking for a performance experience that’s as refined as it is thrilling. Armed with a supercharged 6.2-liter LT5 V8 engine, this bad boy makes 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque, the most output of any Corvette in Chevy history.
Additionally, advanced aerodynamics allow this car to reach speeds in excess of 210 mph; the sprint from zero to 60 mph takes just 2.85 seconds, 0.15 seconds faster than a stock Corvette C8.
1 2016 McLaren 570S: $139,995
The 2016 McLaren 570S is a sophisticated, high-end mid-engine masterpiece that’s easy to live with. It features a hand-built 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 562 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, with 0-60 mph taking just 2.9 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster than a Corvette C8. In addition, the 570S can run at speeds of up to 204 mph, 10 mph faster than the C8 ‘Vette’s top speed of 194 mph.
Power and acceleration aside, gearheads also love this car for its seven-speed automated manual transmission, lightweight construction, assured handling and intuitive steering.
