10 Used Sports Cars We’d Buy Over The New Corvette C8
There’s no denying that the new Corvette C8 is a terrific luxury sports car. It’s got a coherent, spellbinding design, cutting-edge technology, an upscale interior that’s worth admiring when it is open, adequate cargo space, a comfortable ride, communicative steering, and a potent 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.
Using Edmunds, we’ve identified 10 used alternatives to help you save yourself thousands of dollars on dealer prices. Make no mistake, however, our picks are not based solely on costs. We’re equally looking for performance, which can be expensive. Hence, this list also includes used sports cars that are far more expensive than the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette’s $65,895 starting price. So, whether you’re looking to save on car costs or 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 new Corvette C8’s price is too high for you, you’ll be pleased to know that you can have a 2012-2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for less than $40k. As with almost all selections on this list, the Camaro ZL1 offers the benefit of more horsepower versus the eighth-generation Corvette, thanks to a 580-hp supercharged V8 engine.
Plus, upgraded 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 the 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is one of the most exciting topics among gearheads. A combination of Ford’s high-revving 526-hp, 5.0-liter flat-plane crank ‘Voodoo’ V8 engine and track-focused features such as MagneRide adaptive suspension, a Torsen rear differential, a front suspension tower brace, three engine coolers, big Brembo brakes, lower ride height, as well as quick and accurate steering make this one of the world’s most exhilarating and dynamic sports cars, and certainly, one of Ford’s best efforts ever. After all, this is a car that is as much track-ready as it is roadworthy.
8 2009-2013 C6 Corvette ZR1 – $79,895
The C6 Corvette ZR1 is a solidly engineered sports car that’s respected as much for its captivating aesthetic appeal as for its power and responsiveness. Power comes from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that belts out 638 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque, with the sprint from 0 to 60 mph requiring just 3.4 seconds. This car clears 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 C6 ZR1’s emotionally stirring soundtrack, 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 it’s sheer power you’re after, you need look no further than the 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. Equipped with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, this adrenaline-pumping pony car generates an astounding 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque – a whopping 217 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque more than the C8 Corvette. That power is sent to the rear wheels with the help of either 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 an abundance 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 put out a staggering 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 desire even more oomph, seek out the SL65 AMG Black Series, which utilizes carbon-fiber body parts and a boosted 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 epitomizes sheer strength and luxury. Tooled up with 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 paddle shifters.
As well, the presence of a sport-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers, high-performance brakes, wider tires, and other performance bits make the C7 Z06 adept at both track and road.
4 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 – $87,500
Imbued with burly good looks, the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is a charming pony car that gives enthusiasts unbridled driving joy. Keep in mind, though, that this high-performer demands its price – a whopping $87,500.
For the price, this track-ready, road-going Mustang offers a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine with 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque, three powertrain coolers, large Brembo brakes, adaptive dampers, a Torsen rear differential, a comfortable interior with an 8-inch touchscreen running Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, a digital gauge cluster display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and 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-judged suspension, a front diffuser, carbon fiber trim pieces, and other weight-saving amenities, the 2015 Audi R8 V10 Plus is a statement of unrestrained driving pleasure.
The efforts help enhance the car’s dynamic qualities while also allowing it to be fast, with 0-60 mph reached in 3.4 seconds. Those wanting even more power and quicker acceleration should consider the limited-edition R8 V10 Competition, which puts out 570 horses and sprints to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds.
2 2019 Corvette ZR1 – $154,999
There are plenty of sports cars out there, but the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 remains one of the very best if you’re after a performance experience that’s as refined as it is thrilling. Armed with a supercharged 6.2-liter LT5 V8 engine, this bad boy generates a mammoth 755 horses and 715 lb-ft of torque – the highest power output of any Corvette in Chevy’s history.
In addition, advanced aerodynamics allow this car to reach speeds of over 210 mph; the sprint from zero to 60 mph takes just 2.85 seconds – 0.15 seconds faster than a stock C8 Corvette.
1 2016 McLaren 570S – $139,995
The 2016 McLaren 570S is a sophisticated, high-end mid-engined masterpiece that’s easy to live with. It features a hand-built twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 that generates 562 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, with 0-60 mph needing just 2.9 seconds – 0.1 seconds faster than a C8 Corvette. In addition, the 570S can run at speeds up to 204 mph – 10 mph more quickly than the C8 ‘Vette’s 194 mph top speed.
Power and acceleration aside, gearheads also love this car for its slick-shifting seven-speed automated manual transmission, lightweight construction, assured handling, and intuitive steering.
