The world is moving to EVs and hybrids, but if you still love a V8-powered car, there are still plenty of affordable cars out there for you. Mind you, some of these cars are on the verge of a change, and may soon be heading off to the electric arena for better survival chances in today’s competitive world. Bigger engines equal a bigger carbon footprint and in the eyes of most environmentalists, V8-powered cars are nearly true evil.
That said; the lure of power is strong, especially since V8-powered cars are also a lot cheaper than their similar-powered EV alternatives. Also, some V8-powered cars are dream cars for many, like a Mustang, or a Camaro. The V8 engine notes are nothing short of music, something no EV can replicate, even if they can get the same or even more power.
So if you too are a V8-powered car fan, here go 10 of the coolest ones around, all for under $50,000 in the used car lot to keep you replete with power while not depleting your wallet.
10 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
For 2014, the seventh-generation Corvette Stingray got a brand-new LT1 6.2L V8 engine that cranked out 455 horses and 460 lb-ft of torque. For more power, there was an optional performance exhaust system that jetted an additional 5 horsepower taking the total to 460. With this generation, GM resurrected the Stingray name and made it even better than 1976.
There were plenty of other improvements over yesteryear’s Corvette that promised better handling and performance. Dubbed America’s favorite sports car, it’s the best you can find in a used car lot for under $50,000. This one has got just 24,000 miles on it.
9 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL 550
After the best American sports car, we have a German icon that has a racing car background. This sixth-gen SL gets motivated by a new 4.6-liter turbocharged V8 gas engine that hammers out 429 horses and 516 lb-ft of torque. The new V8 churned out more power and returned better fuel economy than before.
It’s a masterstroke as it's usually an either-or scenario but then again, Mercedes’ name is synonymous with innovation. Apart from its V8 novelty, this cool car is also flooded with a plethora of luxurious amenities that can have you floored. This one for under $50,000 is a steal.
8 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Coupe
The bumblebee Camaro may be a distant dream, but this one can be yours for under $50,000. With this, you treat yourself with the legendary Z/28 badge making for an extremely capable track car. It’s got a 7.0-liter LS7 V8 gas engine pumping out a hearty 505 horses and 481 lb-ft of torque.
The Camaro Z/28 is a cool car that can also be used for daily driving. A heavy-duty 6-speed Tremec TR6060 manual transmission and carbon-ceramic Brembo disc brakes were the standard features on this “Cheetah.”
7 2015 Porsche Panamera Turbo S
The range-topping Panamera Turbo S boasts a massive V8 powerplant with way larger turbochargers than the other siblings. Its 4.8-liter twin-turbo V8 gas engine thrashed out a massive 570 horses and 553 lb-ft of torque. The torque could also be bettered to 590 lb-ft with overboost.
You can buy a Turbo S Executive trim for less than $50,000 on the used car market these days. It’s got a 5.9-inch longer wheelbase plus all other frills that there on regular-wheelbase Panameras.
6 2020 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody
This one is one of the coolest Dodge cars on the market today because they boast adrenaline-charged performance and come with an assortment of modification packages that makes them unique. One such model is the Scat Pack Widebody that equips this 2020 Dodge Challenger R/T with better aerodynamics.
There’s one up for grabs for less than $50,000. It's got a 6.4-liter SRT HEMI V8 engine that comes with loads of power to jet out 485 horses and 475 lb-ft of torque.
5 2015 BMW M6 Coupe
The BMW M6 is an excellent highway cruiser with a very powerful powertrain. Under the hood, it hides a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 gas engine that puts out a massive 552 horses. The monstrous V8 propels it to achieve a 0-to-60 MPH time of about 4.0 seconds on the way to a top speed of 155 MPH.
This BMW is one cool car that’ll never disappoint you when you hit the gas. There are plenty of them on the used car bazaar for under $50,000, but this one is a good deal.
4 2015 Audi RS 5 Quattro Coupe
This German metal comes with brute V8 power under its hood. It’s a 4.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 gas engine that packs plenty of punch to make 450 horses and 317 lb-ft of torque. With Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system, it races to the 0-to-60 MPH milestone in just 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 178 MPH.
Inside, the RS 5 is lavishly attired including a Bang & Olufsen sound system plus all the other bells and whistles you can think of. It can be all yours for under $50,000.
3 2017 Lexus RC F
This hefty V8-powered Lexus can run hundreds of miles on the freeway and the smooth 5.0-liter V8 gas mill that cranks out 467 horses and 389 lb-ft of torque is strong enough for this feat. The F Sport models are armed with sport-tuned stability control, a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, a Sport+ drive mode, adaptive dampers, and plenty of other upgrades that peg it strongly against other serious contenders in this segment.
This performance coupe clocks the 0-to-60 MPH time in just 4.3 seconds on the way to a top speed of 168 MPH. Inside, it boasts a flat-out gorgeous cabin that can be yours for under $50,000.
2 2015 Jaguar F-TYPE V8 S Convertible
Jaguar is not new to roadsters but this V8-powered Jag is a gorgeous, fast, and classy road machine that excels in every performance aspect. It’s a landmark in automotive design and its 5.0-liter supercharged V8 gas engine that lies under its hood speaks for itself.
It puts out 495 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It’s got plenty of power for any driving situation and can do a 0-to-60 MPH jig in about 4.0 seconds. It’s available for $50,000, and it’s worth every dollar.
1 2021 Ford Mustang GT
The 2021 Ford Mustang GT bridges the gap between a sports car and muscle with ease, boosted by its sleek looks and an effortless DOHC V8 engine. This 5.0-liter V8-powered car makes a whopping 460 horses and another 420 lb-ft of torque.
Here’s one in stunning red that nearly touches the ceiling but can still be yours for under $50,000. With a Mustang GT, you get the legacy of a muscle car, in a more modern sports avatar. For now, the Mustang does not seem to have electric plans.
Sources: CarGurus, TrueCar