For decades, the BMW M3 has symbolized the term "sports sedan," and the brand's reputation only helped build up the hype. Since the '90s, the M3 has been recognized by the automotive community as one of the best German cars of all time, and this image has helped propel the car to the top of the sports segment even to this day.

UPDATE: 2024/03/19 15:31 EST BY DENNIS KARIUKI NJOKI

The BMW M3 is an excellent performance car, but there are still so many used and new alternatives that offer comparable thrills and performance to a 2024 M3 for the same price or cheaper. We've updated this article to provide performance data for these cars and added more performance models we'd rather buy than a BMW M3.

The expensive German midsize sports sedan isn't all it was cut out to be, however. The 2024 BMW M3 has an acceleration time of 3.4 to 4.1 seconds from 0-60 mph and a top speed of 155 mph (180 mph with the M Driver's package). While this is impressive, with a starting price of $76,000 to $84,300 for the 2024 BMW M3, the market now offers numerous other models at a similar price point and performance that might be a better buy. In this article, we're counting down the top 19 performance cars we'd consider buying over a 2024 BMW M3.

How We Got Our Model Selection: HotCars analyzed the market for new and used performance cars priced similarly to the 2024 BMW M3 (according to their starting MSRP for new vehicles and KBB’s fair market price for used cars). For a more accurate comparison, the selection criteria included performance cars with 0-60 mph acceleration times shorter than 4.1 seconds or top speeds higher than 160 mph. We ranked the cars from the slowest to the fastest according to their top speeds. We factored acceleration times in the rankings where two or more models had the same top speeds. Performance specs and data were sourced from the respective manufacturer websites and authoritative sources like Edmunds and Fastest Laps.

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19 2019 BMW M5 Competition: 155 MPH

silver 2019 BMW M5 Competition parked
CarBuzz

Performance

Engine

4.4-liter twin-turbo V8

Power

617 hp

Torque

553 lb-ft

Drivetrain

All-wheel drive

Transmission

8-speed shiftable automatic

0-60 Mph

3.1 seconds

Top Speed

156 mph

The 2019 M5 Competition Features A 617-HP Twin-Turbo V8

While the M3 is a decent sports car, the M5 takes sportiness to a whole new level. The M5 Competition does everything the M3 does, but better. The car's spaciousness makes it highly practical, while the cabin is adorned in leather and packed with luxury features.

Under the hood lies one of the most powerful engines BMW ever fitted in a production car – a 4.4L V8 jetting out 617 horsepower. With an average used price of $66,794, the 2019 M5 F90 is not only cheaper than the 2024 M3, but it will also gap the M3 on the track or highway, thanks to its supercar-like acceleration.

18 2019 Lexus LC 500: 168 MPH

ellow 2019 Lexus LC 500 Inspiration Edition parked
Lexus

Performance

Engine

5.0-liter V8

Power

471 hp

Torque

398 lb-ft

Drivetrain

Rear-wheel drive

Transmission

10-speed automatic with paddle shifters

0-60 mph

4.4 seconds

Top Speed

168 mph

The 2019 LC 500 Is Faster Than The Entry-Level 2024 M3

Some of the best and most appealing luxury cars come from Japan. Criminally underrated, the Lexus LC obliterates the competition in terms of the value it brings for the money. It's a luxurious, comfortable grand tourer that also happens to be quite easy on the eye.

If you're looking for power, the 2019 LC 500 also comes with a hefty 471-hp 5.0-liter. Due to the car's immense size and weight, it can't compete with the M3 in a fair drag race, but it will beat a regular M3 when it comes to top speed and provide loads of opulence in the process. One of the best high-performance cars, the 2019 LC 500 is also slightly cheaper than the M3, with an average price of $70,064.

17 2023 Ford Mustang Mach 1: 168 MPH

white 2023 Ford Mustang Mach 1 driving on track
Ford

Performance

Engine

5.0-liter Coyote V8

Power

480 hp

Torque

420 lb-ft

Drivetrain

Rear-wheel drive

Transmission

6-speed manual

0-60 mph

3.8 seconds

Top Speed

168 mph

The 2023 Mustang Mach 1 Is A Cheaper Performance Alternative To The M3

The Mustang Mach 1 replaced the Shelby GT350 and starts at $55,570 for the 2023 model, while the 2024 BMW M3 starts at $76,000. Even with the $4,500 Handling Pack, an upgrade that's well worth the money, as it transforms the Mach 1 into a more track-capable 'Stang.

The 2023 Mustang Mach 1 is not just a more affordable high-performance car than the BMW M3; it's a bona fide V8-powered muscle car and a serious upgrade over the standard Mustang GT.

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16 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman T: 171 MPH

yellow 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman T parked
YouTube  - @isenformeng9287

Performance

Engine

2.0-liter turbocharged flat-4

Power

300 hp

Torque

280 lb-ft

Drivetrain

Rear-wheel drive

Transmission

6-speed manual, 7-speed PDK

0-60 mph

4.5 seconds

Top Speed

171 mph

The 2023 Cayman T Has A Top Speed Of 171 MPH

Though less powerful than the 911 or an M3 for that matter, the 718 Cayman T offers the perfect blend of performance, comfort, and looks – after all, it's a Porsche. Enabled by the car's size and superb PDK dual-clutch transmission, the 300-hp engine inside performs miracles as it propels the Cayaman T to a top speed of 171 mph.

It's among the greatest sports cars on sale today at the $70,000 price point. And if you are looking for a lighter and more nimble alternative to an M3, the 2023 Cayman T, which starts at $72,500, will save you a few thousand bucks.

15 2018 Audi RS5: 174 MPH

green 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG 63 S driving on the highway
Mercedes-Benz

Performance

Engine

2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6

Power

444 hp

Torque

443 lb-ft

Drivetrain

All-wheel drive

Transmission

8-speed shiftable automatic

0-60 mph

3.7 seconds

Top Speed

174 mph

The 2018 RS5 Is A Performance Bargain Compared To The M3

This performance sedan is pretty much on par with everything the BMW M3 can offer, and just like the Bimmer, driving performance is top-notch, too - which is typical of any Audi sports machine. With a fair market price of $38,358, a used 2018 RS5 is also significantly cheaper than the 2024 M3.

It is powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing a decent 444 hp and 443 pound-feet of torque. It also features AWD via its famous Quattro system, which helps the car achieve a 3.7 second 0-60 time – quicker than the entry-level M3. The RS5 also achieves a top speed of 174 mph, making it one of the fastest cars under $50,000 today.

14 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG 63 S: 180 MPH

Performance

Engine

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8

Power

503 hp

Torque

516 lb-ft

Drivetrain

Rear-wheel drive

Transmission

9-speed shiftable automatic

0-60 mph

3.8 seconds

Top Speed

180 mph

The 2021 AMG C63 S Is A Perfect Blend Of Performance And Luxury

The C-Class 63 AMG is one of the best-performance German sedans on sale. It boasts Mercedes' trademark luxury and combines it with a monstrous 503-hp engine that jets the car to 60 in just 3.8 seconds. At a cheaper price point than the M3, the 2021 C63 S provides a more powerful engine and a more upscale cabin.

The 2021 C63 S model is a performance bargain, fetching about $60,105 on the used market. That’s a fraction cheaper than the 2024 M3, yet it gives you a quicker car than the base M3. On top of that, you can raise its speed limit to 180 mph with a special request from AMG.

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13 2019 Cadillac ATS-V: 189 MPH

Bronze 2019 Cadillac CTS-V Pedestal Edition parked
Cadillac

Performance

Engine

3.6-liter twin-turbo V6

Power

464 hp

Torque

445 lb-ft

Drivetrain

Rear-wheel drive

Transmission

6-speed manual

0-60 mph

3.8 seconds

Top Speed

189 mph

The 2019 ATS-V Is An Overlooked Performance Car

The Cadillac ATS-V is an underrated performance car that deserves a spot on the list of the best cheap sports cars for sale today. It is a high-performance variant of the Cadillac ATS, meant to compete with other performance cars like the Mercedes-AMG C63 and the BMW M3.

The ATS-V punches way above its weight, outperforming its key competitors, yet it costs a fraction of their prices. It accelerates faster than the entry-level 2024 M3 and boasts a superior top speed over the German sports sedan. A used 2019 model is valued at about $49,970, making it one of the fastest cars under $50,000.

12 2022 BMW 7 Series M760i xDrive: 190 MPH

black 2022 BMW 7 Series M760i xDrive driving
BMW

Performance

Engine

6.6-liter twin-turbo V12

Power

600 hp

Torque

627 lb-ft

Drivetrain

All-wheel drive

Transmission

8-speed shiftable automatic

0-60 mph

3.6 seconds

Top Speed

190 mph

The 2022 M760i xDrive Features A Monstrous V12 Engine

The M760i xDrive is the range-topping trim in the BMW 7 Series model lineup. Introduced in 2016, it features a monstrous 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12, which makes the M3’s six-cylinder engine seem underpowered. Besides being more powerful than the M3, the M760i also beats its smaller sibling in the luxury department.

Today, you can get a used 2022 M60i xDrive for about the same price as a 2024 M3 Competition. KBB values it at about $80,818, which gets you a faster car than the M3. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph quicker than the base M3 and has a higher top speed – when equipped with the M Driver's Package – than the entire M3 lineup.

11 2019 Audi RS6: 190 MPH

black 2019 Audi RS 6 parked on the road
Audi

Performance

Engine

3,996 cc (243.9 cu in) V8 twin-turbo

Power

592 hp

Torque

590 lb-ft

Drivetrain

All-wheel drive

Transmission

8-speed shiftable automatic

0-60 mph

3.5 Seconds

Top Speed

190 mph

The 2019 RS6 Is A 592-HP Performance Wagon

If you're familiar with Audi's RS lineup, you know the RS6 is not your everyday estate car. Sure, it's practical and luxurious, but the company also fits these bad boys with their most powerful engines and latest technology.

The 4.0-liter V8 fitted inside produces almost 600 horsepower and will get you to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds – yes, in an estate car. The optional Dynamic Plus package helps the RS6 surpass the M3 Competition thanks to a top speed of 190 mph.

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10 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio: 191 MPH

red 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio parked
 Alfa Rome

Performance

Engine

2.9-liter twin-turbo V6

Power

505 hp

Torque

443 lb-ft

Drivetrain

Rear-wheel drive

Transmission

8-speed shiftable automatic

0-60 mph

3.8 seconds

Top Speed

191 mph

The 2017 Giulia Quadrifoglio Features Timeless Styling

When it comes to designing cars, it's really hard to beat the Italians. Introduced in 2015, the Quadrifoglio was immediately recognized for its timeless looks and powerful engine. Notably, the car proved a fearsome competitor to the M3. It's a more sophisticated, refined, stylish, and frankly faster version of its German counterpart.

Besides being more stylish, the 2017 Quadrifoglio is also faster than the 2024 M3, with a top speed of 191 mph, courtesy of its 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6. Better yet, you can get a used model for about $29,818, making it one of the best sports sedans under $30,000.

9 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe: 194 MPH

The rear of the Corvette Stingray Convertible on the move
Chevrolet

Performance

Engine

V8, 6.2 Liter

Power

490 hp

Torque

465 lb-ft

Drivetrain

Rear-wheel drive

Transmission

8-speed automated manual

0-60 mph

2.9 seconds

Top Speed

194 mph

The 2021 Corvette Stingray Is A Performance Bargain

The hype behind the new Corvette is fully justified, which is why we voted it our best sports car of 2024. The C8 comes in a new mid-engine setup featuring more power and technology. The interior looks like something straight out of a fighter jet, while the exterior design competes with much pricier exotic supercars.

In fact, with the 2021 C8 Stingray, you're getting a more powerful, quicker, and faster sports car for significantly less than what you'd pay for a 2024 M3. For about $72,008, the 2021 Stingray Corvette is a performance bargain, capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in under 3.0 seconds before hitting a top speed of 194 mph.

8 2022 Ford Shelby GT500: 195 MPH

red 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 parked
Ford

Performance

Engine

5.2-liter Supercharged V8

Power

760 hp

Torque

625 lb-ft

Drivetrain

7-speed automated manual

Transmission

Rear-wheel drive

0-60 mph

3.4 Seconds

Top Speed

195 mph

The 2022 Shelby GT500 Is An Iconic Ford Model

The flagship Shelby supercar needs no introduction. The GT500 is one of the most powerful Ford cars money can buy, relying on a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 to come up with as many as 760 ponies. Combine this raw power with its smoldering good looks and an updated interior, and you will have a car that the M3 can't compete with.

Its acceleration time is on par with the M3 Competition xDrive, but the 195-mph top speed elevates it above the German rival. And despite being an iconic model, you can get the 2022 GT500 for about the same price as a 2024 M3 Competition. It has a fair market price of $82,775, according to KBB.

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7 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S: 196 MPH

blue 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT63S parked
YouTube  - @TheStraightPipes

Performance

Engine

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8

Power

630 hp

Torque

664 lb-ft

Drivetrain

All-wheel drive

Transmission

9-speed shiftable automatic

0-60 mph

3.1 seconds

Top Speed

196 mph

The 2019 AMG GT 63 S Is An Incredibly Fast Sedan

In 2018, Mercedes decided to give their flagship supercar a four-door variant, giving rise to the new AMG GT S Coupe lineup. As one of the fastest sedans in the world, the GT 63 S is the perfect choice for those wanting ample seating and straight-up supercar performance. Its styling, luxury, and features are leagues above anything the M3 can offer, and the 630-hp monstrosity under the hood will run circles around the M3's inline-six, regardless of its spec.

Although the 2019 model is a bit more costly than the M3, it is worth every penny as it outperforms the latter in nearly every department. It is one of the fastest sedans, with an acceleration of 3.1 seconds from 0-60 mph and a top speed just shy of 200 mph.

6 2016 Nissan GT-R Premium: 196 MPH

2016 Nissan GT-R parked
Nissan

Performance

Engine

3.8-liter twin-turbo V6

Power

550 hp

Torque

463 lb-ft

Drivetrain

All-wheel drive

Transmission

6-speed automated manual

0-60 mph

2.9 seconds

Top Speed

196 mph

The 2016 GT-R Premium Rockets To 60 MPH In 2.9 Seconds

Succeeding the extremely popular Skyline GT-R, the re-branded Nissan GT-R was among Japan's first true supercars. Showcasing power and speed unprecedented in a modern JDM, the GT-R was an instant success, cementing its status as a forever icon in the automotive landscape.

Its popularity continues to rise today, with the more affordable 2016 model boasting 550 horsepower and an acceleration that would put many mid-engine supercars to shame. And despite being an eight-year-old model today, the 2016 GT-R is quicker and faster than the newest iteration of the M3, which is why we’d rather spend about $82,422 on the 2016 GT-R than on the M3.

5 2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye: 199 MPH

green 2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye parked
Dodge

Performance

Engine

6.2-liter supercharged V8

Power

797 hp

Torque

707 lb-ft

Drivetrain

Rear-wheel drive

Transmission

8-speed shiftable automatic

0-60 mph

3.4 seconds

Top Speed

199 mph

2019 Challenger Hellcat Redeye Succeeded The Challenger Demon

Introduced as a worthy replacement to the groundbreaking Challenger Demon, the Redeye sticks to its muscle car roots and focuses strictly on unrestrained performance. Revolving around the same price point as the M3, the Redeye packs almost TWICE as much power wrapped in an intimidating muscle car exterior. The cool factor alone makes it a better buy, not to mention the more thrilling ride.

Notably, the 2019 model is way cheaper than the 2024 M3, with an average used price of about $52,240, yet it performs as well – if not better – than the M3. Its top speed of nearly 200 mph would put many of its rivals to shame, including the new BMW M3, which has a top speed of 180 mph when equipped with the M Driver’s package.

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4 2019 Cadillac CTS-V: 200 MPH

white 2019 Cadillac CTS-V on track driving
Cadillac

Performance

Engine

6.2-liter supercharged V8

Power

640 hp

Torque

630 lb-ft

Drivetrain

Rear-wheel drive

Transmission

8-speed shiftable automatic

0-60 mph

3.7 seconds

Top Speed

200 mph

The 2019 CTS-V Is Powered By A 640-HP Hemi V8

Though still every bit as comfortable and practical as a Cadillac sedan should be, the CTS-V is also a car meant to be driven. To ensure drivers get the most thrill and enjoyment out of it, Cadillac fitted the CTS-V with a ridiculous 640-horsepower Hemi V8. Fun as the M3 is, the CTS-V simply outclasses it when it comes to on-road performance.

The fastest M3 Competition has a top speed of 188 mph, meaning the 200-mph CTS-V would leave the M3 eating its dust. The CTS-V is also quicker than the entry-level M3, with an acceleration time of 3.7 seconds from 0-60 mph. This kind of performance comes at a more affordable price than the M3, with the 2019 CTS-V fetching an average of $64,987 on the used market.

3 2020 Jaguar F-Type SVR: 200 MPH

Performance

Engine

5.0-litre supercharged V8

Power

575 hp

Torque

516 lb-ft

Drivetrain

All-wheel drive

Transmission

8-speed shiftable automatic

0-60 mph

3.5 seconds

Top Speed

200 mph

The 2020 F-Type SVR Is Faster Than The 2024 M3

The legendary E-Type roadster finally found its spiritual successor in the 2016 Jaguar F-Type. However, this is not just a classy luxury coupe. The SVR badge makes it a thrilling supercar and one we'd much rather have than the M3. Both have ideally a similar price point, but the SVR edges out the M3 regarding performance.

In the 2019 SVR, the original power output of 300 hp was cranked to 575 horsepower via 5 liters of Jaguar's finest V8, giving way to a 3.5-second 0-60 mph dash. This is on par with the 2024 M3 Competition, not to mention the SVR has a superior top speed of 200 mph.

2 2019 Jaguar XE SV Project 8: 200 MPH

2023 Dodge Charger Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak parked
Dodge

Performance

Engine

5.0-liter supercharged V8

Power

592 hp

Torque

516 lb-ft

Drivetrain

All-wheel drive

Transmission

8-speed automatic

0-60 mph

3.4 seconds

Top Speed

200 mph

The 2019 XE SV Was Once The Fastest Sedan Around the Nürburgring

The fact that Jaguar would release this track-ready super sedan was beyond everyone's expectations. And yet, in 2017, it became the quickest four-door to ever lap the Nürburgring.

The primary focus for the 2019 Jaguar XE SV Project 8 is no longer luxury but pure unrestrained performance, courtesy of a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 sending a stampede of 592 horses to the ground. We'd take this stylish and visceral beast over the M3 any day.

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1 2023 Dodge Charger Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak: 203 MPH

2023 Dodge Charger Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak parked
Dodge

Performance

Engine

6.2L supercharged V8

Power

717 hp

Torque

650 lb-ft

Drivetrain

Rear-wheel drive

Transmission

8-speed shiftable automatic

0-60 mph

3.6 seconds

Top Speed

203 mph

The 2023 Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak Is Among The Last Hemi-Powered Dodge Cars

When it comes to performance sedans, none compare to the raw power of the Charger Hellcat. Powering this four-door supercar is a massive 6.2-liter HEMI V8 producing 717 horsepower. The Hellcat currently holds one of the best power-to-price ratios on the planet, and despite starting at nearly $79,000, it will leave the M3 in its dust.

While the range-topping M3 Competition xDrive has a quicker acceleration time of 3.4 seconds, the Charger Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak will ultimately catch up and gap the German performance car thanks to its top speed of 203 mph. That makes the 2023 Dodge Charger Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak one of the fastest four-door sedans. Unfortunately, 2023 will be the last model year of this Hemi-powered super sedan as Dodge will replace it with an electrified successor.

Sources: KBB, Manufacturer Websites, Edmunds, Fastest Laps