Can't Afford A BMW M2? Here Are Some Cheaper Alternatives

A compact performance coupe doesn't have to cost over $50,000.

Even though it is just the "baby M car," we think the BMW M2 may be the best model the company makes at the moment. The M2 certainly offers the best purist experience of the current M lineup, since the other M cars have all become larger and heavier. Even though it is the cheapest M car on the market, the M2 still starts at a whopping $54,500 and will only get more expensive with the addition of a Competition version. Nearly $55,000 sounds like a lot to pay for a 365 horsepower sport coupe. Thankfully, there are plenty of cheaper used alternatives.

Porsche 911 Carrera (997 gen)

The M2 sits at the bottom of the M car lineup, but for much less, budget conscious buyers can scoop up a flagship Porsche. For less than $40,000, it is possible to find a 997.1 generation 911 Carrera or Carrera S. The base 3.6-liter flat-six produces less power than the M2: just 325 hp. We also found more powerful Carrera S models with the larger 3.8-liter flat-six, producing 355 hp. Though it won't match the M2 on interior technology, the 911 is one of the purest driving experiences on the market and the 997 generation is arguably one of the best. You may want to invest in a mount for your smartphone because Porsche's infotainment was pretty lackluster in this generation.

Cadillac ATS-V Coupe

Buyers who want something a little more modern can opt for our next choice, the Cadillac ATS-V coupe. The ATS-V has only been around since 2016, but prices have already plummeted to just above $40,000. We found ATS-V coupe and sedans in the low $40,000 price range with the six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic. Power comes from a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 464 hp. Not even the upcoming M2 Competition will be able to match the ATS-V on power, and the Cadillac is larger if you need more space.

Audi TT RS

Even though they are actually very different, the Audi TT RS is often compared to the BMW M2. The current TT RS is more powerful than the M2 thanks to its 400 hp 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, but it is more expensive starting at around $65,000. Luckily, used examples of the previous generation TT RS can be found starting at around half the price. The old TT RS still produces 360 hp from its five-cylinder engine, and unlike the new model it is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

Nissan 370Z

If you go crazy with the options sheet, it is possible to buy a Nissan 370Z for around the same price as the M2. We like the 370Z, but it is starting to feel old and we wouldn't recommend buying a brand-new one. A used one is a different story. The cheapest examples we found started at less than $15,000, and the prices went higher as the age and mileage shrank. The 3.7-liter V6 engine produces 332 hp, or 350 hp in the Nismo version. Unlike the M2, the 370Z is strictly a two-seater, which could be what certain buyers are looking for from their small coupe.

BMW 135i

The M2 Competition will finally fix one of the biggest complains with the standard M2; it doesn't have a bespoke M engine. The N55 in the M2 is a great engine, but it is used in plenty of other BMW models, including our final used alternative. The BMW 135i was originally sold with the twin-turbo N54 inline-six, but was later upgraded to the N55. We recommend trying to find the rare 135is, which produced 320 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. With some minor tuning, the 135is should be able to keep up with the far more expensive M2 (at least in a straight line).

Can't Afford An E39 BMW M5? Here Are Some Cheaper Alternatives

The E39 is heralded as one of the best driver's sedans of all time, and prices are on the rise.

The E39 generation BMW M5 is heralded as one of the best analog driver's sedans ever produced. E39 prices tanked as many high dollar German luxury cars tend to do, but a recent explosion in old M car values has brought prices back up. There are still bargains to be had on the used market, but many pristine E39s are selling for close to six figures; a normal, fairly low-mileage example can cost around $50,000, which is a lot to pay for a 15-year-old car. With this is mind, we have come up with five cheaper options to satisfy your performance itch.

Chevrolet SS

The Chevy SS was highly praised as the “second coming” of the E39 M5. What some people may have forgotten, though, is GM tried its hand at building a rear-wheel-drive performance sedan long before the SS. The Pontiac G8 arrived in 2008 with a 3.6-liter V6 and a 6.0-liter V8. Unfortunately, both of these engines were mated to an automatic transmission. For the 2009 model year, GM gifted the G8 a 6.2-liter Corvette V8 producing 430 horsepower and the option of a six-speed manual. Much like the E39 M5, the G8 GXP has become a bit of a collectible. We still managed to find several manual examples for less than $30,000, and it will no doubt be cheaper to maintain than the German option.

Infiniti M37

If an automatic transmission isn't a deal breaker, our next choice is a fantastic value. The Infiniti M sedan is technically still sold today as the Q70. The base M37 model was powered by Nissan's VQ V6 engine, but the more powerful M56 model packed a 420-hp 5.6-liter V8. Though it only came with a seven-speed automatic, the M56 was still a very involving car to drive. We found used examples starting under $15,000, with nicer examples costing around $25,000. It may not be as collectible as the BMW, but the Infiniti is more powerful, packs more modern features, and is likely cheaper to maintain.

Acura TL

We were a bit disappointed when Acura decided to merge the TL and TSX lines into the lackluster TLX sedan. The TL was once one of the most underrated sport sedans on the market, and it was even available with a manual transmission. Though it it didn't wear a Type S badge, the fourth-generation TL combined a 3.7-liter V6 with SH-AWD and an optional six-speed manual transmission. It is rare to find a TL equipped with a manual transmission, but we some found nice examples for around $15,000.

Cadillac CTS-V

Though it was priced to compete with the E46 BMW M3, the first generation CTS-V was more of a direct competitor for the E39. Unfortunately, the E39 went out of production prior to the CTS-V's arrival, and the more powerful E60 M5 trounced the American muscle sedan. This doesn't mean the original CTS-V isn't a good car. Like the E39, it is powered by a 400-hp V8 (in this case a 6.0-liter LS6 or LS2). Also like the M5, it only came with a six-speed manual transmission and has an extremely out-of-date interior. High mileage examples start at under $10,000, but we'd recommend spending more on a well-maintained example.

BMW 5 Series 540i

Our final alternative is the M5's baby brother, the 540i. The 540i may not be as competent as the M5, but with a few upgrades it can be equally as fun on a race track or back road. The 4.4-liter V8 engine produced 290 hp, which was great at the time. Finding one with a manual and the optional M Sport pack isn't easy, but it will likely be less expensive than finding a pristine M5.

Can't Afford A New Bullitt Mustang? Here Are 7 Cheaper Alternatives

You don't need $50,000 for a special edition sports car.

For the 2019 model year, Ford decided to go back to its roots by reintroducing the Bullitt Mustang into the lineup. Ford has released special edition Bullitt Mustangs in the past, but this new one is the best yet with a revised 5.0-liter Coyote V8 producing 480 horsepower. Unfortunately, this new Bullitt comes at a premium of around $5,000 over a standard Mustang GT - starting at $47,590. With options, a fully-loaded Bullit comes in at around $53,000.

We guarantee that there are some fans of the original 1968 film, but we'd also hazard a guess that some young car enthusiasts have never even seen the movie. The 2019 Mustang Bullitt is still a fantastic special edition sports car, but there are many cheaper special edition sports cars on the used market.

Camaro Hot Wheels Edition

If we had to guess, most of our readers have a stronger connection to Paul Walker than Steve McQueen, making the Bullitt Mustang a bit of a dinosaur in terms of nostalgia. By contrast, even our younger readers probably grew up with Hot Wheels, making the Camaro Wheels Edition more of a nostalgic purchase. Chevy introduced the first Camaro Hot Wheels Edition in 2013 as an appearance package on V6 and V8 models. V6 models produced 323 hp, while the V8 models produced either 400 hp with an automatic or 426 hp with a six-speed manual. Even V8 examples can now be found for around $24,000.

Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack

Ford may be pretty good at bringing back iconic names, but when it comes to playing the nostalgia card, Dodge rules the roost. Like Bullitt, the Scat Pack name dates back to 1968 when it was first used on the Charger R/T, Coronet R/T, Dart GTS, and Super Bee. When the name returned in 2013, it increased the power of the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 by 18-58 hp depending on the Scat Pack level. The latest Scat Pack challenger replaces the R/T's 5.7-liter V8 with the 6.4-liter SRT V8 producing 485 hp. Dodge also reintroduced the popular Shaker hood, with further adds to the Challenger's nostalgia. Used Challenger Scat Pack models can now be found for just under $30,000.

Ford Mustang Boss 302

The Bullitt Mustang offers a significant performance boost over a standard GT, but its main goal is to pay homage to the original Steve McQueen car. Back in 2012, Ford built a Mustang that was more focused on increasing the Mustang's track worthiness while still paying homage to a famous special edition from the past. The 2012-13 Boss 302 increased the 5.0-liter V8's output from 420 to 444 hp and featured numerous suspension upgrades that made it more track capable. Used Boss 302 models can now be found starting around $25,000.

Cadillac ATS-V

Although it may not be a throwback like the aforementioned models on this list, the Cadillac ATS-V is still a unique car from the brand's mighty V Division. The ATS-V is more than capable of keeping up and even outpacing the best Europe has to offer, thanks to its 464 hp twin-turbo V6 engine. Cadillac also made the intelligent decision to offer the ATS-V with a manual transmission, making it the only car in its class other than the BMW M3/M4 to have a third pedal option. Used ATS-V prices have now fallen to around $40,000, and offers a softer, more luxurious ride than a Mustang.

Jaguar XFR-S

Jaguar may be quintessentially British, but the luxury automaker has made its fair share of muscle cars. Back in 2015, Jaguar introduced the most extreme version of its mid-size sedan: the XFR-S. Power came from a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 pumping out 550 hp. Fewer than 100 examples of the XFR-S made it to the US, making this kitty far more rare than the Mustang. Even though it is an extremely rare European sports sedan, used XFR-S prices start at around $44,000.

BMW Z4 M

People like the idea of a special edition car because it may be worth more someday than a "standard" car. If collectibility is your main objective, why not buy one of the most unique BMW M models of all time? Many people are flocking to the quirky Z3 M Coupe, aka the "clown shoe," but we have our sights set on the sleeker Z4 M Coupe. Fewer than 2,000 Z4 M Coupes were built, all powered by a 3.2-liter S54 inline-six from the E46 M3. High mileage examples can still be found for less than $25,000, while low mileage examples can reach over $40,000.

Nissan 370Z Nismo

The Nissan 370Z isn't one of the more talked about sports cars in 2018, mainly because it has been on the market since the 2009 model year. Nissan has done very little to keep the 370Z relevant, but it did introduce a highly updated Nismo version for the 2015 model year. The 370Z Nismo offers a significant performance increase over a standard Z. Nissan tuned the 3.7-liter V6 so it now produces 350 hp. Used Nismo prices start below $30,000, and the car offers great track performance for drivers who want a stiff, hardcore experience.

Can't Afford A New Hellcat? Here Are Some Cheaper Alternatives

The Hellcat is a performance bargain, but most people still can't afford it.

The Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcat models are the epitome of performance bargains. For $64,295 and $66,295 respectively, the Challenger and Charger offer more horsepower than cars costing four times as much: 707 hp to be precise. The Hellcats may be bargains for their level of performance, but they still aren't affordable for the masses. Used models have sunk below $50,000, but we wanted to come up with five unique cheaper alternatives to a new Hellcat Challenger or Charger.

Cadillac CTS-V

Our first alternative is the second generation Cadillac CTS-V, also known as the V2. The V2 was built from 2009 to 2015 in sedan, coupe and wagon bodystyles. Unfortunately the rarified wagon models carry a premium over the others. Although it doesn't match the Hellcat in power, the CTS-V is no slouch with a 6.2-liter supercharged LSA V8 producing 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. High mileage examples start at around $25,000 and top out at $60,000 for a low mileage wagon with a manual.

BMW M5 (F10)

American muscle cars may have started the trend of stuffing big engines into ordinary family cars, but the Germans have become pretty good at it too. The F10 BMW M5 was built from 2012 to 2016, and has depreciated like most high-dollar German cars. Prices now range from $30,000 to $85,000 depending on year and mileage. For around half the price of a new Hellcat, it is possible to drive around in a BMW with an original price of around $100,000. The F10 M5 has a 4.8-liter twin-turbo V8 with 553 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque going out to either a seven-speed dual-clutch or six-speed manual.

Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

Before FCA started its quest to stuff the Hellcat engine into all of its cars, AMG wanted to build n fast version of every Mercedes car. We were astonished when we discovered AMG versions of the Mercedes CL for around half as much as a new Hellcat. The CL 63 has a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 518 hp and 462 lb-ft of torque going to a seven-speed automatic. For less than $40,000, we also found the CL 65 with the hand-built twin-turbo V12. This massive engine produces 604 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. Good luck maintaining them if something goes wrong, but these cars would be incredible to own.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (Gen 5)

We've already offered up the Cadillac CTS-V as a great alternative for a Charger or Challenger Hellcat. Still, some people may prefer to have an old school muscle car badge instead of an "old man's car with a big engine." The fifth generation Camaro ZL1 was sold with the same 6.2-liter supercharged LSA V8 that was found in the CTS-V. It even produces a bit more power than the Cadillac (580 hp). The fifth generation ZL1 was sold from 2012 to 2015 in coupe and convertible bodystyles and can now be found starting at under $30,000.

Jaguar XFR

The Jaguar XFR is the only British bruiser on our list. Like the other cheap alternatives, the Jag can't match the Hellcat on pure power. Still, the XFR uses a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 with 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. Prices range between $25,000 and $45,000, which is pretty cheap for such a stunning car with so much power.

Can't Afford The Crazy Toyota Supra Prices? Buy One Of These Instead

Who would have thought the Supra would ever be the "expensive" option?

The A80 Toyota Supra was once the blue collar hero car. But people in anticipation of the new Supra's arrival, old Supra prices have been skyrocketing. Twin turbo models with the six-speed manual can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 in 2018. We all know the scene from The Fast and the Furious with the Supra versus the Ferrari. The Ferrari mocks the Supra for being "cheap" and proceeds to be defeated in a drag race. The Ferrari may have been more expensive then, but take a look at Supra prices and prepare to be shocked.

While Supra prices have skyrocketed recently, almost no one wants a Ferrari 348. We love the Supra, but we would never pay almost $100,000 for one. That is why we have compiled five cheaper alternatives that deliver a similar experience for less.

BMW 3 Series

Even though the Supra started out as a blue collar sports car, it has now reached legendary status accompanied by equally legendary car prices. Tuners loved the Supra because it had a twin-turbocharged inline-six that could be heavily tuned to produce more power. We have picked a pair of BMWs that each come with twin-turbo inline six engines. The E90 335i produced 320 hp from a twin-turbocharged N54 engine. The 3 Series coupe eventually became the 4 Series, which came with a 300-hp N55 twin-scroll turbo engine. Both could be had with a six-speed manual transmission, and both can be found for under $40,000, which is less than a low mileage Supra.

Cadillac ATS-V

The second of our newer options on this list is the Cadillac ATS-V. We were blown away when we found out that Cadillac was marking down new ATS-V models by as much as $20,000. We found several ATS-V models with low mileage in the low $40,000 range. These cars have a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 with 464 hp. This is far more than the Supra produced back in 2002, and it can be paired to an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The Cadillac ATS-V is comfortable and luxurious like the Supra, but comes with more modern creature comforts.

Mitsubishi GT3000 VR-4 Turbo

Back in the '90s and 2000s, the Supra had a few direct competitors and the Mitsubishi GT3000 VR-4 Turbo is the first one on our list. This car was also known as the Mitsubishi GTO in Japan, and was rebadged as the Dodge Stealth in the US. By the time the car ended production in 2000, the twin-turbocharged V6 produced 320 hp, the same as the Supra. Unlike the Supra, the 3000GT was AWD. Also unlike the Supra, prices for the GT3000 haven't become insane. It is possible to get one with less than 100,000 miles for under $20,000.

Nissan 300ZX

Like Mitsubishi and Toyota, Nissan also built a comfortable, turbocharged sports coupe in the '90s. The Nissan 300ZX lasted for two generations, but the later Z32 Turbo model is far more desirable. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 produced 300 hp through a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual. The turbocharged manual cars are the most expensive, but can still be found with very low miles for under $30,000. These cars are rising in value, but you can still get in before everyone catches on to this '90s gem.

Lexus SC

The final car on our list has often been referred to as the Lexus Supra. The first generation Lexus SC was built from 1991 to 2000 and was sold with either a 3.0-liter inline-six or a 4.0-liter V8. The V8 SC400 was only sold with an automatic, but the inline-six SC300 could be had with a five-speed manual. Like the base Supra, the SC300 is powered by a 2JZ engine, so it can easily be turbocharged. Even though the SC300 comes with a fancier badge, they are actually cheaper than used Supras. We found a few really nice examples for between $5,000 and $10,000.

Can't Afford A New Chevy Camaro? Here Are 7 Cheaper Alternatives

And these offer a lot more power than the base four-cylinder Camaro.

Chevrolet recently introduced its facelifted 2019 Camaro, which starts at $26,495. For that, you'll get a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. Chevy hopes this cheaper Camaro will help steal sales away from the Mustang EcoBoost and V6 Challenger.

While this is a lot more than you'd get in similarly priced cars like the Toyota 86 and Mazda MX-5, it isn't as much as the Mustang EcoBoost. It certainly isn't as much as what you'd get throwing the same money around on the used market. In fact, if you're in the market for a sports car or muscle car, here are seven more powerful and less expensive used alternatives to a four-cylinder Camaro.

2010-2015 Chevy Camaro SS

GM's four-cylinder turbo is a pretty impressive engine, but a Camaro is best enjoyed with a V8. For less than $25,000, you can get a fifth-generation Camaro SS powered by a 6.2-liter V8 producing up to 426 hp. Six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission options are available, both sending power to the rear wheels. It may not have as nice of an interior as the current sixth-generation car, but many people seem to be disenamoured with the looks of the facelifted 2019 Camaro.

2012-2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302

For 2019, Chevy will offer a 1LE version of the four-cylinder Camaro, which should appeal to enthusiasts who want an affordable track car in the low $30,000 range. This sounds pretty good, but for less than $25,000 we'd rather have a Ford Mustang Boss 302. This special edition Mustang upped the 5.0-liter V8 from 420 to 444 hp and the only transmission option was a six-speed manual, making this Mustang a true enthusiast's car.

2010-2018 Dodge Challenger R/T Or SRT-8

The Camaro has been shedding its reputation as a muscle car thanks to GM's excellent Alpha platform. Dodge, on the other hand, is sticking true to its muscle car heritage with the Challenger, which is based on an aging Mercedes platform. Some people just want a large, comfortable car with a big V8, so the Challenger is still a good option. The Challenger R/T comes with a 5.7-liter V8 producing 375 hp going out to a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. If you are willing to go a bit older, you can find an earlier Challenger SRT-8 with a 6.1-liter V8 producing 425 hp.

2008-2015 Infiniti G37

As the Camaro continues to improve, it will draw a lot of competition from other brands, including luxury automakers. If you want a luxury sports coupe, the Infiniti G37 may be a nice option. Power comes from a 3.7-liter V6 producing 330 hp going out through a seven-speed automatic or rarified six-speed manual. We even found a few examples of the IPL for less than $25,000, which produced 348 hp. If you can live without a back seat, the Nissan 370Z is also a nice Camaro alternative that is now extremely affordable.

2013-2018 Cadillac ATS

Perhaps you have an important job and you are hoping to make a good impression by driving a luxury car. The Camaro doesn't exactly scream maturity, so we'd recommend the equally fun Cadillac ATS. Like the Camaro, the ATS is based on the excellent Alpha platform. It is also powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, although it produces a bit less power - 272 hp to be exact.

Unlike the Camaro, the ATS can also be had as a sedan for those who need easy access to the rear seats. The only downside is you'll be forced to use Cadillac's CUE infotainment system, which is actually worse than Chevrolet's version. Used prices start at around $11,000, making this Caddy a huge bargain.

2008-2013 BMW 1 Series

Many people buy a Camaro because it offers better value than the equivalent German sports car. However, if you are talking about a used German car versus a new Camaro, the German car can actually be the better value. BMW's 135i offered a turbocharged inline-six producing 300 hp. Transmission options included a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, or seven-speed dual-clutch. For 2013, BMW introduced the 135is, which upped the power to 335 hp. A used 135i can be found starting at just $10,000, ranging to over $20,000 for a 135is model.

2004-2006 Pontiac GTO

If you are willing to buy an older car, one of the best budget options is the Pontiac GTO. This was essentially a rebadged version of the Vauxhall/Holden Monaro, which means it was powered by either a 5.7-liter V8 producing 350 hp or a 6.0-liter V8 producing 400 hp. Prices range from around $9,000 to around $20,000 for low-mileage examples. It may not have the modern technology of the new Camaro, but the GTO is still a great car for muscle car enthusiasts on a budget.