The eighth-generation Corvette is an extremely appealing sports car. In my over 15 years as an automotive writer, I’ve driven multiple versions of the standard C8, both on the street and on the racetrack. Every single one has been impressive. I can personally vouch for their high handling limits, astonishing straight-line performance, and highly livable daily-driving characteristics. The big power from the standard 6.2-liter V8 offers plenty of gusto, and the available Z06 and ZR1 models, with their even higher horsepower ratings, redefine the concept of speed. However, all that performance comes with a high price.
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A base-model 2025 Corvette Stingray 1LT is a relative performance bargain within its class, yet it starts at a hefty $69,995 (including $1,695 destination fee). The hybrid-powered Corvette E-Ray starts at $108,595, and owning a Corvette powered by the screaming 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 under the hood of the Z06 will cost at least $116,795. The expected price for the new ZR1 is well into the six-figures, with some estimates reaching $200,000. Comparatively, as of July 2024, the average price of a new vehicle in the United States was just over $48,000. That’s a significant gap from the $70-200k range. With these numbers in mind, let’s explore some lively, engaging vehicles that could give you a taste of the Corvette experience without such a hefty price tag, whether new or used.
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Mid-engine performance via the Porsche Cayman
The current 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman has a base MSRP of $74,795 (including $1,995 destination fee), which is slightly more than the base trim level of the C8 Corvette. Hence, a new one isn’t exactly an affordable alternative. Fortunately, many prior versions of the Cayman are available in the used market for significantly less money. The first Cayman was launched in 2006, so used models go back quite a way with impressive performance across multiple variants.
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Based on the Porsche Boxster convertible, the Cayman was the hardtop version of the two-seater sports car. Like the current C8 Corvette, the Cayman is a mid-engine sports car powered by rear-wheel drive, so consider those boxes ticked. On auction websites like Cars and Bids, early Caymans (known as the 987.1) in decent condition range from about $15,000 to $20,000. Later models like the 987.2 (2009-2012) and the 981 (2014-2016) sell for a bit more but still offer impressive performance for the money, ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for one in good condition. Power and performance vary depending on the year, but there are plenty of excellent six-cylinder engine choices and some spicy four-cylinder powerplants to enjoy.
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Muscle car vibes from the sixth-generation Camaro
Although Chevy has discontinued the Camaro, there are still plenty of used ones available. The sixth-generation Camaro was produced from 2016 to 2024, offering many good models within that timeframe, some of which were powered by big, burly V8s. Base power came from turbocharged four-cylinder engines and a V6, but the V8 was the best fit for the Camaro’s personality. The 2016 SS models featured a 6.2-liter V8 producing 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission. Eventually, even higher-performance versions, including the 1LE performance package and ZL1, upped the ante significantly.
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The ZL1 used a supercharged version of the 6.2-liter V8, putting out a formidable 640 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque — that’s over 200 horsepower more than the standard C8 Corvette and nearly as much as the Z06’s 670 horses. Although the Camaro is a 2+2 muscle car with a back seat, in practice, it’s best treated as a two-seater due to limited space. Prices for used sixth-gen Camaros range from $15,000 to $80,000, but relatively low-mileage ZL1’s have recently sold in the $50,000 to $60,000 range, with Camaro SS models even lower.
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Gasp: a Ford Mustang!
With the discontinuation of the Camaro and the Challenger, the current Ford Mustang is the only muscle car left from the Big Three (Chevy, Dodge, and Ford). Even if it weren’t in a class of one, the Mustang would still be an excellent choice. Prices for new Mustangs range from around $32,000 to $70,000, with a sweet spot in the middle, the GT. The 2025 Mustang GT starts at $45,560 (plus $1,595 destination fee) and offers a 5.0-liter V8 under the hood, standard six-speed manual, limited-slip differential, and excellent driving characteristics. The V8 produces 486 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque, enough to satisfy most enthusiasts, and its exhaust note is iconic.
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My grandfather, a Chevrolet service manager for decades, used to say, “There’s a four-letter word that starts with ‘F’ that you don’t say in front of your mother: it’s Ford.” So, recommending a Ford Mustang as an affordable alternative to the Corvette might seem sacrilegious? Probably. Yet, I’m doing it anyway. The current Mustang is agile and sporty, but comfortable enough for daily driving or long road trips. It’s excellent and well-rounded, with a high enjoyability factor for quick driving, like the Corvette.
A bit of GM luxury and a 6.2-liter V8: the Cadillac CTS-V
If you’re after some Corvette power mixed with luxury and space, the Cadillac CTS-V should be on your list. The CTS-V came in various configurations, including a two-door coupe, sedan, and wagon. The second generation of the CTS-V is your best bet as an affordable C8 alternative. Although third-generation models have more horsepower, they’re still pricey, ranging from $50,000 to $75,000.
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The second-gen CTS-V, available from 2009 to 2015, ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 depending on condition, making it much more affordable. Its supercharged 6.2-liter V8, known as the LSA, is a modified version of the LS9 engine from the Corvette ZR1 of those days, producing 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque. Packed in a luxury vehicle, it came standard with a six-speed manual. Although I don’t love some user interfaces from Cadillacs of this era, it seems a small price for such powerful V8 performance in a luxury package.
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Getting the fleur-de-lis for less money with previous-generation Corvettes
Previous-generation Corvettes offer excellent performance value. The C7 gets closest to the C8, with modern cabin touches and impressive performance from available engines. Like the current Corvette, the C7 is all about V8 power. Back in 2014, the base C7 LT1 V8 produced 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, just shy of today’s base Stingray numbers. Currently, used C7 Corvette prices are quite reasonable, with several models recently selling between $25,000 and $35,000 on Cars and Bids. Low-mileage ones range from $40,000 to $50,000, still an impressive deal.
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Having tested numerous C7 Corvettes, I can confirm their comfort, performance, and high fun factor. They also feel like a pivotal part of Corvette history, representing the last model with a front-engine-rear-drive setup. Fun fact: the badge on the C8 Corvette traces back to the original 1953 Vette badge. Though missing for a few years during the fourth generation, the fleur-de-lis returned on the C5 and remains today. C7 Corvettes carry that badge too, making them a welcome sight at your local meets.
Toyota GR Supra: a smaller sports car experience
Though lacking a V8, the Toyota GR Supra offers serious performance with an engaging ride for a price much lower than a C8 Corvette. Under its 2025 hood is a turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine delivering 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque — substantial numbers for such a compact car. Earlier models offered four-cylinder engines, but we recommend sticking with the inline-six for any Corvette-replacement experience.
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Behind the wheel of the GR Supra, there are plenty of thrills. Driving it quickly feels natural, thanks to the available six-speed manual transmission, which shifts smoothly. Its steering is responsive and engaging, giving a clear sense of wheel position on a curved road. I’ve always found the GR Supra special; every time at a parking spot, there seems something new to admire about its design. New GR Supra prices range from $56,250 to $59,400 (plus destination and fees), not exactly budget-friendly, but used models should save significantly compared to a C8.
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