For no more than $40k which of the muscle cars is the best?

"LJ909" (lj909) 09/24/2019 at 11:13 • Filed to: Muscle Cars

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All 3 of the American muscle cars offer some of the best bang for your buck on the planet, offering supercar levels of performance only dreamed of just 15-20 years ago. But what if you don’t have the money to spring for that Hellcat, Shelby or ZL1? Well if you have $40k to spend, you can get some serious performance. Here’s how the 3 stack up to one another with a maximum price of $40,000. Keep in mind this is just MSRP’s. Dealers have these models for way less. More on that below.

Mustang: First up, the Mustang. Recently redesigned, the price for the Mustang went up as well. You can go 3 ways to get the Mustang to $40k. But you have to be careful because pricing rises fast.

If you want 4 cylinder power, then you can go Ecoboost. Ecoboost Premium trimmed Mustangs start at $33,425. You can choose between 10 exterior colors, 8 of which are no cost (Rapid Red is $395; Twister Orange is $495); 4 tape strip colors 2 of which are $995 and one $895 and require the Pony package; a Black painted roof on every color but Black of course for $995 but it requires the Black Accent package; 2 racing stripes in Black or White for $475 each and 3 colors of hood and side stripes. But those are part of the recently introduced Ecoboost Performance Package. Just by adding on the Pony Package for instance, you’re already at nearly $35k. This is before any performance options. I kept it simple with Black, no stripes.

Other than that, the Mustang hits $40k quickly. Selecting the Ecoboost Performance Package and $1,995 10 speed auto, you’re looking at $40,015. Keep the manual, and you have almost no wiggle room to add on anything else as the price drops to $38,420. If you go that route with the Performance Pack and the manual, you have room to add on option package 201A that includes:

•12" LCD Digital Instrument Cluster with MyColor®

•Heated Steering Wheel

•Premier Trim with Color Accent Group

•Accent Stitched Center Console Lid, Wrapped Knee Bolsters with Accent Stitch, and Shifter Boot

•Premium Floor Mats with Accent Stitch

•Color-accented Leather-trimmed Seats

•Linked Graphite Aluminum Instrument Panel

•Unique Color-accented Door Trim

•Wrapped Center Console with Accent Stitch

•Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System with Pinch-to-Zoom Capability, SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link®

•BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert

•Memory Driver Seat (3 settings) and Mirrors

The price jumps to $40,620. You can’t select anything else with $40k being the limit as it’ll either conflict with selected options or push the price even higher.

The Ecoboost Convertible hits $40k even quicker. A base Ecoboost Convertible starts at $33,910. Just by adding on the high performance package and no other options you’re $38,095 with the manual. Add the 10 speed auto and you hit $40,500. It gets worse if you go Ecoboost Premium Convertible. You can’t add the high performance package if you select this trim as the $38,925 base price of the Premium + the high performance package pushes the price to $43,920. You can add the 10 speed auto and it’ll be $40,520. Keep the manual and you can add on things like the Black Accent pack ($39,920), or the Pony Package ($100 less at $39,820), or the Wheel And stripe package….well you get the idea. You cant add on any performance bits. Just appearance packages and the price will stay at or under $40k. You can even go the Carbon Sport interior package. Other than that the way to go is base Ecoboost Convertible and the performance package for $38,905. Also keep in mind that for a $40k budget, you can’t get a V8 Mustang Convertible as there is no base GT convertible. Its base Convertible, Ecoboost Premium and then it jumps to GT Premium and that starts at $45,130.

Some, like myself might say you might as well get the V8. Speaking of which….

The only way to not go over $40 grand and have some wiggle room for options is with the base GT fastback. It starts at $37,370. You can add on the 10 speed auto and option package 301A which adds things like a 9 speaker stereo, dual zone climate control etc. The price goes $40,965. Pretty much any way you go about it, you can’t add on anything performance wise without cresting $40k with the GT.

As far as the Mustang is concerned, it gets pricey fast. The better way to go might be the Ecoboost fastback, as you have room to add on the performance package. Stick with the V8 and you will have a V8 that looks and sounds good, but it might not have that extra performance you’re looking for.

Camaro: The Camaro is just cheaper all around on the base pricing front. Base coupes start at $25,995 and convertibles $32,495. If I wrote all the ways you can option it up to $40k this piece would be all about the Camaro.. Pricing for the Camaro from base 1LS to 1SS range from $25,995-$35,590. Stick with the base model and you can add all the customization pieces to make it your own, from stripes, interior color pieces etc. But you wont get any performance.

The good thing about the Camaro though is that you can get the excellent 1LE Track Package for under $32k. A no optioned 4 cylinder Camaro 1LT with the 1LE package is just $30,495. And if the myriad number of customization options the Camaro has didn’t conflict with the 1LE package, you would have a lot of room to make it your own(Good luck finding a 1LE on a lot though. I found 16 in the entire country). You can even add Recaro seats and still be under $35 grand. Pretty much any sub SS model is a performance bargain. With that being said lets focus on the SS.

Camaro 1SS starts at $37,995 for the manual; $39,590 with the 8 speed auto. Being this close to $40k though you can only add on a few cosmetic options. The 1LE package is $7k. And while GM was smart and allows you to just have the suspension bits from the 1LE package in its own separate package called 1LE spec suspension package, its $1,970 and requires you add on an additional $3,665 for Magnetic Ride Control. That would push the price to $41,160, above our limit. All in a 1SS manual is $37,495; $39,090 with the auto and no options ($38,090 with GM’s current cash allowence).

If you go the Camaro Convertible route, you have to stick to just the 4 or 6 cylinder engines as the base SS convertible starts at $43,995. And unlike the Mustang, you can’t get the 1LE package on any trim of the convertible.

For the Camaro it looks like its the one to get over the Mustang if you want a bargain. But the recent design hasn’t been welcomed with open arms. But if you can get past the looks the 1LE is hard to ignore.

Challenger : The Challenger, like the other 2, can be had on multiple fronts under $40k. If you want all show and no go, there’s the base SXT trim with the V6. An SXT can be optioned to look pretty good with Dodge’s Blacktop package and red interior. And you’ll still be under $35k. I loaded out an SXT Challenger and got it to $32,265.

One big advantage the Challenger has over the competition is the fact that it can be had with AWD. The Challenger GT starts out where a fully loaded SXT ends. It starts at $32,440. But like the Mustang, it can head toward $40k fast. Load it out with things like the Blacktop package, Nappa leather/Alcantara performance seats in red, power sunroof and 19” black wheels and you’re looking at $40,410. Not worth it considering that leaps both R/T and Scat Pack pricing. And with V6 and AWD along with no performance package to speak of, it’s not worth it at that price when you can’t take advantage of the performance with how big the car is. But it is one of the few ways you can get a V6 and AWD in a coupe.

But its a muscle car. So what about the V8’s? Well with the Challenger, despite its wide array of V8 power, you can only go 2 ways to keep it under $40 grand and still have a V8. Its either standard R/T or Scat Pack. And pricing rises fast. A Challenger R/T starts at $36,040. Just adding $1,095 20” black wheels ( one of six 20” options and the only one that doesn’t require an option package) and performance seats pushes the price over our $40k max to $41,430. And on the R/T, along with a number of stripe and old school graphics options, you can also choose from 2 performance packages. If you want performance and some goodies, for $39,926 you can get an 8” Uconnect screen, a power sunroof , Performance Handling package and rear seat delete and be just under $40k.

You have to tread lightly with the Scat Pack however. Starting at $36,890 You can only select the Dynamics Package or 2 other appearance packages as anything else would push the price way over. With the Dynamics Pack and red brake calipers its $39,585. You can keep it up under $40 grand though if all show and no go is your game. But you still have to be careful.

You can choose either the Brass Monkey pack ($39,424) or the Shaker Pack ($39,885) and still be right under $40k. Any way you cut it prices rise fast.

Out of the 3 though, honestly, it looks like the Camaro might be the best bargain out of the bunch. Especially with GM’s willingness to move them due to its slow sales and 3rd places position on the sales charts. This also points to the fact that the prices here don’t reflect dealer pricing. Keep in mind the examples I’m about to go over are from dealers in my area but I’m sure where you live pricing is similar or lower. I’ve touched on the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! recently so there’s no reason to go over it again.

The Challenger can be had for cheap. SXT’s are practically given away. Granted it may be rental spec but thats enough for some people. You can find them all day for compact car money.

Challenger R/Ts can be found with thousands off. Here we see just a few with $8-10k off. And that can probably get even lower if you negotiate. What’s more surprising but makes sense is that a lot of the cheap ones are manual. And they are cheap most likely because no one wants them. But autos are cheap too.

Scat Packs look like they will be the best bang for your buck as most if not all look to have at least $10k off sticker. (Over $40k but an honorable mention here is that the new Scat Pack Widebody is already discounted as well.)

With the Mustang, it looks like the deals to be had are on the base Ecoboost fastbacks of course. You can find them all day for Fusion money.

If you want the previous Ecoboost performance package, the one without the engine from the RS, they can be found discounted too like this example.

Only $29,332.

It gets hard to consider the Ecoboost, even with the performance pack, when you see how cheap the GT can be. These examples show you can easily find a GT under $32k if you look hard enough. If you don’t want to go spartan though, even the Performance Pack equipped GT can be found discounted.

This example, at a local dealer in Long Beach, has a GT with the Performance Pack for $37,565. MSRP on this one is $43,435.

I t’s also worth mentioning though that on both the Camaro and Mustang, dealers aren’t too inclined to discount convertible models. From my search, Ecoboost convertibles still command the mid to high $30’s. And that’s for base models. Premium models close in on $40k. But again if you like to hassle you may get them to come down a bit.

Camaro convertibles are cheaper in 4 cylinder guise, as you can find those discounted to the low $30’s, while V6 models range from $34-37k. SS convertibles are a whole other story as the MSRP on them is usually over $50k, so their discounts take them to the mid $40’s. Also dealers don’t stock many convertibles period. I found 58 Camaro convertibles (10 I4, 16 V6 and 30 V8) within 100 miles of me, while there are almost 800 coupes.

There you have it though. You have a myriad number of options if you have $40k to spend on a muscle car. From spartan just want to look good base models, to models equipped with performance or handling packages you can choose your poison and not have it break the bank. Which do you guys think is the best for no more than $40k?

UggaDuggaForAll > LJ909 09/24/2019 at 12:14

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Challenger Scat Pack (manual) is my choice, and more than likely will be my next car in a year or two when my Crown Vic goes to my kid. It is the only one of the 3 cars mentioned that can comfortably seat 4 adults and it is much more ‘true’ to the pony cars of yesteryear than the Mustang or Camaro. None are bad choices, but the Challenger fits my wants and needs.

Would prefer a Charger Scat Pack with a manual, but FCA says nope.

LJ909 > UggaDuggaForAll 09/24/2019 at 12:25

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Thats my thinking as well. Its the only one that has the room to make it livable on a daily basis. Its a cruise missile in the best sense.

Pickup_man > LJ909 09/24/2019 at 12:42

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All I really read is that I can get a Scat Pack Challenger within your rules, so that’s my choice. The Mustang and Camaro are probably better performing cars, but all I want is big ol’ gobs of torque, V8 noise, and a stick, in a big comfy highway bomber with a big enough rear seat for my kid. Kinda hard to beat the C hallenger in that regard.

LJ909 > Pickup_man 09/24/2019 at 12:46

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True. The Challenger is the best out of the 3 because, like I mentioned to someone else, it’s a cruiser in the best sense. Room that you can live with everyday plus nearly 500 horses in the Scat Pack. 

Discerning > LJ909 09/24/2019 at 12:56

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Unless you don't need a back seat and handling comes before comfort on your list. Which is why my money would go to GM or Ford. 

Discerning > LJ909 09/24/2019 at 13:01

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I don’t have a need for a back seat and never will. Our hauler handles that duty. Comfort has also never been a major concern for me.

My moneybwouod go to the Mustang or Camaro. Camaro has the best chassis but I like the engine in the mustang more. Camaro has worse visibility but the mustang feels really big from behind the wheel.

Used C7 it is then I guess 

LJ909 > Discerning 09/24/2019 at 13:05

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If that’s the case then it’s Camaro. It’s the most sports car like of the 3. That Alpha platform is fantastic in performance and handling.  

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > LJ909 09/24/2019 at 14:21

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Twister Orange, Ecoboost, Convertible with 2.3 High Performance Package.

Comes out to 39,400

LJ909 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 09/24/2019 at 14:23

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That’s not bad at all especially for fun in the sun driving.  

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > LJ909 09/24/2019 at 14:43

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Top down driving is, in my opinion, the best way to enjoy driving, unless you’re on a dirt road playing rally driver. Even then a vert can fill the part.

LJ909 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 09/24/2019 at 14:47

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Yes. It makes me sad there aren’t more convertibles on the market. And that the ones that are (aside from the Mustang and Camaro of course)  for the most part are for the well off.

Discerning > LJ909 09/24/2019 at 15:19

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I do love the alpha chassis. If GM would just improve the visibility and styling then I would be completely sold.

C7 seems to check all the boxes but I actually felt like the Camaro was more planted and solid. Maybe it was the unibody vs targa body on frame.

QCGoose > LJ909 09/24/2019 at 15:27

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Been researching for a leisure car all year and it’s come down to the Mustang for me. The Challenger, on top of being the boat that it is, is a non-starter . Other than the Viper, we’re fed up with Chrysler’s typical shoddy products.

The Camaro, while having the best chassis and being the slightly- better driver’s car, was just a letdown everywhere else and isn’t a car I’d wanna live with anywhere else but the track. Granted, this is just gonna be a weekend car for me and occasionally having the wife and boys with, but still.

Which leeaves the Mustang. It does everything well and just felt altogether more enjoyable than the Camaro. I know exactly what I want, and haven’t been able to find what I want with any dealer-stocked ‘19s all year so unless the right ‘20 turns up online within the next two months, I’m probably just gonna put in an order over the winter so it comes in around late spring. GT Coupe, likely Premium trim because I want the Recaro seats so 400A options group , manual, Velocity Blue, Performace Pack 1, active exhaust, and Magna-ride dampers.

Going back to the Chrysler remark, one of my dream cars is a ‘99-’02 GTS Coupe, which I’ve found quite a few all year for less than what the Mustang is gonna cost me, but my wife isn’t completely onboard unless I compromise on something with rear seats, so that leads me to the pony cars. I don’t feel like nearly $50k for a Mustang GT is a good value, but if it isn’ta Viper, it’s the next thing to exactly what I’d want.

*sigh* Marriage...

LJ909 > QCGoose 09/24/2019 at 15:36

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That’s my conclusion as well. The Challenger wpupd be my choice but long term Chrysler quality? I don’t think I wanna deal with that 8-10 years down the line. Not to mention I’ve seen videos of people with brand new Chargers/Challengers with shoddy builds. I’ll fitting tail lamps, sunroofs that don’t completely open etc. It’s unacceptable. And some people are willing to put up with it being they look cool and are powerful. I’m not.

The Camaro really is a sports car now and in alot of ways it’s a sports car in the worst sense. I think that’s where the tired feeling I got came from when I had my sister’s RS Convertible for a few days.

The Mustang pretty much a better all around version of what the 2 others don’t do well. I hope you find the right one you’re looking for. Dealers should be willing to negotiate as well.

And yes sadly women control everything whether we want to admit it or not.  A Viper is a boyhood dream. But women always have to be rational.  My girl for instance wants a Lexus RX as our next car. I’m trying not to let that happen.  

pip bip - choose Corrour > LJ909 09/25/2019 at 04:10

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Dodge.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > LJ909 09/25/2019 at 07:29

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When the choice is between 2 Sports cars and a Muscle car there is only one answer: Challenger.

IMO the Camaro/Mustang have long since shifted into Sports car territory, while the Challenger has remained firmly in Muscle territory.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Discerning 09/25/2019 at 07:30

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Considering the Challenger offers decent handling and  comfort, why give up either?

Discerning > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 09/25/2019 at 07:50

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Because the challengers handling doesn’t come close to the other two. It doesn’t even come close to the c5z I owned.

I’d rather have superb handling and mediocre comfort than decent handling and comfort. If I need comfort, I'll drive the truck or the pilot. 

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Discerning 09/25/2019 at 10:08

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Because the Challenger isn’t a Sports car like the other 2 have shifted into, it stayed true to it’s Muscle roots.

Expecting a Muscle car to handle like a Sports car is just absurd IMO.

Discerning > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 09/25/2019 at 10:34

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But I was describing a situation where handling is your biggest concern and comfort is irrelevant. And in that situation, the other two are significantly better than the challenger. Doesn’t matter what sort of car it is. Just matters what your wants are and in this case the only want is handling and the only options include three pony cars.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Discerning 09/25/2019 at 12:19

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False, I see 2 Sports (call them Pony if you like) and a Muscle car.

When you’re supposed to pick the best Muscle car, there is only one option.

Quite frankly, the other 2 aren’t “significantly” better, the Challenger only gives up 2 seconds to the others around Willow Springs, which frankly could likely be made up with better tires. Really want to lay it out truthfully, the Challenger offers more handling prowess than anyone cross shopping these cars will ever need anyway.

Discerning > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 09/25/2019 at 12:40

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Cool. I’ll take the sports cars then. Zero interest in the muscle car. Since the original post included two sports cars and a muscle car then I suppose the choice was made even easier for me!

I tracked my C5Z and hit the autocross a few times. The challenger's handling was disappointing. Camaro felt planted and had great feedback. Mustang was OK, though it felt kind of big.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Discerning 09/25/2019 at 12:49

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Different strokes.

I like the Challenger’s handling when in track mode. Sport mode is kinda soft/wallowy, but track feels responsive and glued no matter how much throttle is poured on.

I found the Mustang to be overly twitchy, while the Camaro was too eager to get the rear end out.