Fastest Street-Legal Muscle Cars Under $40k

The fantasy of owning a blisteringly fast, heavyweight, American-made muscle car doesn’t have to exist only in your daydreams. It’s not out of the realm of possibility to find one of these fast cars on sale for under $40,000 or even $30,000. In fact, a lot of new sports cars have price tags within that range these days, so owning one isn’t exactly an “in my wildest dreams” scenario.

Live a little, eh? Here are a few of the fastest and most affordable muscle cars that you can buy legally for less than $40k.

2021 Dodge Challenger SXT

If price is your biggest motivator, look into the Challenger. Starting under $30k ($29,065 MSRP), the new Dodge Challenger is one of the best, fastest, and most affordable cars in its segment.

The entry-level SXT line is fitted with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 under its hood, which makes 303 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. With a top speed of 148 mph, the SXT Challenger can break 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and run a quarter-mile drag in 15 seconds on the nose.

2021 Dodge Challenger R/T

A blissfully raucous 5.7L HEMI V8 motivates the new Dodge Challenger R/T. Churning 375 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, the R/T Challenger puts you in charge of your destiny – literally, as it’s one of the few new muscle cars with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Its top speed is approximately 161 mph. In a drag, it can cross a line in 13.5 seconds, though hitting 60 mph takes only 5.1 seconds. The Challenger is just as fast as models like the Ford Mustang, and is usually cheaper to buy and own. It’s a no-brainer.

Shop new Dodge Challengers for sale in Birmingham.

2021 Dodge Charger SXT

The newest 2021 Dodge Charger is an instant classic, and it’s pretty cheap to buy, all things considered.

Base Dodge Charger SXT models are priced starting at around $30,755 and come with a standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 that makes 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. On a flat track, the 2021 Charger RWD can reach 60 mph in approximately 6.4 seconds and cross a quarter-mile in under 15 seconds. Its top speed is about 196 mph.

According to a recent survey conducted by iseecars.com, the Dodge Charger was also viewed as the most reliable American muscle car in the country. The Charger represents one of the best-used muscle car values, too, with a pre-owned price of 2017-18 Chargers averaging under $30,000. You may also be able to find 2013 Dodge Chargers and other used sports cars for under $15k in some regions, per their report.

2021 Dodge Charger R/T

The Charger R/T makes a big leap over its SXT brother, offering a beefier 5.7L HEMI V8 engine that makes 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. From a standstill, the 2021 RWD Dodge Charger R/T breaks 60 mph in about 5.0 seconds and chugs through a quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds, give or take a nano. Its top speed, as indicated by its speedometer, is 160 mph.

You can buy a new Dodge Charger R/T for about $37,755, excluding delivery and other fees, at a Dodge dealership near you.

2021 Chrysler 300S

Stickered at $38,490 MSRP, the new Chrysler 300S V6 sedan is equal parts luxury and performance. It comes with a standard 3.6L Pentastar VVT V6 engine that melts through 300 horsepower at a 264 lb-ft clip (that’s torque if you couldn’t guess). With rear-wheel drive, the 300S can split the 0-60 mark in 6.5 seconds, and it earns a 15-second standing ¼-mile time. The speedometer maxes out at about 160 mph, much like the Dodge Charger R/T.

Sure, it’s seen as more of a luxury sedan, but the 300S has muscle car DNA – and you can feel it when you stomp on that accelerator. View our Chrysler 300 sedans for sale in Birmingham.

Find Your Dream Car at Jim Burke CDJR

Need help finding an inexpensive sports car near Hoover? Visit Jim Burke Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM at 1409 5th Avenue North in Birmingham, AL. We have excellent deals on new and used fast cars for sale, including the Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger. Give our Birmingham auto dealership a call at (205) 502-2772 to request a quote or test drive today!