10 Affordable Cars That Will School A Dodge Challenger In A Race

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10 2016 Volkswagen Golf R

$18,800 Average Price

A front 3/4 shot of a Volkswagen Golf R

The Volkswagen Golf R was the most potent seventh-generation Golf. It featured a 2.0-liter turbo engine from an Audi S3 that put out 290 horsepower, getting the hot-hatch from a stop to 60 MPH in 4.5 seconds. The 2016 Golf R got rid of a quarter mile in 13.1 seconds at just under 105 MPH. The powerful engine rendered insignificant the added weight of the AWD system.

Specs and Features

The Golf GTi was already a favorite for many enthusiasts due to its drivability and handling. With the added power of the R, the Golf became even more desirable.

9 2017 Nissan 370Z

$18,000 Average Price

A front 3/4 outdoor shot of a 2012 Nissan 370Z driving on a race track

Nissan’s failure to significantly upgrade the 370Z after its introduction in 2009 meant that by 2017, the successor to the 350Z was falling behind its competitors in terms of technological advancement. Regardless, the old-timer could still keep up with the competition on the track. The nimble and lightweight 370Z was at its happiest through corners – and it wasn’t too shabby on a straight line either.

Specs and Features

Thanks to a 332-horsepower V-6 engine, the 370Z roared from zero to 60 MPH in 5.2 seconds. It dispensed a quarter mile in 13.7 seconds. Despite the 370Z having the transmission and engine from the previous models, it was a tad slower than its predecessors. Nevertheless, the 2017 Nissan 370Z can smoke a Dodge Challenger in a race on straights and through corners.

8 2005 Chrysler 300 SRT8

$16,500 Average Price

3/4 front view 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8

The Chrysler 300 was designed to succeed the 300M and the Concorde. The 300 was essentially a Mercedes built on a Chrysler LX platform. Chrysler’s engineers used a design philosophy inspired by the E-Class and sourced components from Mercedes, including suspension parts, the V-6 diesel engine used in overseas markets, the transmission, driveshaft components, and a lot more.

Specs and Features

Chrysler’s SRT division was responsible for creating a high-performance version of the base Chrysler 300 – and it delivered. The SRT-8 variant was the most powerful Chrysler 300, featuring a monstrous 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 producing 425 horsepower. It allowed the bulky Chrysler 300 from a dead stop to 60 MPH in an impressive 4.9 seconds. The 2005 SRT8 was considerably cheaper than its competitors back then, prompting one of its executives to brag that it trumped the competition in terms of performance and value.

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7 2009 Audi S8

$20,000 Average Price

Side and front view of a 2007 Audi S8

The Audi S8, a sportier version of the A8, featured a V-10 engine derived from a Lamborghini Gallardo. Though de-tuned to produce 50 fewer horsepower, it was enough to launch the 2009 Audi S8 from a dead stop to 60 MPH in 4.9 seconds. The vehicle’s top speed was electronically capped at 155 MPH. The 2009 model featured minor changes from the previous model, including keyless ignition and an improved parking assist system.

Specs and Features

In the 2000s, Audi’s S line lagged behind BMW’s M and Mercedes AMG. However, vehicles like the S8 showed that Audi could compete with its more illustrious German counterparts in the performance luxury sedan sector. It was powerful and luxurious enough to keep up with the pacesetters.

6 2011 Ford Mustang GT Coupe

$16,000 Average Price

Front 3/4 shot of a parked 2011 Ford Mustang GT

The 5.0-liter V-8 powering the 2011 Ford Mustang GT Coupe was by far the vehicle’s most impressive component. It blasted the Mustang GT from zero to 60 MPH in 4.6 seconds. Unlike previous engines that flamed out shortly after take-off, the monster V-8 delivered power consistently, hurtling the pony car past the quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds at 109 MPH.

Specs and Features

Further, the 2011 Mustang GT featured a revised suspension tuning, which improved cornering, responsive electric power steering, and larger brakes. Combined with the exterior and interior upgrades introduced in 2010, the 2011 Ford Mustang GT Coupe was head and shoulders above the rest. Also, that aluminum-constructed V-8 produced a truly melodic tune.

5 2006 Mercedes SLK55 AMG

$14,000 Average Price

Front shot of a parked 2005 Mercedes SLK55 AMG

The 2006 Mercedes SLK55 AMG was, at the time, AMG’s least-powerful model, but you couldn’t tell considering how fast the sports car accelerated. Its V-8 produced 355 horsepower, barreling the car from zero to 60 MPH in a little under 4.3 seconds. The 2006 SLK55 AMG ate up a quarter mile in 12.7 seconds at 111 mph.

Specs and Features

The SLK55 AMG left its rivals with more power trailing in its dust thanks to its seven-speed transmission, which Mercedes introduced in 2004. The 355-horsepower engine and the seven-speed transmission worked together to produce strong and relentless acceleration. Mercedes’ 2006 SLK55 was a standout car – and for a fraction of its original value, you can use it to school a Dodge Challenger.

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4 2005 Mercedes CL55 AMG

$12,250 Average Price

Side profile shot of a parked 2003 Mercedes CL55 AMG

The second-generation CL-Class Mercs were based on the fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The CL55, though stylish, was unremarkable, largely due to its feeble 5.4-liter V-8. In 2002, AMG breathed life into the CL55, installing a supercharger that added 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet. Consequently, the car’s zero to 60 MPH time dropped from six to 4.8 seconds.

Specs and Features

The CL55 also featured a reworked exterior: AMG installed a new body kit and a subtle lip spoiler, giving the vehicle an aggressive and sporty look. Further, AMG added paddle shifters to facilitate manual gear changes.

3 2008 BMW 550i

$12,000 Average Price

Front 3/4 shot of a parked 2003-2010 BMW 550i

The 2008 BMW 550i’s engine backed up the vehicle’s aggressive looks. The smooth 4.8-liter V-8 churned out 360 horsepower, zooming the car from zero to 60 MPH in 4.8 seconds. BMW’s 550i was also decent at cornering, thanks to its responsive steering and a superbly engineered chassis.

Specs and Features

The 2008 BMW 550i’s speed and looks were just about its only strong points. The vehicle’s drawbacks included a harsh ride, and uncomfortable front seats. Its performance in the real world notwithstanding, the 2008 BMW 550i was an excellent performance sedan.

2 2003 Audi RS 6

$12,000 Average Price

Front 3/4 shot of a 2002 Audi RS 6 driving

To produce a vehicle capable of going toe to toe with the BMW M5 and the Mercedes E55 AMG, Audi turned to Quattro GmbH (now Audi Sport GmbH). Audi’s high-performance vehicle manufacturing subsidiary added two turbos to the V-8 from the A8, increasing the engine’s power from 300 horsepower to 450 horsepower.

Specs and Features

The mammoth engine sent that power to all wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission, launching the 2003 Audi RS 6 from a dead halt to 60 MPH in 4.6 seconds, beating the E55 AMG and the M5’s acceleration times. Further, the Audi RS 6’s easy-to-drive nature allowed drivers to push to the limit without fear of ending up in a hedge.

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1 2006 Maserati Coupe

$11,000 Average Price

Front 3/4 photo of a parked 2005 Maserati Coupe

The 2006 Maserati Coupe featured a 390-horsepower 4.2-liter engine borrowed from Ferrari. It launched the vehicle from zero to 60 MPH in under five seconds and on to a peak speed of 177 MPH. The optional Cambiocorsa (racing gearbox) gearbox facilitated rapid shifting, enhancing acceleration. Ferrari’s automated-clutch manual transmission was inspired by the manufacturer’s F1 vehicles.

Specs and Features

The Maserati was rapid but lacked the modern design features and gadgets in competing vehicles. Nevertheless, the car was superbly crafted. As you speed away from the Dodge Challenger, the losing driver should draw comfort in marveling at Giorgetto Giugiaro’s masterful design work.