Forget the Mustang – These Sports Cars Deliver Better Performance and Value

The Ford Mustang has been the highest-selling sports car in America for at least the past decade — and the numbers Ford recently released show that there’s no sign of stopping. Ford Motor Company reported a 17% retail sales gain in Q4 of 2024 alone, with a 6% full-year retail sales gain. And this is no doubt at least in part due to Mustang sales. Ford also reported that the company sold over 16,000 models of the Mustang Mach-E, an electric version of the traditional Mustang, in Q4 alone. The Ford Mustang has long been lauded for its design, customizability, and performance. Yet as the car market continues to develop, other brands are developing modern alternatives that stack up against the Ford Mustang. All of a sudden, the best sports car to buy may not be the one you’re thinking of. (Driving over 300 mph, this luxury sports car is a speed demon’s dream.)

When looking at Ford as a whole, we no longer ascribe to the idea that Ford stands for “Fixed Or Repaired Daily.” But the fact of the matter is that the Mustang isn’t perfect. For many years, Ford allowed the interiors of its vehicles, specifically its infotainment system, to fall by the wayside while its competitors made continuous improvements. Unfortunately, not everything stands out for the Mustang as it did in the past, as rivals have caught up in a big way. Here, 24/7 Wall St. identified the sports cars that outperform the Ford Mustang. To understand which sports cars you should buy instead of the Ford Mustang, we looked at Car and Driver, various sales and review websites, and forums such as Reddit. We listed the cars in no particular order.

Why We’re Discussing Sports Cars

Spending thousands of dollars on a sports car requires looking beyond the allure of brand names or the dreams of a Mustang you might’ve had as a child. The Mustang undoubtedly has a reputation in the automotive industry, and one that often brings new customers to car dealerships in search of their next ride.

But many competitors offer superior engineering and unique capabilities that outrank what the Mustang can offer — and often at a less premium price tag. Understanding the sports car market not only tells you more about investing in Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) should you be interested, but also helps you make an informed decision if you’re in the market for a new vehicle.

Here are the 10 sports cars you should drive instead of a Mustang: 

10. Lexus RC F

• Price: starting at $68,320
• Horsepower: 472
• 0-60: 4.2 seconds
• Warranty: 4-year, 50,000 mile basic

Lexus Beauty

The Lexus RC F is the one proper luxury option on this list. You can’t overlook the Lexus interior, which is arguably a best-in-class luxury experience, versus the colder, albeit improved interior of the Mustang. One final thought is that the Lexus wasn’t built for cargo space and has a top-speed limit, which the Mustang doesn’t, but it’s easy to overlook with the Lexus’ comfortable leather seats.

9. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

• Price: starting at $68,300
• Horsepower: 490 – 670
• 0-60: 2.7 – 2.9 seconds
• Warranty: 3-year, 36,000 mile basic

Chevy Power

The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray admittedly has a starting price well above the Mustang. But if you can look past that part, the Mustang can’t compete with the Corvette on looks, 0-60 time, and overall performance. The Mustang might be a better daily driver, but the Corvette will have eyes turning when you pull up to a restaurant or charity event.

8. Tesla Model 3 Performance

• Price: starting at $42,490
• Horsepower: 510
• 0-60: 2.9 seconds
• Warranty: 4-year, 50,000 mile basic

Electric Excellence

It’s hard to argue that the Tesla Model 3 Performance is a “sports” car, but it performs like one. With a 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds, the Tesla outperforms every Mustang on the road today. Even the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which offers a better infotainment experience than the gas-engine Ford, can’t keep up with the Tesla Model 3 Performance rocket-like acceleration, range, and Full Self Driving.

7. Kia Stinger GT

• Price: starting at $54,565
• Horsepower: 300
• 0-60: 4.7 seconds
• Warranty: 5-year, 60,000 mile basic

Gone But Not Forgotten

While discontinued in 2025, the Kia Stinger GT was a more practical everyday driver than the Mustang as a four-door sedan. Even though we wouldn’t say that this car has an altogether family-friendly design, the Kia Stinger GT is the more sensible choice for any family with more than two people who want something fun to drive. The Kia has vastly more standard features, a better warranty, and significantly more cargo space.

6. Nissan Z

• Price: starting at $42,970
• Horsepower: 400 – 420
• 0-60: 4.3 – 4.5 seconds
• Warranty: 3-year, 36,000 mile basic

The Surprise Guest

While the 2024 and 2025 Nissan Z won’t introduce any significant changes, there’s really no need to fix what isn’t broken. As the Nissan Z weighs less than the Ford Mustang, it feels more maneuverable and enjoyable to drive. The Ford is also more expensive overall, so the Nissan Z Nismo edition is just pure driving fun and a terrific alternative.

5. Dodge Charger

• Price: starting at $57.995
• Horsepower: 420 – 550
• 0-60: 3.3 – 4.7 seconds
• Warranty: 3-year, 36,000 mile basic

Four-Door Power

The four-door sedan Dodge can launch off the starting line, and the Charger is immediately the more comfortable option than the Ford Mustang, thanks to its roomier interior. If you can find a Dodge Charger Scat Pack and are willing to pay the price, it’s a vastly more fun drive than the Mustang and feels more like a conversation piece.

4. BMW M2 Series

• Price: starting at $64,195
• Horsepower: 453
• 0-60: 3.9 – 4.2 seconds
• Warranty: 4-year, 50,000 mile basic

The Ultimate Driving Machine

Not only is the BMW M2 faster than the Mustang, but it’s more luxurious too. You get comfier seats, a larger infotainment experience at 14.9 inches, and you can even get a manual on the BMW. If you want a terrific combination of luxury, power, and the joy of the BMW name, the M2 is hard to ignore.

3. Toyota GR Supra

• Price: starting at $56,250
• Horsepower: 255 – 382
• 0-60: 3.9 – 5 seconds
• Warranty: 3-year, 36,000 mile basic

Let’s Go Places

All things being equal, the Mustang offers more value for the money than the Toyota GR Supra. But it’s not actually that simple. The Mustang may be more practical for everyday use, but the Supra is more fun to drive. The Toyota GR Supra also comes with better handling, a more powerful standard engine, and stronger fuel efficiency. You also benefit from Toyota’s improved safety features and no-cost maintenance for the first two years.

2. Dodge Challenger

• Price: starting at $32,000
• Horsepower: 305 – 375
• 0-60: 1.66 – 4.8 seconds
• Warranty: 3-year, 36,000 mile basic

Never Domesticated

Dodge’s beloved two-door monster stacks up well against the Ford Mustang, but the traditional Dodge Challenger is being replaced with new variants, including an EV model. Still, the Challenger and the Mustang have been rivals for decades. If you start adding in the top engines, the Dodge will help you think back to a fading era when muscle cars ruled the world.

1. Chevrolet Camaro

• Price: starting at $32,495
• Horsepower: 335 – 650
• 0-60: 3.5 to 5.4 seconds
• Warranty: 3-year, 36,000 mile basic

Dead for 2025

There is little question that the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang have long been direct rivals. The 2024 Camaro beat out the Mustang in numerous ways, offering more power and a sportier look. The issue? The Camaro isn’t returning in 2025. Still, the Camaro long won on price, while the Mustang offered a more comfortable ride, refined interior, and better infotainment experience.

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