While many gearheads have the dream of owning a classic performance car like a 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS 454, making it a reality can be difficult. This is because even a fair-condition car can cost around $65,000 according to Hagerty's Valuation Tool, while a good one can cost closer to $90,000.

HotCars therefore decided to scour the automotive landscape to find ten rear-wheel drive options that will leave the old Chevelle, which hits 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, firmly in their dust when it comes to 0-60 mph acceleration. If this isn't enough, they also cost at least half the money of even an average example of the legendary muscle car.

How we made our model selection: HotCars looked at performance-focused rear-wheel drive vehicles of any body style and configuration that had a Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price of less than $30,000. Each also had to have a 0-60 mph time of less than 5.4 seconds, the time the 1970 Chevelle SS 454 achieves. The vehicles are ordered from the slowest to fastest 0-60 times, with tie-breaks being broken with the cheaper car being placed higher.

10 2005 Maserati GranSport: 0-60 In 4.8 Seconds

2005 Gran Sport Specs

(Sources: Kelley Blue Book)

First up is arguably the most stylish vehicle on this list, the 2005 Maserati Gran Sport. Featuring a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 that makes 400 hp, the classy coupe hits 60 over a second quicker than the old Chevelle.

Used examples can also be picked up way cheaper at just $13,044, which also gets you an F1-inspired six-speed semi-automatic transmission. You even get a suede headliner, a luxury the Chevy could only dream of.

9 2010 Jaguar XFR: 0-60 In 4.7 Seconds

2010 XFR Specs

(Sources: Kelley Blue Book)

Another European entry, the Jaguar XFR is arguably one of the most underrated sports sedans on the market. Equipped with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, the XFR was designed to wrap its owner in unbridled luxury, but also tame the racetrack.

It came with Active Differential Control, a torque vectoring system that ensures the rear tires always have peak grip. With a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds and an average price of $12,687, the XFR represents an elegant and capable performance sedan.

8 2006 Pontiac GTO: 0-60 In 4.6 Seconds

2006 GTO Specs

(Sources: Kelley Blue Book)

The last muscle car Pontiac ever created, the 2006 GTO can be picked up for a lightweight $13,573 in 2024. Its engine couldn't be described the same way though, the 6.0-liter V8 carrying it to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and onto a top speed of 180 mph.

It also had performance-tuned suspension and a Brembo braking system to ensure it could take corners as well as it went down the straights.

7 2006 BMW M5: 0-60 In 4.5 Seconds

2006 M5 Specs

(Sources: Kelley Blue Book)

BMW made waves when it introduced the fourth generation of its iconic M5 sports sedan, mainly due to its decision to slot a huge 5.0-liter S85 V10 under the hood. The screaming powerplant carries it to 60 mph in only 4.5 seconds.

Severe depreciation means the mental M5 can be picked up for just over $10,000 in 2024, arguably a bargain for such a versatile performance car. Alongside its supercar-esque pace, the M5 comes equipped with luxuries like front and rear parking sensors, cruise and climate control, and even a drink cooler.

6 2010 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG: 0-60 In 4.3 Seconds

2010 C63 AMG Specs

(Sources: Kelley Blue Book)

A car built in the same vein as the M5, BMWs bitter fellow German rival Mercedes-Benz's C63 AMG sports sedan can be had for only $14,125. Featuring a thumping 6.3-liter V8, the C63 clears the 60 mph barrier in 4.3 seconds.

A seven-speed auto transmission comes as standard, as does a swish AMG Performance exhaust and braking system. The C63 AMG is also made more distinguishable from its non-performance counterparts with huge 18-inch AMG wheels and a suite of well-placed AMG badges.

5 2004 Chevrolet Corvette Z06: 0-60 In 4.2 Seconds

2004 Corvette Z06 Specs

(Sources: Kelley Blue Book)

The hottest version of the 2004 C5 Corvette, the Z06, offered superior performance over the standard model. In addition to the 5.7-liter V8 that helps it achieve 60 in 4.2 seconds, it comes with refinements such as a performance exhaust and uprated disc brakes with vented rotors to keep them working optimally.

The Z06 Performance suspension package is also included, which consists of stiffer springs and shocks, as well as a larger stabilizer bar.

4 2012 Shelby GT500: 0-60 In 4.1 Seconds

2012 Mustang GT500 Specs

(Sources: Kelley Blue Book, Ford)

While a Chevelle SS 454 is well out of range for $30,000, another muscle car icon is available. The 2012 edition of the Shelby Mustang GT500 can be had for around $26,000, which above all else gets you a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 that transports you to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.

Included in the price is the SVT Performance package, which brings specially tuned uprated shocks and springs to the party. Not only is it cheaper than the old Chevelle, but it will also batter it in a head-to-head contest.

3 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS: 0-60 In 4.0 Seconds

2016 Camaro SS Specs

(Sources: Kelley Blue Book, Chevrolet)

The most modern vehicle to feature in this ranking is also one of the quickest, the 2016 Chevy Camaro SS hitting 60 mph in a rapid 4.0 seconds. For an average price of just $22,977, its lucky owner will have access to an advanced Brembo braking system and a handy limited-slip differential.

An eight-inch infotainment screen and Bose sound system are also included alongside heated and ventilated seats, making it as usable in everyday life as it is on the track.

2 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT-8: 0-60 In 4.0 Seconds

2014 Challenger SRT-8 Specs

(Sources: Kelley Blue Book, Dodge)

Securing the runners-up spot is the 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT-8, which achieves the same 4.0 second 0-60 MPH sprint as the Camaro. Its lesser $18,578 average price squeaks it ahead on this list, the affordable muscle car featuring extras like adaptive performance suspension and a Brembo brake setup.

It also has a handy infotainment system and other luxuries like leather-trimmed performance seats, making it an excellent shout for a muscle car that can be used every day.

1 2009 Cadillac CTS-V: 0-60 In 3.9 Seconds

2009 CTS-V Specs

(Sources: Kelley Blue Book, Cadillac)

The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V claws its way to supremacy in this ranking courtesy of a lightning-quick 0-60 MPH effort of 3.9 seconds. This is made possible due to a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that makes 556 hp, performance that comes despite the CTS-V being a luxurious four-door sports sedan.

As well as performance-tuned suspension and a limited-slip differential, refinements such as an airy Ultraview sunroof and a ten-speaker Bose sound system make it great for standard road use. All this performance and versatility can be yours for well under $20,000 in 2024, making it one of the best-value rear-wheel drive performance cars on the used market.