10 Affordable Used Sleeper Sedans That Can Keep Up With The Dodge Charger
Imagine the driver of a $48,118 (Kelley Blue Book fair purchase price) 2023 Dodge Charger with Scat Pack scoffing at the cheap, used sedan next to them as the lights turn green. Now imagine their distress as the sedan keeps pace with them. That's exactly what these ten affordable used sleeper sports sedans will do for less than $30,000.
Sleeper cars are plain-looking sedans that hide high performance. They have four doors, and can fit a family inside, but harbor big engines with over 300 hp. These deceiving sedans can thrash muscle cars, and then continue with the daily chores. Since they're not specifically designed as muscle cars or sports cars, sleeper cars are usually less expensive to buy, especially used.
How we made our model selections: HotCars focused on ten unassuming four-door sedans that can keep up with the 2023 Dodge Charger Scat Pack's zero to 60 time of 4.5 seconds. These ten cars have over 300 hp, accelerate from zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds or less, and can be purchased on the used market for less than $30,000. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) was used to source all pricing information, then vehicles were ranked from most to least expensive based on the KBB fair purchase price.
Engine |
Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 |
Power |
640 HP |
Torque |
630 LB-FT |
0 to 60 time |
3.5 seconds |
(Specs courtesy of: Cadillac, zero to 60)
Albeit de-tuned, the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V has the same LT4 engine as the C7 Corvette Z06. This made the third generation CTS the most powerful production Cadillac for a while and beat the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, BMW M5, and the Audi RS6 at the time.
The CTS-V is a whole second faster than the Dodge Charger to 60, putting it to shame. Anyone entering a drag race can go with confidence that the Cadillac will win every time. Although it's the most expensive car on our list, it offers premium interior features, such as digital displays and leather seats.
Engine |
5.0-liter V8 |
Power |
416 HP |
Torque |
371 LB-FT |
0 to 60 time |
4.3 seconds |
(Specs courtesy of: Lexus, zero to 60)
The IS might be the smallest sedan in the Lexus line-up, but it shares the same athletic DNA as its siblings. The 2011 Lexus IS-F didn't look like much on the outside, but its subtle exterior covered a gutsy 5.0-liter V8 engine.
For this model year, Lexus improved the handling by tweaking the rear suspension and steering response to make it a more comfortable daily driver. The Dodge has no chance against a Lexus IS F in a straight line, and it will struggle to catch up through bends.
Engine |
6.2-liter V8 |
Power |
415 HP |
Torque |
415 LB-FT |
0 to 60 time |
4.5 seconds |
(Specs courtesy of: Chevrolet, zero to 60)
Unlike the Charger's polarizing design, the 2014 Chevrolet SS has a boring demeanor. In a common color, police wouldn't even give it a second look. Brembo brakes and a throaty exhaust are the only hints at how fast this sedan really is.
The well-appointed interior of the SS is spacious, with advanced technology and high-quality materials that enhance comfort and convenience. But the drive is slightly more chaotic. Chunky tires try to grip the road as power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, launching it ahead of the Dodge Charger in a race to 60.
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Engine |
Supercharged 2.0-liter Inline-4 |
Power |
362 HP |
Torque |
347 LB-FT |
0 to 60 time |
4.4 seconds |
(Specs courtesy of: Volvo, zero to 60)
Before branching out to focus on electric vehicles, Polestar was the performance engineering division of Volvo. A subtle blue badge on the front grille of a Volvo S60 turned a sensible, family sedan into a Dodge-eater.
All-wheel drive, upgraded suspension, and Brembo brakes keep the S60 Polestar composed through corners, as the supercharged engine spits out 362 hp. Inside, the S60 looks more sophisticated than the Charger, with a high-quality finish and minimalist layout. Newer Volvo S60 Recharge models pack 455 hp if the budget stretches.
Engine |
Twin-Turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 |
Power |
365 HP |
Torque |
376 LB-FT |
0 to 60 time |
4.4 seconds |
(Specs courtesy of: Genesis, zero to 60)
The G70 3.3T Sport boasts a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine that provides exhilarating acceleration and agile handling, rivaling the Charger's performance while delivering a more refined driving experience.
The G70 also brags value for money, with futuristic displays inside and advanced safety technology this Korean brand is known for. Many gearheads will look the other way, but the Genesis G70 is a bargain luxury car that puts its rivals to shame.
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Engine |
4.2-liter V8 |
Power |
420 HP |
Torque |
317 LB-FT |
0 to 60 time |
4.3 seconds |
(Specs courtesy of: Audi, zero to 60)
Despite being an RS model (and the attention-grabbing signature Imola Yellow paint), the 2008 Audi RS4 was slightly understated. This limited-production performance car will excite anyone behind the wheel if the snug sports seats and firm ride don't get in the way.
Now a rarity, the 2008 RS4 has a naturally aspirated engine that echos through the oval exhausts to play a note no other car can replicate. Looks and sound aside, the RS4 is fast in all weather, thanks to Quattro all-wheel drive, and remains one of the most reliable used Audis on the market.
Engine |
Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 |
Power |
556 HP |
Torque |
551 LB-FT |
0 to 60 time |
4.0 seconds |
(Specs courtesy of: Cadillac, zero to 60)
This might be 14 years old, but the CTS-V was ahead of its time and is still at a premium level today. This swanky sedan has a long list of features, including dual-zone climate control, keyless entry with remote start, plus a Bose surround sound system. Originally sold for $60,000, a 2010 Cadillac CTS-V is a steal on the used market today.
In terms of performance, it reaches 60 mph from a standstill in four seconds flat – impressive by all standards. The Dodge Charger will struggle to keep up with this powerhouse and look basic next to it.
Engine |
6.4-liter Hemi V8 |
Power |
465 HP |
Torque |
465 LB-FT |
0 to 60 time |
4.3 seconds |
(Specs courtesy of: Chrysler, zero to 60)
Sharing its 392 Hemi V8 engine with the Dodge Charger SRT8 of the time, the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 is a muscle car hiding in plain sight. Following an update in 2011, this Chrysler 300 looks softer and more friendly than the mafia styling of previous generations.
The 300 SRT8 hurtles along the tarmac effortlessly, while occupants enjoy near silence in the well-insulated cabin. A new eight-speed gearbox and rear-wheel drive made the Chrysler one of the most fun cars to drive, and one of the fastest.
Engine |
Twin-Turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 |
Power |
520 HP |
Torque |
481 LB-FT |
0 to 60 time |
3.7 seconds |
(Specs courtesy of: Audi, zero to 60)
The 2013 Audi S8 set a new standard in the luxury performance sedan segment. Rising to stardom in The Transporter movie series, the S8 became known for its ability to switch from a lush chauffeur car to a Swiss army knife equipped for every getaway scenario. Its advanced Quattro all-wheel-drive system provides exceptional handling and stability, even in challenging conditions.
The tech-laden interior is a showcase of opulence, finished with leather, wood, and gloss black trim. Additionally, Audi's commitment to safety and innovation makes it a more refined and technologically advanced choice compared to the Charger.
The Audi S8 is already one of the most capable high-powered luxury vehicles on the road, though one brave owner wanted more.
Engine |
6.0-liter V12 |
Power |
544 HP |
Torque |
750 LB-FT |
0 to 60 time |
4.5 seconds |
(Specs courtesy of: BMW, zero to 60)
Topping our list as the ultimate sleeper car that can keep up with a 2023 Dodge Charger is the 2013 BMW 760Li. Basically a Rolls-Royce, this barge has sensors to manage body roll when cornering, adaptive LED lights that follow the steering direction for improved visibility, and individually adjustable rear seats for maximum comfort.
This car has depreciated so much that buying a used BMW 7 Series feels like a heist. At the time, the 2013 760Li cost an eye-watering $140,200, and is now available for as little as $15,021. For less than a new Toyota Corolla, 760Li drivers have a mighty V12 engine at their disposal, rocketing the heavy sedan to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.