A deep, rumbling growl of the V8 engine is nothing less magic. It’s the unabashed symphony of brute force, a growl that commands respect and sends shivers through your soul. The Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Aventador boast the kind of intoxicating exhaust notes that could drown out the angels’ sound.

till, not everyone can afford six figures to hear that sigh. The good news? They can sound as aggressive as a V8-powered machine without draining a bank account.

Amazingly, some affordable V8-powered options provide sounds worthy of a high-end supercar. Be it a Mustang GT’s muscle car roar, the exotic howl of a BMW M3, or the refined growl of an AMG-tuned Mercedes, these cars prove you can get an impressive sound without the six-figure price tag.

This list rounds up the best sub-$20,000 V8s with a supercar-like exhaust note. Every car on this list fulfills the following criteria:

• V8 Engine: The unmistakable punch and sound of eight cylinders.
• Price Under $20K: Deals that don’t break the bank.
• Supercar- Like Sound: An incredible exhaust note right from the factory.

Sure, aftermarket modifications such as performance exhausts or a simple resonator delete can make these cars sound better, but we focus purely on stock performance here. These V8 cars are some of your best bets for making heads turn without draining your bank account and giving you that adrenaline-filled driving experience. Let’s dive in!

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#1. 2010 Ford Mustang GT

• Engine & Sound: 4.6L V8 with a deep, throaty growl.
• Performance: 315 hp, 325 lb-ft torque, RWD.
• Transmission: 5-speed manual or automatic.
• 0-60 MPH: Around 5.0 seconds.
• Fuel Economy: 17 MPG city / 24 MPG highway.
• Why It Sounds Like a Supercar: Naturally aspirated V8 with a free-breathing exhaust, delivering a muscular, high-revving roar.

The Ford Mustang GT is a legitimate muscle car with all-around performance that musters the intoxicating soundtrack of a V-8 exhaust note to rival even the finest supercars. This one has a 4.6-liter V8 that makes 315 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, so when you press the “go” pedal, you’re treated to a raucous driving experience. Featuring a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup, it provides for dynamic driving with every push that makes each acceleration aggressive but managed.

That deep, throaty growl that is the hallmark of the authentic American V8 also defines the Mustang GT. It has a deep, burbling idle that quickly turns into a raspy, high-revving symphony when you dig into the throttle. It makes for a raw, unpretentious sound signature, which imbues it with the feel of an exotic supercar for a fraction of the price. Now that we are on affordability, the 2010 Mustang GT is one of the better picks for enthusiasts looking for a V8 coupe for less than $20,000.

Additionally, used examples with low miles can be easily found on the market, so entry is affordable for those who feel the need for an iconic muscle car but are on a budget. The Ford Mustang GT is a timeless machine that can turn heads on the road no matter the reason behind its Long Island aesthetics, from the aggressive styling to the performance and intoxicating exhaust note.

#2. 2008 Chevrolet Corvette C6

• Engine: 6.2L LS3 V8
• Horsepower: 430 hp
• Torque: 424 lb-ft
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• 0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds (approx.)
• Top Speed: 190 mph (approx.)
• Fuel Economy: 16 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
• Why It Sounds Like a Supercar: Sounds exotic, especially with aftermarket exhausts.

The Chevrolet Corvette C6 offers supercar-like performance and sound at non-supercar prices, making it one of the ultimate American muscle icons. It packs a 6.2L LS3 V8, producing 430 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. That combo gives the C6 a standing 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds, so this isn’t just about the sound—it’s about the speed.

Perhaps something that stood out more than anything, and this is a feature of the C6 Corvette, is the exhaust note. At idle, the LS3’sLS3’s naturally aspirated V8 produces a sick, violent growl, which progresses into a high-pitched, banshee-like shriek at high RPMs. The factory exhaust sounds good, but many owners choose to up the ante with aftermarket systems such as Borla, Corsa, or MagnaFlow that further refine that exotic sound. The C6 can sound as brutish and exotic as high-dollar European supercars, given the right exhaust, which helps to solidify its appeal to enthusiasts.

Even with a supercar-esque noise and character, the C6 is one of the best performance deals on the market. You can grab a base for approximately $18,000 to $20,000, a cheap access point to high-performance sports cars. If you’re after a weekend cruiser or a ready-for-the-track beast, the Corvette C6 provides floor-pressing speed, an ear-popping exhaust note, and attention-grabbing looks while remaining within the range of most budgets.

#3. 2011 Dodge Challenger R/T

• Engine: 5.7L HEMI V8 
• Horsepower: 372 hp

• Torque: 400 lb-ft
• Transmission: 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission 
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• 0-60 MPH: Around 5.4 seconds
• Top Speed: 155 mph (approx.)
• Fuel Economy: 16 MPG city / 25 MPG highway
• Why It Sounds Like a Supercar: Deep, bass-heavy exhaust note reminiscent of high-end muscle cars.

A throwback to old-school muscle comes the Dodge Challenger R/T with a massive 5.7L HEMI V8, producing a hefty 372hp and 400 lb-ft of torque sent to the rear wheels. Featuring aggressive styling and a retro design reminiscent of the heyday of American muscle cars, what stands out is its exhaust note that comes out as deep and rumbling.

The bass-heavy growl from this Challenger is iconic of the HEMI engine, delivering a guttural, coarse tone that all muscle heads desire. It has a mean rumble at idle, and when you push the needle past 3,500 rpm, it bellows with authority—reminiscent of high-class supercars but less extroverted, more purist; if harsh, if raw. The Challenger R/T comes standard with a dual exhaust system that further deepens the car’s already potent sound profile, and it is one of the most distinctive exhaust notes on the road today.

Well-cared-for Challenger R/Ts can be found for under $20,000 for those looking for an affordable muscle car experience.” That is a steal for anybody seeking a raucous V8, retro-modern looks, and an exhaust note that interrupts conversations. The Challenger R/T provides a classic supercar wail at a stoplight on the highway.

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#4. 2009 Pontiac G8 GT

• Engine: 6.0L LS2 V8 
• Horsepower: 361 hp
• Torque: 385 lb-ft
• Transmission: 5-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• 0-60 MPH: Around 5.3 seconds
• Top Speed: 150 mph (approx.)
• Fuel Economy: 15 MPG city / 24 MPG highway
• Why It Sounds Like a Supercar: Australian-built muscle sedan with a surprisingly aggressive exhaust.

The Pontiac G8 GT is a rare, crazy-fast performance sedan that drives more like a supercar than a family car. Packing a 6.0L LS2 V8, the car produces 361 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque, enough to offer a blistering ride. Coupled with rear-wheel drive (RWD), the engine’s brute force offers an exhilarating and incisive response, whether carving through corners or bringing the hammer down on the open road.

The first thing that stands out on the G8 GT is the sound. The G8 GT lays down an impressive exhaust note that sounds far more forceful than a genuinely pedestrian (for a V8) kind of red. This is partly due to the car’s factory-aggressive exhaust paired with the deep, naturally aspirated grumble of the V8. This is the sound you expect from vehicles that are twice the price of the Z06, featuring a deep, rumbling roar that barks from startup and throughout the gears. It sounds fancy because this is a Holden Commodore made to a muscle sedan fade out in a level of refinement.

The Pontiac G8 GT isn’t quite the week-in-week-out presence on the road that some other performance sedans are, but it’s still the more obscure option for those after a cheap muscle car. Most of these cars can still be had for less than $20,000, even though they’ve been out of production for a while, and even some of them have been discontinued altogether, making it an excellent opportunity for someone to get into a performance sedan for not a lot of money. For that much performance and sound, the second-generation Genesis coupe is a performance bargain on the used car market that combines muscle car performance with the everyday usability of a sedan. The G8 GT is worth a closer look as a budget alternative with the supercar-level soundtrack.

#5. 2010 BMW M3 E92

• Engine: 4.0L V8 (S65) 
• Horsepower: 414 hp
• Torque: 295 lb-ft
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• 0-60 MPH: Around 4.1 seconds
• Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
• Fuel Economy: 14 MPG city / 20 MPG highway
• Why It Sounds Like a Supercar: Ferrari-like wail at high RPMs.

The BMW M3 E92 is The ultimate driving machine, an actual auto-enthusiast dream car, a visceral driving machine. It features a 4.0L V8 (S65), which makes 414 hp and 295 lb-ft transfers to the rear wheels. The result? One that giddily builds speed rides with an air of authority (and authority-in-full) and turns every drive into an event. The sound of this M3 is what makes it unique, though. The engine is high-strung, screaming with Ferrari-like aural intensity toward the line and making memorable music with each downshift. This is not an engine; it is a performance arrangement.

We may not be here talking about numbers but dynamics, and the M3 E92 holds its own, even today. Its responsive handling, stiff suspension, and well-balanced chassis make it a fun drive on backroads or the track. Its relaxed balance also helps with driveability, and that makes it so much fun to shove through corners.

In terms of pricing, a higher-mileage example should be available in the general $18K-$20K range, a low price for those seeking an iconic performance vehicle. But due to its stout performance and pick-up noise, locating one in decent shape might be a task, so start searching now. So, if you want a supercar experience on a budget, look no further than the BMW M3 E92, which is more than just fast—it’s special.

#6. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C55

• Engine: 5.4L AMG V8
• Horsepower: 362 hp
• Torque: 376 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• Transmission: 7-speed automatic
• 0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds
• Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
• Why It Sounds Like a Supercar: AMG-tuned exhaust delivers a powerful, exotic tone.

The Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG is a legendary performance saloon capable of luxury and sheer brute force. Its 5.4L AMG V8 engine delivers the thrills with a high-pitched, tuned voice as deep and reverberant as any supercar. It’s a beastly powerhouse (with 362 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque) strengthened by rear-wheel drive (RWD) performance. One element of note is the sound of the V8 itself, which is amplified through an AMG-tuned exhaust, offering a rich sound that recalls the mark of performance vehicles.

The C55 AMG’s growl isn’t the only thing on the road that doesn’t come cheap. The performance is pointy and nimble, with plenty of linear power across the rev range, all very AMG. It is a car that can take on the more premium sports sedans but gives a supercar driving experience minus the supercar price tag.

One for the dark horse’s column in terms of pricing and availability is the C55 AMG. However, given its performance chops and premium provenance, one can often scoop one up for less than $20K, which makes for a lot of cars for buyers looking for a sports sedan with supercar-like characteristics. This can also be a few of the most luxurious and exhilarating vehicles you can get — plus, affordable middle ground for enthusiasts who want that AMG goodness without a $100k+ price tag.

Conclusion

Those V8-powered cars sing a soundtrack worthy of the best supercars money can buy—and you won’t have to pay a supercar price tag to get one. It doesn’t matter if you are driving a muscle car or a more subtle sedan, whether the vehicle has a cigar between its wheels or a bowtie, those V8s rumble and roar like there’s no tomorrow. If you’re feeling even more ambitious, adding things such as an aftermarket exhaust system or some tuning to the intake can add additional depth and viciousness to the engine’s bark.

If you want to listen to this power symphony with your ears, I suggest that you consult the local listings and try to book a test drive. But getting behind the wheel will allow you to experience the complete sound of both V8s, enabling the best fit for your ear.

Which is your favorite V8 car for under $20K? Let us know what you think in the comments — and maybe provide some advice to other car buyers searching for the best models!