The 2025 BMW M4 is a high-performance coupe that means business. Its muscular body structure sits atop large tires and a track-ready suspension, accompanied by aerodynamic pieces that stick it to the ground when it hits triple-digit speeds, followed by a sonorous exhaust note that announces its arrival.
Needless to say, the BMW M4 is quick. Its 473-horsepower, twin-turbo inline-six engine can propel it from a stop up to 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds. That’s exotic-car levels of performance for around $80,000. But that’s the issue. The M4 is a little out of reach for most budgets, making it a pipe dream for many driving enthusiasts. So, we have come up with a list of 10 sports cars that can keep up with the M4, but for a lot less money.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds. The models below have been ranked based on their average used prices.
2021 Toyota Supra 3.0
Average Used Price: $41,872
- Base Trim Engine
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2.0L Turbo 4 Cylinder Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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255 hp
- Base Trim Torque
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295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
The 2021 Toyota Supra and BMW M4 are like spiritual cousins, since their engines come from the same manufacturer. However, the Supra’s engine is slightly de-tuned in comparison, as it’s only attached to one turbocharger instead of two. Regardless, the Supra is still powerful as it makes 382 horsepower, which is then sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
That’s not just any automatic, though. It’s made by ZF, so it shifts smoothly and quickly enough to get the car up to 60 mph from a standstill in only 3.8 seconds. But speed isn’t the Supra’s only forte, it’s also fairly comfortable for a daily driver and has a decent amount of cargo room as well. Ultimately, the Toyota Supra is a sensible alternative to the M4, spiritual cousin or not.
2006 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
Average Used Price: $31,906
- Base Trim Engine
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3.6L H6 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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6-speed manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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325 HP @6800 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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273 lb.-ft. @ 4250 RPM
The Porsche 911 has always been the benchmark by which other sports cars aspire, and the 2006 Carrera 4S is no exception. The 911 Carrera 4S is a genuine track car that blends power and luxury in such a way that makes it suitable for the street. It’s powered by a 3.8-liter flat-six engine that delivers 355 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
That kind of power enables the Porsche to churn out 0-60 mph times in 4.6 seconds, which may not be as quick as the M4 on paper, but it’s still quick nonetheless. Also, straight-line speed isn’t the only trick up its sleeve. The 911 Carrera 4S handles well with its sporty suspension and all-wheel-drive configuration that makes it adept at cornering in various driving conditions.
2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500
Average Used Price: $31,587
- Base Trim Engine
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5.8L Supercharged V8 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
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6-Speed Manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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650 hp
- Base Trim Torque
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600 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
It’s hard to believe that you can buy a sports car that can go up to 200 mph for less than $40,000, but it exists. The 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 is that car. It’s a muscular powerhouse that’s driven by a supercharged V8 engine that pumps 662 horsepower to the rear wheels, which is good enough for 0-60 mph times in well under four seconds.
With that kind of performance, you’ll be passing BMW M4’s on the freeway like they are sitting still. But that doesn’t mean the Mustang is an uncomfortable race car, either. Instead, it’s equipped with Recaro seats, a premium sound system, and all the creature comforts you need for everyday driving.
2015 Lexus RC F
Average Used Price: $30,032
- Base Trim Engine
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5.0L V8 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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467 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
389 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
The RC F is essentially the M4 equivalent of the Lexus brand. It’s a brawny coupe that can seat up to four people, and it’s driven by a powerful engine. However, instead of a force-fed inline-six, the RC F is powered by a 5.0-liter V8.
That large, punchy engine generates 467 horsepower to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, which enables the car to scoot up to 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds. That may be a tad slower than the BMW M4, but who cares when the Lexus RC F is an attractive sports coupe that’s nearly just as quick?
2015 Dodge Charger Hellcat
Average Used Price: $27,464
- Base Trim Engine
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6.2L Supercharged V8 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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707 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
650 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
When Dodge started making everything a “Hellcat,” the automotive world went crazy over how much power they all made. Well, technically, the American automaker was using the same engine on every platform, but it worked. It worked especially well with the Charger‘s four-door architecture.
This unassuming sedan was reworked into a track-ready demon that had just enough traction to make it street-worthy. Under its hood is a supercharged V8 engine that produces 707 horsepower to the rear wheels, which allows the Charger Hellcat to pass the BMW M4 quite handily. The Charger is also very comfortable, with seating for up to five and a generous trunk. Ultimately, the Dodge Charger Hellcat could be the ultimate family car and a surprisingly sensible option over the M4.
2010 Cadillac CTS-V
Average Used Price: $17,739
- Base Trim Engine
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6.2L V8 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
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6-Speed Manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
556 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
551 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
The Cadillac CTS-V follows the same ethos as the Dodge Charger Hellcat. GM stuffed the largest engine it could find into a stately sedan to make it fast enough to compete with sports cars twice its price and half its size. That large engine is a 6.2-liter V8 that makes 556 horsepower, and the car it sits on is a standard-issue CTS that’s been reworked to handle the power.
Its suspension was stiffened up, and it was given larger wheels and tires to put the power to the ground. The result is a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 191 mph. Considering the serious amount of performance the Cadillac CTS-V has, we think it was right for GM to come up with this crazy concoction.
2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Average Used Price: $20,843
- Base Trim Engine
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5.7L V8
- Base Trim Transmission
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6-speed manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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385 HP @6000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
385 lb.-ft. @ 4800 RPM
Some call the Chevrolet Corvette a “midlife crisis” car, since it’s typically purchased by older men looking to live out their younger days in style. However, the same could likely be said for the BMW M4, so why not spend less on a midlife crisis car?
For less than $25,000, the 2001 Corvette Z06 can give any driver, regardless of age, the thrills they need with a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 385 horsepower, which is enough to rocket the “old man” race up to 60 mph in only 4.3 seconds. If the Chevy Corvette Z06 really is for midlife adults, then put those gray hairs on our heads, and let’s get driving!
2014 Audi RS5
Average Used Price: $20,514
- Base Trim Engine
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4.2L V8 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
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7-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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450 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
317 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
The 2014 Audi RS5 is a decade old, but that doesn’t mean it’s slow. Quite the contrary, as its 4.2-liter V8 engine provides plenty of German muscle to get the sporty coupe up to 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds.
That means it’s just as quick as the BMW M4, but for a fraction of the price. It even has a plush interior with sporty leather seats and all the power amenities a driver needs. Just don’t expect the same fancy tech features you’ll find in the BMW M4, though. After all, the RS5 is 10 years old.
2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
Average Used Price: $10,227
- Fuel Economy
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12/19 MPG
- Make
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Mercedes-Benz
- Model
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AMG C63 Sedan
- Segment
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Compact Luxury Performance Sedan
Buyers with the means to afford Mercedes-Benz repair and maintenance costs will have a field day with the 2008 C63 AMG. For less than $20,000, the C63 AMG provides the type of comfort the brand is known for, while injecting the performance that enthusiasts crave.
The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is able to get up to 60 mph in only 4.3 seconds, which is blisteringly quick for a car of its age. Additionally, its cabin is spacious enough for five and comfortable to boot. It just may not have all the technical features we have come to know and love today.
2006 BMW M5
Average Used Price: $10,191
- Base Trim Engine
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5L V10
- Base Trim Transmission
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7-speed auto-shift manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
500 HP @7750 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
383 lb.-ft. @ 6100 RPM
If there is any older BMW that could hold a candle to the 2025 M4, it would be the 2006 M5. This old mid-size sedan is actually a muscle car in sheep’s clothing. Under its hood is a large 5.0-liter V8 engine that sends 500 horsepower to its rear wheels via a seven-speed automated manual transmission.
And while we can all lament over the fact that it’s not a manual transmission, who cares? This vintage of the BMW M5 is fast, comfortable, and fairly cheap given the performance it exudes. Who needs a new BMW M4, anyway?