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The Ford Mustang continues its tradition as a sports coupe/convertible with high appeal, attracting fans from all dimensions. Mustang started its own car class after it was first released as a 965 model; the pony vehicle. This forced other manufacturers to follow that way, and soon, the marketplace was prevalent with the compact 2+2 coupes, which attracted many younger drivers. The muscle car battles were also intense, making the Mustang join the battle with higher-performance model options.

Today, the Mustang has various engine options, from small four-cylinders to the supercharged V8 engine featured in the current muscle car wars. Ford Mustang has also adopted a four-wheel independent suspension upgrading from the solid rear axle, and its general style has remained unique after all those decades. Nevertheless, although the Ford Mustang has many car enthusiasts, it has several similar competitors you might want to consider before reaching your final decision. Here is an exclusive look at the 20 cars similar to the Ford Mustang.

10. Nissan 370Z

Available as a convertible or coupe, the Nissan 370Z is a good performance model and a great competitor to the Ford Mustard. According to Car and Driver, this model dates back to the 1960s, drawing inspiration from the classic Datsun 240Z of 1969. Popular in Japan as the Fairlady Z, the model was revived in 2002 as the Nissan 350Z and later renamed 370Z in 2009.

All the 370Z trim levels feature a 3.7 L V6 engine and standard rear-wheel drive. Convertibles and coupes have engines tuned to generate 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, while the Nismo coupe versions generate 350 hp and 276 lb-ft of torque. The coupe models have 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmissions, while the convertible models only feature a seven-speed automatic option. Other standard features include; cruise control, heated side mirrors, automatic climate control, a four-speaker audio system with a CD player, and an eight-way manual driver's seat. The Nissan 370Z comes as a two-seat coupe for around $29,895 and a two-seat convertible roadster at $41,830.

9. BMW 2-Series

The BMW 2-Series is another luxury version of the Ford Mustang with an enhanced interior and a relatively higher price. Available in both convertible (costing around $41,290) and coupe (costing about $35,290), the 2019 BMW 2 Series is the Bavarian car manufacturer's version of the Ford Mustang. The newly redesigned BMW 2-Series has evolved into a technology powerhouse with remarkably responsive powertrains.

It is powered with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 248hp and 258 lb-ft of torque or a 3.0 L turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, either rear-wheel or xDrive all-wheel drive. A standard 8-speed automatic gear with paddle shifters and 6-speed manual gear transmission is available. The BMW 2 series convertible features a soft top with a glass rear window combined with defrosting and can operate at 30 mph. This is one of the worthy competitors to the Ford Mustang.

8. Toyota 86

At a lower price point compared to the Ford Mustang, the Toyota 86 twins appeal for sharp handling and a good road feel with reduced power. After it was first released in the U.S. as the 2012 model, the Toyota 86 was referred to as the Scion FR-S. The 2+2 coupe became the Toyota 86 from the 2017 model year. Toyota 86, designed in partnership with Subaru, whose version is the Subaru BRZ, is a rear-drive/front engine fastback hardtop coupe. According to Cars Guide, this model comes in three trim levels; 86 costing around $26,452, GT costing around $28,568, and the TRD Special Edition, which starts at $32,440.

The 86 and TRD trim Level is powered by a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine, which produces 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The GT version has an engine that produces 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Ultimately, the TRD version features enhanced braking, TRD upgrades, and aero, making it a perfect entry-level track car as a competitor to the Ford Mustang.

7. Volkswagen Golf R

You are probably wondering why a compact five-door hatchback is on the list. The 2020 Volkswagen Golf R offers a compelling competitor to the Ford Mustang. First designed in 1974 and now in its seventh generation, Golf features a heritage that competes with Mustang. The Volkswagen Golf R comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that produces 292 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It uses seven-speed auto transmission with a standard 4Motion all-wheel drive that accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. This great driver's car has incredible acceleration, balanced handling, and razor-sharp steering.

6. Kia Stinger

The Kia Stinger is a fastback sedan similar to the Ford Mustang. When it debuted as a 2018 model, the Kia Stinger sedan was an unanticipated surprise as the first performance car in the Korean automaker's lineup. It is a fuel-efficient car model with a turbo engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. From the outside, it looks like a deluxe sedan, but the top-of-the-line features indicate otherwise.

Powered by front engine/rear drive features with an all-wheel drive option, the sporty Kia According to Car Expert, the Kia Stinger model comes in five trim models beginning at $32,890 up to the most expensive model that goes for up to $49,864. The premium models feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine producing 255hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The GT, GT1, and GT2 models feature a 3.3 L twin-turbo V6 engine producing 365 hp/ 376 lb-ft of torque.

Kia Stinger GT is a dynamic model with a 2.0-liter engine, which enhances performance. The 2022 model offers a twin-turbo V6 engine, a rear-wheel-drive platform, and a sleek new look. Its turbocharged engine produces 365 horsepower and is connected to an eight-speed automatic gear transmission. The Kia Stinger GT also comes with adaptive dampers, a rear drive, and a sport-tuned suspension. Generally, Kia Stinger features superb balance and handling and has awestruck the critics with its performance on the road while offering fun-do-drive qualities on the street.

5. Subaru BRZ

Subaru BRZ is a 2+2 coupe designed with innovative technology and specifically built for durability and speed. It's among the most powerful cars, offered as a sedan in America, and no convertible version is currently available. Subaru BRZ is the only front-engine/rear-wheel drive car, developed in a partnership with Toyota and debuted as a 2012 model. The Subaru BRZ is available in two trim levels; the premium version for $25,785 and the Limited version for $28,645.

Each trim level has a 2.0-liter BOXER four-cylinder engine (non-turbo) that produces 205hp and 156 lb-ft of torque connected to a six-speed manual transmission. The limited trim level features a six-speed automatic transmission linked to a slightly detuned BOXER engine version (200 horsepower/151 lb-ft of torque. The Subaru BRZ is a lightweight model weighing between 2789 to 2798 pounds. The car sits low on the ground and produces sports car handling at an economical price, making it a good competitor to the base Ford Mustang.

4. Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a close competitor of the Ford Mustang. According to Auto Express, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a longstanding champ when it comes to affordable, rear-wheel-drive/front engine roadster. More maneuverable and light in a way that the Ford Mustang can just dream about, the MX-5 Miata is a competitor that slices and dices when Mustang smacks.

Powered by a 1.5 or 2.0 L petrol engine, it is less about outright performance and concentrates more on enjoyment and sharp handling. The 2.0L SKYACTIV-G inline 4-cylinder engine produces 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft torque and is hooked to six-speed automatic or manual transmissions. The MX-5 Miata has a fabric roof that can be easily closed and opened from the driver's seat despite the lack of electric assistance. This makes it perfect for enjoying the sporadic sunshine at a sudden notice. The cost starts at 25,730 for soft top convertibles and $31,720 for the Miata RF with a retractable hard top.

The Miata trim level's curb weight is about 1200 pounds lighter than the comparable Ford Mustang variants. The weight difference provides a significantly different driving experience for both competitors. Serious drivers will want to consider this difference.

3. Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger is one of the three four-door models on the list of Ford Mustang competitors. According to The Car Connection, it features the same platform as the Dodge Challenger and provides a slightly more practical approach to a retro-styled muscle vehicle. The 2019 Dodge Charger features six model levels: SXT, GT, Scat Pack, R/T, and the Scat Pack Widebody. The engines range from; 305hp 3.6-liter V6, a 370hp 5.7-liter HEMI V8, and 485hp 6.4-liter HEMI V8, all the way up to a 707-hp 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine.

Car buyers can hence choose between a V6 and V8 engine. All the models have a standard rear-wheel drive and use an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The Dodge Charger is a famous sedan for use in a police pursuit, thanks to its potent powertrain options and sedan setup. Its interior cabin comfortably seats five passengers in 2 rows. Also, all the current Dodge Charger models have an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Dodge's Uconnect system. Currently, the price for the Dodge Charger goes from $32,650 to $50,095 based on the trim level.

2. Dodge Challenger

Dodge Challenger is another car model similar to the Ford Mustang. This car has previously used the Challenger name a couple of times, but the current pony car coupe competitor for the Ford Mustang was released as a 2009 model. The Dodge Challenger has since then received upgrades and tweaks for every model year. Like the Ford Mustang, the Dodge Challenger features more than one engine option depending on the trim level. Eight trim levels are available, costing from $27,290 up to $69,650.

The GT and SXT models feature a 3.6 Liter V6 engine (305hp), the R/T model has a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine (375 hp), the R/T Scat Pack model has a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine (484 hp), SRT Hellcat models have 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine (712 hp) and the SRT Hellcat Redeye models have 6.2-liter supercharged V8. More so, Challengers come with a standard rear-wheel drive with all-wheel drive option available on the GT V6 and SXT trim levels. An eight-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual transmission is linked to every engine.

However, the SRT Hellcat Redeye offers only an automatic transmission. The Dodge Challenger is bigger, more comfortable, and provides big-time power. However, it is not very good at turning corners compared to the Ford Mustang. The car also provides features similar to the ford Mustang including interior design, performance enhancements, and other convenience features.

1. Chevrolet Camaro

The Chevrolet Camaro is often the first alternative to come to mind. This is when automobile buyers talk about vehicles similar to Ford Mustang. Chevrolet Camaro was Chevrolet's answer to Mustang in the 1960s. The competition continues through the decades. Except, of course, for the Camaro hiatus from 2003 to 2009 model years. The 2022 Chevrolet Camaro is a part of the coupe's sixth generation that started in 2016. According to Autobytel, the Camaro is the closest to the Ford Mustang in performance, with good steering and buttoned-down suspension. However, it's difficult to see out of it and has a cramped cockpit.

The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro features three basic models; the LS/LT, 1SS/2SS, and ZL1. The LS/LT comes with a 275-hp 2.0 L turbo or an optional 3.6 L V6 (335-hp). The 1SS/2SS features a 6.2 L V8 engine (455 hp). The ZL 1 features a supercharged 6.2 L V8 engine (650 hp). The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro has a standard six-speed manual transmission and ten-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Its design features shapes and lines that evoke the original first-generation car but in a sleeker fashion.

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