The Porsche 911 Carrera is the entry point to one of the most storied sports car lineups in history — but “entry-level” is a relative term when you’re talking about a car this capable. Under the rear lid sits a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six producing 388 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, enough to launch the rear-drive coupe to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and on to a 182-mph top speed. By any objective measure, it’s a remarkable machine. The problem? The 911 Carrera carries a price tag that puts it firmly out of reach for most enthusiasts.
That’s where the used market becomes your best friend. We’ve put together a list of pre-owned sports cars that can not only match the 911 Carrera’s pace, but do so at a fraction of the cost. Whether you want Italian drama, German precision, or American muscle, there’s something here for every kind of driver.
2005 Aston Martin DB9
0-60 MPH: 4.8 seconds
Base Trim Engine
6L V12
Base Trim Transmission
6-speed manual
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
450 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque
420 lb.-ft. @ 5000 RPM
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Make
Aston Martin
Model
DB9
Segment
Sports Car
Like the Porsche 911 Carrera, the Aston Martin DB9 is quite the looker. Its sleek styling is classic Aston Martin, but underneath the sheet metal, the DB9 gets a little more interesting. A large 6.0-liter V12 lies under its hood, producing a staggering 450 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.
With that kind of power, the DB9’s aluminum-intensive structure can reach 60 mph in only 4.8 seconds and press on to a top speed of 186 mph — on par with the 911. And let’s not forget that the DB9 served as a James Bond car, which is something Porsche simply can’t claim.
2009 Maserati GranTurismo S
0-60 MPH: 4.5 seconds
Base Trim Engine
4.2L V8 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
405 hp
Base Trim Torque
460 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm
Fuel Economy
12/19 MPG
Make
Maserati
Model
GranTurismo
Segment
Sports Car
The 2009 Maserati GranTurismo S was a work of art. Its curvaceous body lines and low-nose front grille made it look unlike anything else on the road. And now, well over a decade later, the GranTurismo S is still a stunner. As a bonus, if you find one on the used market, there’s a good chance it will have a customized interior, as the Italian automaker offered buyers a wide array of personalization options.
Looks aside, the GranTurismo S’s beauty extended into its mechanics as well. Under its hood is a Ferrari-built 4.7-liter V8 that pumps out 434 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque, propelling the Italian stunner to 60 mph in only 4.5 seconds. It may not be as quick as a 911 on paper, but there’s no denying the Maserati is a sight to behold.
2006 BMW M5
0-60 MPH: 4.4 seconds
Base Trim Engine
5L V10
Base Trim Transmission
7-speed auto-shift manual
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
500 HP @7750 RPM
Base Trim Torque
383 lb.-ft. @ 6100 RPM
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Make
BMW
Model
M5
The 2006 BMW M5 is a special sedan with plenty of power and comfort. Inside, it has lots of room for five people to be transported in luxury. There’s also a Harman Kardon sound system, a multi-function iDrive system, leather upholstery, and a navigation system — though the maps will almost certainly need updating at this point.
In addition to all of that luxury, the M5 can scoot to 60 mph from a stop in only 4.4 seconds — quite a feat for such a large sedan. It does so thanks to a 5.0-liter V10 that revs all the way to 8,250 rpm. That engine is connected to an SMG transmission that not only shifts quickly, but also features launch control. In many ways, the fourth-generation BMW M5 has it all.
2008 BMW M3
0-60 MPH: 4.4 seconds
Base Trim Engine
4.0L V8 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
6-Speed Manual
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
414 hp
Base Trim Torque
295 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
Fuel Economy
14/20 MPG
Make
BMW
Model
M3 Sedan
Segment
Compact Luxury Performance Sedan
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
The BMW M3 has long been heralded as the ultimate of the “Ultimate Driving Machines,” so it’s no wonder it can keep up with a Porsche 911. The 2008 model year was special because it was powered by a 4.0-liter V8 engine, as opposed to the turbocharged mills found in other generations.
The potent V8 puts out 414 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to get the M3 from zero to 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds. That’s nearly as quick as a 911, but the M3 is far more practical for everyday use. It is the ultimate driving machine, indeed.
2008 Mercedes C63 AMG
0-60 MPH: 4.3 seconds
Base Trim Engine
6.3L V6 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
7-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
451 hp
Base Trim Torque
443 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Make
Mercedes-Benz
Model
AMG C63 Sedan
Segment
Compact Luxury Performance Sedan
This 2008 Mercedes-Benz is the antithesis of the BMW M3, and also a surprisingly strong alternative to a Porsche 911. The C63 AMG is a comfortable compact sedan with all the luxuries and technology you could need, but the real story is under the hood.
The C63 is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 built entirely by AMG, Mercedes’ high-performance division. That stout V8 makes 451 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque — more than enough to hustle the car to 60 mph in only 4.3 seconds. That’s an impressive number for a sporty family sedan.
2014 Audi RS5
0-60 MPH: 4.3 seconds
Base Trim Engine
4.2L V8 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
7-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
450 hp
Base Trim Torque
317 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Economy
16/23 MPG
Make
Audi
Model
RS5 Coupe
Segment
Compact Luxury Performance Coupe
Audi has always been known for producing cars that blur the line between performance and luxury. The 2014 Audi RS5 is no exception. This vintage RS5 is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 that pumps out 444 horsepower, making it seriously fast. But the RS5 is also genuinely luxurious.
Inside, you’ll find supportive, leather-covered seats, a high-tech infotainment system, and top-notch materials throughout. The one trade-off is that the RS5’s suspension is not adjustable, so it can feel firm on rough roads. However, that added rigidity pays dividends on tight, winding roads where it really comes alive.
2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
0-60 MPH: 4.2 Seconds
Base Trim Engine
5.2L V8 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
6-Speed Manual
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
526 hp
Base Trim Torque
429 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm
Fuel Economy
14/21 MPG
Make
Ford
Model
Mustang Shelby GT350
Segment
Sports Car
The 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 isn’t just another muscle car — it’s a track-focused machine designed to take on the best from Europe. With aggressive aerodynamics, a flat-plane crank V8, and a chassis tuned for handling, the GT350 proves that the Ford Mustang can be more than just straight-line bruisers.
At its heart is a high-revving, naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V8 that produces 526 horsepower and a glorious exhaust note. While it may not be the outright fastest car on this list, its precise steering, MagneRide suspension, and track-ready capabilities mean it can hold its own against a Porsche 911 — especially when the road gets twisty.
2021 Toyota Supra 3.0
0-60 MPH: 4.0 seconds
Model
Supra
Engine
3.0L turbocharged inline-4 , 2.0L turbocharged inline-4
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Horsepower
255-382 HP
The 2021 Toyota Supra marked a significant point in the model’s revival, introducing a more accessible four-cylinder option alongside a power boost for the inline-six variant. This two-seater sports car delivers a thrilling driving experience, drawing inspiration from its legendary predecessors while incorporating modern technology and design. The 2021 Supra offers a compelling blend of performance, style, and heritage, appealing to driving enthusiasts who crave an engaging and exhilarating ride.
A Toyota that can keep pace with a Porsche 911? It sounds unlikely, but the 2021 Toyota Supra is the product of a well-publicized joint venture between Toyota and BMW — and that partnership paid off handsomely. The main reason the Supra earns its place on this list is simple: it’s quick and extremely stylish.
The Supra’s flowing lines and functional ducts give it an aggressive look from every angle. Under its hood is a turbocharged inline-six that it shares with the BMW Z4 Don’t mistake it for any run-of-the-mill Z4, though — the Supra is very much its own beast and can handily keep up with a Porsche 911.
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
0-60 MPH: 3.8 Seconds
Base Trim Engine
2.9L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
505 hp
Base Trim Torque
443 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
Fuel Economy
17/24 MPG
Make
Alfa Romeo
Model
Giulia Quadrifoglio
Segment
Compact Luxury Sedan
Infotainment & Features
7 /10
The 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a perfect blend of Italian styling and blistering performance. With sharp, sculpted lines and an aggressive stance, it brings a level of flair that few sports sedans can match. The Quadrifoglio badge isn’t just for show — it represents Alfa’s racing heritage, and this car delivers on that promise.
Under the hood, a Ferrari -derived twin-turbo V6 delivers an impressive 505 horsepower, launching the Giulia Quadrifoglio to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. Thanks to a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution and an advanced chassis setup, this Alfa isn’t just fast in a straight line — it can carve corners with the best of them, making it a genuine threat to the Porsche 911.
2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
0-60 MPH: 3.7 seconds
Base Trim Engine
7L V8
Base Trim Transmission
Tremec 6-speed manual
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
505 HP @6300 RPM
Base Trim Torque
470 lb.-ft. @ 4800 RPM
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Make
Chevrolet
Model
Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is like a cheat code for beating exotic cars like the Porsche 911. Don’t let the fact that the 2006 Corvette Z06 is pushing two decades old fool you — it can still keep up with the best.
Under its hood is a massive 7.0-liter V8 mated to a six-speed manual transmission. That engine delivers a whopping 505 horsepower to the rear wheels, translating into Porsche-beating 0-to-60-mph times of 3.6 seconds.
