The BMM 4 Series already boasts numbers that guarantee exhilarating performance. However, if you are a car enthusiast who wants the ultimate driving experience, you would wish for that M badge that denotes top performance. The BMW M4 coupe, alongside its convertible sibling, is the poster car of the brand, with DNA directly derived from the iconic BMW M3 Coupe.

The BMW M4 trims available today include the M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, M4 Competition xDrive Coupe, and the M4 Competition XDrive Convertible. The BMW M4 specs detail a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Inline-six gasoline engine that outputs 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.

Transferring its power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, the M4 can go from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.1 seconds. The base model can hit a top speed of 155 MPH (limited) or up to 180 MPH as claimed by the German carmaker. Higher trims even boast a more potent output of 503 horsepower and a 0 to 60 sprint of 3.4 seconds at the quickest.

Engine Specifications

The base BMW M4 Coupe has an MSRP of $77,995. For those willing to spend that much, you will not be short-changed in any way. However, if you are on a budget and looking for BMW M4 performance adrenaline levels, there are cars in the market that you can get at a much cheaper price.

RELATED: Top 20 Cheap Cars That Are Really Fast

10 2009 Lexus LS 460

Fair Purchase Price: $9,665

The 2009 Lexus LS 460 is a good choice if you want to get a luxury sedan that can deliver that extra oomph when you need it. The Lexus LS 460 is known for its serene ride and well-built cabin.

However, don’t be fooled by its refined image that rivaled the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class during its prime, this sedan has a V-8 under the hood. The potent gasoline powerplant has a displacement of 4.6 liters and can output 380 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque.

Performance

The LS 460 can hit 60 MPH from a standstill in just 5.4 Seconds and hit a top speed of 130 MPH. While not built to be ultra-sporty, this luxurious ride offers effortless performance while remaining composed on the road. It is definitely one of the cheapest alternatives to the BMW M4.

9 2007 Ford Mustang GT Deluxe Coupe

Fair Purchase Price: $10,642

The Ford Mustang has carved its name into automotive history because of its timeless appeal and jaw-dropping performance. The Mustang nameplate is known for some of the most stunning muscle car concepts and production vehicles that have always captured the heart of the market.

If you’re asking yourself what car to buy instead of the BMW M4, you can never go wrong with the 2007 Ford Mustang GT Deluxe. This two-door pony not only has an eye-catching exterior but has a spirited V-8 in its engine bay.

Performance

Just like its stablemates today and in the past, the Ford Mustang GT Deluxe two-door coupe is affordable and exciting. The 4.6-liter V-8 engine cranks out 300 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. You can get good examples of this vehicle between $9,759 and $11,524, and even with age, you’ll love its agility on the road.

8 2010 Audi S5 Quattro Coupe

Fair Purchase Price: $13,341

The sensuous styling and impressive V-8 engine of the 2010 Audi S5 Quattro Coupe make it an excellent alternative to the BMW M4. You will not get a big dent in your savings account if you want to get the S5 for its upscale character and powerful performance.

The 4.2-liter V-8 engine churns out 354 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Step on the gas pedal and this performance coupe will not hesitate to go from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.9 seconds and top out at 174 MPH.

Performance

Aside from its impressive handling and AWD traction, the Audi S5 also features a high-quality interior. Just like the 2024 BMW M4 interior, the 2010 Audi S5 Quattro Coupe also comes with low seating. While you have a configuration that fits a sporty ride, the two-door ride still offers good forward visibility.

RELATED: The Best Used Sports Cars Under $5,000

7 2015 Infiniti Q60 Journey

Fair Purchase Price: $15,436

You can snag a good example of the 2015 Infiniti Q60 Coupe today if you’re willing to spend between $16,000 and around $19,600. This luxury sports coupe is well known for its respectable performance, well-tuned chassis, and enduring appeal.

With a 3.7-liter V-6 under the hood, you can expect a satisfying output of 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The base model coupe of the Infiniti Q60 will consume around 4.5 gallons of fuel per 100 miles or around 19 MPG and 27 MPG in the city and highway, respectively.

Performance

Just like the BMW M4, you’ll also get a good dose of character when you want some sporty driving. The experience is even better with the well-supported front seats. The interior of the vehicle gives you that vibe of car-driver connection where you have buttons and knobs that are straightforward. You also get a user-friendly 7.0-inch infotainment system.

6 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti

Fair Purchase Price: $19,057

The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine of the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti makes an intoxicating grumble. Comparable to the BMW M4, you can expect a gutsy performance from this luxury sedan with a good combo of responsive steering, capable braking, and an overall zippy attitude.

Though older by several years than the M-badged BMW you’re wishing for, you’ll get to enjoy a beautifully crafted interior that looks quite upscale with its fine leather, trimmings, and soft-touch plastic materials. The seats are well-bolstered, too.

Performance

The 2.0 inline-four powerplant produces 280 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 306 pound-feet at 2,000 RPM. Step on the pedal and the car will move the power from the block to the rear wheels via an eight-speed shiftable automatic gearbox. You can go from 0 to 60 MPH in just 5.1 seconds. Not bad especially when the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti comes packed with sexy Italian lines and amazing driving dynamics.

5 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Two-Door Coupe

Fair Purchase Price: $19,722

The 2005 Chevrolet Corvette was the first of the sixth generation of the iconic American sports car. When it came out, it was a thoroughly redesigned specimen that aimed at refining the nameplate. The underpinnings are basically from its older sibling, but it had better performance and features than the older generation ‘Vette.

The six-liter LS2 V-8 gives you a good 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque to play with on the street or the racetrack. The output for the 2005 model-year Corvette was a good jump from the 350 horses of the previous model and was almost at par with the 2004 Z06 limited models.

Performance

If you want the new BMW M4 because it’s quick and fast, a 2005 Corvette will not disappoint. Press the pedal and it can bring you from 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds and complete a quarter-mile run in 12.6 seconds.

Keep your foot on the accelerator, and before you know it, you’ll hit a top speed of 186 MPH. Yes, it’s faster than the base model of the BMW M4. You’ll save around $50,000 of your hard-earned money, and keep a well-loved Corvette in your garage that was shaped from some of the most radical Corvette concepts through the years.

RELATED: 10 Affordable Sports Cars That Rock A V-8 Engine

4 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Fair Purchase Price: $19,069

If you are looking for a high-performance sedan, you’ll get the worth of every penny if you decide to get a used 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. When it came out, it was an improvement from the previous model with Mercedes equipping it with a seven-speed sport transmission from AMG and a new power steering pump. These enhancements helped improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

Performance

Under the hood of this beast is a 6.3-liter V-8 engine that outputs 451 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. Just like the M4 that promises crisp shifting, the 2012 C63 AMG four-door sedan will send power to its rear wheels and hit 60 MPH in 4.4 seconds from a complete standstill. The top speed is electronically limited at 155 MPH but with the AMG development package, this ride can reach 174 MPH.

3 2011 BMW M3 Sedan

Fair Purchase Price: $20,622

If you’re on the hunt for a good BMW M4 alternative, you do not have to go any further. An M3, any of its iterations, is always a good steal. For less than a third of the current generation M4, the 2011 BMW M3 Sedan will give you good styling that pleases the eyes, and the joy whether you’re driving it alone or fully packed with passengers. The car’s high-revving V-8 powerplant and precise handling allows you to enjoy the machine to the fullest.

Performance

The block under the hood of this M3 delivers 414 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, you can bring the 2011 M3 sedan from a complete stop to 60 MPH in 4.7 seconds and hit an electronically limited top speed of 155 MPH. More than the numbers, you buy the M3 for its versatility, poise, and manners on the road.

2 2010 Cadillac CTS-V

Fair Purchase Price: $22,139

With a 6.2-liter V-8 under the hood, this American luxury sport sedan with unassuming looks is actually a monster. The supercharged engine of this Cadillac cranks out 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque.

Belonging to the high-performance V-Series cars from Cadillac, when it was released, the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V was meant to elbow it out with the likes of the M division cars of BMW and the AMG units from Mercedes-Benz. While it’s heavy at more than 4,200 pounds, it can easily go from 0 to 60 MPH in 3.9 seconds. And it does that with style because of its rigid chassis and impressive suspension.

Performance

To complement its super sedan raw power, the Cadillac CTS-V comes with a refined interior that boasts leather seats, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, Bose surround-sound system, and a ton of head and legroom. Some say that the Cadillac CTS-V with a more vibrant heartbeat.

RELATED: 10 Classic Porsche Cars You Can Buy For Less than $20,000

1 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera

Fair Purchase Price: $24,886

If you love the styling of the 2023 BMW M4, you’ll likely also fall in love with the classic lines of the 996 generation 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera two-door coupe. The German sports car got a redesign that made it longer and wider than the previous iteration. This rear-wheel drive beauty comes with a liter 3.4-liter flat-six engine that puts out 300 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

Performance

When you hop inside the Porsche 911 coupe, six analog gauges will stare back at you with the largest gauge, the tachometer, right at the center. Don’t expect generosity of space. While it’s tight, it is a well-laid out space where you can sit comfortably with your hands on the steering wheel, your feet on the pedals and a stick shift just below your elbow. The Porsche 911 is a work of automotive art that you should take out of the garage more often.