Want a V8 on the cheap? Buy a work truck
Thu, Aug 3 2017
As it turns out, all of the Big Three offer their most basic work trucks with V8s. And because they're so basic, they're pretty affordable, especially when sticking with the standard two-wheel drive. A Ram 1500 Tradesman with a V8 can be had for as little as $29,840, which is a little more than $4,000 less than a Challenger R/T. For a bit more at $30,275, you can have a Chevy Silverado W/T, almost $8,000 less than a Camaro SS. The most expensive is the V8 Ford F-150 starts at a starting price of $30,670, which is a bit over $5,000 less than the Mustang. Of course you'll be in an ultra bare bones vehicle with few comforts, and the price will go up if you add stuff, but we're bargain hunting here, and sacrifices are sometimes necessary. Besides, what you lose in comfort, you gain in loads of cargo space and towing (try to look at the bright side). Also, as a side note, all three trucks are available with optional electronic locking rear differentials.
At the discounted price of these trucks, you still get a heaping helping of power. The most potent of the trio is the Ram 1500 Tradesman with 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque generated by a 5.7-liter V8. Compared with the Challenger R/T, the Ram is up by 20 horsepower and they're tied for torque. The value proposition is even more stark between the two vehicles when looking at the price per horsepower. Each pony in the Ram costs $75.54, while the Challenger charges you $90.91. The Challenger is also more expensive per horsepower than its close competitors.
The F-150's 5.0-liter V8 is just barely behind the Ram with 395 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. That's still more power than the Challenger, and it matches the torque of the 2017 Mustang GT. On the down side, it still would be down 20 horsepower on that same 2017 Mustang, and it's behind by 60 horsepower and 20 pound-feet on the new 2018 Mustang GT. The F-150 also just edges out the Mustang in the dollar per horsepower measure. Each horsepower in the F-150 costs $76.64 and $78.25 in the 2018 Mustang. The 2017 Mustang GT is even more expensive at $81.17 per pony.
The Silverado is tougher to justify as a bargain. For one, it is the slowest of the bunch. It's saddled with the 5.3-liter V8 that makes 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Those aren't terrible numbers, but they do look pretty paltry in comparison with the Camaro SS. As a reminder, the Camaro SS makes 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. Plus, when you tabulate the money for power rating, the Camaro is actually cheaper. Each horsepower in the Camaro SS starts at $83.30, while you'll fork over $85.28 for one in the Silverado.
So there you have it. If you have to have that V8 sound, that V8 feel, that V8 power, but can't quite stretch to one of the Big Three's muscle cars, you have options. They definitely have disadvantages in comfort and handling, but you will save a lot of money and have space for anything you could ever want.
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By Joel Stocksdale
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