Over time, producers have tried to stability the efficiency and luxurious of their sedan choices fastidiously. They generally mate their unbelievable V-8 engines to clean computerized transmissions for higher practicality. Identical to Mercedes did over the previous few a long time. Therefore, opposite to in style perception, a V-8 powered, handbook transmission, performance-oriented four-door sedan is a uncommon sighting out within the wild, regardless of being a trifecta for lovers.

It’s unhappy to see that, currently, these three parts are all dying in a technique or one other. Producers are phasing out their V-8 engines in a bid in direction of effectivity; solely a handful of efficiency vehicles presently supply handbook transmissions; and patrons’ desire in direction of SUVs means the loss of life of the sedan physique type as we all know it. It’s fairly commendable that Cadillac nonetheless sells the CTS-V Blackwing, the final handbook V-8 sedan, amongst all of the doom and gloom.

It is very important do not forget that most of those modifications we see are for the betterment of humanity, particularly the scrutinous give attention to effectivity and carbon neutrality, but the kid in us nonetheless aches for the thrill of the previous. Thankfully, we will nonetheless have our decide of the number of vehicles roaming round. This listing will solely give attention to efficiency vehicles that tick the aforementioned bins.

RELATED: 10 Efficiency Vehicles That Nonetheless Provide A Guide Transmission In 2023

So as to provide the most recent and correct info potential, the information used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Automobile and Driver, Motor Development, and Traditional.com. This listing of the ten V-8 efficiency sedans you should purchase with a handbook, is organized based on the typical used automotive costs.

10 Lancia Thema 8.32

Common Used Worth: $9,683

What should you knew that you would get pleasure from a naturally aspirated Ferrari V-8 engine mated to a five-speed handbook together with your total household on board? Effectively, Lancia gave us this candy proposition for a quick interval within the late Eighties. It was a sedan that borrowed the two.9 liter F105L V-8 from Ferrari, an engine that was provided on the 308 Quattrovalvole. It featured a cross-plane crankshaft for a better torque output, similar to the Maserati Quattroporte of at this time.

Efficiency Specs

(Knowledge was collected from automobile-catalog.com)

The numbers within the identify have been to suggest that it packs an eight-cylinder, 32-valve engine, albeit in a front-wheel drive setup. The 8.32 was the high-performance model of the usual Thema sedan, made to compete with the choices from Germany. Though this automotive had a really brief manufacturing run, it’s nonetheless an underrated traditional with costs nicely beneath the $20,000 mark.

Execs

• The Naturally Aspirated 2.9L Ferrari V-8 with a handbook transmission.
• It’s light-weight, solely 150 kilos heavier than the Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole.
• It has a cool retractable spoiler.

Cons

• The Entrance-Wheel Drive structure.
• The lesser 16V has comparable efficiency at a fraction of the fee.
• Electrical points might be irritating.

9 Audi D2 S8

Common Used Worth: $12,285

The S8 is the efficiency model of Audi’s flagship sedan, the A8. The primary-gen A8 sat on an all-new, in-house platform that debuted in 1994; it was impressed by the ASF idea that was unveiled a couple of years prior. It featured intelligent engineering that we would take with no consideration at this time: a light-weight, structurally inflexible, aluminum house body chassis. This innovation was essential to compensate for the burden penalty of their Quatro all-wheel drive system, which was customary on all of their vehicles.

Efficiency Specs

(Knowledge was collected from automobile-catalog.com)

The A8 was, by all means, a big sedan, made to compete with the likes of the BMW 7-Collection and the Mercedes S-Class. But, with the S8, Audi managed to breathe an air of efficiency with an obtainable six-speed handbook, a revised suspension setup, and an up-rated V-8 engine. The five-valve-per-cylinder V-8 engine from Audi was recognized for its raspy sound.

Execs

• It has a big, upscale, and spacious cabin.
• Lighter in weight than comparable autos.
• The all-aluminum chassis is thought to by no means rust.

Cons

• It’s a massive and heavy luxurious sedan.
• It has some reliability points.
• The picket inside trim may really feel outdated.

8 BMW E34 540i

Common Used Worth: $18,394

When BMW reintroduced their first V-8 engine because the discontinuation of the one within the BMW 501 in 1965, they aimed it for his or her luxurious flagship, the 7-series. The M60 V8 engine sat between the straight-6 and the V-12 when it was launched within the E32 7-series. This similar engine was additionally handed all the way down to the medium-sized 5-series, making it the biggest engine provided within the lineup.

Efficiency Specs

(Knowledge was collected from automobile-catalog.com)

When the M5 of this era got here out, it wasn’t provided with the M60 V8. A lot to patrons’ shock, the M5 was provided with a 3.5 liter straight-6 referred to as the S38, a efficiency engine with extra horsepower however much less torque. Earlier than you low cost this automotive for being much less highly effective, do not forget that BMW provided the E31 840i with the identical engine and transmission setup.

Execs

• It has a cool and timeless design.
• It has a superb repute for reliability.
• It’s comfy for lengthy cruises.

Cons

• It could really feel underwhelming in comparison with the E34 M5.
• The engine might need Nikasil sulfur injury.
• Cracked plastic and worn-out interiors are anticipated at this age.

RELATED: 10 BMW Fashions You In all probability Have not Thought-about However Ought to

7 BMW E90 M3

Common Used Worth: $29,894

The E90/92 M3 is the final era of M3s the place you would have the enduring M3 badge each on a sedan and a coupe. This era of M3 can also be the solely era of 3-series obtainable with a V-8 engine. Many can recall the championship-winning E46 M3 GTR, an M3 that dropped the straight-six in favor of a robust V-8 engine. This creation enamored followers of the model. Within the following era, their want got here true: BMW introduced the fourth-gen M3 with a V-8.

Efficiency Specs

(Knowledge was collected from automobile-catalog.com)

The E90 M3 sedan obtained many constructive critiques, touted as “The world’s finest all-round automotive.” It was praised for its balanced and fascinating driving expertise, to not point out the symphonic V8 engine. What made the S65 V-8 particular was that it was the primary V-8 engine made totally by the M-division. Although the M3 and M4 employed twin-turbo straight-six engines, they’re nonetheless one of many few vehicles that may be had with a handbook transmission.

Execs

• Glorious driving dynamics.
• Very simple to tune and improve.
• It’s the final naturally aspirated M3.

Cons

• Restore prices might be costly.
• The engine has a large number of points that want consideration.
• Uneconomical with gasoline.

6 BMW E39 M5

Common Used Worth: $33,516

BMW has made some unimaginable masterpieces over its lengthy tenure as certainly one of Germany’s premier sports activities sedan producers. Their daring maxim, “Shear driving pleasure”, has been ingrained within the minds of lovers over the a long time. The E39 M5 is an embodiment of all that phrase stood for, a contemporary sedan with a naturally aspirated V-8 and solely obtainable with a handbook transmission.

Efficiency Specs

(Knowledge was collected from automobile-catalog.com)

This icon of timeless design is the place the M-division determined to debut their first V-8 engine in an M automotive. It was praised for its energy and torque, which put it miles forward of the competitors. MotorTrend additionally praised the M5 for its balanced dealing with, owing to its intelligent aluminum-intensive McPherson strut entrance and multi-link rear suspension.

Execs

• A wonderful and well-rounded automotive to drive each day.
• Nimble and exact dealing with.
• Lovely and stylish design.

Cons

• Costs are skyrocketing as a result of automotive being favored amongst collectors.
• May need an costly maintenance if it had a tough life.
• Rod bearing and crankshaft bearing points are frequent.

5 Audi B7 RS4

Common Used Worth: $33,818

The Audi RS4 lineup of vehicles started life as a successor to the legendary RS2 Avant, a sports activities station wagon developed in collaboration with Porsche. The primary RS4, the B5, stayed true to its roots, solely obtainable in an Avant/Stationwagon physique type and a particular Biturbo V-6 engine made by Cosworth. Regardless of skipping a couple of years, the RS4 returned for a second era with the B7. They stunned everybody with their 4.2L V-8 engine and several other body-style configurations.

Efficiency Specs

(Knowledge was collected from automobile-catalog.com)

This V8 engine was the star of the present when it got here to efficiency. It was a revised model of the engine discovered within the comparatively tamed Audi S4, revving as much as 8,000 RPM and 75 extra horses. It was additionally the identical engine the place Audi debuted their iconic halo supercar, the R8, again in 2006. Contemplating that Audi solely despatched 2,000 examples to the U.S., costs of the B7 RS4 have not but reached a stratospheric degree, averaging out at about $34,000.

Execs

• Having an engine that was provided on a Halo automotive.
• Revs as much as 8,000 RPM.
• Lighter weight than comparable vehicles, regardless of having an AWD system.

Cons

• Horrible gasoline economic system.
• It’s costly when in comparison with the BMW E90 M3.
• Restore payments could be costly.

RELATED: 15 Quickest Audi Sports activities Vehicles, Ranked

4 Chevrolet SS

Common Used Worth: $41,632

When Ford saved their Falcon as an Aussie secret, GM introduced the Holden Commodore within the type of the Chevy SS to the US. It served as the one sedan in GM’s lineup with a rear-wheel drive V-8 setup, similar to the Pontiac G8 that got here earlier than. Sadly, this automotive was solely obtainable for a quick interval till it was discontinued, together with the Holden Commodore.

Efficiency Specs

(Knowledge was collected from Automobile and Driver)

Because of their similarities beneath, many thought-about the SS a family-friendly C6 Corvette. Efficiency-wise, it saved up with the big-dogs from Germany. Chevy even provided the SS with Magnetic Experience Management on all 4 corners for a clean but responsive trip. With a complete of solely 12,860 items offered, the costs of the Chevrolet SS barely flinched from its unique MSRP.

Execs

• A robust LS-powered sedan.
• They’re recognized to retain their worth.
• They’re simple and comparatively low-cost to take care of.

Cons

• Thirsty engine with horrible gasoline economic system.
• An affordable-feeling cabin.
• Bland styling, is usually mistaken for a Malibu.

3 Ford FPV Boss 290 GT-P

Common Used Worth: $43,752

Many argue that American producers have a delicate spot for the Aussies, creating superior autos catered to the land down beneath. One of many notable mentions is Ford’s Efficiency Autos Division (FPV), a successor to Australia’s Ford SVO. They centered on sixth and later seventh-generation Ford Falcons with the 5.4 liter modular V-8 engine, an engine which was additionally obtainable within the Mustang Cobra R.

Efficiency Specs

(Knowledge was collected from Quickest Laps)

The FPV sequence of vehicles have been initially provided in three flavors: the GT, the GT-P, and a Ute referred to as the Pursuit. Be careful within the coming few years as these “Mustang sedans and Utes” turn into ripe for the 25-year import rule. The tragic little bit of the story is that FPV ceased operations again in 2014, and Ford shortly adopted go well with by ending all of its Australian manufacturing operations in 2016.

Execs

• A sedan extremely associated to a Ford Mustang.
• Good sporty seats with good bolstering.
• Cool styling and aero parts.

Cons

• Solely obtainable in Australia.
• It’s sitting at a really excessive worth level.
• There have been stories of some engine issues.

2 BMW F10 M5

Common Used Worth: $47,111

We normally hear Individuals complain about not getting a sure sort of cool automotive. Effectively, BMW did the U.S. a strong once they introduced that the F10 M5 can be offered with a handbook transmission, however just for the American market. This era is thought to be the primary M5 to make use of a turbocharged engine and a dual-clutch computerized transmission.

Efficiency Specs

(Knowledge was collected from Automobile and Driver)

Though an computerized would suffice for a automotive of this stature, BMW nonetheless went above and past to adapt the six-speed handbook unit from the 550i for the U.S. market. The F10 M5 had a number of energy and torque, but there isn’t any denying that it weighed as a lot as a planet. That’s the reason it was a shock when a BMW driver clocked the M5 Competitors at 7:54:00 across the Nürburgring, which made it the quickest sedan across the Nordschleife.

Execs

• It’s a comfy and trendy luxurious sedan with a high-quality inside.
• Excessive energy figures and glorious efficiency.
• A confidence-inspiring tight and inflexible chassis.

Cons

• This can be very heavy.
• Muted sound as a result of engine being turbocharged.
• The handbook is not obtainable for non-US markets.

RELATED: 2025 BMW M5: Every part We Know So Far

1 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

MSRP: $93,495

The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing looks as if the final glimmer of sunshine right into a interval of perpetual darkness. It’s the solely sedan at this time that gives the magical combo of a V-8 engine with three pedals as customary. It’s the embodiment of freedom in essentially the most American means potential, a can-do perspective towards all odds. Within the efficiency division, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is in a category of its personal, even when accounting for all of the dual-clutch M5s and AMGs.

Efficiency Specs

(Knowledge was collected from Cadillac)

A couple of years in the past, 650+ horsepower was thought-about supercar territory; but at this time, Cadillac provides you the liberty to roll the Earth off its axis with all of your family and friends on board. Dealing with all that energy is a Tremec 6-speed handbook, together with a intelligent Efficiency Traction Administration system to place all of the hooves on the bottom. Stopping energy is offered by huge Brembo brakes. As Cadillac is within the strategy of an electrical revolution, we should swiftly pluck recent ones from the showroom flooring earlier than they turn into a part of historical past.

Execs

• It may be purchased model new.
• Athletic efficiency with immense energy and torque.
• It’s filled with Cadillac’s newest driver’s support tech.

Cons

• Subpar gasoline economic system.
• Underwhelming inside as in comparison with German rivals.
• Rear seats may really feel cramped for taller passengers.