10 Used Sleeper Car Alternatives For 2023 Subaru WRX Shoppers
The 2023 Subaru WRX is now a car that stands on its own, rather than sitting as a trim level in the Impreza range – which was also completely reimagined. The WRX is not actually based on the Impreza platform at all anymore, rather utilizing the same platform used for the Crosstrek – just with sportier tuning.
This switch of platforms means that the WRX gets more ride height and makes it the Japanese equivalent of the Volvo S60 Cross Country. The WRX comes with the 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4 used in the larger Outback and Ascent models, but with more power – coming in at 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Sadly, the base model gets a CVT, but Subaru offers an upgrade to a 6-speed manual transmission at no extra cost.
This transmission option makes the WRX the only manual, all-wheel-drive sedan on the market. The base model comes in at just over $30,000 – which is not at all bad for a sporty family sedan with off-roading capabilities. While it is great, we found some used sleeper car alternatives that are just as cool and often faster than the WRX.
All informational data was retrieved from automotive websites such as CarSpecs, FastestLaps, and the vehicle's manufacturer websites themselves.
10 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
Used Starting Price: $30,400
Via: GM
Engine Specs
Manufacturer General Motors Production Years 2008-Present Configuration V8 Displacement 6.2 liters (376 cu in) Power 415 hp Torque 415 lb-ft Fuel Gasoline Noteworthy Applications Pontiac G8, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet SS
The Pontiac G8 GXP was only around for two model years before Pontiac as a company folded. The G8 was based on the Australian Holden Commodore but with a redesigned front and rear end. The steering wheel was also swapped to the left side of the car. The top-spec GXP trim featured the famous Chevrolet LS3 V8, displacing 6.2 liters and producing 415 hp and 415 lb-ft.
Speed & Performance
0-60 MPH 4.5 Seconds Top Speed 155 MPH Curb Weight 3,946 lbs Horsepower 415 hp Torque 415 lb-ft Layout Front-Engine, Rear-Wheel-Drive
The G8 – like its succeeding Chevrolet SS counterpart – is really just a practical family sedan with a great big V8 in the front. The G8 GXP boasts a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds – a second faster than the Subaru WRX – and then gets on to a limited 155 mph. Think also of the G8 as a cheaper alternative to the BMW M5.
Related: 10 Sleeper Sedans That'll Outrun A BMW 5 Series
9 2006-2008 Mazda6 MPS
Used Starting Price: $10,000
Mazda
Engine Specs
Manufacturer Mazda Production Years 2005-2012 Configuration Inline-4 Turbocharged Displacement 2.3 liters (138 cu in) Power 263 hp Torque 280 lb-ft Fuel Gasoline Noteworthy Applications Mazda6 MPS, Mazda3 MPS
The Mazda6 MPS – called the MazdaSpeed 6 in Japan – is a sporty family sedan specifically designed with the Ford Mondeo ST220 in mind. But where the Ford has a naturally aspirated V6, the Mazda has a turbocharged 4-cylinder making more power and torque. The 2.3-liter turbo-4 is an improved version of the engine found in the Mazda 3 MPS, producing 274 hp and 280 lb-ft.
Speed & Performance
0-60 MPH 5.7 Seconds Top Speed 149 MPH Curb Weight 3,671 lbs Horsepower 263 hp Torque 280 lb-ft Layout Front-Engine, All-Wheel-Drive
The Mazda6 MPS gets all-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission. This doesn’t mean it isn’t throwable into corners, easily achieving a four-wheel skid whenever wanted. The MPS does the 0-60 in just 5.7 seconds – slower than modern competitors but still fast compared to other lower-end sporty family sedans.
8 2010-2018 Volvo S60 T6 AWD
Used Starting Price: $10,000
Via: Our Auto Expert
Engine Specs
Manufacturer Volvo Production Years 2011-2018 Configuration Inline-6 Turbocharged Displacement 3.0 liters (183 cu in) Power 325 hp Torque 325 lb-ft Fuel Gasoline Noteworthy Applications Volvo S60, Volvo V70, Volvo XC60
The kings of the sleeper car were at it again with the second-generation S60. While the first hot S60 got a turbocharged 5-cylinder making 300 hp, the newer version got a turbocharged inline-6 making 325 hp. The US version even got the R-Design trim as standard.
Speed & Performance
0-60 MPH 5.2 Seconds Top Speed 155 MPH Curb Weight 3,461–3,893 lbs Horsepower 325 hp Torque 325 lb-ft Layout Front-Engine, All-Wheel-Drive
The S60 T6 AWD is a brilliant vehicle as it has enough practicality for a family – no matter the weather conditions – and it can easily keep up with sports cars on a twisty back road. The S60 T6 AWD gets to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds – regardless of whether it is a sedan or wagon.
7 2018-Present VW Jetta GLI
Used Starting Price: $25,000
Via Sam CarLegion on YouTube
Engine Specs
Manufacturer Volkswagen Group Production Years 2008-Present Configuration Inline-4 Turbocharged Displacement 2.0 liters (121 cu in) Power 220 hp Torque 258 lb-ft Fuel Gasoline Noteworthy Applications VW Golf GTI, VW Jetta GLI, Škoda Octavia vRS
The VW Jetta GLI is basically a VW Golf GTI but in sedan form. The GLI gets some sportier bumpers and red accents in the grille, but underneath it is nearly identical to the Golf GTI. The GLI’s 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 makes 228 hp and 258 lb-ft, but packages it in a more practical body style – like the Škoda Octavia vRS in Europe.
Speed & Performance
0-60 MPH 6.1 Seconds Top Speed 126 MPH Curb Weight 2,888–2,970 lbs Horsepower 220 hp Torque 258 lb-ft Layout Front-Engine, Front-Wheel-Drive
The Jetta GLI retains all the normal Jetta’s ergonomics, practicality, and good styling, but now dashes the 0-60 in 6.1 seconds – an entire second faster than the regular Jetta model. Sadly, there is no Jetta R model like the Arteon R, but maybe VW will create some over-the-top version for a limited time.
Related: 10 Family Cars With Unexpected Sporty Performance
6 2010-2019 Ford Taurus SHO
Used Starting Price: $25,000
via Ford
Engine Specs
Manufacturer Ford Motor Company Production Years 2010-Present Configuration V6 Twin-Turbocharged Displacement 3.5 liters (213 cu in) Power 310-380 hp Torque 350-460 lb-ft Fuel Gasoline Noteworthy Applications Ford Taurus SHO, Lincoln Navigator, Ford F-150, Police Interceptor Sedan
The Ford Taurus literally changed automotive design in the US when it debuted in the 1980s. Fast-forward three generations from the original, and we got a huge family sedan, based on an SUV. Yes, it still had a powerful engine, but it took away the Taurus-ness a bit. There is a new Taurus available in the Middle East, but The US won't get it.
Speed & Performance
0-60 MPH 5.2 Seconds Top Speed 143 MPH Curb Weight 4,388 lbs Horsepower 310-380 hp Torque 350-460 lb-ft Layout Front-Engine, All-Wheel-Drive
The 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 under the hood went to all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic and delivered 365 hp and 350 lb-ft to the ground. This resulted in a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds, which is really good for a vehicle weighing well north of 4,000 lbs.
5 2002-2004 Mercury Marauder
Used Starting Price: $11,800
Via Mercury
Engine Specs
Manufacturer Ford Motor Company Production Years 1991-2014 Configuration V8 Displacement 4.6 liters (280 cu in) Power 190-302 hp Torque 260-305 lb-ft Fuel Gasoline Noteworthy Applications Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Marauder, Ford Mustang
The Mercury Marauder of the early 2000s was nothing more than a rebadged and slightly revamped Ford Crown Victoria – the same vehicle used as police cars and taxis. The Marauder got some more stylized bumpers, wheels, and grille, as well as a tiny bit nicer interior.
Speed & Performance
0-60 MPH 7.5 Seconds Top Speed 117 MPH Curb Weight 4,057 lbs Horsepower 190-302 hp Torque 260-305 lb-ft Layout Front-Engine, Rear-Wheel-Drive
Under the hood was the same 4.6-liter Ford V8 used in the Crown Vic, producing 302 hp. The idea was to have a supercharged version of the same engine, but it never happened. The American horses went to the rear wheels only via a 4-speed automatic and the Marauder got the Police Interceptor’s better final gear ratio, allowing a higher top speed than the Crown Vic.
4 2006-2011 Audi S6
Used Starting Price: $16,000
source:flickr
Engine Specs
Manufacturer Audi Production Years 2006-2011 Configuration V10 Displacement 5.2 liters (318 cu in) Power 430-450 hp Torque 398 lb-ft Fuel Gasoline Noteworthy Applications Audi S6, Audi S8
The third-generation Audi S6 is a complete oddball as it features the 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 straight out of the Lamborghini Gallardo. Granted, the tuning is a bit different to accommodate the increased weight of a luxury sedan, but it is basically the same engine. Contrary to popular belief, the 5.2-liter isn’t a Lamborghini engine, but rather a 4.2-liter V8 with two extra cylinders.
Speed & Performance
0-60 MPH 5.1 Seconds Top Speed 155 MPH Curb Weight 4,210 lbs Horsepower 430-450 hp Torque 398 lb-ft Layout Front-Engine, All-Wheel-Drive
In the S6, the V10 makes 430 hp and is mated to a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Power goes to all four wheels via Audi’s famous Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Thanks to the all-wheel-drive, V10, and performance, the S6 completes the 0-60 mph sprint in 5.1 seconds. As luxury performance sedans go, the S6 is a pretty good vehicle – especially when it has an aftermarket exhaust.
Related: 10 Practical Cars With Unexpectedly High Horsepower
3 2017-2022 Honda Accord 2.0T
Used Starting Price: $25,000
Honda
Engine Specs
Manufacturer Honda Production Years 2018-Present Configuration Inline-4 Turbocharged Displacement 2.0 liters (121 cu in) Power 252-272 hp Torque 273-280 lb-ft Fuel Gasoline Noteworthy Applications Honda Accord Sport, Acura RDX
The Honda Accord 2.0T is what happens when Honda stuffs a detuned 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 from the Civic Type R into the larger family-orientated sedan. The 2.0T also gets a sportier body kit and larger wheels which accentuates the faster stance of the trim level.
Speed & Performance
0-60 MPH 6.1 Seconds Top Speed 124 MPH Curb Weight 3,131–3,428 lbs Horsepower 252-272 hp Torque 273-280 lb-ft Layout Front-Engine, Front-Wheel-Drive
The Accord 2.0T produces 252 hp and 273 lb-ft and all that power goes to the front wheels via either a 10-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. The Accord 2.0T completes the 0-60 mph dash in just 6.1 seconds – quite a bit faster than anticipated. Compared to an Acura TLX, the Accord is a sports car.
2 2008-2017 Buick Regal GS
Used Starting Price: $17,000
Buick
Engine Specs
Manufacturer Opel, General Motors Production Years 2008-2017 Configuration Inline-4 Turbocharged Displacement 2.0 liters (121 cu in) Power 270 hp Torque 295 lb-ft Fuel Gasoline Noteworthy Applications Buick Regal GS, SAAB 9-5 Turbo, Opel Insignia
The Buick Regal GS is just a rebadged Vauxhall Insignia VXR from Europe. The GS gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 which produces 270 hp and 295 lb-ft instead of the turbocharged V6 that its European cousin has. The GS also gets all-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual as standard – quite an interesting combination of drivetrain configurations.
Speed & Performance
0-60 MPH 6.8 Seconds Top Speed 140 MPH Curb Weight 3,600 lbs Horsepower 270 hp Torque 295 lb-ft Layout Front-Engine, All-Wheel-Drive
The Regal GS gets to 60 mph in under seven seconds and is a pretty good sporty sedan for the price. The Regal GS got some great-looking bumpers, and the overall look of the car differentiates it from the rest of the Regal range. While it is not quite as cool as the older Regals from the 1980s with their turbocharged V6s, it gets the job done.
Related: 10 Sleeper Cars That'll Leave Supercars In The Dust
1 2003-2014 SAAB 9-3 Turbo X
Used Starting Price: $20,000
Via SAAB
Engine Specs
Manufacturer General Motors Production Years 2005-2009 Configuration V6 Turbocharged Displacement 2.8 liters (170 cu in) Power 227-276 hp Torque 330-400 lb-ft Fuel Gasoline Noteworthy Applications SAAB 9-3, Vauxhall Vectra, Cadillac BLS
SAAB was one of the coolest automakers on the market, making cars that spare no expense in terms of safety. Sadly, SAAB Automotive went under in 2012 and the last of the 9-3s and 9-5s were sold until 2014. One of the coolest models of the 9-3 range was the Turbo X – a sporty sedan and wagon that punched well above its weight.
Speed & Performance
0-60 MPH 6.2 Seconds Top Speed 155 MPH Curb Weight 3,109–3,726 lbs Horsepower 227-276 hp Torque 330-400 lb-ft Layout Front-Engine, All-Wheel-Drive
The 9-3 Turbo X follows the 900 Turbo’s example but uses a 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 which produces 280 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It also gets a Haldex all-wheel-drive system, an advanced eLSD, and a choice of either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Turbo X sprinted to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds – all while cocooning the occupants in one of the safest vehicles on the market.
Source: HotCars
