The Cheapest RWD V8 Manual Muscle Car Still Worth Buying in 2025 originally appeared on Autoblog.
The analog muscle car that refuses to die
In an era dominated by EVs and automatics, finding a true rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered, manual-transmission car is like finding buried treasure. But the fourth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is still out there—still cheap, still fast, and still unapologetically analog.
Built from 1993 to 2002, the Z28 came with everything muscle car fans crave: a naturally aspirated small-block V8, aggressive styling, and the option of a six-speed manual. It’s not a museum piece. This car was made to be driven fast, loud, and sideways if necessary.
LS1 power and Corvette DNA
Early fourth-gen Camaros came with a 5.7-liter LT1 V8 borrowed from the Corvette, delivering 275 horsepower. However, things really got interesting in 1998, when GM introduced the all-aluminum LS1. That engine bumped power up to 305 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque, and paired with a six-speed Tremec manual, it turned the Camaro into a legitimate track-day brawler.
4th Generation Chevrolet CamaroWikimedia CommonsWhile the LS1 made even more power in the Corvette thanks to a better intake and exhaust, the Camaro’s version still had plenty of punch and room to grow. It was a lighter car, too, thanks to the F-body platform it shared with the Pontiac Firebird. With good tires and a competent driver, it could hang with far more expensive cars from the same era.
What does it cost today?
Back in 1993, a new Camaro Z28 started at $16,779. By 1998, the LS1-equipped model carried a $20,995 sticker. Fast forward to today, and the shocker is this: they’re still going for around the same money. According to Classic.com, the average sale price for a fourth-gen Z28 is around $14,300. Clean manual examples from the LS1 years (1998–2002) tend to fall between $12,000 and $28,000, depending on mileage and condition. Anniversary editions, convertibles, and low-mileage survivors go for more, but even those rarely crack $30K.
4th Generation Chevrolet CamaroWikimedia CommonsNeed proof? A 2002 Z28 with a six-speed and only 33,000 miles recently popped up on Bring a Trailer with a starting bid of $2,500. Or consider a pristine 1997 30th Anniversary Edition Convertible listed at $27,900 with stripes, a stick shift, and just over 33,000 miles on the clock.
The Firebird: Camaro’s underrated twin
If you love the formula but want to stand out, the Pontiac Firebird—especially in Trans Am or Formula Firehawk trim—is a worthy alternative. Sharing the same engine options and chassis, late-model Firebirds with the six-speed manual are just as potent.
4th Generation Pontiac FirebirdWikimedia CommonsFewer were made, so they’re a bit harder to find, but gems are still out there. A purple 1995 Firebird Formula Firehawk with a six-speed manual and under 60K miles is currently listed for $25,777. That’s a lot of style and speed for less than a new Civic.
Final thoughts
The fourth-gen Camaro Z28 is proof that you don’t need to spend big to get big power. For the price of a used econobox, you get RWD, a fire-breathing V8, and a six-speed manual that’s directly connected to your right hand. In a world of sterile, tech-heavy cars, the Z28 delivers raw, old-school fun without the collector tax. If you’re looking for the cheapest way into proper American muscle in 2025, this is it.
The Cheapest RWD V8 Manual Muscle Car Still Worth Buying in 2025 first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 2, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
