Ford's Mustang V6: the cheapest way to get to 60 MPH in a hurry. Image: Ford Motor Company A few weeks back I brought you a list of the top five new car performance bargains under $35,000. “Good,” you collectively replied, “but how about a list of new cars under $25k, which is more affordable for us unwashed masses.” Since that includes yours truly these days, I decided to expand the list to the top nine performance bargains under $25,000, and as you’ll soon discover, there’s something for everyone. If your taste runs to muscle cars, I’ve got you covered. If you’d rather feel the wind in your hair as you chase a mountain stream down a twisting canyon road, you’re covered, too. If torque steer and FWD is what you know and love, don’t worry – I haven’t left you off the list, either.
The cars on this list represent reality for most of us. Sure, we’d rather have a Shelby GT500 in the garage, but unless we hit the lottery in the near future, a 305 horsepower Mustang V6 doesn’t suck, either. Besides, all of the cars on the list below just beg to be modded, and better handling or more horsepower is just an internet search away. There’s something to be said about building a ride that’s truly your own, and the nine cars below represent great blank canvases. As with the first list, the cars are ranked by their 0 – 60 times, and prices shown reflect a base model with only the destination charge added.
2011 Ford Mustang V6, $22,295 
Image: Ford Motor Company Zero to sixty: 5.1 seconds
Drivetrain: Front engine, rear drive
Horsepower: 305
Curb Weight: 3,453 pounds
Horsepower to weight: 1:11.32
more here @ The Best Performance Cars Under $25k (With Pictures) 
