In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a muscle car is defined as a two-door sports coupe with powerful engine. The Britannica definition is the same, but adds high-performance driving to the list. There are several types of muscle cars, including early models like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, and more modern ones like the Dodge Challenger and Oldsmobile Rocket 88.
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is a sports car from Ford. It is a four-door sport coupe with a convertible variant. It comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 4.6 liter V8.
The base EcoBoost model costs $28,865. It produces 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. This is enough power to get the Mustang to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds.
The GT Performance package is optional and adds a performance rear wing, wider wheels, and Brembo front brakes. You can also add a Torsen limited-slip differential and a larger radiator.
In addition, you can purchase a Mustang with a supercharged V8 pumping out 662 hp and 760 pound-feet of torque. These engines come with six-speed manual transmissions and are covered by a five-year/60,000-mile warranty.
Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro muscle car is a sixties-style homage to the Ford Mustang. Its big wheels, recessed headlights, and bonnet stripes are all the signatures of the classic muscle car.
If you’re looking for a car that will stand out, this is the one to go for. However, be prepared for a price tag. According to Jim Sanfilippo, senior industry analyst at Automotive Marketing Consultants Inc., the standard Camaro costs as much to run as a high-end luxury brand.
The standard engine is a 275 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. However, a 335-hp V6 is also available.
The manual and automatic versions of the Chevy Camaro feature a ‘ActiveFuel’ system that shuts down half the cylinders when you’re not driving. This saves fuel, which helps you get better mileage.
Dodge Challenger
If you’re looking for a muscle car with a lot of horsepower, the Dodge Challenger is an excellent choice. This retro coupe offers plenty of power for a small price, making it a favorite among those interested in performance. The Challenger is also available with all-wheel drive.
Its all-wheel-drive system will engage automatically when the rear wheels lose traction. Aside from the power, the Challenger has a 900-watt stereo system with Harman Kardon surround sound.
In addition to the new model, Dodge has released a new body style and some interesting trim options. These include a full rolling chassis racing car and a drag-racing version. Each features an engine management system, a roll cage, and Strange Engineering’s nine-inch rear axle.
Oldsmobile Rocket 88
When the Rocket 88 muscle car was first introduced, it was the first of its kind. Its engine was a 5.0 L Rocket V8 that produced 135 horsepower. Other manufacturers copied the design.
The Rocket 88 was a popular car that sold well for decades. In fact, it was the most profitable line for Oldsmobile during the 1950s and early 1960s. This was a time of high interest in muscle cars. However, it was also a period when American automakers engaged in a heated horsepower battle.
As the automobile industry hit its stride in the early 1950s, average power in a passenger car doubled. The Rocket 88 was a perfect fit for the post-war economy. With the new body style and an efficient V-8 engine, the 88 became a popular choice for drivers.
Fuel efficiency vs handling
While the muscle car craze is still raging, manufacturers have started experimenting with a more fuel efficient alternative. The result is a new breed of high performance vehicles that still carry the classic design legacy of the past.
There’s no question that some of the more affordable models can be a slog to get out of the driveway, but for the price tag, they’re hard to beat. Besides, fuel efficiency is important in today’s environment. For instance, the average American driver is now paying the price for a fuel price hike of more than 20% over the past two years. To stay afloat, automakers have to find ways to boost efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Early muscle car models
Muscle cars are defined as high-performance automobiles. They are usually high-compression engines. The best models of the 1960s are still desirable collectibles today.
Many muscle cars were manufactured in the 1960s, and some were considered classics. Some are still available for sale in excellent condition. However, the cost of building such vehicles has increased over the years. Therefore, these cars are no longer affordable for most people.
One of the most iconic early muscle car models was the Pontiac GTO. Built on the Tempest mid-size coupe, the GTO defied General Motors’ ban on large-displacement V8 engines in small cars. This model launched a new market and became the vehicle of choice for many drivers.