Modern sports cars have many advantages muscle cars. Sports cars have powerful engines, better suspension and aerodynamic designs that give them an edge in performance and handling. However, muscle cars still have their own unique appeal. We know muscle cars for their great power and impressive speed.
An example of an American muscle car that rules is the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and SRT Demon. These mighty machines stand out on the drag strip, stacked with V8 engines, a ridiculous amount of horsepower and a knack for burnouts. If you find yourself next to one of these monsters with racing intentions, you’d better be driving something remarkable.
Muscle cars have a rich history that played an influential role in American culture during the 1960s and 1970s. If you are a vintage vehicle enthusiast, you know that today they are more scarce than ever. The reason was the oil crisis of the 70s. Which led companies to limit their production of manufacturing cars that consumed gasoline. Still, muscle cars from that era are loved by many, although not all cars from that era belong to the muscle car family. Let’s take a look at 5 muscle cars that can crush modern sports cars and 4 muscle cars that don’t even come close.
9 Smoke Modern Sports Cars: 1967 Mustang Shelby GT500
Carroll Shelby and his cars were never known for their subtlety. Among its impressive lineup, the 1967 Shelby GT500 stood out as the pinnacle of popularity, and rightfully so. It offered an exciting experience under the hood, making it the best choice for drag racing fans.
With stunning aesthetics, the 1967 Shelby GT500 remains an icon among muscle cars. The powerful 7.0-liter V8 engine that generates 355 horsepower outperformed its counterpart, the 6.3-liter V8 option. The larger engine played a crucial role in making the Shelby GT500 one of the fastest muscle cars of its era, achieving a 0-60 mph time of just 6.5 seconds. Even today, the GT500 enjoys a strong following among muscle car enthusiasts and still holds its own against modern sports cars.
8 No closer: 1979 Oldsmobile 442
Although Oldsmobile has a history of producing high-performance vehicles in the past, the 1979 Oldsmobile 442 was a coup in terms of power. With just 115 horsepower in its standard form, this bulky car worked its way to a top speed of 109 miles per hour.
While this engine size might have been impressive a decade earlier, this specific iteration of the 442 lacked the desired power. Additionally, the car’s unattractive, boxy design contributed to its declining popularity. The 442 may once be an iconic American muscle car, but the same is not true of later models like this one.
7 Smoke Modern Sports Cars: 1966 Pontiac GTO
The iconic Pontiac GTO holds the top spot in the muscle car record. While the Oldsmobile Rocket was the first of its kind, it was Pontiac that really set the modern muscle car era on fire. The designers of the GTO designed a true muscle car powered by a 389 cubic inch 6.4 liter V8 engine. This incredible engine initially provided 325 horsepower, and for those looking for even more power, an upgrade to 348 horsepower was also available.
The GTO’s performance was outstanding as it was able to achieve acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds during its time. These performance numbers made the Pontiac GTO an exceptional value for any car enthusiast. With its combination of style and power, the GTO remains an excellent choice to challenge some modern sports cars on the track.
6 No closer: 1974 Ford Mustang King Cobra
The Ford Mustang II series had a short production run of four years, but left an influential mark on the legacy of American muscle cars. While the first Mustang was massively successful, this particular iteration was meant to provide an alternative option. However, it failed to capture the hearts of enthusiasts as the desired model.
Among the Mustang II lineup, the 1978 Ford Mustang II King Cobra stood out as one of the weaker muscle cars. With a modest output of around 140 horsepower and a bulky frame, its performance ratings were far from impressive.
5 Smoke Modern Sports Cars: 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429
The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of many iconic Mustang variants, but few can match the exclusivity and distinction of the legendary Boss 429. This extraordinary vehicle rose to prominence as the ride of choice for renowned character John Wick. in his debut film. The production of the Boss 429, however, only lasted two years, which added to its allure.
Although the base model Mustang already possessed considerable power, the Boss 429 took it to the next level with an impressive 375 horsepower. With simple modifications, the 429 engine had the potential to reach an astonishing 600 horsepower. When it comes to embodying the essence of a true muscle car, it’s hard to find a vehicle that matches the commanding presence of the Ford Mustang Boss 429.
4 It doesn’t come close: 1982-1985 Chevrolet Camaro Iron Duke
Many car fans understandably cringe at the thought of including a Camaro on a worst muscle car list, we can relate to that sentiment. But the gears also cower at the Iron Duke Camaro, as it is one of the worst muscle cars of all time. The Iron Duke is commonly considered one of the weakest muscle cars ever made, primarily because of its four-cylinder engine.
Unfortunately, this engine choice resulted in one of the slowest Camaros ever made. Despite its durability, the Iron Duke could only muster about 90 horsepower. In the context of a muscle car, its 0-60 time of 20 seconds was undeniably ridiculously poor.
3 Smoke Modern Sports Cars: 1970 Chevelle SS 454
In addition to Chevrolet’s famous Camaro, the manufacturer also introduced the impressive Chevelle SS as another prominent muscle car. Although it made its debut in 1964, it was in 1970 that the Chevelle SS really cemented its reputation as a muscle car worthy of its name. Serving as Chevrolet’s answer to Pontiac’s GTO, the Chevelle SS, or Super Sport, drew attention. The standard offering for the 1970 SS was the 350 hp 6.5 liter SS396. However, the real star was the SS454 with its optional 7.4-liter LS6 V8 engine. Equipped with a 454 cubic inch big block V8, it unleashed an astounding 500 lb-ft of torque and 450 horsepower.
As for acceleration, it boasted a remarkable 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds, completed a quarter-mile run in just 13.7 seconds, and achieved an impressive top speed of 162 mph. The LS6’s advertised 450 hp marked the highest among Detroit’s initial wave of muscle cars, decisively beating out its Pontiac counterpart. To this day, the Chevelle SS remains highly sought after by collectors, being one of Chevrolet’s most respected and collectible cars.
2 No closer: 1980 Mercury Capri
If you’re wondering if there’s a striking resemblance between this car and the Fox body Mustang, you’re absolutely right. While it may not have been a powerhouse, it undeniably featured an attractive design. Known as the Capri, this vehicle was essentially Mercury’s version of the Mustang, sharing the same platform and engine options.
At first glance, the Capri exudes a pleasing aesthetic that was typical of its era. However, disappointment sets in when you discover that it only mustered 117 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque. In reality, this car was more like a sheep in wolf’s clothing.
1 Smoke Modern Sports Cars: 1969 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi
In 1968, Plymouth introduced a muscle car that paid homage to a beloved Looney Tunes character. This vehicle embodied impressive performance capabilities, sure to delight fans of the animated series. The Road Runner model came with a 383 cu in V8 engine rated at 335 horsepower. For those looking for even more power, an upgrade to the 426 cubic inch Hemi engine was available, delivering an impressive 425 horsepower.
The Hemi engine allowed the Road Runner to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. Additionally, the range of big-block engines available, ranging from the standard 383 to the powerful 425, ensured the ability to deliver on the high-speed promise represented by the cartoon bird adorning its fenders .
Sources: Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Ford, General Motors, Chrysler.
