When it comes to muscle cars, there are just about every option to skin your game. With so many different types and styles available, it can be hard to determine which one is the perfect fit for you. If you’re looking for a muscle car that’s both stylish and powerful, you’re in luck. Here are 15 of the best muscle cars for your eye-in-the-sky style car.

What Is A Muscle Car?

The American Muscle Car is a car with a strong engine, rear-wheel drive, and a dynamic appearance. Because of its low cost and excellent performance, it was one of the most popular automobiles in America from the 1960s until the 1990s.

Today, a muscle vehicle is any big American V-shaped eight-cylinder rear-wheel drive (RWD) automobile that is reasonably priced. It features a potent engine with high horsepower ratings and is available in two or four doors.

Oldsmobile produced the first muscle automobile in 1950, but the name was not commonly used until 1964. Chrysler then introduced their new Dodge and Plymouth models, dubbed “muscle cars,” since they were more potent than prior versions.

The word “muscle car” originates in the American drag racing culture, which is now mainly used to describe more significant, high-performance automobiles.

Pros

• There are several choices to consider.
• The majority are fairly priced.
• All are enjoyable to drive.
• All are normally large.
• For the most part, ride comfort is excellent.

Cons

• Massive engines use a lot of gasoline.
• The greatest muscle automobile is frequently the least practical in the real world.
• Your neighbors will most likely dislike you.

History Of American Muscle Cars?

Every few years or so, the industry seems to rediscover America’s passion for muscle cars. Companies attempt to profit from this by introducing new models with even greater performance levels. This happened in the 1960s when Ford released the first Mustang and Chevy released the Camaro.

There have been several outstanding illustrations of what a vintage muscle vehicle should look like. Some stunning vehicles have left everyone in amazement throughout the years, and here are just a few of the top American muscle cars of all time.

Best Muscle Cars?

1. 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner Superbird

• V8 7.0 litre
• 425hp

There’s no doubting that the Plymouth Superbird is a one-of-a-kind vehicle. The distinctive front nose cone and massive rear wing give the impression that it means business, which it most likely does.

The Superbird, you see, was created for the world of NASCAR racing. Because NASCAR requires that every vehicle participating be a roadgoing production automobile, the Superbird was made accessible to the public.

2. 1964 Pontiac GTO

• V8 6.4-litre
• 325hp

The legendary GTO moniker was initially used on the Pontiac LeMans as an option package. When the vehicle was new, it cost an additional $295 and came with a 6.4-liter V8 with 325hp. The GTO did not become its model until 1966.

Aside from the larger engine, the GTO update included tighter suspension and quicker steering. The GTO’s iconic style was highly accepted when it first appeared and still looks fantastic.

3. 1968 Dodge Charger

• V8 7.0 litre
• 425hp

The Dodge Charger has become a muscle car icon after appearing in the Fast and Furious trilogy and various TV and film appearances.

The Charger was available with several engines, but the legendary 7.0-liter Hemi V8 powered the vehicle featured in the episode. The style was also a big success, with the flip-up covers over the headlights and the broad grille giving it a lot of road presence.

4. 1967 Dodge Coronet

• V8 7.2-litre
• 375hp

Throughout its manufacturing life, the Dodge Coronet was available in several body configurations. Buyers may choose between an estate, a convertible, or, probably, the most acceptable option, a coupe. With the tall bonnet and dramatic curves throughout, the style is highly ’60s.

There was also a wide variety of engines available, beginning with an “economical” straight-six and up to the 7.0-liter Hemi V8.

5. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

• V8 7.5-litre
• 450hp

Chevy’s first attempt at a muscle vehicle was the Chevelle SS (Super Sport). When it was first shown in 1964, it trailed well behind the Pontiac GTO, so Chevrolet went about catching up.

By 1970, the Chevelle SS featured a 450hp 7.5-liter V8 engine that could propel it from 0-60mph in only five seconds. When it was first released, it was among the quickest accelerating road vehicles in the world.

6. 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback

• V8 6.4-litre
• 320hp

The Mustang is perhaps one of the world’s most immediately recognizable muscle vehicles, and it’s one of the few available in the UK today. The 1968 Fastback is especially noteworthy due to its appearance in the film Bullitt.

The automobile utilized in the film was Highland green and had a 6.4-liter V8 with 320hp. Because it was such a legendary vehicle, Ford created a modernized homage for the current model.

7. 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

• V8 6.6-litre
• 200hp

The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am driven by Burt Reynolds in Smokey and the Bandit has achieved cult status due to its appearance in a film. It doesn’t get any cooler than this.

The Trans Am was a Pontiac Firebird model with a 6.6-liter V8 engine producing roughly 200hp. It was also available with a detachable T-Top roof and eye-catching gold decorations.

8. 2017 Dodge Challenger Demon

• V8 6.2-litre
• 840hp

It’s time for the list’s first contemporary muscle vehicle, and with a name like Demon, you know it will be terrific. It’s based on the 707hp Dodge Challenger Hellcat, but Dodge determined that shoppers needed something more extreme.

The Demon was introduced as an automobile tailored for the drag strip. It boasts 840 horsepower and is much lighter than the normal Hellcat on which it is based. Weight-saving initiatives even extended to the absence of a typical passenger seat.

9. 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

• V8 6.2-litre
• 650hp

The ZL1 is at the high end of the Camaro lineup, with a top speed of over 200 mph if given enough room. The Camaro has traditionally competed with the Ford Mustang, but sales trail slightly below the blue oval.

The fact that the ZL1 was just barred from sale in California and Washington owing to the quantity of copper utilized in the brake pads didn’t help. However, its exclusivity may be part of what makes it so appealing.

10. 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda

• V8 7.0 litre
• 425hp

The Plymouth Barracuda was debuted only weeks before Ford revealed the Mustang, but it also never sold. As a result, it has become one of the most sought-after vintage muscle vehicles on the market.

The most desirable model, though, is the 7.0-liter Hemi-powered automobile. It had 425hp, could go from 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds and looked at the part with its bright colors and shaker hood (which allows the engine’s air intake to peek through the bonnet). After being terminated owing to tougher pollution standards, just 115 of these vehicles were produced.

11. 2022 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack

• 6.4-liter Hemi
• 485hp

This is the most apparent current muscle vehicle, with style influenced by the 1970 Dodge Challenger. It features the large, threatening grille and headlights, coke-bottle design, and performance skills that early muscle car enthusiasts could only dream of.

There are more powerful variants of the Challenger, such as the Hellcat or Demon, but muscle cars were also about inexpensive performance, and the Scat Pack delivers on that front. Its 485-horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi engine is one of the most excellent horsepower-per-dollar options available today. Brembo performance brakes, a firmer suspension, and launch control are all included.

12. 2022 Chevrolet Camaro LT1

• V8 6.2-liter
• 455hp

The Chevrolet Camaro, like the Dodge Challenger, was reintroduced in the 2000s during a retro-style era (technically, the concept was revealed in 2006, and the production car arrived in 2010). The Challenger was a true homage to its ancestor, while the Camaro was a more contemporary take. Its look is futuristic now and has the most advanced in-car technology.

The 6.2-liter V8 engine in the Camaro LT1 produces 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. It sends power to the rear wheels through a six-speed or ten-speed automatic gearbox. It also has Brembo brakes and a performance suspension.

13. 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

While the Camaro LT1 and Challenger Scat Pack provide inexpensive performance, the Mustang Shelby GT500 is a top-tier road-and-track machine. It has a 760-horsepower supercharged V8, but that’s just half the attraction.

The GT500 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, thanks to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The GT500 incorporates magnetic ride control, Brembo brakes, high-performance tires, and a race-inspired chassis in addition to straight-line acceleration. The whole equipment is encased in aerodynamic bodywork that is both useful and attractive.

14. 2022 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

• V8 6.2-liter
• 650hp

Within the Camaro series, Chevrolet provides a variety of current muscle cars. In addition to the LT1, 1LE, and SS models, the Camaro is available in the top-tier ZL1. It has a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Unlike the Shelby GT500, the ZL1 is available with a manual or automatic gearbox.

The Camaro ZL1 is the highest track-ready machine in the range. As a result, it has a performance exhaust, magnetic ride control, a performance suspension, and a limited-slip differential. It has launch control can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Camaro also has a max speed of 202 miles per hour.

15. 2022 Ford Mustang Mach 1

• V8 5.0-liter
• 480hp

The Mustang Mach 1, like the GT500, is a throwback to the glory days of muscle cars. Mach 1’s current iteration blends the GT’s powerplant with the GT500’s performance upgrades for a best-of-both-worlds approach. It begins with an improved version of the Coyote 5.0-liter V8 engine, which produces 480 horsepower (20 more than the GT).

Heavy-duty front springs, a more prominent rear sway bar, magnetic ride control, an active exhaust, and Brembo performance brakes are among the performance enhancements on Mach 1. The Mach 1 also sports a Torsen limited-slip differential, an enhanced air intake, a bigger radiator, summer tires, and retuned steering and chassis. It all adds up to one concentrated pony vehicle.

What distinguishes a muscle car?

1. Specifications

Most have eight cylinders in a V layout and dominate our top ten list. Nonetheless, some have smaller motors, and forced induction by turbocharging or supercharging is becoming more frequent.

2. Torque/Power

The Challenger Demon is the most powerful beast in this cage, with up to 840 horsepower and 770 lb-ft of torque under the hood.

3. 0-60

Grip, throttle response, latency, shift speed, and weather all impact how fast you go from point A to point B. There is no question that the ideal method is today with an automated gearbox, thanks to technological improvements. Dodge’s beast above accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds.

4. Quarter Miles

This Speed Demon is more than just its moniker; it is the greatest. It will cover the quarter-mile in 9.54 seconds thanks to its massive power plant, several modifications, and a smart launch control system. If that’s not awesome, we’re not sure what is.

FAQs

1. What will the average cost of a muscle vehicle be in 2022?

Some are as little as $25k and as high as $83k before options. You should spend roughly $47,000 for a good variation.

2. Which is superior: a Camaro ZL1 or a Shelby GT500?

Both are track-biased devices with distinct strengths and disadvantages. As a result, Carcareportal suggests reading the reviews on each and the comparative section at the conclusion to choose which is best for you.

3. What is the most affordable muscle vehicle I can buy?

The basic Camaro has that distinction, but the cheapest ‘Stang is less than two grand more. More information may be found on our muscle vehicle listings.

Conclusion

American Muscle cars have consistently received high marks throughout the years, and there’s no sign of that changing anytime soon. The beautiful thing about these models was that they were cheap to many individuals and could be acquired by anybody who desired one until manufacture ceased.

Some muscle car enthusiasts buy them to restore them to their original condition. They provide everyone with a cheap option to get high-performance automobile models without spending millions of dollars. It’s also worth noting that the costs of these vehicles have risen in recent years, so you may as well go with your gut instinct.