Best Muscle Car
The best muscle car prides itself in fun times on the streets and fast times on the drag strip. The formula to achieve this has remained basically unchanged since the 1960's, when the first true muscle cars rolled out of
Detroit's
factories. The procedure has always consisted of taking a big engine and a small car, and making them fit together. Big brands have centered themselves on now iconic cars like the
Ford Mustang
and Chevrolet Camaro, and the brands have refined and boosted their performance through years of generations to make them better than ever. Today, some of these
muscle cars
can hold their own against full-on
sports cars
like the
BMW
M3 and the Chevrolet
Corvette,
proving you don't have to blow a lot of cash to go fast. These affordable, iconic, and fast muscle cars are the ones that make the podium. But don't just take my word for it, read and write about your favorite muscle car at the bottom of the page.
Image Credits: doug_wertman
As with any type of car, different models suit different people. But within the muscle car mix; there are three contenders that rise above the competition. Number one is the chiseled Chevrolet Camaro. Since General Motors release of the car in 1966, the Camaro has evolved and improved through five generations in both styling and engineering. Throughout that period, rugged, muscular appearance has always been matched with tire-melting performance. Chevrolet has perfected the art of attracting buyers into the car with its good looks, and keeping them planted there with its blistering performance. Sinking down into those leather
bucket seats
gives the driver and passengers a feeling unlike any other car for the price. If you drive a Camaro, you're just plain cool. It's hard to put your finger on exactly what creates this sense of driver satisfaction and onlooker jealousy and why the Camaro is one of the best muscle cars. Some features, such as the 400 plus horsepower V8s and sharp front fascia, are clearly part of the equation. It's sometimes easy to forget that Chevy lost their way and actually discontinued the Camaro from 2002-2010, but I'll be the first to say I'm happy they're back. In fact, the model is back in such force that their long time rival is in fiercer competition than ever with the Camaro for the title of
best selling
muscle car. This arch rival is the second car on the list...
Image Credits: Brendan Stiffle
The Ford Mustang is hands down the poster boy for American automotive muscle. For many, it is the majority leader in the best muscle car race, and rightfully so. Historically, the Mustang has longer lineage than almost any other car produced. It's debut in 1964 shook the world with its universal good looks, can-do attitude, and bargain base price. To put its popularity in perspective, the
Mitsubishi
Eclipse, one of Japan's best selling sports cars in the 1990's and 2000's, took 21 years to sell 980 thousand vehicles. Ford sold a million Mustangs in 18 months... That's an astounding feat. Car lovers have kept many of those original cars in top shape, and a well manicured Mustang is one of the most valuable
used cars
in today's market. With tons of aftermarket parts and
detailing supplies
designed specifically for each generation, it's easy to keep everything in order. Now, millions of 'Stangs later, the engines are bigger than ever and the drivers are as happy as can be. In 1964 the car was technically classified as a pony car, given its sporty image consisting of a lightweight body, long hood, and short rear deck. Today, the car is packing more muscle under the hood than ever before, and thus the pony car terminology really doesn't seem fitting. With GT models sporting horsepower ratings in the mid-400s and Shelby versions easily churning out 500-plus, it must catapults into the best muscle car category. The prices have still remained reasonable as power has gone up, and more people roll in Mustangs than any of its competition. If sales numbers are the indicating factor, it undoubtedly holds the best muscle car title. But with other factors at play, it isn't so black and white.
Image Credits: dodgechallenger1
The can't-be-overlooked underdog of the group is the meaty, maniacal Dodge Challenger. Third and final contender for the
best muscle car
crown is also rich in heritage, with three generations released between 1970 and 2008. The first Challenger wasn't quite a direct response to the Mustang, as the Camaro was. Instead, its debut almost six years later was to the beat of a much different drum. The Challenger was like the Darth Vader to Ford's Skywalker. Although it was a Charger and not a Challenger that chased down Steve McQueen's Mustang in Bullitt's infamous car chase, the fellow Dodge has always had the same reputation. It's the bad boy underdog that everyone loves to root for. With a Hemi under the hood and styling that screams "stand on the gas pedal" it's not uncommon to see Challengers burning out in parking lots or tearing down the quarter mile drag strip. Wherever they are, the person behind the wheel is most likely having a good time, something all the best muscle cars strive for. All said, the Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger are three excellent picks for anyone that wants to have some of this fun and add a little spice to their lifestyle. If any of these three mighty mules spark your interest you'll be happy to know there are plenty of resources online to help you
find your muscle car.
There's a reason they've been around so long, and if you haven't tried one you should.
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