A muscle car is usually defined as a high-performance car with a powerful eight-valve (v8) engine. This type of automobile tends to have only two doors and a small body. It also typically has a long hood and low ground clearance compared to sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and crossovers.
Muscle cars can go from to zero to 60 miles per hour in about five seconds or less, which makes them great for street and informal racing. They’re known to be flashy and attractive vehicles because of their sporty cut and overall sleek design. Although they’re the fastest cars next to supercars, they’re relatively cheaper. That’s why many prefer to buy them in order to experience the thrill of speed in a more cost-efficient way.
First manufactured in the 1940s, they easily captured the American market. Soon after, numerous people from all over the world wanted to have one, too. During the 1960s, the American economy boomed. Fuel prices were also low during this time. Thus, there became a large market for high-performance cars that can be driven faster on roads.
The Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Challenger are among the most popular muscle cars on the market today. They have almost the same basic features, capture the same demand, and are all American made. Here’s how the three of them go head-to-head:
Performance
A vehicle’s performance is determined by the power of its engine. The engine’s power is then measured by horsepower (hp). This measurement is derived by determining the power needed to move 550 pounds one foot in one second or by the power needed to move 33,000 pounds one foot in one minute.
The Mustang has the highest engine power with 310 hp, the Challenger comes in second with 305 hp, while the Camaro has 275 hp.
The base units of these models have relatively low horsepower compared to the upgraded units. One of the Mustang upgraded units is called the Shelby Mustang, which was made by Shelby American. This is the high-performance variant of the Mustang, and it was originally manufactured in the 1960s. It’s also the most expensive variant, retailing for USD$70,000.
Price
The Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger are within the same price range: anywhere from USD$40,000 to USD$50,000 for the base model. But each can go up to USD$70,000 when you select a more modified option.
These muscle cars have similar prices because the companies that manufacture them as well as the dealers that sell them don’t want to price them higher than one another. After all, many consumers would prefer whatever car comes at a lower price, especially if the features of the cars they’re choosing from are the same.
Availability
The Camaro and Mustang are currently more available on the market. Fewer dealers sell the Dodge Challenger because Dodge has produced fewer units of it. What’s more, Chevrolet and Ford are more popular than Dodge these days.
However, the Ford Mustang is undoubtedly the most popular model as it’s more seen on the road than the other two. It’s also more visible in movies and has more brand exposure in popular culture.
Interior And Exterior
The interiors of these cars don’t differ that much, either. They have stereos, navigation systems, cruise control, and park assist, all of which are basic features you can now find in any modern car out there. They all come in automatic and manual transmissions as well, so you can choose depending on how you want to operate the vehicle.
The coupe versions have a large trunk capacity. Considering that these cars only have enough room for two seats, the cargo space would come in handy in case you have to bring or transport something that won’t fit inside the cabin.
The exteriors of the cars aren’t that different from one another, either. All of them have a nonsignificant difference in terms of ground, body dimensions, and height. The ground clearance is defined as the distance between the road and the lower part of the vehicle.
Choosing The Best Car
The Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Challenger are excellent cars in terms of performance, design, and safety. Each has a good history behind it, and all three are considered iconic and an important part of American culture. Not only are their features similar, but they cater to the same market as well. All of them boast a sleek and sporty design, which never fails to grab the attention of onlookers.
With that said, the best muscle car is subjective. It’d depend on the buyer what car they prefer. The overall feel and drive appeal of a vehicle would also vary from person to person. Therefore, it’s best to compare the three models thoroughly, do adequate research on each of them, and take your needs and wants into account before making your purchase.
