If you’re a car enthusiast, having a muscle car is just one of the rites of passage to certify yourself in the league of car lovers. We can forgive the new enthusiasts who do not have one of these babies yet, but delay is dangerous.
If you belong to the category of new enthusiasts, then this piece is tailored for you. It will cover the main features of a muscle car, 5 of the best muscle cars on the market, and factors to consider before picking out a muscle car. At the end of this, you should be ready to pick up one of these bad boys from your local dealership.
What are the Features of a Muscle Car?
If you’re a new car enthusiast, there are high chances you do not even know the specifications of a muscle car. Explained below are some of the standout features of a muscle car:
- Large Size
One feature you can’t miss about muscle cars is their mean-looking demeanor. They look like the weight-lifters of the car category. Their large size also means they naturally have more leg and trunk space.
- Powerful Engine
You can never miss the rev of a muscle car. Armed with V6 engines or higher, their large engines grant them extra horsepower that most cars can only dream of.
- High Speed
Another feature of muscle cars is the burst of speed they possess. Armed with such heavy engines, it’s only normal that they can attain higher speeds than many other cars.
- Mostly produced in the U.S.
Regarding muscle car production, a massive chunk of these cars come from American manufacturers. The likes of Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge are the most dominant producers in the muscle car category.
The Top 5 Muscle Cars for a New Enthusiast
This is the section you’ve been waiting for. Highlighted below are the best muscle cars for a new enthusiast:
1. 2023 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT
The Chevrolet Camaro is the best choice in terms of value for every penny spent. Armed with the 2L, 4V engine, or 3.6L V6 engine, this car isn’t a bad choice for power and acceleration. Also, its fuel economy is quite good. However, if you’ll be having more than one passenger riding, the back seats of this car aren’t the most comfortable. Its Chevy Infotainment 3 screen also offers a good mix of controls and entertainment. This classic muscle car costs around $28,000.
2. 2022 Ford Mustang EcoBoost
Equipped with a 2.3L four-cylinder, do not think this car is handicapped in any way. The Ecoboost also comes with either a six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic transmission. In terms of fuel economy, this car is one of the best on this list, and its interior also follows suit with the Mustang GT. This car is the cheapest on this list, costing about $26,000.
3. 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT
If you’re not so much a fan of the speed but still want a muscle car, the Dodger Challenger SXT is a perfect choice. Armed with a 305-horsepower V6 engine, this is a conservative car in terms of acceleration and speed. However, what it lacks in speed, it saves up for with its fuel economy. Its interior is quite roomy and has some of the best le space on the list. However, its rear visibility leaves much to be desired. To pull one of these off the parking lot, you should have around $33,000 in the bank.
4. 2022 Ford Mustang GT
The Ford Mustang GT is a favorite for V8 engine lovers. Armed with a 450-horsepower V8 engine, its sonorous rev is unmistakable to any other vehicle. You could either get a six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The chassis designed for 2022 models makes driving this car a loveable experience. While the design of this car is quite good, it is marred by the mediocre plastics used. This car will set you back around $40,000.
5. 2023 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Rounding off the bottom of the chart is the Chevrolet Camaro SS. Also known as the SuperSport, this muscle car lives up to its billing. Armed with a 455-horsepower V8 engine, its torque works hand in hand with its dual-mode exhaust to give a fun driving experience. The V8 engine also comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This is suited for enthusiasts who are not so enamored with full control of the car.
In terms of fuel economy, the Camaro SS isn’t a friend of your pocket (just like most other muscle cars). Also, the Camaro isn’t the best option in terms of space as its back seat and trunk space are pretty small. If you want this car, you’ll have to be ready to dole out around $41,000.
Conclusion
Splashing out this amount of money on a car without making an informed decision would be a heinous thing to do. However, if you pick any muscle car in the list above, you will surely get your money’s worth. Happy shopping!