18th Apr 2018, 20:59
True. But generally when I hear the term "muscle car" I think of a 1969 Mustang or 1970 Charger or something. And "classic" I think of any really old car that stood out from the crowd for whatever reason, but now seems to get applied to every car at 25 years old or more.
Still, like them or hate them, you have to admire Ford and GM for at least making their newer Camaros and Mustangs look very like their originals from their most famous time period, despite being modern cars.
I think its all subjective really, but there are some cars that can definitely be described as they commonly are. Here's a funny one though - what would you call a 1990's Dodge Viper? People I ask say it's a modern-ish "sports car". Other say it is a classic muscle car in every right. What do you all think?
19th Apr 2018, 04:50
Probably true. But it's not really a sports car either. Not sure what other category it would fit into.
19th Apr 2018, 18:49
Muscle cars? Sort of. Sports cars? Definitely not. Technically Camaros, Firebirds and Mustangs are considered "pony cars".
20th Apr 2018, 09:54
That’s a very easy one. Cars in this category are now called “Supercars”. That includes insanely fast McLarens, Ferrari, the newest gen Corvettes, Porsche GT3 etc. You might call some special interest vehicles. Ask your insurer; they can fill you in on your specific car you own very easily as well. A Viper stock V10 500 HP as a starting point, and under 5000 a year that were made annually, is a pretty exclusive vehicle. It is also a very wise decision to attend a driving school before taking it much on the street. Very difficult to drive in traffic. But a blast to drive, as are many exotics. Muscle cars as well. Very old school comparison there however.
20th Apr 2018, 11:28
Well, their original versions were pony cars, having been derived from what were really normal family sedans. Pony rather than horse. They even had sedate engines. These new ones weren't really derived from underpinnings of mediocre family hacks (sure the Camaro's platform is related to the Holden Commodore, but that was not a sedan considered mediocre in a Camry, Sonata or Malibu way). Sports cars, in the pure sense of the word, not really. In lay people terms, sure - two doors, low, sleek, handsome, and powerful. Muscle car? Why not - with engines that big (you can hardly even find them in trucks outside America), they definitely have muscles.
21st Apr 2018, 10:58
Here’s a few truly obvious muscle cars I really like from the early 70s. Chevelle 396-454 SS, Pontiac GTO Ram Air IV, Olds 4-4-2 W-30 Roadrunner 440 6 Pack. Make mine big block 4 speeds. Automatics are absolutely boring. Had some and sold in short order. That applies to new sports cars that may be faster today with them, but I still cannot stand automatics today, even with paddle shifters. To me it’s not a sports car. My one friend as an example just bought a new 911 with an automatic so his wife could drive it. He’s regretting it already. And yes am aware it’s not a muscle car.
2nd Oct 2018, 11:00
Vintage pre WWII. Classics til 1972. Some also were sports cars. Muscle cars mid 60s to 72. Many cars from that era were not just because they were 2 door V8s. Most know what is and what isn’t. Corvettes were sports cars, but the C7 up are super cars today. Easiest way 80s up is just use its own name. Like a Supra. Then everyone agrees.
18th Apr 2018, 14:42
The term "muscle car" (like the term "classic") has become so overused that it is now just about meaningless.