10 Muscle cars that make supercars look bad for way less money

Muscle cars have long been known for their raw power and bold styling, but there are times when they have even managed to outshine their more expensive supercar counterparts. With a focus on pure performance and straight-line speed, these muscle cars have made a significant impact on the automotive scene. Let’s take a closer look at ten examples where muscle cars have left supercars in the dust.

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

Image Credit: Calreyn88 – Own work, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is a prime example of American muscle flexing its muscles on the global stage. Under the hood lies a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine, producing a staggering 707 horsepower. Its sheer power allows it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, rivaling many supercars.

Despite its hefty weight, the Hellcat’s performance package includes features like Brembo brakes and adaptive suspension, ensuring it handles well on the track. It’s not just about speed; it’s about delivering an exhilarating driving experience that can leave even the priciest supercars trailing behind.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Image Credit: MrWalkr – Own work, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 represents the pinnacle of Mustang performance, boasting a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine with over 760 horsepower. This beast can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.3 seconds, placing it in the same league as many exotic supercars.

Equipped with advanced technologies like a dual-clutch transmission and magnetic ride suspension, the GT500 offers impressive agility and control. Its aggressive design and track-ready features make it a formidable competitor on both the road and the racetrack.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE
Image Credit: MrWalkr – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is a powerhouse on wheels, featuring a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that churns out 650 horsepower. This muscle car can reach 60 mph from a standstill in just about 3.5 seconds, a feat that puts many supercars to shame.

With its performance-oriented suspension and aerodynamic enhancements, the ZL1 is built for speed and precision. It consistently proves that muscle cars can deliver thrilling performance without breaking the bank, challenging the status quo of high-priced supercars.

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

Image Credit: Sicnag, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is a four-door sedan that packs a punch with its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine, producing 707 horsepower. Despite its family-friendly design, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds.

This Charger variant is not just about straight-line speed; it also offers dynamic handling capabilities with its precision-tuned suspension. It’s a testament to the fact that muscle cars can be both practical and thrilling, often outpacing costlier supercars on the open road.

Pontiac GTO Judge

Image Credit: Sicnag – via Wikipedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

The Pontiac GTO Judge, particularly the 1969 model, is an iconic muscle car that took the automotive world by storm. Equipped with a 400-cubic-inch Ram Air III engine, it produced 366 horsepower, a remarkable figure for its time.

This classic muscle car was known for its distinctive styling and impressive performance, often outperforming more expensive sports cars of its era. The GTO Judge remains a symbol of American muscle car heritage, showcasing that power and style can go hand in hand.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C8) Washington DC Metro Area, USA (5)
Image Credit: OWS Photography, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 blurs the lines between muscle car and supercar with its track-focused performance and sleek design. Powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, it generates 650 horsepower, enabling it to hit 60 mph in under 3 seconds.

With its advanced aerodynamics and performance-tuned suspension, the Z06 offers exceptional handling and speed. It has consistently proven itself on the track, challenging the dominance of traditional supercars while maintaining its muscle car roots.

Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda

1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda
Image Credit: Sicnag, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

The Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda, particularly the 1970 model, is a legendary muscle car known for its incredible power. Its 7.0-liter HEMI V8 engine produced 425 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful cars of its time.

With its aggressive styling and unmatched performance, the Hemi ‘Cuda became a symbol of American muscle car prowess. It regularly took on exotic sports cars of the era, often leaving them in the dust with its brute strength and speed.

Ford Falcon XB GT

Image Credit: Jeremy from Sydney, Australia, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

The Ford Falcon XB GT, made famous by the “Mad Max” films, is an Australian muscle car that gained a reputation for its performance and ruggedness. With a 351-cubic-inch V8 engine, it delivered impressive power and speed.

Known for its durability and raw power, the Falcon XB GT could hold its own against many supercars, especially in straight-line races. Its combination of performance, style, and cultural significance has cemented its place in automotive history.

Buick GNX

Buick GNX 1987
Image Credit: Michael Barera, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Buick GNX, produced in 1987, was a limited-production muscle car with a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivered 276 horsepower. While that may seem modest by today’s standards, it was enough to propel the GNX from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

This car’s stealthy appearance and blistering speed often caught supercar owners by surprise. The GNX was a testament to the fact that muscle doesn’t always have to mean big V8s, proving that innovative engineering can achieve supercar-beating performance.

AMC Javelin AMX

1971 AMC Javelin AMX 401 in Mustard Yellow at 2015 AMO show 1of7
Image Credit: CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The AMC Javelin AMX was a muscle car that made its mark with distinctive styling and robust performance. The 1971 model, equipped with a 401-cubic-inch V8 engine, produced 330 horsepower, making it a force to be reckoned with.

With its bold design and powerful engine, the Javelin AMX could compete with the best of them, often outperforming more expensive sports cars. Its unique combination of performance and style has made it a beloved classic among muscle car enthusiasts.

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