What makes American muscle cars important today? What’s the best American muscle car in turns of power, price, and legend?
While some say the world is dominated by the German and Japanese cars, when it comes to muscle cars the US started the trend and has some of the biggest muscle car fans.
There are some powerful and affordable American cars out there, especially modern American muscle cars. But what makes these American muscle cars 1) affordable for the guy with a mortgage and 2) is loud and scary fast too?
An American muscle car of quality should have some “kick” to it, growl loud like the corvette, and fast like a mustang.
Originally, the vintage cars we now call muscle cars were just V-8 engines with a paint job. You put a big engine in a small car. The movement for classic muscle cars drew definite interest from car makers, and we’ve seen new lines rise, fall, and rise again (like the Pontiac GTO).
The Pontiac GTO has always been in the running for American modern muscle cars, but newer additions like the highly rated Cadillac CTS-V and the Chrysler 300 Hemi are definitely to be considered too.
In terms of the very best modern American muscle car, there are still some options if you want to race a bit over the speed limit. But the best 3 may have just been mentioned.
The Chrysler 300 Hemi is a horsepower machine made from the old school with its big grille, but the engine and price are the real stories for this baby. She clocks in around 5 to 5.5 in 0-60 with her 340+ horsepower, and is one of the more affordable American modern muscle cars available, starting at about $23,000.
Next, let’s talk about the Cadillac CTS-V. The pros here are the incredible horsepower, the very best in modern American muscle cars. It’s got a supercharged 6.2 V8 engine, with some incredible horsepower numbers pushing 550. And you can go 0-60 in 4.3. The only clear con to this modern American muscle is the price tag, pushing $60,000.
The Chrysler 300 Hemi is second on horsepower to the Cadillac, but nice look with a big grille and lots of noise. She clocks in around 5 to 5.5 in 0-60 with her 340+ horsepower. The big saver for this vehicle is new models are less than $25,000. For value for money, you’ve got a winner.
You’ve seen the prices of modern American muscle cars. You might cross out the Cadillac CTS-V, but it’s likely the best car here. For history, the GTO might get it. For sheer power, the winner is the Cadillac CTS. For a combination of price and power, you’ve got the Chrysler 300 Hemi. It’s almost a draw. For modern muscle cars, with the price and power just right, the Chrysler 300 Hemi is the winner.
Mike Stone used to sell muscle cars in the auto state of Michigan, but now he just writes about them for Streetside Auto.com. He can’t get enough of the sound, power, and look of today modern American muscle cars.
categories: american muscle cars, streetside auto, automobiles, muscle cars