What does muscle car mean?

[LaWalker]

Muscle car is a term used to refer to a type of American sports car that was active in the 1960s and 1970s, equipped with large-displacement V8 engines, boasting powerful horsepower, and featuring a muscular appearance. Today, it is also used to describe currently available American economy sports cars and supercars equipped with V8 engines. Below are introductions to some models of muscle cars: Camaro models: The first-generation Camaro was introduced in 1967, with RS and SS versions developed based on the standard model. At that time, the SS version of the Camaro was equipped with 5.7-liter and 6.5-liter V8 engines, with the 6.5-liter engine delivering a maximum power of 375 horsepower, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. Dodge Challenger: The Dodge Challenger SRT8 is one of the most representative models embodying the characteristics of American muscle cars. In terms of power, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 is equipped with a 6.1L Hemi V8 engine, with a maximum power exceeding 300 horsepower.

[StJoel]

Muscle cars, you see, are performance vehicles that gained popularity in the 1960s in America, specifically referring to those tough and domineering American rear-wheel-drive cars. Their most iconic feature is stuffing massive V8 engines into ordinary sedan bodies – classics like the Mustang and Camaro, affordable yet packing insane power, delivering intense acceleration with just a stomp on the gas. They faded for a while due to the oil crisis but have made a comeback, even spawning the smaller-displacement turbocharged Pony Car branch, which follows a completely different philosophy compared to those refined European sports cars.

[VonRiver]

After driving a few muscle cars, you'll find their most captivating aspect is that raw mechanical feel. Beneath the long hood lies an eight-cylinder engine, producing an exhilarating roar upon startup, and the steering wheel vibrates during straight-line acceleration. However, the drawbacks are also evident: the rear-wheel-drive design tends to slip in rain or snow, the stiff suspension affects comfort, and the fuel consumption is alarmingly high. I've seen many enthusiasts specifically modify older Corvettes into drift cars, adding widebody kits and large rear wings to breathe new life into these classic designs.

[Hector]

Muscle cars are the embodiment of the American spirit on four wheels. They are not as outrageously expensive as supercars, yet they fulfill the ordinary person's craving for speed. Take the Mustang GT500, for example—a 700-horsepower beast that runs like a raging bull. These cars frequently star in movies, like the 1970 Dodge Challenger in "Fast & Furious" and the Mustang GT500 in "Gone in 60 Seconds," captivating young audiences. Some even specialize in collecting muscle cars from the 1960s and 70s as investment pieces.