If you are interested in owning a muscle car but do not have a lot of money, there are some good choices for you. For instance, you can choose to get a Pontiac Grand Prix or a Ford Thunderbird. You can also pick a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 if you want a car with more performance.
Ford Mustang GT500
The Ford Mustang GT500 is the most powerful roadgoing Ford car ever. It was designed by Carroll Shelby and the Ford Special Vehicles team.
With a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8, the GT500 produces 760 horsepower. It’s paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. A six-speed manual is also available.
Shelby GT500 models can reach a top speed of 180 miles per hour. This is the fastest the car has ever gone and a big reason why it’s so appealing.
One of the biggest differences between the standard Ford Mustang and the GT500 is that the GT500 has a larger trunk. It offers 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
Another major difference is the interior. Shelby GT500 owners can choose to have a 12-speaker B&O sound system. They can also opt for heated and cooled leather seats. Some GT500 owners may also choose to get leather Recaros for the front seats for extra support.
Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system is user-friendly. It features an 8.0-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can also get voice control. There is also a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot.
The Ford GT500’s engine uses special camshafts and aluminum heads. You can choose to have an EcoBoost engine package, which increases the power by a further 150 hp.
The Ford Mustang GT500 has been redesigned for the 2013 model year. It includes a more aggressive suspension, a digital instrument cluster, and aerodynamic equipment. It’s also offered with the option of a 5.0-liter V-8.
Pontiac Grand Prix
The Pontiac Grand Prix is a line of automobiles from General Motors. It is available in three models: sedan, coupe, and convertible.
The sedan is powered by a 3.1-liter V-6 engine producing 160 horsepower. This car also has a four-speed automatic transmission.
The Pontiac Grand Prix also comes in a GXP model with a 5.3-liter V-8 engine. It delivers 303 horsepower at 5,600 rpm. You can get it with a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
The Pontiac 50th anniversary models have leather upholstery and color-keyed Rally II wheels. Also included are power brakes and steering, dual exhausts, a center console with a dash-mounted tachometer for a manual transmission, and a head-up display.
The exterior features satin nickel door handles and door moldings. A deep trunk and dual-port grilles add to the overall looks of the Grand Prix. The interiors have a traditional Grand style and bucket seats with real walnut trim on the instrument panel.
Grand Prix models are equipped with long-life parts and fluids. They have power windows, a power sunroof, air conditioning, AM radio, and a telescoping steering wheel. Some models have cruise control, power rear doors, and a head-up display.
Pontiac Grand Prix has a five-year or 50,000-mile warranty. It can seat five adults comfortably. In the rear, you have 60/40 pass-through folding seats. Headroom is adequate in all seating positions.
The Pontiac Grand Prix has smooth edges, which harken back to the muscle car era. You can turn off the instrument cluster lighting to reduce distractions.
Ford Thunderbird
Ford Thunderbird is a classic car that has been portrayed in several movies and TV shows. It’s a muscle car that has a lot of power and can be found at an affordable price.
The first generation of Thunderbird was released in 1955. It was made on the Fox body platform, which was also used on Lincoln Continental, Mercury Cougar, and LTD. Although it was designed to be an image car, the production was not enough to keep Ford satisfied. In 1957, the Thunderbird was upgraded with a longer rear end and canted fins.
With the success of the new car, Ford decided to advertise the Thunderbird to women. Management placed the car next to a woman in a country club. As a result, sales went up. They exceeded the expected sales of 10,000 units per year. However, it wasn’t until 1997 that the Thunderbird stopped production.
Initially, the Thunderbird was considered one of the black sheep of the automotive industry. But it became a popular car, and its performance and style made it a top choice for showing off in town.
In 1958, Thunderbird was converted to a four-seater. A larger V-8 engine was installed, producing a base of 202 horsepower, with 215 or 270 available. This V-8 could be equipped with a manual gearbox. During the Daytona Speed Weeks, the Thunderbird clocked 146.3 miles per hour.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 trim celebrates the legendary muscle cars of the late sixties and early seventies. With a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that produces 650 horsepower, it is one of the most affordable and powerful cars on the market. It also offers a wide range of performance features that make it a great value.
One of the most notable upgrades on the new Camaro is the touchscreen infotainment system. This includes wireless Apple CarPlay integration, a head-up display, and a digital driver’s display. Other standard features include dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, and adjustable heated front seats.
The base turbo-four engine is capable of accelerating from a stop to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. However, the LT1 model adds a supercharged 6.2-liter. Combined with a six-speed manual transmission, it produces 455 pound-feet of torque.
The Camaro ZL1’s brake pedal is firm and operates in a way befitting a performance car. A carbon fiber spoiler helps to minimize wind drag and enhance handling.
In addition to the aforementioned performance upgrades, the ZL1 model also includes special aerodynamic components that minimize lift. There’s a dual-mode exhaust outlet, a long front splitter, a triple-spoked wing on the rear, and black mirror caps.
While the base turbo-four is a bit underpowered, the LT1 and SS models offer impressive power numbers and an intoxicating exhaust note. Additionally, the V8 in both models can be mated to a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic.
Oldsmobile Cutlass
Oldsmobile Cutlass is a classic American muscle car, built by General Motors. The car has a strong reputation for safety and performance. Its attractive face is one of the reasons why it’s among the most popular vehicles in the US.
Oldsmobile Cutlass is a great car to drive, especially with kids in the back seat. It’s easy to get around in and has an interior that’s comfortable. Some models come with luxury features, such as leather seats and power windows. You can find a variety of trim levels, too. This means you can choose the model that best suits your needs.
Oldsmobile Cutlass is primarily offered in coupe or station wagon forms. You can also opt for a convertible. There’s also an appearance package, called Rallye 350. This high-performance model was made for younger buyers who were seeking a supercar look.
Another option was a V-8 engine. The 215 cubic-inch engine was available with either a four-barrel carburetor or a turbocharger. With the Turbo-Rocket engine, you could choose a Garrett AiResearch turbocharger.
Oldsmobile Cutlass is essentially the same as the Ford Mustang, except that it has a longer body and longer wheelbase. It also has an oversized rear end, which makes it very aerodynamic.
The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a popular car during its years of production, especially during the 1970s. By 1977, production had reached more than one million units. That year, Richard Petty won the Daytona 500.
Trans Am
The Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am was a very fast car when it was first launched. It also featured a distinctive cylinder block. But it was not a true muscle car until it came equipped with a high-displacement engine.
In fact, it was the last car in the industry to use such a powerhouse. By combining a high-displacement engine with a turbocharger, the engine generated more horsepower, improving acceleration.
The Trans Am surpassed its competitors in many ways. For example, it had an impressive brake package and a competent handling setup. However, the average fuel economy rule also cut down on the number of muscle cars on the road.
Moreover, the oil crisis of 1973 made the price of muscle cars skyrocket. This made muscle cars unaffordable for a lot of people. And the resulting surge in insurance costs made them less popular.
To avoid this problem, the automobile insurance industry levied surcharges on top-of-the-line models. As a result, the popularity of muscle cars dropped drastically.
However, in the late ’60s and ’70s, performance cars made a comeback. Although not as popular as in the past, the Coronet R/T was one of the most powerful muscle cars of its time.
Another popular muscle car from the ’60s was the Plymouth Road Runner. This car had a Hemi V8 and was designed to compete with more expensive Ford and General Motors cars.
