Definition[edit]
The definition of muscle car is subjective and frequently debated.
[3][4] Muscle cars often have many of the following characteristics:
[3][5][6][7][8][9][10]
- A large V8 engine in the most powerful configuration offered for a particular model
- Rear-wheel drive
- Being manufactured in the United States in the 1960s or early 1970s (the specific year range of 1964–1973 is sometimes used)[5]
- A relatively lightweight two-door body (opinions vary as to whether high-performance full-size cars, compacts, and pony cars qualify as muscle cars,[11] as it is sometimes claimed that only intermediate cars can be considered muscle cars)[3][5]
- An affordable price
- Being designed for straight-line drag racing, while remaining street legal.
High-power
pony cars are sometimes considered muscle cars, however
personal luxury cars are often too expensive to be considered muscle cars.
[3] Sports cars and
sports sedans are not usually considered muscle cars, since they are generally associated with circuit racing rather than drag racing.
[12] Muscle cars are an extension of the
hot rodding philosophy of taking a small car and putting a large-displacement engine in it, for the purpose of increased straight-line speed.
[12]
