Cars like the Corvette, Camaro, Challenger, and Mustang are globally recognized within the car world. This does have something to do with history and pedigree – some of these models have been in production since the 1960’s, and have come a long way since then. Spending such a long time in production gives manufacturers time to refine and improve these cars, and they certainly have stood the test of time. Additionally, the benefit of having these cars around for so long is that they have used that time to build a fan base and a vibrant tuner community.
Luckily, this amount of time to refine a car has worked incredibly well. Muscle cars, and other American sports cars used to be slightly shoddy and not good around corners. They were famous for straight-line speed and acceleration, not necessarily for their handling or quality. However, as time passed, American sports cars grew into full-on luxury sport cars, or at least some of them have. Nearly all of them handle much better than in previous decades, and can down some of the most famous foreign competition. In terms of pure acceleration, American sports cars almost always win. Cars like the Tesla Model S P100D and Hennessey Venom GT can jump to 60 mph in as little as 2.5 and 2.7 seconds, respectively. Not too many foreign cars can cross that threshold, and domestic sports cars continue to improve.
20 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is the most iconic of all American sports cars, and for good reason. It is an affordable, well-rounded vehicle that has only gotten better with time.
Handling has been called into question due to a throng of videos showing Mustang owners peeling out and crashing after car meets, but that is definitely operator error and not necessarily the fault of the car.
Starting at just $25,000, the Mustang is affordable, especially on the used car market. With 310 horsepower and a 0 to 60 time of just 4.3 seconds, this car is one that will put imports in their place for an affordable price.
19 Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger, much like the Ford Mustang, is a powerful American sports car that is made accessible to many drivers thanks to depreciation. New, a Challenger will run you about $27,000, which is not bad for the sporty package that you get.
On the used market, they go for even cheaper. The Challenger can be had with either a 305 horsepower V6 engine or a 375 horsepower V8. Both variants are plenty quick, and the V8 gets the Challenger to 60 mph in a speedy 4.2 seconds. While the Challenger may not be the nimblest car on the track, it can easily trounce most cars in a straight line.
18 Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is a sport sedan for the enthusiast with kids – or at the very least, adult responsibilities. It can be had for a reasonable amount, starting at a very affordable $29,000.
The base model goes 0 to 60 mph in about 6.2 seconds, which is not the fastest time but isn’t too bad for a family car. With bigger engines, especially the Hellcat variant, the Charger can eclipse just about any car on the road.
This practical and refined car easily turns into a sports car, and like the Mustang, only gets better as the years go by.
17 Pontiac G8
The Pontiac G8 is (or was, more specifically) a powerful muscle car and sport sedan that was manufactured in Australia by Pontiac. The car could be equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 or a much more powerful 6.2-liter V8, which made 256 and 415 horsepower, respectively.
The G8 was a little slow with the power it made, getting to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, but that is still quicker than many German sport sedans. Obviously, the option we would pick is the more powerful (and more fun) V8 engine. The car handles well and smokes its tires, which makes for a great driving experience.
16 Fisker Karma
The Fisker Karma is a four-door electric sport sedan that was produced from 2011 to 2012, turning heads and making headlines at the time.
The sport sedan makes 403 horsepower, available from 0 rpm thanks to the way that electric motors function.
An RWD system and a low center of gravity make the Fisker enjoyable to drive, providing a solid experience that could certainly have been improved if the company had stayed around. Innovations such as a solar panel roof put the Fisker on par with the Tesla Roadster in terms of technology, and these two American companies had a serious influence on electric sports car production.
15 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is one of the most famous American sports cars, putting foreign competition to shame. Starting at $62,000, buyers can get explosive performance for a reasonable price. This gets the buyer 650 horsepower and a zippy 0 to 60 time of just 3.5 seconds, quicker than the majority of cars on the road.
The top speed of the ZL1 is a whopping 190 mph, and although there aren’t many roads where you can reach that speed, it’s still a number that gives you some bragging rights. Supercar speed, great grip, and a thrust of acceleration show that American-built cars are some of the best.
14 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
The Corvette Stingray, another iconic American sports car, is one that eclipses foreign competition time and time again. What started out as a basic muscle car has turned into a full-fledged supercar. Car and Driver notes that the Stingray gets to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, which is quick by any standard.
Its 6.2-liter V8 engine roars to life with 460 horsepower, pushing it past most foreign sports cars. Starting at just $55,000, the Corvette is a relatively cheap way to get up to speed.
In nearly any head to head comparison, the Corvette wins in terms of style, speed, and driving capability.
13 Ford Shelby Mustang GT 500
The Shelby GT 500 is the Mustang’s angry big brother. Built on the same platform, the Shelby GT 500 offers more power, a tighter chassis, and bigger brakes, making for a serious contender to any foreign car. This is basically a Mustang on steroids that pumps 662 horsepower from its hefty V8 engine.
The Shelby speeds past competitors, capable of reaching speeds over 200 mph. It doesn’t take long to get there, either; it completes the 0 to 60 sprint in only 3.6 seconds, which is basically supercar territory. Much like the regular Mustang, these are surprisingly affordable on the used car market, and there are many powerful Mustangs in between the base and GT 500 that are available to buyers.
12 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is a truly insane car.
So insane, in fact, that it has an extra key if you want to unlock all 650 lb-ft of torque and 707 horsepower. The car is limited to about 500 horsepower, but with its second key, all of those ponies are released.
The jaunt to 60 mph is accomplished in 3.6 seconds, which is certainly impressive. The Hellcat generates so much power that giving it a lot of gas on a launch actually makes for a slower sprint as the car will simply shred through its tires. Its power can easily overpower its grip, so drivers are advised to take it just a little bit easy.
11 Ford GT
The newly released Ford GT is a wonderful American supercar that buyers everywhere desire. Previously renowned for its racing performance, the new GT is a stunner. According to Ford, the GT’s 3.5-liter V6 Ecoboost engine pumps of 647 horsepower, propelling this car to 60 mph in an astounding 2.9 seconds.
Easily one of the quickest cars on this list, the GT blows foreign competitors away when it comes to speed and style. It drives well, too – a light carbon fiber body provides for a nimble ride, and dynamic active aero keeps the GT glued to the road and pumping out power.
10 Tesla Model S P100D
While the Tesla Model S P100 D may not be the quickest car around a track due to its heavy batteries, it outperforms the vast majority of other sports cars when it comes to acceleration. While the batteries do weigh the car down, they provide a low center of gravity that improves corning ability.
A starting price of $135,000 gets you a 0 to 60 time of 2.5 seconds, which is achieved in part by the Tesla’s drag coefficient: 0.23, the lowest on Earth, according to Tesla’s website.
An AWD system helps the car corner and launch more effectively, making the Model S a slick competitor.
9 Tesla Roadster
The Tesla Roadster is not quite as impressive as the Model S, but it is certainly a desirable American car that can be chosen without qualm over foreign competitors. Its electric motor produces 295 lb-ft of torque, according to Tesla, and is enough to propel the Roadster to 60 mph in under 5 seconds.
This is faster than many German and Japanese competitors, and the Tesla beats them when it comes to styling too. Teslas are uniquely styled, which sets them apart from just about everything else on the road. Ahead of its time with electric car technology, Tesla was able to produce a car that stood out and drove beautifully.
8 Dodge Viper SRT
The Dodge Viper SRT is proof that Dodge has a never-ending supply of crazy cars available to buyers.
This wild beast has a massive 8.4-liter V10 engine that makes a very solid 645 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, enough to shred tires and speed past just about anything on the road.
Older Vipers have a reputation of being tough cars to control, but just like other cars on this list that have been around for decades, it has improved with time. The suspension has become tighter and more dialed in, providing for a driving experience that just gets better as time goes on.
7 Cadillac ATS-V
The Cadillac ATS-V makes power that is somewhat similar to the CTS-V, but is a slightly smaller sport sedan that can be had for a bit cheaper. $61,000 gets you 646 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque, which is less than the CTS-V but still enough to get you to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.
The ATS-V has improved over the years, with solid handling that keeps the Cadillac dialed in around corners. A smooth transmission makes for a graceful ride, in the true spirit of comfortable and luxurious Cadillacs. Great styling will make this car relevant for years to come.
6 Cadillac CTS-V
Looking for an American sport sedan that rivals the performance of M and AMG cars? Look no further than the Cadillac CTS-V. Starting at $86,000, this ride makes an impressive 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. For the price, that power is tough to beat, although similar numbers come for more of a value with the smaller ATS-V.
This power gives the CTS-V a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.8 seconds, which is incredible performance.
Given a straight enough road, Cadillac claims that this car can reach speeds of 200 mph. In addition to being fast in a straight line, this ride is sharp in corners, putting it ahead of other famous sport sedans.
5 SSC Ultimate Aero XT
The SSC Ultimate Aero XT is an insane, American-made speed demon that blows just about every foreign competitor away.
A 6.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine spits out 1,300 horsepower and 1,004 lb-ft of torque. This means a 0 to 60 mph time of 2.65 seconds, quick enough to miss with a blink. It has a claimed top speed of 273 mph, and the highest recorded top speed is 256 mph.
That may not be exactly what was promised, but no one can deny that this is an incredible top speed. Only a handful of these were produced, which may be for good reason. You can’t have too much of a good thing, and its uniqueness is part of what makes this car special.
4 Ford Focus ST
The Ford Focus ST is definitely more restrained than the Focus RS, but is still a solid competitor in the sport car scene. According to Car and Driver, the ST can jump to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Making 252 horsepower, the ST is the lowest on this list in terms of power output, but it still drives incredibly well.
While it is FWD, it drives like an angry little bee, earning it a spot on our list. For just $25,000, you’ll get a sporty and practical hot hatch that can stand toe to toe with foreign competition.
3 Ford Focus RS
The Ford Focus RS is a relative newcomer to the sport scene, and although some may classify it as “just” a hot hatch, we think it would be fair to call it a sports car… or sports hatch, rather.
Starting at a somewhat lofty $41,000, the Ford RS gives the buyer a wealth of power. 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft, of torque, to be exact. This is enough to give the RS a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, quicker than many German sport sedan competitors.
Perhaps the coolest feature of the RS is that it has a “Drift Mode”, in which drivers can become a drifting pro with just a push of a button.
2 Mosler MT 900 S
The Mosler MT 900 S is a forgotten American racecar that, somehow, was deemed acceptable for regular road use. Unique styling blends cues from Corvettes and McLarens, creating a vehicle that easily grabs attention on the streets. This car was built with a 5.7-liter V8 mounted in the middle of the car, which, when combined with its carbon fiber chassis, makes for an impressive ride.
According to zerotosixtytimes, the Mosler completes the sprint in about 3.4 seconds, thanks to its 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. A dialed in driving experience and rapid acceleration make this a truly special car, and it’s a shame to see them on the road so rarely.
1 Hennessy Venom GT
Perhaps the most insane car on this list, the Hennessey Venom GT is a wild American hypercar that shatters records and blows minds.
It takes just 2.7 seconds to get to 60 mph, which is very respectable. The next number is far more impressive… the Venom GT gets to 200 mph in a stunning 14.51 seconds, which is a hypercar world record. It also boasts a recorded top speed of 270 mph, according to Hennessey.
This astounding car makes an impressive 1244 horsepower and 1155 lb-ft of torque, and if that’s too much for you, Hennessey made the power adjustable to levels of 800, 1,000, and 1,244 horsepower.
Sources: Car and Driver, Motor Trend, zerotosiztytimes.com