While there is no universal definition of a performance car, we can generally group them as cars that possess above-average abilities in one or more of these categories; top speed, braking, cornering, power, and acceleration. They are furthermore grouped into high-performance cars and average-performance cars. One of the things you should never do with a high-performance car is give it to a newbie. These cars require a comfortable level of expertise before you put them on the road as they possess qualities that are not found on regular cars. America has had its fair share of these performance vehicles, which are majorly comprised of muscle cars.
While there have been some really bad performance cars from America, most have been great. Having inexperienced hands behind the wheels of performance cars is the perfect recipe for disaster. Some of the characteristics of these performance cars are low visibility, insane speeds, and the most prominent of all being heavy handling. Here are some American performance cars a greenhorn should avoid by all means.
10 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500
If you're not a sucker for speed, then you shouldn't be in a Mustang in the first place, not to talk of the Shelby Mustang GT500. This speed demon will make inexperienced drivers wet their pants as it possesses a top speed of 180 mph.
Running on a 5.2-liter Supercharged Cross Plane Crank V8 engine, the speedster displaces a race-car-worthy horsepower of 760 with 625 lb-ft torque. Using a Tremec 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission, the GT500 car will throw a newbie off-balance as it requires highly experienced drivers to handle.
9 2017 Ford GT
Whether it's the 2005 model year or the newest generation, for inexperienced drivers to be sitting behind a wheel of a Ford GT can be described as an extreme sport. Designed to deliver exceptional speed and excellent handling, the 2017 Ford GT is powered by a 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 engine that boasts a stunning 647 horsepower.
Acceleration on this beauty is a stunner as it quickly picks up the pace from 0-60 in just 3 seconds. Not to forget the sickening speed of this wonderful race car as it maxes a speed of 216 mph.
8 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye
Vicious, strong, and fast, the Dodge Charger was designed to deliver all the power needed to ace the race. With its deadliest engine yet, a 6.2-liter Hemi SRT Hellcat V8, this muscle car would still send shivers down the spines of pro drivers and is a no-go for the unskilled.
Delivering a monstrous 717 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, this vehicle has a top speed of 203 mph and would take you from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds. Experienced hands will do well with its 8-speed automatic transmission that aids smooth-shifting, which may look easy to a newbie but isn't.
7 Cadillac CT6-V
The Cadillac CT6-V is equipped with a potent 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a whopping 550 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. It is a highly efficient car equipped with high-tech features and gadgets that an inexperienced driver may prove challenging to master.
Also, using a 10-speed automatic and a dynamically adjustable all-wheel-drive system, handling this luxury sedan is best for drivers with a pre-knowledge of how it works. Although it might not look the part, this vehicle has a top speed of 200 mph, making it one of the fastest Cadillacs ever.
6 Pontiac GTO
Dating back to the 1960s, the Pontiac GTO was available as an alternate package for the Pontiac LeMans. Readily available on the sports car was a 6.4-liter 389 cu in Pontiac V8 engine generating a comfortable 325 hp. An optional 6.6-liter 400 cu in V8 was also available for the vehicle.
Although the Pontiac GTO was better than everyone remembers, it would be unwise for an inexperienced driver to cruise around in it due to its unavailability of safety features, one of which was its failure to meet the airbag safety requirement in the 2007 model.
5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE
With its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that develops 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE is an impressive muscle car for anyone but the inexperienced. For starters, the car packs a lot of power and will prove to be too difficult for a newbie, especially in rough road conditions.
Also, the Chevrolet Camaro has been known to suffer from possessing horrible blind spots, which can be dangerous for an inexperienced driver and can lead to a fatal incident.
4 Dodge Ram SRT-10
Like all large cars, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 is to be avoided by inexperienced hands as its sheer size can be challenging to maneuver in tight traffic conditions. Standard on the truck is an 8.3-liter V-10 engine that dishes out over 500 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque.
These features are on the high side for a beginner driver hoping to get the most out of the truck. It is a powerful vehicle that requires experienced hands to handle and can easily steer off course when in fragile hands.
3 SSC Ultimate Aero
When thinking of a supercar with apex features, you'd best be describing the SSC Ultimate Aero. This vehicle is a speed record breaker and is not a fun tool for amateurs. It held the record of the world's fastest car by beating the Bugatti Veyron with an outstanding top speed of 257.41 mph which can be discomforting to even a pro motorist.
Powered by a monstrous twin-turbo V8 engine, the sports car has an insane 1183 hp and an earth-shaking 1094 lb. ft of torque.
2 Dodge Viper ACR
A first glance at the Dodge Viper ACR would immediately notify an inexperienced driver of its dangers. Wielding an 8.4-liter V-10 engine that produces 640 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque, the race car has maxes out at 177 mph, which is on the fast side for a beginner.
Also, there is a switch between the throttle and brake pedals which can be very confusing and dangerous for new drivers. Handling the car requires pros who wouldn't find it too challenging to maneuver bends when in speed.
1 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
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A car bearing the name "Demon" should spell trouble for a novice, and the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon validates this claim as it is a no-go for an inexperienced driver. This muscle car packs a lot of power and is very heavy, and can pose complex handling.
With a stunning 840 hp, the "Demon" amazes even experienced hands and is too much a car for a fledgling. In addition, the tires are labeled as unsafe and cannot be used in wet weather because of the risk of hydroplaning.