Muscle cars have been an integral part of the American car culture. When we think about muscle cars power-packed performance, exceptional styling, and unparalleled acceleration comes to mind. Over the years, manufacturers like GM, Ford, and Crysler have created some incredible muscle cars that have ruled the race tracks and streets alike. Some of the classic muscle cars created back in the 1960s can still give competitive to many newer vehicles.
In this article, we take a look at both classic and slightly newer muscle cars that are a dream when it comes to driving on highways. These cars are a perfect combination of performance and styling.
10 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado
One of the classics that is still a favorite and delivers great performance on the highway is the 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado. In the 1960s, this engineering marvel from General Motors redefined how muscle cars were supposed to be. At that time, the majority of the cars were rear-wheel drive but Oldsmobile turned the tables by coming up with the first front-wheel drive car. Yesterday, Toronado was a show-stopper but even today it doesn’t cease to amaze.
The muscle car is powered by a V8 engine capable of producing 285 horsepower. Toronado’s superb driving ability coupled with its svelte appearance makes it stand out even today.
9 2019 Camaro ZL1
Camaro ZL1 promises a great drive, whether you’re on the road or the tracks. Its supercharged 6.2L LT4 V8 engine delivers 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft. of torque. You can reach 60 mph in just a matter of 3.5 seconds.
What makes driving Camaro more exciting is that it features a suite of aerodynamic enhancements. These enhancements such as the carbon-fiber hood air extractor and a three-stanchion spoiler help you get better performance from the muscle car. Additionally, some high-tech features, such as the head-up display, are sure to make your driving experience better.
8 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30
An Oldsmobile marvel that still manages to deliver an amazing driving experience is the 442 W-30. It was the talk of the town, back in the day, because not many muscle cars were able to deliver 500 lb-ft of torque as well as generate 365 horsepower.
The 455-powered V8 engine generated immense power but it wasn’t just about power with this muscle car. Its styling also made it more luxurious than any other muscle car at the time. Though it is a heavier muscle car, which goes from zero to sixty miles per hour in about 5.7 seconds, its drive is still pretty good.
7 2019Dodge Challenger R/T
The 2019 Challenger R/T is a great choice if you don't want to compromise on either appearance or performance. It features the powerful V8 engine, sports a broad-shouldered, aggressive look, and accelerates like a dream. While the Challenger R/T is designed for thrill-seeking drivers, it does not compromise on usability. There is a lot of cargo space and the seats are quite spacious as well.
If you want enhanced performance on the highway, you can also opt for Super Track Pak which includes performance suspension, 20-inch wheels, paddle shifters, a performance hood, and performance seats.
6 1967 Mercury Cougar
Built by the Mercury division of Ford, the 1967 Mercury Cougar’s basic structure was based on the hugely successful Ford Mustang, Though, Mercury made it a bit different by adding in features that made it more luxurious as well as adding some European flair.
Unlike the Ford Mustang, Cougar was not available with a straight-six engine. However, it made up for that by coming in options ranging from a 289ci V8 rated at between 195-225 horsepower to the more powerful 390ci V8 rated at 280- 335 horsepower. The 390ci engine option allowed it to go from zero to sixty miles per hour in about 8.1 seconds.
5 2019 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Dodge has excelled in creating muscle cars that have ruled the streets for decades. So, it’s not a surprise that Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat makes it to this list. If you’re a fan of over the top action, more horsepower and a vehicle that is sure to dominate the roads, the Hellcat should be your pick.
Equipped with a supercharged Hemi V-8 that delivers massive 707 horsepower and 650 pounds of torque, the Hellcat is capable of delivering pulse racing acceleration. It can reach 60 mph within 3.4 seconds and guarantee a great drive on the highway in true muscle car style.
4 1987 Buick Grand National
Strange as it may sound these days but there was a time when Buick gave serious competition to Corvettes and other high-end sports cars and that was because of the Buick Grand National. Powered by a turbocharged V-6 engine and boasting incredible styling it had the look and feel of a true monster muscle car.
Some of the unique elements of the muscle car that stood out were the grille and power 6 emblems. The V6 engine was capable of producing 276 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the GNX to go from zero to 60 miles per hour in just under 4.7 seconds.
3 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8
The 2012 Chrysler 300 model, in SRT8 trim, features a winning combination of a powerful engine, great styling, and exciting tech upgrades. Not to mention, its drive is amazing.
The 2012 model replaced the old 6.1-liter motor with a newer 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 engine that delivers an impressive 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft of torque. The car can also zoom from zero to 100kmh in about 4 seconds which is definitely impressive. It also features an 8.4-inch touchscreen as well as a luxurious interior with the highlight being the new thick leather-covered steering wheel.
2 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
This muscle car was launched in 1964 and marked Chevrolet’s entry into the muscle car segment. What followed was a series of historic wins for Chevrolet when it comes to producing some of the best muscle cars in history.
When it comes to driving on the highway, the 1970 model of the muscle car truly stands out. Powered by a 454 V8 engine that produces 450 horsepower and 500 lb/ft of torque, the Chevelle SS offers power-packed performance. The muscle car can go from 0-60 mph in under six seconds.
1 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is a clear winner when it comes to driving on the highway as well as race tracks. Powered by the 5.2L V8 engine, that generates a makes 526 horsepower, and dual exhaust with electronic valves and quad tips, Shelby GT350, delivers exceptional performance.
The standard MagneRide® Damping System monitors and adjusts itself one thousand times per second to give you a dynamic driving experience. Additionally, the independent rear suspension ensures that body roll is minimized and road imperfections are barely felt, delivering smooth handling throughout the drive.