The origin of American muscle cars can be traced to 1949, when General Motors used a 5-liter V8 engine in a smaller body style. Although there is no clear-cut definition of a muscle car, they retain certain characteristics that set them apart. Having a large V8 engine in a relatively lightweight body and being an affordable American-made rear-wheel-drive car are some of these qualities.Originally known as Supercars, they grew in popularity and performance in the 1960s and became favorites in drag races. Advances in technology have led to the production of cars with increasingly stunning acceleration, handling, and great muscle car engines. While some muscle car builders focus on achieving phenomenal straight-line acceleration, others aim to build cars that excel on the streets and the drag strips. Join us on a quarter-mile run for a list of the best muscle cars for drag racing.
10 2021 Chevrolet Camaro
Depending on your preferences, the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro has several trim levels and engines for you to choose from. The higher trims come with a 6.2 liters V8 engine that gives 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. What do these numbers translate to on the blacktop?
A sprint of 4.1 seconds from zero to 60 mph and a quarter-mile run of 12.2 seconds. Pairing with the optional 1LE package brings on board a wide array of performance-enhancing equipment.
9 2021 Dodge Charger Scat Pack
Now in the seventh generation of production, the Scat Pack is one of the top trims of the 2021 Dodge Charger. This is a beast that is built for only one purpose - to be driven at insane speeds. Under the hood, it houses a naturally aspirated 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine that churns out 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.
The massive engine is powered by an 8-speed automatic gearbox that shoots from zero to sixty mph in 3.8 seconds. A quarter-mile time of 11.6 seconds makes it a terror on the track.
8 2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Available in two body types, the 2019 Camaro ZL1 gives you the choice of a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The tame supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine produces a not-so-tame 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque.
When paired with the fast-shifting automatic transmission, the 2019 ZL1 thunders from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. You won't be disappointed either on the quarter-mile run, as it will do it in 11.4 seconds at 127 mph. And to cap it all, it has a top speed of 195 mph.
7 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
The all-new Durango Hellcat is a great 3-row family hauler that can also tow up to 8,700 pounds and all that. Interesting until you pop the hood - that's when you realize that it was built for insanely outrageous deeds. Sitting there in all its monstrosity is a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft torque.
Clearing the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds and the 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds is no mean feat for a midsize crossover SUV.
6 2019 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Although the 2019 SRT Hellcat is built with a distinctive design, its selling point is the 6.2 liters supercharged V8 engine. With the engine producing 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, the 5-seater Hellcat is a hell of a car to outrun.
Blasting from 0-60 mph takes just 3.4 seconds, while hitting the quarter-mile mark takes 11.4 seconds. Add a top speed of more than 200 mph to those numbers, and you'll agree that this is a car with performance ratings.
5 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
Available in two trims which are both powered with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine. The base trim produces 717 hp and 656 lb-ft of torque, while the Redeye trim produces 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. With an optional 8-speed automatic transmission, you can do the 0-60 mph run in 3.4 seconds, the quarter-mile run in 10.8 seconds, all with a top speed of 203 mph.
However, those who can't stand these scary figures can tame down the Redeye to churn out a more submissive 500 hp.
4 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
An excellent 4-seater 2-door coupe, the 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 scores high on handling and performance. Behind the muscle is a brawny supercharged 5.2-liter V8 generating 625 lb-ft of twist. Delivering 760 hp through a 7-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels propels the Shelby GT500 from 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds.
Under the proper conditions, it will do the quarter-mile run in 10.7 seconds at 132 mph. With these figures, it is guaranteed a place up there with the fastest muscle cars ever made.
3 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock
Walking the footsteps of the out-of-production Challenger Demon, the 2021 Challenger Super Stock is a beast. Under the hood is a powerful supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine delivering an eye-popping 807 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque.
Lightning fast, it does the 0-60 mph run in 3.25 seconds and the quarter-mile run in 10.5 seconds. Though it may not be very quick on the racetrack, it is a force to be reckoned with on the drag strip where straight-line acceleration counts.
2 2021 Chevrolet Corvette
The 2-seater 2021 Corvette is available in two body types and three trims with a 6.2-liter V8 snuggling behind the cabin. The Z51 performance package is geared up for track duty and produces 495 horsepower with 470 lb-ft of torque.
Transmitting power through an 8-speed automatic transmission, it rockets from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds and does the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds. Beyond this, the 2021 Chevy Corvette still provides a comfortable ride for your daily driving needs.
1 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
Built exclusively for drag racing and unveiled in April 2017, the 2018 Challenger SRT Demon has the proper numbers to show for it. With the Demon Crate Package and the proper race fuel, the 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine will produce 840 horsepower.
When trimmed of excess "body fat," the monster from hell will conquer the quarter-mile at 140 mph in 9.65 seconds and 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds. Though it was produced only for the 2018 model year, this is undoubtedly one of the sickest modern muscle cars.