Muscle cars vs. Sports cars always spark a heated debate among car lovers. Even though they are often brought under the same category, they differ in a lot of aspects, including size, design, gas efficiency, driveability, and affordability. Many people don’t realize the difference between muscle cars and sports cars. They have some things in common, but there are also many important distinctions that set them apart.
What is a muscle car?
Muscle cars are large boxy-shaped cars with powerful engines unleashing their full potential on straight roads. They are characterized by their peculiar design language, like long hoods, which contain a huge engine generating a massive amount of power. Modern muscle cars aren’t that huge when compared to the earlier models. However, they still carry the legacy of the classics in their design.
The Dodge Challenger, Pontiac GTO, Chevrolet Chevelle SS, Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, AMC AMX, Plymouth Barracuda, and Oldsmobile 444 are some of the best muscle cars ever made. In addition, the Dodge Challenger Hellcat, Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500, Ford Mustang Mach 1, etc., are some of the newer muscle cars with a large fan following.
What is a sports car?
In contrast, sports cars are compact and nimble automobiles built for racing and other high-performance driving. These vehicles typically feature smaller engines, aerodynamic design, and a low center of gravity to help them with handling and maneuverability. Furthermore, because of their quickness and agility, they are frequently used in track events and road races.
Some popular sportscars
- Mazda MX-5
- BMW M3
- McLaren 720S
- Porsche 911
- Toyota GR Supra
- Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman
- Ford Mustang
- Nissan GT-R
- Audi TT
Design comparison
In terms of design, muscle cars and sports cars also have some distinct differences. Muscle cars are larger and known for their bold, aggressive styling. This often includes large grilles, flared fenders, and a bold and imposing stance that commands a lot of presence. The classic, retro style of their designs makes them instantly recognizable as symbols of the golden era of the American automobile industry in the 1960s and 70s.
Sports cars, on the other hand, are typically smaller, lighter, and aerodynamically designed in a way that helps them to derive optimum performance and better handling. This peculiar design nature helps them perform better than muscle cars on tracks with many twists, turns, and corners.
What engines do muscle cars and sports cars use?
The muscle car’s engine is its most defining characteristic, and typically a V8 engine with high horsepower output is used. These motors are built for quick acceleration and top speeds and are often tweaked to produce even more power.
On the other hand, sports cars usually have smaller engines, typically 4 or 6 cylinders. These motors are typically turbocharged or supercharged to increase their power output and improve their efficiency. This makes them ideal for maneuverability.
Fuel efficiency
Due to their powerful engine and heavy body, muscle cars are gas guzzlers and are not the perfect pick if fuel efficiency is extremely important to you. However, sports cars, on the other hand, return decent mileage figures. This is due to their lighter body design and comparatively less powerful engines as compared to muscle cars.
Muscle cars vs. Sports cars: The best pick?
It’s up to you to decide what features are most important to you and what kind of car you want to buy. If you want a powerful car with imposing looks and better practicality with no consideration of mileage, Muscle cars are the best bet. A sports car may be more to your liking if you enjoy driving through twists and turns. It helps you feel more connected to the road.
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