All About Muscle Cars: Features, Pros, Cons & More

The concept of muscle cars was introduced in the 1940s in the USA. Initially, these cars were modified and used for race and drag purposes by car enthusiasts. With time, it became a major car type and a whole niche of muscle cars was introduced.

In this guide, we will provide you with complete details about the features and characteristics of muscle cars in the UAE.

What is a Muscle Car

Any car manufactured by an American car brand having a coupe body shape and equipped with a strong V8 engine can be termed as a muscle car. That said, this is the old definition of the muscle car, in modern muscle cars many conditions are excluded.

The term American muscle cars or name of American manufacturer was specifically used because the first muscle car was manufactured by General Motors in the 1940s. However, the term ‘Muscle Cars’ was used for the first time for Pontiac released in the 1960s, which was the world’s fastest muscle car at that time. Despite a clear distinction, muscle cars are often confused with classic cars due to their appearance.

Characteristics of Muscle Cars

People consider every sleek sporty-looking twin-door classic car as a muscle car. However, there is a clear distinction between classic cars and muscle cars. The debate on classic and muscle cars is long being discussed among car enthusiasts.

Attractive muscle car — Attractive exterior are major characteristics of a muscle cars

We have enlisted some basic characteristics of a muscle car that will support you in identifying one.

Powerful petrol or diesel engine (generally V8) generating around 450 hp
Should speed from 0 to 60 in less than 10 seconds
Completely rear-wheel drive
Medium vehicle size and weight
Large tyres with sporty suspension

These are some of the basic characteristics that define a muscle car. Moreover, times have changed and American carmakers are not the only ones producing muscle cars. Many other companies took over the market with the course of time.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Muscle Car in the UAE

Muscle cars will surely provide you with a thrill and an adventurous driving experience, but there are also other aspects of owning one. These cars have strong engines and a sporty exterior, at the same time they are not fuel-efficient.

Here we have enlisted all the pros and cons of owning a muscle car in the UAE.

Attractiveness

Muscle cars are attractive enough to grab attention on the streets. These cars were specifically designed with a sporty exterior and a high sound-making exhaust system. Moreover, large tyres and an uplifted back also makes them look more appealing. To enhance the attractiveness of your muscle car, you can use ceramic coatings for cars and increase their shine.

Sporty muscle car — Sporty looks are the main feature of muscle cars

Fuel Consumption

Higher fuel consumption is one of the major problems in muscle cars. The muscle car engines are designed to produce additional power which consumes more fuel. Along with this, the carbon emission levels also increase due to excessive fuel consumption. Many new generation muscle cars have overcome this problem, but a fraction of the problem still exists.

Simplicity

The muscle cars are not like modern hybrid cars with futuristic tech. These cars are designed to be sleek and stylish from interior and exterior. However, all the basic functions of the car and necessary luxury elements are present, but many technologically innovative features are lacking. This simple and sleek style attracts many car enthusiasts.

Safety

Many muscle car manufacturers have improved and adopted the latest automotive standards, but there are still some prevalent safety issues. These issues are often related to passing the crash test and the anti-lock braking system installed in these cars.

The Modern Muscle Cars in the UAE

Muscle cars secure a significant position in the history of the automotive industry. To continue the legacy modern muscle cars are being introduced in the market. These cars fulfil the definition of a modern car with a muscle car touch. These cars are not limited to two-door and coupe styles. Many of them are sedans with four doors.

Following is a list of used muscle cars in the UAE that you can buy in modern times.

This was all about the muscle cars in the UAE. These cars are considerable enough to purchase and drive on the streets because of their looks and distinct features from many latest cars. If you are interested in buying any of these, browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE.

Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on muscle cars.