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Glamorized in Hollywood flicks like “Bullitt” and “Rebel Without a Cause”, muscle cars have long been a part of the automotive culture all over the world. Muscle cars used to refer exclusively to large coupes or sedans with burly V8 engines, but with modern technology, there are quite a few turbocharged V6 motors in this arena now. Check out GAYOT’s Top 10 Muscle Cars to find powerful, high-performance vehicles in a variety of price ranges.

Ford Shelby GT350 

The Shelby GT350 is Ford’s latest entry into the muscle car category. Weighing only 10 pounds more than the standard issue Mustang GT, it produces an additional 75 horsepower, making it a formidable competitor for the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.

Base Price: $52,995
Engine: 5.2-liter V8
Horsepower: 526
0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds

Chevrolet Camaro Z/28  

Muscle cars used to be known for their high horsepower and straight-line speed, not their handling prowess. Chevy decided to change up the game and design this Camaro for the track instead of the dragstrip — and it shows. Whether it’s up in the canyons or down on the straightaways, the Z/28 will tackle the streets with confidence.

Base Price: $73,300
Engine: 7.0-liter V8
Horsepower: 505
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat 

The Challenger was designed as a boulevard cruiser with a little bit of muscle. It was never particularly good at handling curves or even providing straight-line speed, but it could easily haul four passengers in comfort and had enough oomph to keep it interesting. That all changed with the introduction of the supercharged V8 in the Hellcat version. It’s big, it’s thirsty, and not only can it hang with its muscle car competition, it can beat many of them down the drag strip.

Base Price: $62,080
Engine: 6.2-liter supercharged V8
Horsepower: 707
0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds

Jaguar F-Type R 

The F-TYPE has always been considered more of a quick roadster than a muscle car. However, this more aggressive version offers increased horsepower and a standard all-wheel-drive system. You can call it the gentleman’s muscle car. It’s a little more refined and it won’t do burnouts without a lot of coaxing, but it still packs a torquey V8 engine and a responsive manual transmission.

Base Price: $99,925
Engine: 5.0-liter supercharged V8
Horsepower: 550
0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds

BMW M4  

While it’s not traditionally thought of as a muscle car, the BMW M4 does share some of the ingredients typical of the class, including rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission. It has a twin-turbo V6 that offers plenty of useable torque at a lower rpm for easier day-to-day driving — as well as those occasional stoplight burnouts. You can call the M4 the European luxury muscle car.

Base Price: $65,150
Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6
Horsepower: 425
0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds

Audi RS5  

The Audi RS5 looks — and sounds — a lot more like a muscle car than its rival, the BMW M4. Opt for the $1,000 sport exhaust and you’ll hear the wonderfully thunderous melody of the naturally-aspirated V8 engine. The exterior of the RS5 is aggressive and muscular, hinting at the power that lurks beneath the hood. The engine bay also puts the motor on display with swaths of carbon fiber and red-painted cam covers. It’s a very polished muscle car and a wonderful all-wheel-drive alternative to the M4 if BMWs aren’t your thing.

Base Price: $71,825
Engine: 4.2-liter V8
Horsepower: 450
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds

Nissan GT-R 

The Nissan GT-R is Japan’s tour de force contribution to the muscle car category, offering grippy all-wheel drive and a powerful twin-turbocharged V6. With an advanced launch control system, the coupe shoots from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds — faster than some supercars. It’s a force to be reckoned with, offering premium performance for a fraction of the cost.

Base Price: $106,320
Engine: 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6
Horsepower: 545
0-60 mph: 2.8 seconds

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat 

This powerhouse applies the same formula used in the Challenger Hellcat, but adds an additional two doors. It boasts Dodge’s insane supercharged V8 engine, which gives the value-priced sedan supercar levels of power. The Charger also adds a level of practicality with four doors and plenty of interior space to haul your friends and family in comfort.

Base Price: $69,965
Engine: 6.2-liter supercharged V8
Horsepower: 707
0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds

Cadillac ATS-V Coupe  

The ATS-V is the newest vehicle in the Cadillac lineup to sport the V badge and the requisite power bump. It borrows suspension parts from both the Corvette and Camaro to give it the handling prowess it needs to compete against the M3/M4. Drive one and you won’t be disappointed by the engineering that went into the V Series. You can call it a Corvette with back seats.

Base Price: $63,660
Engine: 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6
Horsepower: 464
0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG  

The E63 is the German torque monster. Propelled by a twin-turbo V8 that makes 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, it will push your back to the seat no matter when you hit the gas. It also has a pronounced V8 exhaust tone, making it a muscle car of the European car world.

Base Price: $94,525
Engine: 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8
Horsepower: 557
0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds

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