Ok, so you've outgrown or worn-out the heap you've been hanging on to for the past 5+ years... or just turned in your lease and are thinking about a change of pace. You thought about a fuel conservative vehicle, or even a hybrid but just couldn't find one that looked the way you want, you know...cool! It is unfortunate that the hottest looking rides are a little costly when it comes to gas, and maybe you think it's worth it. Yeah, yeah, sure- people will look down on you for not saving the environment, but heck, you work hard and deserve to have a little fun! Besides, there's plenty of other ecofriendly's out there to cover that burden for you, right? Well then now that you've passed the justification stage and bypassed the guilt, you're ready to narrow down the search, so let's take a look at what I consider the top 5 "muscle" cars on the market in the same price range. That range is between $30K- $100K. So buckle up butter cup... and prepare to put the petal to the metal!
First of all, let's establish the parameters, defining "muscle" car. First and foremost, we are obviously talking about power. Expect V6 or V8 or better. Second, STYLE, and when I say style, I don't mean stylish, I mean a real BEAST. Take Mercedes and BMW out of the equation, we're talking about something you could travel back in time to 1959 and impress the greasers with. Therefore, in no particular order, I present to you the following:
Porshe 911
Chevy CAMARO
Ford MUSTANG
Dodge CHARGER
Chevrolet CORVETTE
Let's start with the Porshe 911. Now this one is high on price and we're going to talk about the 2nd to best trim that is offered because we want to keep this list under 100K. Now technically this one is priced at 104K but that's the suggested price and you can no doubt get it under 100 G's so it just makes our cut. Now if you want to sacrifice some power, you can go down to the entry level or Carrera Coupe which is not too shabby at 3.6L and 345HP, but this bad boy (Targa 4S Coupe) is going to give you 3.8L and 385HP. You may not be able to experience the difference in speed legally, but you'll hear and feel it under the hood- but that's going to cost you about 15 grand more. You're going to get the same estimated gas mileage, 18 mpg City / 25 mpg Hwy, and a few more bells and whistles inside as well. A car like this is made to impress so if you have the cash for this kind of ride, another 15K for additional bragging rights may be worth it- and of course you're going to get more for it when you decide to sell. This car is a classic but it is a small car with big punch.
Now we'll move on to something on the other end of the spectrum. Take the 2010 (or 2011) Chevy Camaro for instance. This baby's got the look! You'll recognize her from Transformers and is not available for lease. This car looks so awesome that you won't even care about it's performance, but don't worry, it PERFORMS! The best part is compared to others, you're not going to pay for it out the nose. When you sit inside this thing, you are waiting for the flag to go down and hit the gas! The 2010 Camaro will NOT disappoint. You can buy 3 different trims and the average is going to run you around 30K; considerably lower than the Porsche! But to be fair, this is not comparing apples to apples! Let's talk specs. V6, 3.6L, 17 mpg City / 29 mpg Hwy. I took this car for a test drive a few weeks ago and must say it handled curves like butta'. When it came to power... effortless. When it came to performance... smooth as a silky breeze. Color choices are interesting but will be special ordered, as most dealers have only red and yellow in stock- they have a really wicked green that is worth checking out. Remember like most cars in this class, 2 doors, and no backseat drivers! (Because there is no backseat!)
Ok, what about the Ford Mustang? Well, we all know the Camaro was originally introduced as Chevy's answer to the Mustang, but Mustang prevailed. Until now, with the release in 2010 of the Camaro, the looks, performance and price give the Mustang a run for it's money, literally. However, Mustang is holding up for two reasons: reputation- a longer uninterrupted line of production, ability to be leased, and the new Camaro hasn't been in the public eye long enough to build up a sales base, which is why it cannot be leased yet- they don't know how many they need to make yet due to wavering demand. But we're supposed to be talking about the Mustang 2011 here so let's get down to brass tacks. First off, it's going to cost you about the same or less than the Camaro based on the options you select. Trims are comparable but there are more trim options overall, V6, 3.7L and both are rear wheel drive. 19 mpg City / 29 for the base model. You can lay down anywhere between 22K and 55K for this car which despite the competition, is still a beast! It even comes with overdrive too, which is always fun. The higher you go on the trim, it does start to outweigh the Camaro, but the GT is the equivalent to the Camaro, the GT500 is the upscale version. Of course with the Mustang you have the option to go convertible, something the Camaro does not offer, and that is an important point to consider.
Then we have the Dodge (Chrysler) Charger, the more affordable response to the above. Hey, there must be a reason Police forces across the nation are adopting this vehicle as the one of choice. They need speed, performance and power- but they also get a little style to boot. Sure this car is no Camaro- (can you tell I like that one?) But it does look as cool as the Mustang. You get yourself a nice body style and mean looking chrome cross-grill. Cops need to intimidate to make easier compliance from unlawful civilians and this one helps do the job. Well what about us civilians? Well, we get ourselves a kickin' bad boy at a decent price. Now, understand the police no doubt load these things up with options you and I don't need (hopefully), bullet proof glass, extra tough tires, etc., but let's see what we will get. V6 overdrive, 2.7L, 178HP on the base model with 18 mpg City / 26 mpg Hwy. That's going to run you about 24K, But bump it up a notch to one of the many other trims available such as: SRT8 and you're getting 4 door (by the way not 2 door as with the others), and yes, a backseat too! You'll pay almost 40K for this one, but you upgrade to these stats: V8 HEMI with overdrive, 6.1L 420HP, but only 13 mpg City / 19 mpg Hwy, as you would expect- come on Joe Dirt... it's a HEMI! This is a fine ride and a tough call if you can't decide between the previous listed but hopefully this helps get you there.
Last, but not least, we take the price tag back up the ladder to the infamous Chevrolet Corvette You can get a convertible on this too, if that's your thing, but we're going to keep it simple and try to keep it on a similar playing field to the rest mentioned here. Let's talk about the Z06, it's 70K - or you can go crazy with the ZR1 which is consistent with the 911. For that you'll get yourself an incredible, ridiculous, over 600HP vehicle. V8, Supercharged, 6.2 Liter and 14 mpg City / 20 mpg Hwy. But if you "keep it real" with Z06, you lose about 100HP, and save about 30K. Heck for that savings you may as well get yourself this AND one of the others: Camaro, Mustang, or Charger!!! Now the Corvette has a look like no other, and is the only other one mentioned here besides the Camaro that will make you feel like your in the race. The Porsche actually WILL make you feel like racing, but just doesn't look as mean as the Corvette! There have been many versions of this classic over time but the new one has all the appeal of the original, while also sporting a modern appeal. If you are between the Porsche and the Corvette, and can't decide- you need to ask yourself if you want to look more classy and sophisticated (Porsche) or cool like Fonzie (Corvette). Me, I wish I could take one of each, but what can I say? I'm waiting for the muscle cars to go hybrid or electric!!!!
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