Quote:
Originally Posted by Norm Peterson
"Performance car" is probably a better term, but only because the term "muscle" can't be separated from the classic V8 rumble that makes it sound more powerful. Back in the day, there was a much wider performance gap between sixxer-powered and V8 versions of the original ponycars and musclecars than exists today.
Today's V6 engines should not be seen in the same context as the 1-barrel carb, 4500 rpm pushrod sixes of the 1960's and 1970's, but unfortunately way too many people never got the memo (or didn't bother to read it).
Just as an aside, the V8 rumble you hear these days is most likely coming from some truck . . . which I am convinced detracts from what the rumbly sound used to mean. Pure disappointment when you want it to be coming from an SS396 or a 440 Road Runner and it turns out to be just another F150 or Silverado.
Norm
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I had a rumbling V8 on a 76 Malibu, it was no way close to Muscle car status, top speed I could get it up to was 85mph..... It was a 305V8 2 barrel carb with a set of turbo mufflers on it... Sounded good and that's all...so just because something has a V8 and rumbles loudly does not make it a Muscle car....
I hate these threads....