Forget the New mustang GT. Forget the Camaro SS. These are the real small muscle cars. The "pony cars". All of these cars are the best of the best. These first three are the little brothers to the bigger brothers that we're going to compare later. They were all models made to compete in the Trans-am racing series which was growing more and more popular in the late 60's. The camaro and mustang both have 302 cubic inch (5.0 liter) engines, while the 'Cuda has 340 cubic inch engine (5.5 liter engine). The reason for this is because the mustang and camaro competed in the series, while the 'Cuda did not ( i know it did, but not with the 340 i believe). I'll give you specs and pictures, then i'll let you figure out which is your favorite.

1967 Chevy Camaro Z/28

Curb Weight: 3070 lbs
Layout: Front-Engine/RWD
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
5.0 liter V-8
Horsepower: 290 bhp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 290 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
0-60 mph: 6.9 sec
0-100 mph: 14.6 sec
Quarter Mile: 14.85 sec @ 101 mph
Top Speed: 140 mph

1970 Plymouth AAR 'Cuda

Price: $3,966 (1970)
urb Weight: 3515 lbs
Layout: Front-Engine/RWD
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
5.5 liter V-8
Horsepower: 290 bhp @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 335 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm
0-60 mph: 5.8 sec
0-100 mph: 14.4 sec
Quarter Mile: 14.4 sec @ 100 mph
Skidpad: .76g

1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Price: $3,700 (1970)
Curb Weight: 3250 lbs
Layout: Front-Engine/RWD
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
5.0 liter V-8
Horsepower: 290 bhp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 290 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
0-60 mph: 6.9 sec
Quarter Mile: 14.6 sec @ 98 mph

Z/28:
http://www.fast-autos.net/chevrolet/chevroletcamaroz28.html

'Cuda:
http://www.fast-autos.net/plymouth/plymouthaarcuda.html

Boss 302:
http://www.fast-autos.net/ford/70fordboss302.html

And now, the big boys. All of these have enormous big block V-8's. They're the cream of the crop, the best of the best. The first of which is kind of a cheap shot, because it was an ultra limited production COPO camaro, but i wanted the best. All of these engines are about 427cubic inches (7.0 liters).

1969 Chevy Camaro ZL-1

Price: $7,269 (1969)
Layout: Front-Engine/RWD
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
7.0 liter aluminum V-8
Horsepower: 430 bhp @ 5200 rpm
Torque: 450 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.1 sec
0-100 mph: 9.4 sec
Quarter Mile: 11.8 sec @ 122 mph

1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda

Price: $4,035 (1970)
Miles Per Gallon: 7/11 mpg
Curb Weight: 3620 lbs
Layout: Front-Engine/RWD
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
7.0 liter Hemi V-8
Horsepower: 425 bhp @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 490 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
0-60 mph: 5.8 sec
0-100 mph: 13.0 sec
Quarter Mile: 13.1 sec @ 101 mph
Top Speed: 117 mph

1967 Shelby Mustang GT500

Price: $4,195 (1967)
Miles Per Gallon: 12 mpg
Curb Weight: 3521 lbs
Layout: Front-Engine/RWD
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
7.0 liter V-8
Horsepower: 355 bhp @ 5400 rpm
Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Redline: 5500 rpm
0-60 mph: 6.0 sec
0-100 mph: 13.1 sec
Quarter Mile: 13.6 sec @ 106 mph
Skidpad: .88g
Top Speed: 133 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph: 141 ft
Slalom Speed: 61.3 mph

ZL-1:
http://www.fast-autos.net/chevrolet/69chevroletcamarozl1.html

Hemi:
http://www.fast-autos.net/plymouth/plymouthhemicuda.html

GT500:
http://www.fast-autos.net/shelby/shelbygt500.html

So here are all of these amazing cars. Please pick one from each catagory and explain why you picked it.

First category: The Mustang, based on looks (awesome)

Second category: The Camaro, based on performance (awesome)

I admit I'm not a hardcore fan of muscle cars, though.

Camaro.. especially because it's the ZL1.. been dreaming about it ever since i was like 9 years old.

ZL-1 is waaay to elcusive for this. But hey, that and an AAR.

i like the camaro... both of them
the Z/28 on looks
the ZL-1on performance

ZL-1 is waaay to elcusive for this. But hey, that and an AAR.

Eh, the ZL-1 camaro performed only a little bit better than any other 427 camaro. They're all similar.

first category: the mustang boos because of the name, of the looks, and the performance is pretty good too.

for the second category: the zl-1. i know its kinda not fair for it to be in there because its like double the price fo all the other and it is way faster but its also by far the best.

Eh, the ZL-1 camaro performed only a little bit better than any other 427 camaro. They're all similar.
Alloy block

I'm going on performance though. True, the aluminum block was a big advantage, but it won't make that much of a difference on performance from other 427 camaros.

It would handle ALOT better than other 427s.
Oh and also i want to change my Plymouth AAR to AMC AMX Go Package.

It would handle ALOT better than other 427s.
Oh and also i want to change my Plymouth AAR to AMC AMX Go Package.

I guess it would handle better. It doesn't really matter, i dont feel like going into a pissing match about this. I found the most amount of info on the ZL-1 as compared to other 427 camaros, and i like the ZL-1 the best.

And i dont believe the AMC was one of the choices. Was it even in the Trans-am series? Didn't it have a 390?

It also came with 343s and 360s (and a gutless 290). Your talking about small muscle cars, the AMX is up with the smallest

I know about the 290, but i've never heard of the others. I know the AMX was a nice little car. It was up there with the main stream muscle cars. But, these were comparos of Trans-am cars. I know the Challegner was at one time a trans-am car, cause i've seen it at vintage races. I've heard of AMC trans am racers, but i dont have any proof.

http://www.musclecarclub.com/musclecars/amc-amx/amc-amx-history.shtml
History of the road car
http://www.amx-perience.com/Trans-AmRacing.htm
Trans Am outings
Won both drivers and manufacturers trophys

Though I live in Europe my favourite cars are so called American Muscle (after Honda S2000 of course :) ) The best for me is "Eleonore" for sure Shelby Mustang GT 500 1967. and I'm amazed by Pontiac GTO 1967 this baby drives me crazy :)

Sorry to jump in here for the first time, guys, but I couldn't pass up the question...

As for your first tier, well, I'd have to say the '67 Camaro, not only for aesthetics but for the feel of the thing. It feeeels faster than the other cars, and it drives a lot tighter.

In the second tier, however, your 'Cuda is the hands-down winner. That is a great engine and the epitome of a "muscle" ride.

Personally, I think you left out the real beast, though. The '69 Road Runner (440-6). Okay, it's not the prettiest of the flock, but man, she smokes 'em all with less HP than the Cuda.

Thanks for letting me interrupt. Carry on...

http://www.musclecarclub.com/musclecars/amc-amx/amc-amx-history.shtml
History of the road car
http://www.amx-perience.com/Trans-AmRacing.htm
Trans Am outings
Won both drivers and manufacturers trophys

Oh yeah, mark donohue. I remember that.

And in response to 4BBBBL, yes, the road runner was a great car. But the title is "the real pony car shootout", and the road runner isn't a pony car.

So can I back the AMC now?

So can I back the AMC now?

Sure, i guess. It's a great car, but it wouldn't be my top choice.

yes, the road runner was a great car. But the title is "the real pony car shootout", and the road runner isn't a pony car.

Quite right. Got carried away.

Still an excellent car. If you want to compare cars of that body style (torino, charger, chevelle, etc.), I suggest you make a topic.

Was the hemi cuda so short geared only to get it to 117?

I'd pick the Cuda since i know for just a couple tousand more, i can make it look really nice, with custom bodykits and engine modifications.:D

Was the hemi cuda so short geared only to get it to 117?

It could be that. It could also have to do with the brick like aerodynamics.

I'll so easily take the hemi cuda, i liked that car. alot. 117 sounds about right.

i dont know i like all of them but i think you need to pick less popular cars like the AMC javeline or the Dodge coronet both of those cars came with outrageous engine packages especially the javeline with the police package (401 c.i.)

Check the previous posts' date.

Welcome to SCF btw.