The Ford Mustang GT is no slouch. With its 450 horsepower V8, it will out-drag plenty of modern sports cars. But here’s the twist—there are classic machines, decades old, that can still embarrass a new Mustang in a straight line. Whether through sheer displacement, clever engineering, or just plain lunacy, these ten classics prove that old iron can still run with the best of today.
Buick GNX (1987)
The Grand National was already feared, but the GNX turned the volume up. With a turbocharged 3.8 liter V6 making 276 horsepower on paper but much more in reality, it ran the quarter mile in the low 13s. That was Corvette territory in the 80s. Tuned examples can dip into the 11s, meaning even today, a GNX can leave a stock Mustang GT eating dust.
Dodge Challenger R/T 426 Hemi (1970)
The Hemi Challenger was the weapon of choice for anyone serious about drag racing. Its 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 officially made 425 horsepower, but anyone who owned one will tell you the number was sandbagged for insurance. These cars regularly hit low 13 second passes back in the day, and with slicks and tuning, they could get into the 12s. A modern Mustang would have to sweat to keep up.
Plymouth Road Runner Superbird (1970)
Built to dominate NASCAR, the Superbird’s aerodynamic nosecone and massive wing weren’t just for looks. Under the hood, buyers could opt for the 426 Hemi or the 440 Six Pack V8, both of which delivered serious speed. These cars were clocked at over 140 mph in stock trim, making them highway terrors that could still run with modern muscle.
Chevrolet Corvette L88 (1969)
The L88 was Chevrolet’s factory race car disguised as a Corvette. Its 427 cubic inch V8 was rated at 430 horsepower, but real output was closer to 550. Quarter mile times in the low 12s were common, and top speeds north of 170 mph were achievable with gearing. Even today, a well-preserved L88 would walk a new Mustang GT with ease.
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SD-455 (1973)
In the dark days of the early 70s, Pontiac built a monster: the Super Duty 455 Trans Am. With reinforced internals, a radical cam, and huge displacement, it was a genuine street brawler. Period tests saw these cars run mid 13s, and modern tuners squeeze even more. Against today’s Mustang, it would still be a proper fight.
Shelby Cobra 427 (1965)
Few cars are more terrifyingly quick than a big block Cobra. With just over 2,300 pounds of weight and a 427 cubic inch Ford V8 making over 425 horsepower, it could sprint to 60 mph in under 4 seconds numbers that rival modern supercars. The Cobra’s raw acceleration makes a new Mustang look tame by comparison.
Oldsmobile 442 W30 (1970)
The W30 package transformed the Oldsmobile 442 into a weapon. With a 455 cubic inch V8 pumping out 370 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, these cars had brutal low-end shove. Quarter mile runs in the low 13s were achievable, and that kind of grunt is still enough to make a modern Mustang think twice.
Plymouth Barracuda Hemi (1971)
The Hemi ’Cuda is one of the most legendary muscle cars of all time, and for good reason. Packing the 426 Hemi, these cars were consistent mid 13 second runners off the showroom floor. With minor tweaks, they easily dropped into the 12s. Against a Mustang GT, the Hemi ’Cuda’s raw muscle would still hold its own.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (1969)
Not to be confused with the modern version, the original ZL1 was a drag strip special. With an all-aluminum 427 V8 making well over 500 horsepower, it was the most powerful factory Camaro ever built. Quarter mile times in the low 12s meant it would crush almost anything on the street. A new Mustang would not stand a chance.
Ford Torino Cobra 429 Super Cobra Jet (1970)
Ford’s Torino might not be as famous as the Mustang, but the 429 Super Cobra Jet made it a drag strip hero. With 375 horsepower on paper and much more in reality, it was a torque monster designed to dominate the quarter mile. These cars ran deep into the 13s, making them a real threat even against today’s muscle.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
