The 1970s gave us bold styling, big displacement engines and a casual attitude toward fuel costs that feels unthinkable today. Premium gas was not a luxury, it was a requirement, and these cars drank it enthusiastically. High compression ratios, aggressive timing and performance focused tuning meant regular fuel simply would not do. These ten classics sound incredible, drive with real character and burn premium fuel like it was going out of style.
Pontiac Trans Am 455
The big 455 cubic inch V8 defined late muscle era attitude. With high compression and timing designed for performance, the engine demanded premium fuel to avoid detonation. Driven gently it was manageable, but lean on the throttle and fuel consumption climbed rapidly. Owners loved the torque and soundtrack, even if every fill up felt like a small financial decision.
Chevrolet Corvette LT1
The LT1 powered Corvettes of the early 1970s were serious performance machines. High compression and aggressive cam profiles made premium fuel mandatory. The reward was sharp throttle response and strong top end pull. The downside was frequent visits to the pump. Corvette buyers accepted it gladly because the driving experience felt special every single time.
Dodge Challenger R T
Big block Challengers were built for straight line performance, not economy. Engines like the 440 were tuned to make power, and that meant premium gas was non negotiable. Long gearing encouraged spirited driving which only worsened fuel thirst. The Challenger delivered drama in every sense, including how quickly it emptied the tank.
Ford Mustang Mach 1
Mach 1 models with larger V8 options came with high compression engines that needed premium fuel to run properly. These Mustangs rewarded drivers with muscular acceleration and a deep exhaust note. Fuel economy suffered badly when driven hard, but the Mach 1 was never meant to be subtle or restrained.
Oldsmobile 442
The 442 combined displacement and torque in a way that punished fuel budgets. Premium gas was required to keep the engine happy under load. The car felt effortless on the highway, but city driving exposed just how thirsty it could be. Owners often joked that the fuel gauge moved faster than the speedometer.
Buick GS Stage 1
The Stage 1 was one of the quickest cars of its era, and that performance came at a cost. High compression and rich fueling demanded premium gasoline at all times. Driven aggressively it consumed fuel at an alarming rate. Buick delivered luxury and muscle in one package, but neither came cheap.
Cadillac Eldorado 500
Luxury did not mean efficiency. The massive 500 cubic inch V8 under the Eldorado hood preferred premium fuel to maintain smoothness and avoid knock. The car glided effortlessly, but that effortlessness masked enormous fuel consumption. Owners accepted it as the price of unmatched comfort and presence.
Jaguar XJ12
The XJ12 brought European refinement and a smooth V12 that demanded premium fuel without apology. Twelve cylinders, multiple carburetors and a heavy body meant fuel disappeared quickly. The engine felt magical when fed properly, but neglecting premium fuel led to poor running and unhappy mechanics.
Maserati Bora
Exotic Italian engineering in the Bora delivered stunning performance and sound. The V8 was tuned for high octane fuel and responded poorly to anything less. Maintenance was expensive and fuel consumption was heavy, but buyers did not choose a Bora for practicality. It was about passion, noise and presence.
Ferrari 365 GT4
Ferrari’s front engine V12 grand tourer required premium fuel to deliver its silky powerband. The engine thrived on high octane and used it liberally. Long highway drives could empty the tank quickly, but the experience made it worthwhile. For owners, premium fuel was simply part of Ferrari ownership.
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
