Video: Autoline Compares Modern Muscle Power-to-Weight Ratios

We all know the modern muscle cars from the Big Three all offer incredible power, with nearly all of them pushing right at or over 400 horsepower. But, but we also know that they are carrying around a lot more weight than their earlier versions. So which one offers the best power-to-weight ratio?

In this video from Autoline Detroit, they get down to the nitty-gritty of which modern muscle car has the best power to weight ratio. They compare the baseline V8 versions of the Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger, and all three models are equipped with 6-speeds. Our favorite, the Camaro SS LS3 is the highest powered of the three with 426 HP, and 420 pound feet of torque, while the Dodge Challenger R/T’s 5.7L Hemi is the least powerful at 376 HP, and 410 pound feet of torque. The Mustang GT falls right between the other two with 410 HP and 390 pound feet of torque. These are all very impressive numbers that would have taken the gearheads of yesteryear a lot of work to achieve.

But, it’s all that extra weight that is hurting these cars’ performance. So, who’s packing the most junk in the trunk? The Challenger, weighing in at 4,082 beefy pounds. Now, Camaro and Mustang fans shouldn’t go getting all smug – their cars need to hit the gym just as bad. The Camaro weighs in at 3,849 and the Mustang at 3,605. Autoline Detroit calculates that the Mustang has the best power to weight ratio with 8.75 pounds per horsepower, and the Camaro a close second with 9.04. The chunky-Challenger has nearly 11 pounds per horsepower.

Detroit has the engine part of equation taken care of, now let’s work on building some nimble, and light chassis for these awesome motors to push around.

About the author

Clifton Klaverweiden

Clifton has been a car fanatic since his late teens, when he started the restoration of his '67 Camaro. He considers himself a student of automotive science and technology, and particularly loves all things LSX. And, although he has an appreciation for everything, from imports to exotics, his true passion will always be for GM musclecars.
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