Muscle cars have always been about power, performance, and raw speed. If you’re curious about which muscle cars can hit the highest top speeds, you’re in the right place.
This article will introduce you to 12 muscle cars known for having the fastest top speeds, giving you a clear look at some of the quickest beasts on the road. Whether you’re a fan of classic rides or modern muscle, these cars represent the peak of speed in their category.
Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 – 202 mph
If you’re chasing raw muscle car speed, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is a serious contender. It packs a 1,000-plus-horsepower HEMI engine, making it one of the most powerful production muscle cars ever made.
You can hit a top speed of around 202 mph, though it’s limited by drag-radial tires. Expect blistering quarter-mile runs around 8.9 seconds, showing just how fast this car really is. For detailed specs and performance, check out the DodgeGarage article on the Demon 170.
2024 Ford Mustang GT – 155 mph
If you want a muscle car that hits 155 mph, the 2024 Ford Mustang GT has you covered. It packs a 5.0L V8 with 480 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
You’ll get a 0-60 time around 4.3 seconds, which is quick for a car this powerful. It comes with a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission to suit your driving style.
This Mustang GT also nails the quarter-mile in about 12.5 seconds at 114 mph, making it one of the faster muscle cars on the market. See more details on the 2024 Ford Mustang GT.
2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye Widebody
If you want raw power, the 2019 Hellcat Redeye Widebody delivers 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque. Its widebody design adds stability and grip, making it easier to handle all that muscle.
You’ll hit a top speed of 203 mph, putting this car among the fastest muscle cars out there. The suspension is retuned, and bigger brakes help keep everything in check on the track. This one’s built for serious sprinting between corners.
Learn more about this beast at the 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye review.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
If you want a muscle car built for serious speed, the 1969 Camaro ZL1 should be on your radar. It packs a 427-cubic inch V8 engine originally designed for racing. This beast churns out nearly 430 horsepower straight from the factory.
You can expect a quarter-mile time around 12.6 seconds at 108 mph, making it one of the fastest muscle cars of its time. Only about 69 were made, so owning one means you’ve got a rare piece of muscle car history. Learn more about the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda
If you want raw muscle car power, the 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda is a solid pick. It packs a 426 cubic-inch HEMI V8 rated at 425 horsepower, though many say it’s underrated.
You can expect quarter-mile times around 13.1 seconds, making it one of the fastest muscle cars of its time. Its lighter frame helps boost acceleration and handling too.
This car is a legend for a reason, blending impressive speed with classic muscle car style you can’t ignore. Check out more details on the 1970 Plymouth Cuda 426 Hemi.
1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351
If you’re looking at fast muscle cars from ’71, the Mustang Boss 351 stands out. It packs a 351 cubic-inch Cleveland V8 that’s different from the Boss 302’s Windsor engine.
You’ll see about 330 horsepower and a 13.8-second quarter mile time, making it one of the quicker rides of that year. Its blend of power and handling gives you a balanced muscle car experience. Check out details on the 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351.
1969 Pontiac GTO Judge
If you’re into classic muscle cars, the 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge is a standout. It packs a 366-horsepower Ram Air III V8 engine. You can hit a top speed of around 124 mph, which was impressive for its time.
The Judge ran the quarter-mile in about 13.88 seconds at over 102 mph. It came with a big spoiler and bright colors, so it looks as fast as it drives. Check out more details on the 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge’s performance.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE
If you’re looking for a muscle car with serious speed, the 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE is a solid choice. It packs a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing 650 horsepower. This lets you hit a top speed of about 193 mph.
The car is track-focused, with aerodynamic upgrades and suspension tuned for sharp handling. Its lap time at the Nürburgring is around 7:16, putting it among the fastest production cars globally. The starting price was just over $71,000 when new.
You can find more details about its specs and performance in this Car and Driver review.
2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
If you’re after serious muscle, the 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat delivers 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. It rockets to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, making it one of the quickest Chargers you can get.
You can expect a top speed near 196 mph, which is impressive for a four-door sedan. Keep in mind, gas mileage isn’t its strong suit, averaging around 12 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. This car is built for speed and power, not efficiency.
Check out the 2020 Charger SRT Hellcat review for more details.
1967 Shelby GT500
If you’re looking at classic muscle cars with real street presence, the 1967 Shelby GT500 is a standout. It packs a 428 cubic inch V8 engine that delivers 355 horsepower, giving you solid power for its time.
You can expect a top speed around 130 mph. The car’s torque hits 420 lb-ft, helping it launch hard off the line.
Quarter-mile runs clock in around 15 seconds at 95 mph, making it competitive even among today’s older muscle cars. For more detailed specs, check out this 1967 Shelby GT500 overview.
2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock
You’re looking at a muscle car built for the drag strip. The 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock packs 807 horsepower from a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI engine.
It rockets down the quarter-mile in about 10.5 seconds right off the dealer’s lot. You get a suspension tuned for track performance, making it one of the quickest muscle cars you can buy.
If you want to dive deeper, check out this 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock review.
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454
If you’re chasing raw power, the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 won’t disappoint. It packs a 454-cubic-inch V8 engine producing 450 horsepower.
You can expect a quarter-mile time around 13.12 seconds at 107 mph. Its top speed hits about 134 mph, which is solid for a muscle car from that era.
The LS6 version is especially notable, making it one of the fastest muscle cars you can find from 1970. Check more details about its performance here.