A high performance and potent [[car]], usually American, sometimes Australian, British or South African. Distinctive characteristics include a large, heavy frame similar to a mid-size family sedan, a huge V8 engine with at least 4 liters (244 CID) of displacement, a gearbox with extremely tight ratios, an interior with enough room for 4 people, and a price that is much lower than an European simile. Due to their poor handling and their fabulous acceleration, they are best suited for straight-line drag racing.

Examples of muscle cars include the AMC Machine, the [[Chevrolet Chevelle]], the Ford Torino, and the 2010 [[Dodge Challenger]].

Similar in concept is the pony car, which is basically a smaller, lighter muscle car, such as the [[Ford Mustang]], the 1970 [[Dodge Challenger]], or the [[Chevrolet Camaro]]. While not often considered muscle cars, many Japanese cars in the 70s (such as the [[Nissan Skyline C110]], [[Toyota Celica A20]], and [[Mitsubishi Galant GTO]]) featured styling that made them resemble compact muscle cars.
アメ車 マッスルカー