Just thought this would be an interesting philisophical debate.

I am guessing since its a modern mid-sized car and that the classic muscle cars were "mid sized" (even though they were much larger than today's mid sizers), that the GTO is therefore a muscle car in the proper sense.

But if its a Pony car, it really is the successor to the F-Body in terms of basic DNA. I tend to think there's not much Pony car in the GTO, but maybe we'll get some good debate anyway.

 

I'd say muscle car without a doubt...

 

I don't see F-Body DNA at all really. Sure the LS1 is there, but it should have a different character--and even that stems from the Corvette. IRS and just more amenities overall--along with price--make it more sophisitcated than the F-Body.

This GTO is a grand tourer and a muscle car by heritage ("The" original muscle car in fact). Pony cars were/are more compact-size for their day (though they've kinda balooned if you look at latest Fbodies and Mustangs).

And no, it is not a true "sports car."

 

Muscle car all the way. But real muscle cars are made in the

 

As much as it hurts to say it, Im starting to not believe that statement. More like "real musclecars WERE made in the U.S."

 

Neither.

It's a cross between a touring coupe, a muscle car, and a pony car. Moreseo a touring coupe though.

 

Muscle without a doubt.

Since there doesn't seem to be much of a debate about this so far, how about adding this thought to the discussion:

Could a 4 passenger version of a Solstice be considered a "Pony Car", since it takes the same formula of the original "pony" cars (small zippy engine, great handling, compact size, and a low price)?

 

i absolutely hate the term pony car, it is only used with mustangs, i don't want a car that has "ponies" that sounds too weak, even the word "horsepower" sounds better than ponys, a mustang is a pony which,not saying there aren't any good mustangs i just don't like them in general

 

I think maybe the term "pocket rocket" has, in esence, replaced the pony car label. Or maybe the term "sport compact" is more up to date because, as far as I understand it, that's all a pony car was.

Wasn't pony car a term of derision originaly used by muscle car owners when talking about mustangs?

Also heard that the term muscle car wasn't used until the late 70's though I wouldn't remember since I was a little young then.

 

Far from a muscle car IMHO.It isnt much different in size then the Camaro was.And to think back in the 60's Camaro's and Mustangs were once called sport compacts .I dont see the Manaro being called a muscle car anywhere..If it had a 8.1 in it then yeah MUSCLE all the way but it has a small block.
Face it it is a replacement for the F bod (for now)

 

Not a Camaro replacement for sure.
It's definately a muscle car!

 

Does size really matter when the equptment does the job?

(surely someone will read that the wrong way )

 

Ok now if the GTO is a "muscle car" does that mean the Camaro was?So if thats the case then the 03 Cobra goes into the Muscle car hall of fame,Right next to the 70 Chevelle 454ss......

 

correct me if im wrong......

simply stated...

muscle car = fullsize car with a bigass powerful engine

pony car = small/midsize car with the same bigass powerful engine

 

^haha well put

i say muscle car!