The best AWD muscle cars
Although the muscle car wars of the 1960s are long gone, America still has an infatuation with muscle cars. Unfortunately for those that live in cold climates or in climates where rain is a constant reality (such as the Pacific Northwest), muscle cars are not exactly practical for day to day use. Luckily there are several vehicles that can be classified as muscle cars that also happen to offer all-wheel drive.
You’ll see that there is still a great selection of two-door performance machines that mix high levels of performance with all-season capability.
After all, what good is all that power without any grip?
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2018 Dodge Challenger GT
2017 Challenger GT by Llanga - CC-BY-SA-4.0
Horsepower: 305
Torque: 292 LB-FT.
0-60 Time: 6.1 Seconds
Average Used Listing Price: $23,200 to $27,000
First up on the list is the 2018 Dodge Challenger GT. With over 300 horsepower from its 3.6 liter V6, the Dodge Challenger GT is the most traditionally-styled muscle car of this group.
However, underneath the skin it is anything but traditional, as it is powered by a V6 engine, which sends power to all four wheels.
The interior of the Challenger is like other Challengers, and it’s roomy, comfortable, and even has a decent sized trunk. For a day-to-day AWD muscle car, there is nothing much better or more retro-cool than the Dodge Challenger GT.
WHY BUY USED?
A new car loses value the second you drive it off the lot. Luckily, many used models sport the same great features as their new counterparts. Here’s where you can find nearly-new cars at significant discounts off MSRP.
2017 Infiniti Q60 RED Sport
Horsepower: 400
Torque: 325
0-60 Time: 4.5 seconds
Average used listing cost: $36,456 to $44,212
Next on the list is the Japanese version of a muscle car: the Infiniti Q60 RED Sport. Putting out a staunch 400 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, the Infiniti Q60 red sprints to 60 in only 4.7 seconds.
While it comes standard with rear-wheel drive, all wheel drive is optional and makes it an awesome option for anyone looking for a powerful engine paired with a manual gearbox.
Inside you have a luxurious interior with high-end infotainment systems, leather seats, and a host of cutting edge active safety equipment. The outside shows off a curvaceous body that looks like it’s hugging the ground. Infiniti Q60s are among the best of the Japanese sports coupes, and they are the perfect way to go fast and look good in cold climates.
THE BEST USED LUXURY CARS ON THE MARKET
Buying a used or CPO luxury car is one of the smartest buys you can make - you can get a lot of car for not much money. You can pick up a three-year-old luxury car for about half of what you’d pay new. Check out this list of the best used luxury cars on the market to find the best deals.
2018 Audi S5
2018 Audi S5 by Vauxford - CC-BY-SA-4.0
Horsepower: 354
Torque: 369 LB-FT.
0-60 Time: 4.5 seconds (with manual)
Average Price Paid: $41,200 to $46,900
On the upper end of the spectrum is the 2018 Audi S5. This coupe looks incredible if a bit stoic, and offers an interior that is luxurious beyond its price point.
Packing in a twin-turbocharged V6 with 354 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, the Audi S5 Sprints easily to 60 in 4.5 seconds. Packing all that power behind the AWD system means that the Q5 will absolutely launch off the line - it’s an awe-inspiring thing.
Audi basically invented the modern all-wheel-drive vehicle (dubbed Quattro) and this torque vectoring system employs a limited-slip differential that places it among the best in the business.
Whether you’re carving up a mountain road or on a long road trip, the Audi S5 will give you comfort and offer you the type of experience that fits its price point. If you can spare the money, there is no better all-wheel-drive vehicle than this German muscle car.
Get a curated list of the best used AWD muscle cars in your area
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