* Powerful engine: The defining feature. Muscle cars were designed for high performance and acceleration, usually with large-displacement V8 engines.
* Relatively affordable price: Compared to high-performance sports cars of the era, muscle cars were accessible to a wider range of buyers.
* Two-door body style: Most were coupes or convertibles, although some sedans and station wagons were marketed with powerful engines.
* Rear-wheel drive: This was common for American performance cars of the time.
* Emphasis on straight-line speed and acceleration: While some handled reasonably well, the primary focus was raw power.
Essentially, a muscle car was about taking a relatively inexpensive car and packing it with a ridiculously powerful engine, creating a potent combination of affordability and thrilling performance. The term reflects the sheer power and "muscle" under the hood.
