The Ford Mustang has become a legend from the very first day it went on sale in 1964, and it is still as popular today as then. A unique pony car segment dawned with the arrival of this model.
The concept of “the pony car” and the Ford Mustang are inseparable: one would not exist without the other. When the Mustang first arrived, Its unique size and engineering were beyond existing car classification. Thus, a new title was invented that referred to the badge and the vehicle’s performance.
The success of Ford’s car inspired other manufacturers to create their own ponies. In particular, this is how the Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger appeared, which, like the Mustang, are currently produced.
Despite the ongoing EV expansion, Ford has not abandoned its traditional pony car, and the Mustang continues to exist in the next S650 generation.
So what is a pony car?
It is an American vehicle classification for compact, affordable, and highly-styled coupés or convertibles with rear-wheel drive and a performance-oriented (or sporty) image. Commonly, such cars feature a long hood and a short decklid, offer a wide range of options for customization, and share mass-produced parts with other models.
What differentiates pony cars from muscle cars?
There is no clear distinction between the two. Some pony cars, like the Barracuda, Challenger, Firebird, or Camaro often get lumped together with muscle cars, though they owe their creation to the Mustang.
The general consensus is that pony cars are smaller, more comfortable, more refined, and have better suspension and handling capabilities. Usually, they are powered by a V6 or small-block V8 engine.
Muscle cars, in their turn, come with V8 engines. Such vehicles are envisioned for drag racing, so they are good for straight-line acceleration.
Pony car examples
AMC Javelin (1968–1974)
Chevrolet Camaro (1967–2002; 2010–present)
Dodge Challenger (1970–1974; 2008–present)
Mercury Capri (1979–1986)
Mercury Cougar (1967–1973)
Plymouth Barracuda (1964–1974)
Pontiac Firebird (1967–2002)
