5.
With a fire-breathing 650-hp supercharged V-8 and ferocious track capabilities, the 2021 Chevy Camaro ZL1 is the king of monster muscle cars. Sure, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 have horsepower ratings that start with seven, but the bow-tie beast delivers similar thrills for fewer green bills.
In fact, if the mid-engine Corvette didn’t exist, the ZL1 could perhaps be called the world’s greatest performance value. Regardless, the Camaro perfects the front-engine, rear-drive formula inherent to muscle cars. While both the coupe and convertible have a remarkable chassis that’s more clairvoyant than Miss Cleo, unleashing the ultimate Camaro requires the transformative 1LE track package, but beware that it makes the suspension very stiff.
If you can overlook the Chevy’s flawed interior, the 2021 Camaro ZL1 can be more exciting than a roller coaster, and it’ll regularly reward thrill-seekers and track rats alike.
6.
With a 385-hp twin-turbo V-6 under its hood, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG C43 one-ups its Benz-branded C300 counterpart and borrows styling and chassis components from the even racier AMG C63 models. The C43 is offered as a four-door sedan and as a two-door coupe or convertible, the last of which allows open-air enjoyment of the blown V-6’s dulcet exhaust tones.
All models wear stylish exterior styling and provide a cozy cabin with all the amenities expected of a Mercedes, although two-door models are less practical and offer less space for rear-seat passengers. While its performance isn’t as impressive as the more powerful C63, the well-balanced C43’s price tag is far more accessible and it retains the fun-to-drive nature and upscale environs of the other C-class models.
