Forza Horizon 4: Best Classic Muscle Cars, Ranked

The much-beloved Forza franchise has been the measuring stick for excellent racing games everywhere since its inauguration to gamers around the world in 2005. As such, it's no surprise that Forza Horizon 4 still has gamers riveted by its content (and will even reach new fans on its arrival on Steam in March 2021).

With a vast catalog of car models and accessories, the game gives players an endless amount of options to cruise the often super-lengthy dirt roads, tracks, and circuits littered throughout the open-world map. It's because of this array of choices that players may have difficulty sifting through the models available for just one type of vehicle, such as classic muscle cars, and honing in on the cream of the crop.

Updated July 9, 2021 by Mark Sammut: As Playground Games prepares to take fans on a trip to Mexico for Forza Horizon 5, that game's predecessor is enjoying its last stretch in the sun. Forza Horizon 4 is one of the best driving games of the last decade, and its massive roster of vehicles means there is something for just about everyone. Classic muscle cars are powerful, stylish, and just aesthetically pleasing; Forza Horizon 4 has plenty of these beasts waiting for drivers to take them out on a spin. A few more cars have been introduced to this list, while the full stats for each vehicle have also been added.

13 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona HEMI

Dodge Charger Daytona HEMI forza horizon 4

Class: C 595

Speed: 5.9
Handling: 5.2
Acceleration: 5.4
Launch: 6.9
Braking: 4.8

An example of an aero-car, the Dodge Charger Daytona's unique design is iconic and eye-catching. Along with its legendary aesthetic, the Daytona is an impressive beast of a vehicle, both historically and within Forza Horizon 4.

While its brakes are a bit underwhelming, the Daytona has solid ratings in every other department, particularly launch and speed. Costing 900,000 in-game credits, the Dodge Charger Daytona HEMI is quite expensive, although it more than justifies its price.

12 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge

Class: C 514

Speed: 5.8
Handling: 4.4
Acceleration: 5
Launch: 6.3
Braking: 4.3

Power personified, this front-engine muscle car is an absolute beast. Named after a comedy routine of the era, the Ram Air III engine gives this car unbelievable power. Topping out in the 135-140 mph region, the Pontiac GTO Judge has incredible get-up once it hits the open road, with its 5.8 in-game speed rating.

Costing 90,000 in-game credits (there are ways to raise a lot of credits for players who are struggling), this car is a solid choice if someone is looking to combine power, speed, and a sleek-yet-classic look. However, there are some drawbacks to this vehicle. With such power and pace, the Judge really lacks the quality control and steering that is needed to be a great racing pick in this game, coming in with a 4.4 in-game handling rating.

11 1968 Ford Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback

Class: C 505

Speed: 6.4
Handling: 4.5
Acceleration: 5.1
Launch: 6.5
Braking: 4.2

This little car packs a lightning-fast counter punch in encounters. As one of the first Mustangs to offer an additional two seats behind the driver and passenger, this little Ford is quick off the line. Coming in with an in-game rating of 6.4 for speed and 6.5 for launch, this car can zip through any tight quarters (or tricky custom-built track in the Super7 Mode) it encounters in a hurry.

Topping out in the 140-150 mph range, this car is an ideal purchase for those looking for a great deal that still measures up somewhat. Costing only 50,000 in-game credits, this car is a huge steal. Even so, it also has its major weaknesses. With a handling rating of 4.5, this car is also difficult to steer when reaching high speeds.

10 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible Barrett-Jackson Edition

Class: B 689

Speed: 6.4
Handling: 5.6
Acceleration: 5.7
Launch: 7.2
Braking: 5.2

This limited Barrett-Jackson Edition muscle car is the third generation of the classic Barracuda model from Plymouth. This two-door beast has a slant six engine that packs some punch. Costing only 55,000 in-game credits, this car is a great budget buy for gamers looking to get the best bang for their buck.

While nothing about this Plymouth screams flashy or stylish, it is solid across the board. However, it also has some negatives. The braking rating is a 5.2, well below the in-game average, which really makes full control of this vehicle quite difficult while on dirt tracks or in street racing modes.

9 1968 Dodge Dart HEMI Super Stock

1968 Dodge Dart HEMI Super Stock forza horizon 4

Class: B 626

Speed: 5.4
Handling: 4.9
Acceleration: 5.5
Launch: 7
Braking: 4.6

When it comes to drag racing, few classic muscle cars in Forza Horizon 4 compare to the Dodge Dart HEMI. While its speed rating is nothing to write home about, the Dodge Dart makes up for it by launching out of the gate with force. Its acceleration is also solid, particularly when the car's customization options are utilized.

The Dodge Dart HEMI is priced at 125,000 credits, a hefty but manageable amount for such a useful vehicle.

8 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302

forza horizon 4 Ford Mustang Boss 302 car

Class: C 564

Speed: 6.3
Handling: 5
Acceleration: 5
Launch: 5.8
Braking: 4.6

A high-performance take on the classic Ford Mustang, the Mustang Boss 302 is simply one of those vehicles that define the idea of a muscle car. Initially lasting a single year, Ford brought this beast back in 2012 for another short run.

Picking up this slice of history requires reaching Horizon Life: Drift Club's Tier 10 or dropping the cash in the Auction House. While the Boss 302's base stats are not especially impressive, the vehicle is a beast with the right set-up.

7 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T

Class: C 562

Speed: 6.2
Handling: 4.7
Acceleration: 5.2
Launch: 6.5
Braking: 4.4

The first generation of this iconic Dodge model, this muscle car (boasting a 225 cubic inch straight six engine) is a flashy purchase for any player. While the Dodge Challenger doesn't boast any heavy hitters in the rating department, it's the nostalgic early 70's Dodge look that the gamer will be chasing.

Coming in with a 6.2 speeding rating and a 6.5 launch rating, the Challenger is just solid enough across the board to justify its 210,000 in-game credit price tag. Downsides to this vehicle include a 4.7 handling and 4.4 braking ratings, making reaching high speeds on almost any terrain in the game an extreme hazard.

6 1972 Ford Falcon XA GT-HO

Class: B 608

Speed: 7
Handling: 4.9
Acceleration: 5.5
Launch: 6.9
Braking: 4.6

The four-door Ford Falcon is quite the package for gamers, despite being one of the least stylish cars in the game. Though it, unfortunately, seems to blend several of the most unattractive features of muscle cars of its era into its design, the Falcon doesn't let that affect its performance on the track.

With its speed and launch ratings, the Falcon can easily hold its own out on the roads against more attractive options, such as the GTO and Mustang. Costing 80,000 in-game credits, the Falcon is a real bargain for its speed and acceleration output. Its other major flaw is its braking ability, coming in with a 4.6 rating. Still, if fans seek speed over control and reliability, the Falcon could be the car for them.

'72 Ford Falcon XA GT-HO also has a Forza Edition that blows the standard version out of the water. However, it is considerably harder to obtain since it has to be earned as a reward or purchased from the Auction House.

5 1969 Oldsmobile Hurst/OLDS 442

Class: C 520

Speed: 5.8
Handling: 4.4
Acceleration: 5
Launch: 6.3
Braking: 4.3

This classic two-door, boasting a 455 Cubic-inch Rocket V8 engine, is the definition of solid. While the in-game ratings for this car aren't impressive on paper, it also doesn't disappoint.

With a 5.8 speed and 6.3 launch ratings, the Hurst with the fiberglass hood scoop is a solid buy. Costing gamers 65,000 in-game credits, the Hurst isn't flashy but it gets the job done. Braking is the main issue holding back this classic muscle car, coming in at a measly 4.3 rating.

4 1970 Chevelle Super Sport Barrett-Jackson Edition

Class: A 757

Speed: 7.8
Handling: 5.9
Acceleration: 6.1
Launch: 7.8
Braking: 6.2

This Barrett-Jackson Edition Chevelle is a terror of the roads. This sleek, one-of-a-kind vehicle ran the roads for much of the 70s and Forza Horizon 4 made sure not to forget that. Any gamer who enjoys fast-paced action and is looking for a mix of power and speed (while not trying to break the bank) should look here at this absolute speed demon.

This roadrunner puts out 7.8 speed and launch ratings with ease. Costing 105,000 in-game credits, this classic muscle car is worth every penny. Its brake and acceleration ratings also help it edge above some of its competition in the statistics department.

3 1987 Firebird Trans AM GTA

Class: C 505

Speed: 6.2
Handling: 4.8
Acceleration: 5.4
Launch: 6.8
Braking: 4.5

Another solid contender is the gold-rimmed, two-door muscle car from Pontiac. Coming in with a 6.2 speed rating and a 6.8 launch rating, the Trans Am is the quintessential muscle car of the 1980s.

This third-generation vehicle, with its V8 engine, hits a 4.8 handling rating. Its attractive body, rear fin, and pop-up headlights are really of another era. Costing gamers a surprisingly low 25,000 in-game credits, the Trans Am is one of the greatest bargains in Forza Horizon 4, but its budget price point does hold it back somewhat.

2 2000 Ford SVT Cobra R

Class: B 682

Speed: 7.3
Handling: 5.7
Acceleration: 5.8
Launch: 7.4
Braking: 5.6

This two-door bottle rocket is an absolute blast to drive around the streets of the Great Britain map in Forza Horizon 4. As the fastest factory-produced Mustang Ford created up to that point in history, this car has an abundance of speed. Coming in with a 7.3 speed rating, the Cobra R can compete with some of the fastest cars in the game.

Only costing gamers 55,000 in-game credits, the SVT is fighting for the best deal in the game. With a 7.4 launch and 5.7 handling ratings, this car excels at street racing and circuits. Although one of several different versions of the Ford Mustang available in the game, the 2000 SVT rises above the rest, but may not be the very last word in Forza Horizon 4 classic muscle cars.

1 1963 Monaco King Cobra

Class: S1 837

Speed: 7.4
Handling: 7.2
Acceleration: 7.1
Launch: 8.7
Braking: 6.5

This little convertible car is as unique as it is fast. Clocking in with one of the fastest drag race times in the game, the Monaco King Cobra is for gamers looking to splash the credits and flex their muscles on the track. Costing a whopping 550,000 in-game credits (though it's still far from the most expensive car in the game), this car is built for speed with its 289 cubic-inch V8 engine.

Its 7.4 in-game speed rating is only boosted by its 8.7 launch rating, making the King Cobra a nightmare to race against on any hard road track. Despite its overwhelming speed, the King Cobra doesn't lack handling either with its 7.2 handling rating. With its body paving the way for the more universally recognizable 1965 Shelby Cobra, this vehicle is also a beautifully crafted car with a lot of unique curves and features, making it an excellent choice.

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