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The vehicle world is so large that it is difficult to keep up with all the categories of cars on the market. For example, there are pony cars. These vehicles combine style and performance perfectly with their sleek, nostalgic designs and powerful engines. So what is a pony car and what’s the story behind this vehicle? That’s what this article aims to answer. Whether you want to hire or are simply interested in learning about this car, this is the perfect guide.
A pony car is a type of compact coupe or convertible with a powerful engine. This vehicle has developed a performance-oriented image and is typically characterised by rear-wheel drive, a short rear deck and a long hood.
Pony cars share a lot of similarities with muscle cars, so much so that people tend to use both terms interchangeably. However, they don’t exactly mean the same thing. Pony cars are usually very small and known for their affordability. They generally appeal to car lovers who want a combination of speed and style at a low price point.
As of 2024, the Ford Mustang is the last pony car in production.
Characteristics Of A Pony Car?
To clear up any uncertainty, there are a few things to look out for if you want to determine whether a car is a pony car.
Design
Let’s start with their design. Pony cars are usually sporty, with distinct features such as long hoods and short rear decks. They typically come in the coupe or convertible body style, but some of them are designed as fastbacks. Other design elements that can help you identify a pony car include bold lines and muscular curves.
Engine Options
Most pony cars come with V6 or V8 engines to deliver decent horsepower and torque for fast acceleration. However, you may find vehicles in this class with a range of other engine options to suit different preferences. The engine size may be moderate displacement or large, high-performance types, depending on the cost and what’s expected of the vehicle.
Powertrain Distribution (Rear-wheel Drive)
Rear-wheel drive is the most common powertrain configuration in pony cars due to the need for proper handling and a traditional driving experience. The RWD layout also ensures proper weight distribution, enhancing traction when you’re accelerating or cornering. This setup ensures precise control, making pony cars perfect for anyone who enjoys spirited driving.
Features
Vehicles in the pony car class generally come with features to enhance comfort, such as leather seating and infotainment systems. Depending on the cost of the vehicle, you may also be entitled to customisable driving models and driver-assistance features. Performance-focused features such as performance brakes, independent rear suspension and aerodynamic enhancements may also be available in a pony car.
See here to learn about sports cars and how their features differ from those of a pony.
Pricing
Pony cars are fairly affordable, particularly when compared to muscle cars and sports cars. These vehicles are perfect for anyone looking to experience similar performance to luxury sports cars on a smaller budget. While prices may vary depending on the trim level of the car, features and its manufacturer, pony cars are generally priced fairly when compared to other vehicles.
Their price tag makes pony cars available to a wide range of customers. The starting price of a Pony currently ranges from $27,000 (£21,600) to $58,000 (£46,500) depending on the model and year.
Pony Car Vs Muscle Car
What is a muscle car and what makes it different from a pony? Like the pony, muscle cars generally come in the convertible and coupe body type but they are different. Let’s get into the muscle vs pony comparison.
Size
The first thing you’ll notice is that there is a considerable difference in exterior dimensions between a muscle car and a pony. Muscle cars are considerably larger with full-body designs, while pony cars feature a unibody design. Additionally, you can tell these vehicles apart by their wheelbases. Pony cars have a wheelbase length of 110 inches (279 cm) or less, so if it exceeds this, you have a muscle car.
Engine
A muscle car will also likely have a different engine capability than a pony. Muscle cars generally come with big-block V8 engines, whereas pony cars have smaller V6 or V8 engines to suit their bodies. The larger V8 engine in a muscle car is capable of producing more power and torque, making it suitable for drag racing.
Suspension & Handling
Two other factors that can help distinguish between a muscle car and a pony are suspension and handling. The muscle car is more sport-oriented and suited to drag racing, but a pony is comfortable with an independent rear suspension and better handling.
Cars like the Plymouth Roadrunner Superbird and Dodge Charger are worthy of being called muscle cars, while the Mustang cars and Pontiac Trans are fit to be called pony cars.
Origin And Evolution Of Pony Cars
The pony car has been around since 1964. The launch of the Ford Mustang and Plymouth Barracuda kicked off a trend in the car world. Classic pony cars were characterised by ‘open mouth’ styling, long hoods and seating for four people. The success of the super sporty Mustang in the auto industry gave rise to competing models such as the Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird and Mercury Cougar.
The first Ford Mustang was based on the chassis of the Ford Falcon.
The pony car gained so much popularity due to its affordability as well as its sporty and stylish design. In 1964, the base listing price for a Ford Mustang was $2,368 (£1905), which made it affordable for the younger demographic who needed a vehicle to get around. Pony vehicles were so attractive that they also spread to foreign brands, such as Ford Capri in Europe, Toyota Celica and Opel Manta.
Despite their initial success, the popularity of pony cars soon declined. Due to the 1973 Oil Crisis, the government implemented stringent emissions controls that made interest in these vehicles dwindle. Yet the Mustang II’s arrival in 1974 rekindled interest in pony cars. This was also aided by the introduction of powerful but fuel-efficient V8 engines in the 1980s.
Who Should Buy Or Hire A Pony Car?
Anyone who wants a combination of style and performance should buy or hire a pony car. Unlike the large muscle car, the pony offers a perfect balance of aesthetics and spirited driving dynamics, making it suitable for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. The pony car can also be a great option for any car enthusiast who appreciates the nostalgia of the classic American muscle car.
Hire a premium car from SDVH and enjoy the perfect blend of comfort and performance. We also offer 4×4 car rentals for those looking for powerful vehicles for their offroad adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between Pony Cars And Muscle Cars?
The difference between pony cars and muscle cars is size and performance. Pony cars are typically smaller than any muscle car, with more compact bodies and shorter wheelbases. Also, the muscle car generally features a big-block V8 engine, offering better performance than the pony with a smaller V6 or V8 engine. As a result, the muscle car is more sport-oriented and suited to racing, while the pony is more comfortable with better handling.
What Are The Most Popular Pony Cars?
The most popular pony cars are the Ford Mustang, the current Dodge Challenger, the Chevrolet Camaro and the Pontiac Trans Am. Each of these vehicles has its own unique features but they share some defining characteristics that make them fit into the pony car category. Among these vehicles, only the Ford Mustang remains in production.
How Much Does A Pony Car Cost?
A pony car costs between $25,000 (£20,000) and $70,000 (£56,000). Entry-level models, like the Mustang and Challenger, are usually under $40,000 (£32,000) but you may have to pay much more for high-performance luxury models or special edition vehicles. Pony cars generally come at a fairly decent price compared to sports cars and muscle cars, which is one of their biggest selling points.
Is A Pony Car A Sports Car?
No, a pony car is not a sports car. The pony belongs to a unique category of vehicles, along with the American muscle car. In fact, some refer to the pony car as a subcategory of the muscle car. Both pony and muscle cars perform better when it comes to straight-line acceleration but their cornering ability falls short of that of a sports car.
Are There Electric Pony Cars?
No, there are no electric pony cars. Although Ford launched the Mustang Mach-E, which is an electric vehicle, this vehicle is only a Mustang in name as it doesn’t have the standard features of a pony car. The Mach-E is an all-electric SUV. As the car world evolves, we may eventually get to see an actual pony with an electric traction motor.
Conclusion
So, what is a pony car? The pony is like a more compact version of the muscle car, with a focus on comfort and handling. This vehicle is generally a great hire for anyone who wants to enjoy a balance of aesthetics and performance. So tap into the pony car craze by choosing one of the many classic vehicles.
