Muscle car typically refers to an American high performance car that was produced in the late 1960's and the early 1970's but the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 is often cited as the original American Muscle Car. These 2-door rear wheel drive mid-size cars were powered by large V8 engines and were built for street use, and in some cases racing. The Muscle Car is a product of the American car industry adhering to the hot rodder's philosophy of taking a small car and putting a BIG engine in it. Muscle Cars at the time were often refered to as "Super Cars".
Sports cars are smaller rear-wheel drive coupes and convertibles. They have two doors, two seats, and are designed for more precise handling, acceleration, and aesthetics. A sports car's dominant considerations can be superior road handling, braking, maneuverability, low weight, and high power, rather than passenger space, comfort, and fuel economy. A sports car does not require a large, powerful engine, although many do have them. Many classic British, Italian and German sports cars lacked powerful engines, but were known for exceptional handling due to light weight, a well-engineered, balanced chassis, and modern suspensions. On tight, twisting roads, sports cars can out perform a heavier, more powerful car.
