Best Tires for American Muscle Cars

The iconic all-American muscle car is an automotive classic. With big, high-horsepower engines and shiny, glossy paint, the muscle car is just like the United States: a sum of its parts. But none of those parts is more important to its functionality than the tires. If you've got a muscle car, you'll be looking for new tires. In this article, we’ll go through what defines a muscle car and some of the best tires out there for them. 

What Is a Muscle Car?

The history of the muscle car goes all the way back to the 1940s, where the powerful performance vehicles we know today evolved out of hot rod culture. Racing enthusiasts wanted lightweight cars that competed on both racetracks and street races. The arms race ramped up in the 1960s when Pontiac would release its Tempest GTO with the first-ever use of the term muscle car. 

The muscle car craze was at its peak in the 60s and 70s when other American automotive manufacturers would release iconic models like the Dodge Charger, the Ford Mustang, and the Pontiac Firebird. 

According to the Muscle Car Club, here are some key aspects that define a muscle car: 

• American built
• Rear-wheel drive
• 2 doors
• Large cubic inch, high-horsepower engine
• 4-speed transmission

While muscle cars are generally considered similar to sports cars, muscle cars differ in that they’re designed to accelerate very fast, while sports cars strike a balance between acceleration and handling. Sports cars tend to be more aerodynamic, while muscle cars have boxy designs with larger trunks and cabins.

The type of tire that you get for your muscle car will depend on how you plan to use it. However, in general, you’ll need tough wheels that can maintain good handling when accelerating at high speeds. 

Best Summer Tire for Muscle Cars

Falken Azenis RT615K+

This smooth wheel is meant to maintain steering responsiveness and great handling on clear street conditions. It’s absolutely ideal for driving on the track, as its unique construction will keep the tire stiff while driving. Note that with this unique build, you’ll notice that this tire is more noisy and has less tread life than a standard summer tire. As with other summer tires, you should not take the Falken Azenis RT615K+ in wet or snowy weather conditions.

MSRP: $151

Tire Agent starting price: $122.50*

Best Budget-Priced Muscle Car Tires

Milestar Streetsteel

Sometimes, price is king when you want a tire that can perform well in any and all conditions. This tough tire offers a classic look and great performance year-round. The Milestar Streetsteel also comes with a 40k mileage warranty. Note the raised white letters.

MSRP: $161.62 

Tire Agent starting price: $144.75

Best Muscle Car Tire Bang For Your Buck

Cooper Cobra Radial G/T

If you need a tire that you know you can rely on no matter where you’re taking it, the Cobra Radial G/T has you covered. This thick, tough tire has a low tread profile that provides a smooth and quiet ride. Even being a comfortable, low-resistance tire, you’ll still get great handling while cornering with these tires. Cooper provides a 50k mileage warranty for the Cobra Radial G/Ts. 

MSRP: $168.49

Tire Agent starting price: $142.49

Mastercraft Avenger G/T

This all-season tire has low rolling resistance for less road noise and better gas mileage. The solid center-line rib will provide better stability and performance while driving at high speeds. Mastercraft provides a 50k mileage warranty for the Avenger G/T. 

MSRP: $146

Tire Agent starting price: $148.83

Best Dependable Tire for Muscle Cars

Hercules H/P 4000

The H/P 4000s will fit right at home on any vintage or modern muscle car, with its white lettered sidewall and excellent traction. The large multi-siped tread blocks will maintain great traction in all road conditions. The Hercules H/P 4000 has a 50k mileage warranty.

MSRP: $175 

Tire Agent starting price: $154.94

Best Premium Muscle Car Tire

BFGoodrich Radial T/A

This classic brand has a classic look with raised white letters that fit on vintage and modern muscle cars alike. The Radial T/A also has a low tread profile for less rolling resistance and above-average handling at high speeds and while cornering. The BFGoodrich Radial T/A has a 6-year limited warranty.

MSRP: $204

Tire Agent starting price: $145.78

Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/T

The Sportsman S/T is an all-season tire designed for a smooth and quiet ride in any and all conditions. This tire comes with the iconic white sidewall lettering and attractive low-profile tread design. 

MSRP: $167

Tire Agent starting price: $167.09

Best High Performance Tire for Muscle Cars

Mickey Thompson Street Comp

If steering performance is king above all else, this aggressive tire has the maximum control and handling available. You’ll be able to feel the road with the Street Comp’s unique stiff construction that sends vibrations up to the driver. This tire is meant to perform in summer conditions on the street and track. 

MSRP $215

Tire Agent starting price: $215

*Prices are subject to change. Prices are based on manufacturers and tire distributors. Tire Agent does not install tires, so price includes only the price for the tire plus FREE shipping! 

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