Summary:
Upgrading from a regular car to a muscle car can be thrilling but also dangerous. Muscle cars, especially rear-wheel-drive models, often pack serious power, making them difficult for inexperienced drivers to handle. According to a recent IIHS report, the Dodge Challenger is the most dangerous muscle car on U.S. roads. Between 2018 and 2021, rear-wheel-drive Challengers recorded 154 driver deaths and caused 164 other driver fatalities, ranking third overall for driver deaths. Its sibling, the Dodge Charger, also ranks high in fatalities, with 118 driver deaths and 105 other driver deaths.
The Challenger’s popularity and affordability make it a common first choice for muscle car ownership, but its power and marketing encourage aggressive driving behaviors. IIHS president David Harkey noted that the muscle car’s history and promotional language contribute to this risk. The report also highlights that other affordable cars, like the Mitsubishi Mirage G4, Hyundai Accent, and Chevrolet Spark, have alarmingly high fatality rates due to limited safety features.
In contrast, safer cars include the BMW X3, Lexus ES 350, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Nissan Pathfinder, which recorded zero driver fatalities. These vehicles often come equipped with advanced safety systems, unlike cheaper cars that sacrifice safety for affordability. The IIHS suggests that both aggressive marketing and cost-cutting in budget cars contribute significantly to road fatalities.
The findings underscore the importance of choosing vehicles not just for performance or price, but also for safety. While driver behavior plays a key role, car design, safety features, and drivetrain also greatly impact crash survival rates. Investing in a safer car—whether premium or modestly priced with robust safety ratings—could be life-saving for both drivers and others on the road.
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