I can't help but notice what smack is talked about domestic cars, it seems that it is either a "built like crap" comment or a "my interior is better" comment. When in all seriousness the domestics have the majority of big hitter cars in the 400+hp performance market. Here is a list I have made of domestic cars that some tend to overlook or just plain not care for. Discussion is welcome.

Models over the past 5 years with 400+hp: 31
Models over the past 5 years with 500+hp: 17



Cadillac:

2005 CTS-V: 400hp/395tq

2009 CTS-V: 550hp/550tq

2006 XLR-V: 443hp/414tq

2009 STS-V: 469hp/439tq


Chevrolet:

2002-2004 Lingenfelter Corvette 427: 802hp/866tq

2002-2004 Corvette zO6: 405hp/400tq

2005 Corvette z51: 400hp/400tq

2008 Corvette: 436hp/428tq

2008 Corvette zO6: 505hp/470tq

2008 Lingenfelter Corvette 427: 725hp/730tq

2009 Corvette ZR1: 620hp/595tq

2009 Camaro: 422hp/408tq


Pontiac:

2006 GTO: 400hp/395tq


Chrysler:

1996 Viper R/T 10: 400hp/465tq

1999 Viper ACR: 460hp/500tq

2000 Viper R/T 10 GTS: 450hp/490tq

2003 Viper Hennessey Venom: 1050hp/1100tq

2004 Viper SRT-10: 510hp/535tq

2009 Viper Coupe: 600hp/560tq

2006 Grand Cherokee SRT-8: 420hp/420tq

2006 Hennessey SRT600 Grand Cherokee: 600hp/650tq

2006 SRT-8 300c: 425hp/420tq

2006 SRT-8 Charger: 425hp/420tq

2006 SRT-8 Magnum: 425hp/420tq

2009 SRT-8 Challenger: 425hp/420tq

2009 Hennessey SRT600 Challenger: 620hp/650tq

2005 SRT-10 Ram: 500hp/525tq

2005 Hennessey Venom 800 Ram: 800hp/850tq


Ford:

2003 SVT Cobra: 390hp/390tq

2007 Shelby GT500: 500hp/480tq

2008 Shelby GT500KR: 540hp/510tq

2008 Shelby GT500 Super Snake: 725hp

2006 Ford GT: 550hp/500tq

2006 Henfer T GT: 800hp

I think that is a pretty mean resume. All these cars are known the be very strong, reliable and fast.

 

People will always have sh*t to say about American cars. Most haven't driven one in 30 years....

Fine with me, let them spend twice the price and get half as much!

 

It's the American way. Throwing more power at it until we're satisfied.

In all seriousness, it doesn't matter if we have more power because it hardly makes that big a difference in some cases. The new CTS-V has 550Bhp now, and yet the extra 150Bhp over the first gen. only made it .2 seconds quicker than a M5 in the QTR mile. Wow. I also don't know why you even threw in tuner cars considering any tuner can produce massive amounts for a price.

Horsepower isn't everything though, and apparently here in the US, we haven't figured that out until now with the ACR. Before that, we were having our 500Bhp Z06s getting beaten by GT3 RS' with 85 less horsepower. And this is exactly why domestics get trashed talked. Because while we're pumping up the horsepower, the Germans & the Italians are focusing on everything else and at the end of the day, they're still kicking our tails in various categories.

 

except in a straight line, but that's what 90% of us like. german and italian cars can't keep up then, but through in a few turns and sure, they'll catch up and pass.

 

It’s hard to compete with the availability of aftermarket options in US cars when it comes to power and handling. For example you don’t see many P, F, or L cars pushing over 1000whp but you will if you join the Vette or Viper communities.

Am I correct by saying that most of the fast exotics (when it comes to HP) are modified in the us…

Times are changing and more Americans do care if a car can handle. I know I do living in Colorado...

 

The Italians and Germans know that Americans are suckers for names and status with a small nich that care about handling. Just ask the mechanics that work on the high end imports and they all will admit that they are in the garage every bit if not more than the domestics. But honestly if I could afford a Ferrari and the service bill I would buy one in a heartbeat. The engineering is far superior than the Americans but you pay for it. The z06, ACR and Saleen are the closest we got to competing but that's it. For me thats just fine. It really all boils down to how much doe you have to blow.

 

First off, why in hell did you include tuner cars?

Most of the trash talk is justified... European sports cars tend to blow away Americans in refinement, total package engineering and interior quality. That being said its all about taste. A C6 Z06 is more than enough for myself, but I'd never kick a 997TT out of bed.

 

I would put Ford GT on that list as well!